This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Berkeley with a pick-up date of 1/27 and drop-off date of 2/3. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap car rentals in Berkeley
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Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Berkeley
One of the main reasons to rent a car when visiting Berkeley is that, with one, it is a simple drive to reach the many wonderful nature parks that surround the city. For example, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers wonderful views of the bridge, bay, and the city. However, it is a slow process to get there via public transportation, while in a car it just an easy 30-minute drive from central Berkeley.
Looking to pick up a rental car for your time in Berkeley? If you are flying into San Francisco International Airport, the rental car counters are located in the Rental Car Center. To reach the Rental Car Center from the airport, simply hop onto the AirTrain Blue Line at any of the terminals and get off at the Rental Car Center stop.
Jaywalking is particularly common in Berkeley and drivers should be on the lookout for pedestrians, particularly when near UC Berkeley. This is partly because of the high density of pedestrians and also because of the many tiny streets in the area. In general, jaywalking isn’t as big of an issue as it is in some other big U.S. cities, but it is still something to look out for.
Berkeley, like many suburbs in large cities, suffers from daily bouts of rush hour. Typically, drivers can expect rush hour to last from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The evening rush hour can be particularly congested for drivers leaving the downtown area, so it is highly advised to time your driving accordingly. I-80 and the Bay Bridge are two spots to skirt around if you are looking to avoid traffic.
If you’re using Berkeley car rentals with two or more passengers, then consider using the carpool lanes. Also known as high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes or diamond lanes, these help to ease the flow of traffic while encouraging ride-sharing. In Berkeley and the broader Northern California area, carpool lanes are usually operational – that is, only meant for cars with two or more passengers – from Monday to Friday during peak hours. Often, this is around 6 am to 10 am and 3 pm to 7 pm. Outside of these hours, anyone may use the carpool lanes. Using the lane outside these hours can result in a fine.
If you want to get the most out of cheap car rentals in Berkeley, you’ll want to keep an eye out for local Berkeley events and US holidays that affect traffic patterns. First, on June 19th, people celebrate Juneteenth with street parades and outdoor activities along Alcatraz Avenue and Adeline Street in South Berkeley from roughly 11 am to 7 pm. On July 4th, people celebrated Independence Day with fireworks displays at Berkeley Marina, so expect extra traffic along University Avenue and Marina Boulevard. Finally, on the second week of September, the Solano Avenue Stroll features parades, events, and closed streets along Solano Avenue in North Berkeley.
Drivers of cheap car rentals in Berkeley don’t have to worry about tolls within the city of Berkeley itself. However, there are a few tolls to be aware of in neighboring counties and cities. If you plan on heading southwest toward San Francisco, the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge has a toll. Likewise, if you plan on going northwest towards San Rafael, there is the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge tool. If you drive south from there into San Francisco, you’ll need to pay the Golden Gate Bridge toll as well. All tolls are paid electronically, either through a FasTrack device, an online app, or an online website. You’re given five days before or after to pay the toll.
25% of our users found rental cars in Berkeley for $35 or less
Book your rental car in Berkeley at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Standard rental cars in Berkeley are around 19% more expensive than other car types, on average
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FAQs about renting a car in Berkeley
What type of car is recommended for driving in Berkeley?
The roads in Berkeley are more than large enough to accommodate all sizes of vehicles from SUVs to sedans. That being said, there are some neighborhoods with smaller streets; for the most part, however, they aren’t an issue. Additionally, parking is another thing to keep in mind as in the most popular parts of town, larger cars may be difficult to find parking spots large enough for.
What’s the speed limit in Berkeley?
Drivers can expect residential speed limits in Berkeley to range from 25 to 35 mph, while on larger roads the speed limit goes up to 50 mph and even up to 65 mph on motorways. On highways and interstates, drivers will see speed limits ranging from 65 to 70 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Berkeley?
Streetside parking can be very difficult to find in the central areas of Berkeley, especially during the peak hours of the work week. Aside from streetside parallel parking, parking garages are the main option available. In general, the garages are your best bet for parking, particularly if you are planning on to a more popular area. Drivers can usually expect to pay around $2.00 - $3.00 per hour for parking.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Berkeley?
On average a rental car in Berkeley costs $49 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Berkeley found in the last 2 weeks is $25.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Berkeley?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($25/day), Dollar ($26/day) and Budget ($26/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Hertz 1061 San Pablo Ave. 94706-2225 (2 miles from city center).
How much is gas price in Berkeley?
The average gas price in Berkeley is $3.40 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $41 and $54, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Berkeley?
Standard (Ford Mustang Convertible or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Berkeley.
Which car rental companies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
Which car rental companies will pick you up at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from San Francisco airport to off-airport locations include Sixt, Thrifty, Hertz, and Europcar.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Berkeley?
A Standard car rental in Berkeley costs $113 per day, on average.
How much does a Premium car rental cost in Berkeley?
A Premium car rental in Berkeley costs $131 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Berkeley?
A Full Size car rental in Berkeley costs $157 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Berkeley?
In Berkeley, cars are most frequently rented at Fox 7600 Earhart Road (10 miles from city center).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Berkeley?
On average a rental car in Berkeley costs $340 per week ($49 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Berkeley?
On average a rental car in Berkeley costs $1,459 per month ($49 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Berkeley?
Most car rental providers in Berkeley offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Berkeley, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Berkeley?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 5 car rental agencies in Berkeley.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Berkeley?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Berkeley?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Berkeley so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
How do I get from San Francisco International Airport to downtown Berkeley?
After getting your rental car at the San Francisco International Airport, it takes about 35min or so to drive to downtown Berkeley. First, drive north along the US 101-N, then take a right on I-80 E and cross over the bridge. Finally, turn right on University Avenue.
Does Berkeley train station have any car rentals?
No, the downtown Berkeley train station doesn’t have any car rentals available on-site. However, there is an Avis Car Rental about 5 mins walk southeast of the station. Additionally, there is a Toyota Rent a Car location about 10 mins walk south of the station.
One extra hour of rental costed half of the full day rate. It might be common but it’s still outrageous.
2.0 Poor
Lobsang, Mar 2024
Intermediate SUV
I was not provided with the car category I was promised when booking online. I booked Toyota RAV4 and similar type, but I was given Nissan Kicks when I went to pick up the car. To add to the injury, the agent insulted my intelligence by claiming that the two cars are of same category. I am on vacation and didn’t want to challenge his claim and start an argument and ruin my vacation. I guess that might be exactly the reason why the rental company don’t care about fulfilling its own commitments. I am taking this up with the company and will update here whether I receive a credit back the differences in rental price.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Full-size
Tres bon accueil
6.4 Okay
Anonymous, Mar 2020
Cons:
Upon dropping off the car, I was charged a higher amount than was on my original receipt. The receptionists at the dropoff location couldn't adequately explain why. They thought it was some insane reason like I picked up the car 10 minutes before my appointed time of noon on a Thursday...and that changed my rate somehow? I had to call Budget customer service to resolve it. Turns out they upcharged me for a sedan when I had reserved a compact car. I had nothing to do with that. I reserved a compact car and paid for a compact car. I just took whatever the hell car they gave me at the pickup location. The associate on the phone promised to refund me the difference.
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, May 2022
Price
10.0 Wonderful
Anju, Aug 2021
The car was in excellent condition! Overall a good professional place!
Well, first of all the fees I didn't know was Is going to happen. The car that I was gonna get wasn't charged yet.They wanted me to charge it before even took off. It was supposed to be 58$ and I knew that I was gonna have to get insurance but it was like 3 different types and roadside was seperate also. Soi was chargeed 30 to reserve it 96 for the rental and $100 extra . And the $300 deposit I didn't know about I had to go put cash in my bank when I came back they closed for the day. I wasn't able to get the car. So I missed the wedding.I was supposed to go to and that really sucked.
6.0 Okay
Alexander, Feb 2024
Passenger van
Very long process to get the car, unnecessarily so. Had to talk to two people to leave with the car that I had reserved. I waited over 30 minutes in the lobby amongst other renters. Strange
10.0 Wonderful
DeeperThanAtlantis7, Mar 2021
Cons:
Nothing
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2020
Pros:
Super easy
Cons:
A hybrid
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2020
Cons:
I got a text from Enterprise saying that there were no cars available from the location that was closest to me. Even though I reserved it through Kayak stating that the car that I reserved was available. Sucks. I canceled the reservation, went elsewhere.
Not being extremely rude, and announce they have the right to cancel my reservation at Hertz if they don’t have cars even though it said they do online. Multiple other car agencies said they do not have cars available. Hertz said they did and the man at the desk was very rude and unhelpful.
2.0 Poor
Mahmood, Aug 2020
Cons:
Poor poor poor. Everything is poor.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2023
Intermediate
The car was fine. The pick up was ok. When I returned the car, I had to wait one hour. There was one customer at the counter (I was next in line), and two employees. Why did they make me wait one hour?!
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Sep 2022
Any other rental option would be better.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2021
Major props to Chris for the excellent service despite me running late! Thank you!
Needed to cancel and was not able. Insurance that sold us was not good. Will never book through Kayak again. Sad
1.9 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2021
The Avis employee at pickup gave me a car which reeked of cigarette smoke and tried to tell me it was just someone's perfume. I insisted on another car, which also smelled like smoke but, since the previous car's much stronger smell was still in my nose, I did not notice until after I had left the lot. The inside of the windows were also so filthy that I had to buy glass cleaner and paper towels to wipe them down myself.
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