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Carmel-by-the-Sea car rentals

Fri 5/3
Fri 5/10

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Carmel-by-the-Sea car rental information

Pick-up locationCarmel-by-the-Sea
Car types
Rental locations0
Airport locations0

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KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea

  • Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its white sand beaches, quaint cottages, and scenic views. It has a small-town charm that does not have any public transportation options, so walking and driving are the best ways to explore this area. Due to the proximity to the Bay Area, wineries, and scenic drives, we recommend car rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea to fully enjoy all that the area has to offer. The 17-mile drive along Pebble Beach is one of the most famous scenic drives in the country. Along the way, you might see an old fishing village, a family of seals, and the famous Lone Cypress tree.
  • The closest airport to Carmel is Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), just 6 miles from the town. All car rental agencies are located on the first floor of the arrivals terminal, next to the baggage claim. Reservations can be made ahead of time or when you arrive. Flying into a regional airport may be expensive, so the closest major airport would be San Jose International Airport (SJC). Here you will find more than 10 rental agencies located directly at the airport. The rental car center is located directly across from Terminal B. You can walk there, or take the blue airport shuttle bus if landing at a different terminal.
  • Driving car rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea is generally a safe and enjoyable experience. Pay close attention to the posted speed limits and note that in town, there is a strict 25 mph speed limit. Use extra caution driving through town, as the roads are narrow and you will likely be sharing it with pedestrians and bikers. California has a strict, no-device law while driving, so make sure that your vehicle has Bluetooth capability to stay connected and get directions if needed.
  • Some drivers might find it difficult to navigate the narrow and winding roads in the area. Use caution and reduce your speed when in unfamiliar areas. Driving on hilly roads might be challenging for those not used to this landscape. In the town, the low-speed limit and number of pedestrians and bikers might make it hard to drive. Carmel's popularity can lead to traffic jams, especially during peak tourist seasons, affecting travel times.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Carmel-by-the-Sea for $79 or less
  • Book your rental car in Carmel-by-the-Sea at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Premium rental cars in Carmel-by-the-Sea are around -75% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    On average a rental car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $86 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea found in the last 2 weeks is $25.

  • How much is gas price in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    The average gas price in Carmel-by-the-Sea is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    Premium (Chevrolet Suburban or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

  • Which car rental companies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?

    Car rental companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Kyte, Fox, Sixt, Thrifty, Dollar, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Fox Autorent and Avis.

  • 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 Fox, Sixt, Thrifty, Dollar, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Avis, Europcar, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does a Premium car rental cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    A Premium car rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $131 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car rental cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    A Compact car rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $61 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Special car rental cost in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    A Special car rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $46 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular rental car location in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    In Carmel-by-the-Sea, cars are most frequently rented at Alamo 200 Fred Kane Dr Ste 108 (5 miles from city center).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    On average a rental car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $600 per week ($86 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    On average a rental car in Carmel-by-the-Sea costs $2,570 per month ($86 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    Most car rental providers in Carmel-by-the-Sea offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

  • How many car agencies are operating in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 0 car rental agencies in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Carmel-by-the-Sea so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    When considering car rentals in Carmel-by-the-Sea, opting for a compact or midsize car is recommended. The town's streets are narrow and parking is limited, which makes smaller vehicles more convenient. Compact cars provide ease of navigation through charming but compact streets, while midsize cars offer a balance between comfort and maneuverability. Keep in mind that larger vehicles might face challenges in terms of parking and navigating tight corners. Whether you're exploring the scenic coastline or visiting local attractions, a smaller car will likely enhance your overall experience in Carmel.

  • What’s the speed limit in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    In Carmel-by-the-Sea, the speed limit is generally set at 25 mph throughout the town. This deliberate restriction ensures pedestrian safety, maintains the town's tranquil ambiance, and aligns with its charming aesthetic. The lower speed limit encourages drivers to take in picturesque surroundings and respect the pedestrian-friendly environment. It's important to adhere to this limit, not only to comply with local regulations but also to contribute to the unique and inviting atmosphere that defines Carmel-by-the-Sea.

  • Where are the best places to park in Carmel-by-the-Sea?

    The best places to park in Carmel-by-the-Sea include the public parking lots located near popular areas such as Ocean Avenue and Carmel Beach. Free, 2-hour street parking is available all throughout the central business district but can be limited due to the town's small size. The Sunset Center Parking Lot and the Vista Lobos Parking Lot offer convenient options. We recommend arriving early, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure a parking spot. Some hotels also provide parking for their guests.

Carmel-by-the-Sea car rental reviews and directory

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

No score available yet

Best rated

2 locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Show locations

Locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea

1178 Del Monte Ave

+1 831 649 6300

Monday13:00 - 16:0009:00 - 12:00
Tuesday13:00 - 16:0009:00 - 12:00
Wednesday13:00 - 16:0009:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Friday09:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

200 Fred Kane Dr

+1 831 242 2020

Monday08:00 - 22:30
Tuesday08:00 - 22:30
Wednesday08:00 - 22:30
Thursday08:00 - 22:30
Friday08:00 - 22:30
Saturday08:00 - 22:30
Sunday08:00 - 22:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was super friendly and helpful. Little to no wait on the pick up. Quick Drop off and immediate shuttle service to terminal.

3.6 Poor

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

I rented an “Expedition or similar “. They delivered an Explorer and charged extra for the bigger car.

2.0 Poor

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

No cars in stock but they still let you make reservation on internet and waste so much time. Horrible. Totally unprofessional.

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Learning the art of advanced booking helps. Even with the pressure of the holidays, the staff maintained professionalism and tried to help others when their cars ran out. Glad I reserved earlier. Awesome ride, they suggested an upgrade which really helped because what I initially reserved, would've been a miserable fit for my size. Good team work! BUT it's a small lot and I don't think there are any other rental places nearby other than the airport, so last minute renters might continue to face off with staff there unfortunately.

Cons:

Not sure when this started but have rental car places stopped caring about the outside of their cars? The inside was ok but the outside seemed it was wiped with a muddy rag. Other than that, nothing bad about this experience for me.

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

No exorbitant airport fees and surcharges. This rental agency is about 3 miles from the Monterey Airport. Take a cab to the office and pick-up there.

7.2 Good

Nov 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

No information on where to drop off the ergo

1 out of 0

Alamo

No score available yet

One location in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Show locations

Locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea

200 Fred Kane Dr Ste 108

+1 844 370 1084

Monday08:00 - 22:30
Tuesday08:00 - 22:30
Wednesday08:00 - 22:30
Thursday08:00 - 22:30
Friday08:00 - 22:30
Saturday08:00 - 22:30
Sunday08:00 - 22:30

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Feb 2024

KAYAK
I made the reservation through Kayak, they called me 1 hour before the pick up time and told me they don’t have the car. The person I talked to was very rude, refused to let me talk to his manager, refused to tell me his full name, and at the end told me his is not going to do anything for me.

6.0 Okay

Jan 2023

KAYAK
I liked the little airport and the convenience of having the car parked just steps away from the runway. I appreciated the car being clean on the exterior. What I did not like was the car upholstery being dirty and the gas being only 2/3 full. I also found it odd that no one was at the Alamo desk, for pickup and drop-off the sign directed me to the Enterprise desk.

2.0 Poor

Nov 2021

KAYAK
Overbooked by over 20 cars. Then called me at 10pm the night before to let me know I was 6 In line

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Everything was excellent, from booking the car online to the locations and staff, the vehicle too.

Cons:

Can’t think of anything.

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Nothing. Time spent getting my vehicle, and returning my vehicle, was much less than any other rental car company. I will be choosing Alamo for my rental car needs.

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Estoy muy contento con su atención al alquilar el carro

1 out of 0

AutoEurope

No score available yet

One location in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Show locations

Locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Monterey Regional Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

No score available yet

One location in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea

200 Fred Kane Drive Suite 106

+1 831 647 7140

Monday20:00 - 21:0008:00 - 22:30
Tuesday08:00 - 22:3020:00 - 21:00
Wednesday08:00 - 22:3020:00 - 21:00
Thursday08:00 - 22:3020:00 - 21:00
Friday08:00 - 22:3020:00 - 21:00
Saturday08:00 - 22:30
Sunday20:00 - 21:0008:00 - 22:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2022

KAYAK
I liked that the airport is so small and there were no crowds at the rental kiosk. Check out was fast and the car lot is right next door to the terminal making for a short walk to the car. Great!

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

It was the fastest, easiest checkin at the counter I've ever experienced.

4.0 Mediocre

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Kayak

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2017

KAYAK

Cons:

MRY is a great office

5.2 Fair

Oct 2016

KAYAK

Cons:

Rude front desk rep. But to be fair, she was your typical college student with an "whatever" attitude.

1 out of 0

Budget

No score available yet

Most popular

One location in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Show locations

Locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea

200 Fred Kane Drive, Suite 105

+1 831 373 1899

Monday08:00 - 22:3020:00 - 21:00
Tuesday20:00 - 21:0008:00 - 22:30
Wednesday20:00 - 21:0008:00 - 22:30
Thursday20:00 - 21:0008:00 - 22:30
Friday20:00 - 21:0008:00 - 22:30
Saturday08:00 - 22:30
Sunday08:00 - 22:3020:00 - 21:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2023

KAYAK
All good

2.0 Poor

Dec 2022

KAYAK
Did not honor reservation

10.0 Wonderful

Nov 2022

KAYAK
It is a nice ,clean inside,easy to driving. Your people are very kind to discuding.

8.0 Very good

Oct 2022

KAYAK
As soon as we got the Highway for our trip the “low tire pressure”light came on. We checked and filled in multiples gas stations to make sure our tires where safe enough for our family

2.0 Poor

Aug 2022

KAYAK
The battery for the key died on the 2nd day. The car is push to start. Can’t do much with a dead key. We called road side asst and budget. We’re told to “break of” a piece of the door handle of the rental car in order to use the key to get in. Being unwilling to “break” the rental car we requested another solution and we’re informed that a tow truck would come to pick up the car and another car would be found for us. This was at 10am. We called back at 1pm… and we’re placed on hold for 50 mins. During which we became less reluctant about breaking the handle. Now we are able to get to to the car, alarm going, keyfob still dead. Some how the dead key can be touched to the push to start button to start the car (and will lock the car) but nothing else. We drive To the closest budget/Avis. That very nice independent owner tried to help us with a new battery for the keyfob but he didn’t have a similar car on the lot thus no similar battery. We then repeat the car entry process, go to a auto parts store and purchase a new battery for the keyfob, breaking the keyfob as we tried to access the battery to change it. The roadside asst ppl called us at 1030pm (12 hr from 1st call) bc they ticket was still sitting after shift change.

6.0 Okay

Jul 2022

KAYAK
was rear ended and spent days trying to contact budget. I was stuck on hold for over an hour multiple times.

1 out of 0

Hertz

No score available yet

Cheapest deal

One location in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Show locations

Locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea

200 Fred Kane Ste 104

+1 831 373 3318

Monday08:00 - 22:30
Tuesday08:00 - 22:30
Wednesday08:00 - 22:30
Thursday08:00 - 22:30
Friday08:00 - 22:30
Saturday08:00 - 22:30
Sunday08:00 - 22:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2023

KAYAK
I could not have asked for more.A very easy experience.Thank the person from Monterey who attended to us he was excellent.

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2023

KAYAK
Very good- Easy pickup and drop off

8.0 Very good

Jan 2023

KAYAK
Great and quick service at pick up and drop off, great car. But many hidden costs of insurance: with the booking, the insurance was not included, so I had to organise this again, separately, And with the pickup, extra insurance appeared necessary. Extra costs at the final bill too (2 times 4 hours) without explanation.

2.0 Poor

May 2022

KAYAK
Kayak didn't tell me that Hertz was closed at the time I choose to pick up the car.

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2022

KAYAK
Easy pick up and drop off…clean.

8.0 Very good

Mar 2022

KAYAK
San Francisco Airport rental return address was very far from actual return location, but other than that, great experience!

1 out of 0

National

No score available yet

One location in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Show locations

Locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea

200 Fred Kane Dr Ste 108

+1 844 370 1083

Monday08:00 - 22:30
Tuesday08:00 - 22:30
Wednesday08:00 - 22:30
Thursday08:00 - 22:30
Friday08:00 - 22:30
Saturday08:00 - 22:30
Sunday08:00 - 22:30

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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Locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Olmstead Road

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Show locations

Locations in Carmel-by-the-Sea

200 Fred Kane Dr Ste 108, Monterey, , USA California

+1 914 368 0091

Monday08:00 - 22:30
Tuesday08:00 - 22:30
Wednesday08:00 - 22:30
Thursday08:00 - 22:30
Friday08:00 - 22:30
Saturday10:00 - 16:00
Sunday10:00 - 16:00

Filters

No reviews available

Car rental locations in or near Carmel-by-the-Sea

Good to know

Most popular agency

Budget

Most popular car type

Premium

Average price

$86/day

Good deal

$79/day

When to book a rental car in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches