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Merced car rentals from $25/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in Merced with a pick-up date of 5/15 and drop-off date of 5/22. 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.
Thu 5/16
Thu 5/23

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Cheap car rentals in Merced

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
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Economy$25/day
Compact$27/day
Intermediate$27/day
Standard$30/day
Full-size$28/day
Pickup truck$45/day
Supplier choice$31/day
Intermediate SUV$32/day
Standard SUV$43/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Merced

  • Merced car rentals are some of the best travel options within and around the city. The car rental will allow you to visit located about 158 mi from the city and Bakersfield, about 156 mi to the southeast of Merced. If you are planning for a spa treatment, the car rentals in Merced will help you get to the Madonna Inn Resort & Spa, about 142 mi away. Lovers of RV and camping can conveniently travel the 150 mi to the Hornswoggle Group Campground and the Lake of the Springs Thousand Trails.
  • If you are landing in the city through the San Jose Airport, you can get car rentals in Merced from the car rental facility. You must go down the escalators to Terminal A’s lower level to access the rental car center. If your arrival airport is the Oakland Airport, the rental car center is located at the Airport’s North field, around 10 minutes from the airport’s terminals. A rental car shuttle runs between the center and terminals once you exit the baggage claim section. Travelers landing at the Fresno Airterminal Airport can access car rental agencies within the airport at the terminal building where their counters are located.
  • When driving car rentals in Merced, you should know that pedestrians have the right of way in both marked and unmarked crosswalks. As a safety precaution, ensure you reduce your speed as you approach the crosswalks. You should always be careful and watchful as you drive on the roads as the city has many aggressive drivers. Observe the signs on the roads, whether they are regulatory, guide or warning signs.
  • If you plan to drive your rental car in the mornings or evenings, you must consider the city’s rush hours. You are most likely to experience traffic in the morning hours between 7 am to about 10 am as residents head to work. The evening traffic starts at around 4 pm and goes on till 7 pm or even later. The freeways and Highway 49 are mostly affected during these times, and it would be best to avoid them.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Merced for $35 or less
  • Book your rental car in Merced at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard rental cars in Merced are around 34% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Merced

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Merced?

    On average a rental car in Merced costs $43 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 Merced found in the last 2 weeks is $35.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in Merced?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($25/day), Budget ($27/day) and Avis ($27/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Hertz 945 Martin Luther King Jr.way 95340 (1 miles from city center).

  • How much is gas price in Merced?

    The average gas price in Merced is $3.93 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $63, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Merced?

    Standard (Chevrolet Express Cargo or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Merced.

  • Which car rental companies are at Merced Municipal airport (MCE)?

    The only car rental company onsite at Merced Municipal airport is Budget.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Merced?

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

  • How much does a Standard car rental cost in Merced?

    A Standard car rental in Merced costs $35 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Premium car rental cost in Merced?

    A Premium car rental in Merced costs $46 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Luxury car rental cost in Merced?

    A Luxury car rental in Merced costs $67 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular rental car location in Merced?

    In Merced, cars are most frequently rented at Budget 1599 West 16th Street (1 miles from city center).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Merced?

    On average a rental car in Merced costs $303 per week ($43 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Merced?

    On average a rental car in Merced costs $1,298 per month ($43 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Merced?

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

  • How many car agencies are operating in Merced?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 5 car rental agencies in Merced.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Merced?

    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 Merced?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Merced 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 Merced?

    The best and most recommended vehicle among the car rentals in Merced is the Economy Kia Rio due to the high number of requests made in the city. The car has Bluetooth for audio streaming and a wireless apple car play. The vehicle also comes with outside mirrors that are power heated and headlight control that automatically turns on and off. The Kia Rio comes with a four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 1.6L and an Intelligent Variable Automatic Transmission. The travelers will also enjoy the car’s cruise control settings, and forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection for enhanced safety.

  • What’s the speed limit in Merced?

    If you opt for car rentals in Merced, the city has speed limits that govern how you drive in different locations. Most of the highways in Merced and California have a maximum speed limit of about 65mph. If you are driving on two-lane undivided highways, the maximum speed is 55 mph unless posted. When driving in a business or residential district area, you must maintain a speed of about 25 mph. If you are driving near a school, park or children’s playground, the speed limit is 25 mph and 15 mph if posted. If you are driving in an alley, the speed limit to be observed is 15 mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in Merced?

    Several ample parking spaces for travelers opting for car rentals in Merced offer long-term, short term and hourly parking within the city. Some parking spaces you can conveniently park your car include Amtrack Merced Parking, Hunter Street Parking, DTL Parking LLC and the Central Valley Business Park. You can also park at the 501-599 W 16th St Garage parking lot, 750 Motel Drive Parking, Bellevue Lot, Library Lot Parking and the UC Merced Parking Lot.

Merced car rental reviews and directory

Avis

10.0

Wonderful

2 reviews
Best rated
Cheapest deal

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Merced

Show locations

Locations in Merced

1599 West 16th Street

+1 209 722 1689

Monday09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 17:00
Friday09:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

May 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

The booking should have told us there were no cars available.

1 out of 1

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.6

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

6.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

6.8

2 locations in Merced

Show locations

Locations in Merced

1334 W. Main

+1 209 722 1600

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1636 Carnegie St

+1 209 632 8000

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2024

KAYAK
Exceptionallygood

2.0 Poor

Dec 2023

KAYAK
Wasn’t able to get the rental due to them not accepting my card even tho I got it through it and paid on her I want a full refund

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Everything.

Cons:

I can’t think of anything.

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Super quick and easy pickup and dropoff

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

They were very helpful and kind

2.0 Poor

Mar 2023

KAYAK
No era el precio que estaba en la solicitud agregaban un seguro del mismo valor de la renta del auto

1 out of 3

Hertz

7.0

Most popular

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

9.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

7.0

4 locations in Merced

Show locations

Locations in Merced

1460 Atlanta Court

+1 209 668 9477

Monday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Tuesday08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00
Wednesday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Thursday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Friday08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00

2440 N Golden State Blvd

+1 209 668 9477

Opening times not available

830 I St

+1 209 827 0133

Monday08:00 - 12:3013:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:3013:00 - 17:00
Wednesday13:00 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Thursday08:00 - 12:3013:00 - 17:00
Friday13:00 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30

945 Martin Luther King Jr.way

+1 209 722 4200

Monday08:00 - 12:30
Tuesday08:00 - 12:30
Wednesday08:00 - 12:30
Thursday08:00 - 12:30
Friday08:00 - 12:30

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Nov 2021

KAYAK
Hertz in Merced was fine. My flight got delayed into Merceds airport, so I was a bit late for pickup. They said that they were going to charge me for a full sized instead of what I reserved, because that is what they had available. I understand their policy, but just not what I had expected. Just a mediocre experience. Not bad, not good.

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

everything was great

Cons:

they should wash their vehicles and vacuum them prior to renting them.

8.0 Very good

Oct 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Rental process ok.

Cons:

That the whole office goes to lunch at the same time so you have a long pick up wait.

8.0 Very good

Jun 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Very friendly people

2.0 Poor

Mar 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing. Didn't get to actually rent the vehicle

Cons:

I was stuck in traffic from 2 hours and tried to have my reservation transferred over to another location. They kept sending me to different locations in San Jose, CA and none of them had any available. I called the Alameda location and they asked me if it was through or insurance or personal, and if it was prepaid. I told them it was rented by me and prepaid and they said that they didn't have cars available (without checking) and I asked why and then they put me on hold and hung up on me. I tried calling back a least 5 times from two different numbers and they refused to pick up. Worst car rental customer service ever.

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Fast and friendly

1 out of 3

Budget

6.5

Cleanliness

5.5

Comfort

6.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.0

Value for money

7.5

2 locations in Merced

Show locations

Locations in Merced

1599 West 16th Street

+1 209 383 3804

Monday09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 17:00
Friday09:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 17:00

20 Macready Drive

+1 209 722 0147

Monday08:00 - 12:30
Tuesday08:00 - 12:30
Wednesday08:00 - 12:30
Thursday08:00 - 12:30
Friday08:00 - 12:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was amazing price was worth it..car was 100 good

Cons:

If i could keep the car forever

5.6 Fair

May 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

A lot of extra fees from kayak because they don’t explain you’re doubling up insurance if you accept it on the site. It doesn’t covers much eather

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Clerk was helpful and friendly

Cons:

I was hoping it was cheaper. ;-)

6.0 Okay

Dec 2017

KAYAK

Cons:

The tires were really loud.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Excellent customer service. Great ride. The car was new and clean.

Cons:

None

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Pick up and drop off was quick and easy. The car was great. Fantastic gas mileage. Everything worked perfectly. Couldn't be more satisfied.

1 out of 4

Easirent

4.7

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Merced

Show locations

Locations in Merced

Merced Municipal Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

40 travelers who rented a car in Merced gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7

Car rental locations in or near Merced

Good to know

Most popular agency

Hertz

Most popular car type

Standard

Average price

$43/day

Good deal

$35/day

When to book a rental car in Merced

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