How much does it cost to rent a car in Palo Alto?

On average a rental car in Palo Alto costs $48 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 Palo Alto found in the last 2 weeks is $47.

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

Car rental companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Alamo, Thrifty and Budget.

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 Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Alamo, Thrifty, and Budget.

How can I find car rentals near me in Palo Alto?

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

How much does a Medium car rental cost in Palo Alto?

A Medium car rental in Palo Alto costs $62 per day, on average.

How much does a Small car rental cost in Palo Alto?

A Small car rental in Palo Alto costs $43 per day, on average.

How much does a Luxury car rental cost in Palo Alto?

A Luxury car rental in Palo Alto costs $63 per day, on average.

Should I get insurance when renting a car in Palo Alto?

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

How many car agencies are operating in Palo Alto?

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

What type of car is recommended for driving in Palo Alto?

Due to the congestion that can occur on the roads especially during rush hours, small compact vehicles are recommended for solo travelers or couples and are ideal for visiting local sights such as the Palo Alto Farmers Market. Large SUVs are recommended for larger groups of people and are more comfortable for visiting the outskirts of the city.

What’s the speed limit in Palo Alto?

The speed limit at Palo Alto is set at 35mph on the general business district. Roads that connect local streets to heavy arterials usually known as collectors have a speed limit of 40mph. School zones operate with a speed limit of 25mph. Roads that have not been posted also have a set speed limit of 25mph.

Where are the best places to park in Palo Alto?

There are several options available in the city of Palo Alto. Free parking is provided for visitors and customers in the downtown area, with 2h free parking on surface lots and 3h free parking in parking garages except designated areas, effective between 8am to 5pm on weekends. Visitors can also purchase all-day parking permits which are valid in all off-street parking lots and garages but are not valid for on-street parking spots.

What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Palo Alto?

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 Palo Alto?

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

Is carpooling allowed in Palo Alto?

You can lower your car rental cost by sharing your vehicle with a few friends in Palo Alto. The arrangements are flexible and mutually agreeable. The city allows carpooling during designated hours for three-plus people. The city encourages this act for its benefits, including environmental preservation and fuel conservation. For more on their regulations and standards regarding carpooling, you can inquire with the rental company.

Does Palo Alto have curbside rentals?

For the protection of both customers and employees, there are cheap car rentals that are also curbside. Curbside rentals ensure and promote social distancing while avoiding foot traffic by getting you quickly on your journey. The car rentals also offer car delivery at your convenience.

Car Rentals in Palo Alto from $27/day - Search for Rental Cars on KAYAK

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Car Rental Deals

Nissan Versa Note

or similar Small

4-5

$27/day

View deal

Honda Civic

or similar Medium

4-5

$33/day

View deal

Subaru Legacy

or similar Medium

4-5

$36/day

View deal

Ford Fusion

or similar Large

4-5

$35/day

View deal

Nissan Quest

or similar Van

4-5

$53/day

View deal

Nissan Pathfinder

or similar SUV

4-5

$52/day

View deal

Class Special Car

or similar Category

2/4

$36/day

View deal

Toyota RAV4

or similar SUV

4-5

$36/day

View deal

Hyundai Tucson

or similar SUV

4-5

$37/day

View deal

Chevrolet Equinox

or similar SUV

4-5

$39/day

View deal

Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Palo Alto car rentals

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Palo Alto with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Palo Alto?

You should book your rental car in Palo Alto around 87 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest car rental company in Palo Alto?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Turo ($27/day), Hertz ($36/day) and Thrifty ($38/day).

What is the most popular rental car in Palo Alto?

Rentals in the SUV category (Class Standard SUV or similar) are the most popular option in Palo Alto, costing $50/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $37/day.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Palo Alto?

The cheapest month to rent a car in Palo Alto is January at an average cost of $35/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in Palo Alto when prices are $60/day on average, which tends to be 22% above the yearly average rental price for Palo Alto.

What rental car company in Palo Alto has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Avis each operate 2 locations in Palo Alto, more than any other rental company.

Find deals

Palo Alto car rental price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right rental car in Palo Alto by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small

Medium

Large

SUV

Van

Pickup truck

Luxury

Convertible

	Small cars	$28 - $57
	All Car Types	$50 - $86

How much does it cost to rent a small car in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent a large car in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent a van in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Palo Alto?

Small car rentals in Palo Alto typically cost around $40 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $28 per day which is about 30% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 43% cheaper than the average rental in Palo Alto, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Medium car rentals in Palo Alto typically cost around $58 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $38 per day which is about 35% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 16% cheaper than the average rental in Palo Alto, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car rentals in Palo Alto typically cost around $72 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $46 per day which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 5% more expensive than the average rental in Palo Alto, but offers more comfort for longer trips.

SUV rentals in Palo Alto typically cost around $67 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $57 per day which is about 15% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 3% cheaper than the average rental in Palo Alto, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.

Van rentals in Palo Alto typically cost around $105 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average $79 per day which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 35% more expensive than the average rental in Palo Alto, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck rentals in Palo Alto typically cost around $69 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $46 per day which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are usually the same price as an average rental in Palo Alto.

Luxury car rentals in Palo Alto typically cost around $86 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $60 per day which is about 31% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 20% more expensive than the average rental in Palo Alto, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Convertible rentals in Palo Alto typically cost around $139 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average $97 per day which is about 31% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 51% more expensive than the average rental in Palo Alto, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.

Most popular agency	Most popular car type	Average price	Good deal
Turo	Medium	$48/day	$34/day

Consider renting a car during your stay in Palo Alto to experience the convenience and flexibility of exploring the city and getting a feel of the culture, rather than dealing with expensive taxis or fixed routes using the public transportation system. There are a few airports near Palo Alto, with the closest one being around 13 miles away from the town center, which is a short drive for anyone who rents a car from one of the car rentals in Palo Alto. You can also choose to visit some of the popular tourist destinations near Palo Alto, such as Baylands Nature Reserve, which borders the San Francisco Bay, or the Pearsin-Arastradero Preserve, located south of the city opposite Interstate 280.
There are a few airports near Palo Alto, such as the San Jose (SJC) Airport, which conveniently has several Palo Alto car rentals on-site, such as Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and Hertz. The Rental Car Center is located across the street from Terminal B, and from Terminal A can be accessed via the bus shuttle which picks you up from baggage claim. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 18 miles away and has multiple car rental agencies on site as well, situated at the SFO Rental Car Center on the first and fourth floor. Off-airport agencies are served by free shuttle services, which stop at the south curb of the car rental center.
Like most busy cities, there are a few people who opt to not follow traffic rules. Drivers are warned to be cautious of jaywalkers who hop on busy roads without warning, as well as pedestrians and cyclists who don’t use their respective lanes. There are also a few cases of distracted driving. Visitors who opt for car rentals in Palo Alto are advised to consider getting vehicles that have built in GPS monitors to navigate through unacquainted roads.
The rush hour in Palo Alto city is not the worst, since it is a primarily residential area. In the morning when people are heading to work, rush hour starts at around 7am to 10am with people spending an average of around 45min on the road. It usually picks back up at around 3pm. Since the climate is mostly warm, there are usually no cases of weather-related accidents.
Picking a vehicle from Palo Alto car rentals allows you to visit and navigate several attraction sites conveniently, such as Mountain View's Computer History Museum, where Hewlett Packard began, which is 6.8 miles from Palo Alto city center, and The Museum of American Heritage which is 5 miles from Palo Alto, the Junior Museum and Zoo which is located near Rinconada Park and Embarcadero Road is 5 miles from the town center. The Hiller Aviation Museum is within an easy driving distance of around 14 minutes. The journey time between Hillsdale Shopping Center and Palo Alto by car is around 11 miles, around 38 minutes.
You can enjoy family-friendly rental cars in Palo Alto that offer SUVs where you can have all the kids' gear, fuel-efficient sedans, and minivans with space for the furry friend. A convenient pick-up service is offered for your flexibility. Instead of taking inconvenient mass transit and pricey taxis around the city, your rental car from Palo Alto offers you comfort for your family. If you need enough space for your camping gear or a built-in DVD player for your kids, the rental company can arrange that and accommodate all your needs.
While Palo Alto has incredible transport infrastructure, you may not miss traffic buildups during annual festivals such as the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts, which is held in July. It offers great food, beautiful paintings, and excellent concert music. Roads around the event may cause road closures causing traffic in the city. But with the help of the navigation system installed in your cheap car rentals in Palo Alto, you can find lesser congested roads and streets. To avoid jaywalkers be careful while driving.
25% of our users found rental cars in Palo Alto for $34 or less
Medium rental cars in Palo Alto are around 50% cheaper than other car types, on average

What type of car is recommended for driving in Palo Alto?
Due to the congestion that can occur on the roads especially during rush hours, small compact vehicles are recommended for solo travelers or couples and are ideal for visiting local sights such as the Palo Alto Farmers Market. Large SUVs are recommended for larger groups of people and are more comfortable for visiting the outskirts of the city.
What’s the speed limit in Palo Alto?
The speed limit at Palo Alto is set at 35mph on the general business district. Roads that connect local streets to heavy arterials usually known as collectors have a speed limit of 40mph. School zones operate with a speed limit of 25mph. Roads that have not been posted also have a set speed limit of 25mph.
Where are the best places to park in Palo Alto?
There are several options available in the city of Palo Alto. Free parking is provided for visitors and customers in the downtown area, with 2h free parking on surface lots and 3h free parking in parking garages except designated areas, effective between 8am to 5pm on weekends. Visitors can also purchase all-day parking permits which are valid in all off-street parking lots and garages but are not valid for on-street parking spots.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Palo Alto?
On average a rental car in Palo Alto costs $48 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 Palo Alto found in the last 2 weeks is $47.
Which car rental companies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
Car rental companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Alamo, Thrifty and Budget.
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 Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Alamo, Thrifty, and Budget.
How can I find car rentals near me in Palo Alto?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Palo Alto?
A Medium car rental in Palo Alto costs $62 per day, on average.
How much does a Small car rental cost in Palo Alto?
A Small car rental in Palo Alto costs $43 per day, on average.
How much does a Luxury car rental cost in Palo Alto?
A Luxury car rental in Palo Alto costs $63 per day, on average.
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Palo Alto?
Most car rental providers in Palo Alto offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Palo Alto, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Palo Alto?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 5 car rental agencies in Palo Alto.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Palo Alto?
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 Palo Alto?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Palo Alto so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Is carpooling allowed in Palo Alto?
You can lower your car rental cost by sharing your vehicle with a few friends in Palo Alto. The arrangements are flexible and mutually agreeable. The city allows carpooling during designated hours for three-plus people. The city encourages this act for its benefits, including environmental preservation and fuel conservation. For more on their regulations and standards regarding carpooling, you can inquire with the rental company.
Does Palo Alto have curbside rentals?
For the protection of both customers and employees, there are cheap car rentals that are also curbside. Curbside rentals ensure and promote social distancing while avoiding foot traffic by getting you quickly on your journey. The car rentals also offer car delivery at your convenience.

Budget

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Palo Alto

Locations in Palo Alto

4230 El Camino Real

+1 650 424 0684

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	08:00 - 12:00
Sunday	08:00 - 12:00

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

6.0

Okay

Cleanliness

6.5

Comfort

5.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.5

Value for money

4.5

2 locations in Palo Alto

Locations in Palo Alto

2243 Old Middlefield Way

+1 650 843 4990

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	09:00 - 12:00
Sunday

360 Oak Rd

+1 650 843 4990

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Feb 2025

Luxury

The email confirmation took me to an old address which is now a hertz. Thankfully a hertz worker was there while they were closed to directed me to the correct address almost a mile away. I had to walk there in unideal weather. Then the car I reserved was not available. I was also charged for a car seat which I did not use and was not provided to me.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Passenger van

ORDERED A 12 PASSENGER VAN FOR A GROUP OUTING, ORDERED CONFIRMED. AFTER SETTING EVERYTHING UP I GET A CALL THE NEXT DAY , SORRY WE DO NOT HAVE A VEHICLE FOR YOU, TAKE MY ORDER, CONFIRM MY ORDER, CANCEL MY ORDER "1 STAR"

Hertz

5.7

Fair

Cleanliness

6.5

Comfort

6.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.8

Value for money

5.8

3 locations in Palo Alto

Locations in Palo Alto

360 Oak Road

+1 650 876 1866

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

625 El Camino Real

+1 650 617 0386

Monday	13:00 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00
Tuesday	13:00 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 17:00

816 San Antonio Rd

+1 650 739 0370

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Sep 2026

Intermediate SUV

I never received the car and they charged me

8.0 Very good

Frank, Aug 2025

Minivan

I had some trouble with the card reading machine but the agent was able to show me another way to complete my transaction.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Nov 2021

Staff member provided a vehicle that was a size smaller than what the reservation indicated, then lied about it when asked. I was eventually allowed to switch vehicles.

Dollar

5.2

Fair

One location in Palo Alto

Locations in Palo Alto

816 San Antonio Road

+1 650 739 0370

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Thrifty

5.2

Fair

One location in Palo Alto

Locations in Palo Alto

816 San Antonio Road

+1 650 739 0370

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Avis

No score available yet

2 locations in Palo Alto

Locations in Palo Alto

2452 Old Middlefield Way

+1 650 969 2968

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	08:00 - 13:00
Sunday	09:00 - 13:00

4230 El Camino Real

+1 650 493 8888

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	08:00 - 12:00
Sunday	08:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2023

Intermediate SUV

Better hours on saturday. Closing at 1pm caused us to have to rebt an extra day.

24 travelers who rented a car in Palo Alto gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.2

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Pick-up location	Palo Alto
Car types	Small, Medium, Large, SUV, Van
Rental locations	6
Airport locations	0
Popular agencies	Turo, Hertz, Avis, Thrifty

Palo Alto car rentals from $27/day

Cheap car rentals in Palo Alto

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Palo Alto car rentals

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Palo Alto?

What is the cheapest car rental company in Palo Alto?

What is the most popular rental car in Palo Alto?

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Palo Alto?

What rental car company in Palo Alto has the most locations?

Palo Alto car rental price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right rental car in Palo Alto by comparing prices across vehicle types.

How much does it cost to rent a small car in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent a large car in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent a van in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Palo Alto?

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Palo Alto

FAQs about renting a car in Palo Alto

Palo Alto car rental reviews and directory

Car rental locations in or near Palo Alto

More options for your car rental in Palo Alto

Complete your trip to Palo Alto

Car rentals from popular agencies in Palo Alto

Car rentals from popular agencies at Palo Alto airports

Car rental at airports serving Palo Alto

Popular car brands to rent in Palo Alto

Popular rental types in Palo Alto

Large capacity rentals in Palo Alto

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Palo Alto car rental information