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San Carlos car rentals from $28/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 San Carlos with a pick-up date of 5/6 and drop-off date of 5/10. 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.
man. 5/6
man. 5/13

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San Carlos car rental information

Pick-up locationSan Carlos
Car typesCompact, Compact SUV, Convertible, Coupe, Economy, Full-size, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, SUV, Standard, Standard SUV
Rental locations0
Airport locations0
Popular agenciesTuro, Getaround

Cheap car rentals in San Carlos

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Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in San Carlos

  • San Carlos is a beautiful city located near the San Francisco Bay Area, and there are several advantages of renting a car when exploring this area. Renting cheap car rentals in San Carlos provides the convenience of having your own means of transportation. For example, you can decide to stay longer at a particular location or take a different route to avoid traffic. One of the must-visit attractions in San Carlos is the Pulgas Water Temple. While the temple is easily accessible by public transportation, renting a car gives you the flexibility of making multiple stops along the way. Using San Carlos car rentals also gives you the ability to take scenic drives along the California coast, including the Pacific Coast Highway.
  • San Francisco Airport (SFO) is the closest airport to San Carlos as it is only 20 miles away. The rental car offices at SFO are located on the fourth floor of the SFO Rental Car Center, which is accessible via the AirTrain Blue Line. San Jose Airport (SJC) is approximately 23 miles from San Carlos. The rental car offices at SJC are located across from Terminal B, near the baggage claim area. To access the rental car area, passengers should go through the doors near baggage claim.
  • When it comes to driving cheap car rentals in San Carlos, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Firstly, it should be noted that San Carlos has a relatively calm and relaxed driving culture. However, drivers should still remain alert and cautious, particularly around pedestrian crossings and bike lanes. San Carlos is quite bike-friendly, with several bike lanes available throughout the city, so drivers should give cyclists plenty of space and be aware of their presence.
  • In San Carlos, the morning rush hour typically runs from 7 am to 9 am, and the evening rush hour is from 4 pm to 6:30 pm. Roads that may be affected due to heavy traffic during peak hours include El Camino Real, Brittan Avenue, Holly Street, San Carlos Avenue, and Old County Road. Winter storms can also make driving cheap car rentals in San Carlos especially challenging. Rain can cause roads to be slippery, and foggy conditions can reduce visibility. While snow is rare, it can occur on higher-elevation roads, and drivers should be cautious in these conditions.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in San Carlos for $54 or less
  • Book your rental car in San Carlos at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Luxury rental cars in San Carlos are around -143% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in San Carlos

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

    On average a rental car in San Carlos costs $69 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 San Carlos found in the last 2 weeks is $28.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in San Carlos?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at {0} ({1}/day).

  • How much is gas price in San Carlos?

    The average gas price in San Carlos 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 San Carlos?

    Luxury (Infiniti QX80 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in San Carlos.

  • 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 San Carlos?

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

  • How much does a Luxury car rental cost in San Carlos?

    A Luxury car rental in San Carlos costs $149 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car rental cost in San Carlos?

    A Compact car rental in San Carlos costs $25 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in San Carlos?

    An Intermediate car rental in San Carlos costs $105 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular rental car location in San Carlos?

    In San Carlos, cars are most frequently rented at Alamo 1659 Airport Blvd (21 miles from city center).

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

    On average a rental car in San Carlos costs $481 per week ($69 per day).

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

    On average a rental car in San Carlos costs $2,062 per month ($69 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in San Carlos?

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

  • How many car agencies are operating in San Carlos?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 0 car rental agencies in San Carlos.

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

    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 San Carlos?

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

    When choosing from San Carlos car rentals, a compact car or a mid-size sedan would be ideal. These types of vehicles are easy to maneuver on San Carlos' relatively calm streets, and they also offer good fuel economy, which can be useful if you’re on a budget. If you’re planning on exploring the surrounding areas, such as the Pacific Coast Highway or Silicon Valley, then a compact SUV or a crossover car can also be a good choice.

  • What’s the speed limit in San Carlos?

    The speed limit in San Carlos varies depending on the road type and zones. The speed limit on most residential streets is 25 miles per hour (mph), and it is strictly enforced by local law enforcement agencies. In areas near schools, parks, or playgrounds, the speed limit can be reduced to 15 mph. The speed limit on main roads like El Camino Real is typically 35 mph, whereas on the freeway or highways, it can range from 55 mph to 65 mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in San Carlos?

    San Carlos has a few options for parking, with varying rates and locations. Some businesses and shops offer private parking lots to customers. Street parking is also available throughout the city, but it can be challenging to find available spots during peak hours. In addition, there are a few public parking garages available in the city, which charge hourly or daily rates. These can be found at the San Carlos Caltrain Station and the San Carlos Civic Center. The rates for parking vary depending on the location, usually between $1 and $2 per hour. Rates can also vary based on the time of day and day of the week.

San Carlos car rental reviews and directory

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

No score available yet

Best rated

4 locations in San Carlos

Show locations

Locations in San Carlos

345 El Camino Real

+1 650 366 9200

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

477 East Hillsdale Blvd

+1 650 570 6677

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

605 Harbor Blvd

+1 650 622 0000

Monday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Tuesday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

99 Beech St

+1 650 366 9200

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Oct 2022

KAYAK
Didn't get the car I booked. I got a smaller car and was not even refunded the difference. It was like take it or leave it

2.0 Poor

Jan 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing, they refuse to provide a rental car asking for the second driver to have a credit card or a debit card with two bills showing the residence address. Ridiculous, second driver should only need a driver license as long as I provide a major credit card. Enterprise is a complete nonsense - untrained employees.

Cons:

Train your employees!

2.0 Poor

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing about the experience was pleasant.

Cons:

Employees knowing what they were doing and their companies policies including online policies.

4.8 Mediocre

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff

Cons:

My reservation at the rental offfice don’t have my phone number.

2.0 Poor

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Kayak just screwed me up. There were no cars available even with a confirmed reservation. It was just a waste of time and money for me to travel to the store only to find out this information. Truly, what a pathetic information kayak, I'm never gonna use this site anymore

Cons:

Kayak doesn't use realtime information. So better book through the corresponding website

10.0 Wonderful

Feb 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Brandon was fantastic. Calm, professional, friendly. New trainee we also good, just young and new.

Cons:

More staff?

1 out of 0

Hertz

No score available yet

Cheapest deal
Most popular

2 locations in San Carlos

Show locations

Locations in San Carlos

2601 El Camino Real

+1 650 361 0151

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00

411 Woodside

+1 650 361 0151

Monday09:00 - 13:00
Tuesday09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday09:00 - 13:00
Thursday09:00 - 13:00
Friday09:00 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Great staff to help with rental!

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Little expensive for a one-day rental.

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

fast and efficient service

5.6 Fair

May 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Don’t go on a Monday morning. It is so busy. Waited over 45 minutes

4.4 Mediocre

Aug 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Car was clean

Cons:

I added a day and the price went up by a third. When I then tried to change it back, the price was $50 higher for the same time period and they wouldn't honor the original rate. I wanted to cancel but the cancellation charge was also $50, so I felt stuck. Then the car I got was not I would say the same type as promised. Finally, when I dropped it off at some point a rock had hit the windshield, through no fault of my own as they recognized, but I still had to pay for that- on top of the car being more expensive than what I had originally signed up for, the value ended up being pretty terrible. And the franchisee did not care.

9.6 Wonderful

Jun 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Pleasant staff. Smooth Pick-up and return.

1 out of 0

Alamo

No score available yet

One location in San Carlos

Show locations

Locations in San Carlos

345 El Camino Real

+1 650 366 9200

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

9.6 Wonderful

Oct 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Great Guest Service, they didn't have the car I requested so I received a free upgrade

Cons:

That I had to wait for gas to be put in the car

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was very friendly. For the same price, gave us a super upgrade which was extremely comfortable and felt very safe.

Cons:

BUT we didn't want an upgrade, even for the same price. Ended up with way too much car, one with an extended learning curve (even the guy walking us through it couldn't explain the navigation to us, and it was not intuitive!)

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

very pleased with Alamo staff and level of service. Very friendly and efficient.

2.0 Poor

Sep 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was dressed nicely and were very nice.

Cons:

When receiving the car i insisted that the tires were not inflated enough and they checked it with a dinky tire gauge... An few hours out of san francisco the tire went flat and i got stuck on the side of the road. Car was dirty and smelled like it wasnt even aired out after the last driver. Car had some gear issue at the end of the trip and kept over heating. It was very very expensive for the car i got.

1 out of 0

Avis

No score available yet

One location in San Carlos

Show locations

Locations in San Carlos

1501 El Camino Real Suite 201

+1 650 594 2847

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Great location Super customer service New car upgrade Quick early return

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Great experience. Staff was super friendly and very helpful. No issues.

1 out of 0

Budget

No score available yet

One location in San Carlos

Show locations

Locations in San Carlos

1501 El Camino Real Suite 201

+1 650 637 1832

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

9.6 Wonderful

May 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Cost, friendly service

Cons:

Was told receipt would be emailed. Still have not received.

1 out of 0

National

No score available yet

One location in San Carlos

Show locations

Locations in San Carlos

345 El Camino Real

+1 650 366 9200

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

1.9 Poor

Jul 2021

KAYAK
On the web site it said I could use a debit card with proof of flights. When I got to the rental lot I was told that with an out of state drivers license I could not use a debit card there. I had to take two buses and walk quite a ways to get there. Very disappointed and dissatisfied.

1 out of 0

Car rental locations in or near San Carlos

Good to know

Most popular agency

Hertz

Most popular car type

Luxury

Average price

$69/day

Good deal

$54/day

When to book a rental car in San Carlos

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