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 San Luis Obispo with a pick-up date of 4/13 and drop-off date of 5/13. 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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Booking Insights
KAYAK’s insights & trends for San Luis Obispo car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in San Luis Obispo with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in San Luis Obispo?
You should book your rental car in San Luis Obispo around 87 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in San Luis Obispo?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Avis ($27.01/day), Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($34.53/day) and Budget ($35.23/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Avis, 333 Madonna Road (1.8 mi from city center).
What is the most popular rental car in San Luis Obispo?
Rentals in the SUV category (Chevrolet Equinox or similar) are the most popular option in San Luis Obispo, costing $84/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $55/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in San Luis Obispo?
The cheapest month to rent a car in San Luis Obispo is January at an average cost of $52/day. June is the most expensive month to rent a car in San Luis Obispo when prices are $66/day on average, which tends to be 10% above the yearly average rental price for San Luis Obispo.
What rental car company in San Luis Obispo has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 4 locations in San Luis Obispo, more than any other rental company.
Find the location ahead of time so they know where to find Avis. Ask the representative to show you where the car is in person and how to work it.
Verified travelerAug 2023
Book way in advance for good rates
HingMay 2023
It’s a tiny airport and the car rental facility was east to navigate.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in San Luis Obispo
Renting a car in San Luis Obispo is a convenient and flexible means of visiting the city and getting a feel of the culture. Several airports are remotely far from the town center, such as the Santa Barbara Airport, approximately 75.8 miles away, and the Los Angeles International Airport, 158.9 miles away, thus it is more ideal and cheaper to opt for rental cars in San Luis Obispo. There are also several sandy beaches, hot springs, and beautiful landscapes located a few miles out of town, easily accessible using a personal vehicle.
Some of the car rentals in San Luis Obispo are conveniently situated at the San Luis Obispo County (SBP) Airport, including Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, and Easier, which can be found at the baggage claim area at the Car Rental Center with the cars parked around 260 feet from the terminal. Off-site rentals, such as Budget, can be accessed via the airport shuttle, which is located on the east side of the terminal and are cheaper than taxis.
Like other major cities, visitors are advised to be cautious while on the road and observe traffic rules. There are a few intersections in San Luis Obispo which are known to be hazard zones, especially to speeding drivers, such as the Santa Rosa and Foothill intersection and Los Osos Valley and Calle Joaquin intersection. There are also a few cases of distracted driving, as well as jaywalkers and cyclists who fail to observe traffic laws. While selecting a vehicle in one of the car rentals in San Luis Obispo, it advisable to get GPS to be able to navigate through unfamiliar roads.
The rush hour in San Luis Obispo is pretty short-lived, with commuters spending an average of around 15 to 20min on the road, but is usually extended on roads undergoing construction. Rush hour in the morning is usually between 7:30am and 8:30am when people are leaving for work and school, and picks back up at 6pm to 7pm when people are heading back home. Heavy rains are also known to extend commute times in San Luis Obispo.
Choosing a vehicle from San Luis Obispo car rentals enables you to navigate attraction sites, such as Pismo Beach, just 10 miles away. The beach is best for water sports enthusiasts and is a perfect place for kayaking and sailing. Bubblegum Alley is less than a mile away from San Luis Obispo and takes only 4 minutes. The iconic site is known for used bubble gum accumulation on the alley walls. The local farmer's market is also a worthwhile destination for visitors. It is held on Higuera Street between Chorro and Osos Streets every Thursday evening, just a mile away from San Luis Obispo.
You will find no car rental offices at the Amtrak Station in San Luis Obispo. However, some cheap car rentals in San Luis Obispo can conveniently deliver a vehicle to a location of your choosing. If you want to pick up your rental car from their offices that is a great option too. There are several locations along Broad Street where you can a company to rent you a vehicle.
San Luis Obispo has excellent transport infrastructure. However, you may not miss traffic build-ups during weekly events such as the local farmers' market, which is held every Thursday night. Hundreds of residents flock to the fiesta that offers blooming flowers, fresh locally grown produce, handmade craft goods, jewelry, and farm-to-table dinners for less than $10. Higuera Street may be closed during this event, causing traffic in the city. Indubitably, the navigation system installed in your car will help you navigate and find less congested roads.
25% of our users found rental cars in San Luis Obispo for $47 or less
Medium rental cars in San Luis Obispo are around 35% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in San Luis Obispo
What type of car is recommended for driving in San Luis Obispo?
There are several options to choose from at San Luis Obispo car rentals, depending on whether you’re considering a solo trip or planning to explore the Central Coast area as a group. Compact vehicles are recommended for when your visit to San Luis Obispo is concentrated in the town, while large SUVs are more ideal for large numbers of people and are a more comfortable option for those who visit the landscape in the outskirts of town.
What’s the speed limit in San Luis Obispo?
The statutory speed limit in San Luis Obispo is set at 50mph. School zones have a set speed limit of between 15mph and 40mph at specific times of the day, while the speed limit in the business district is 25mph. There are also a couple of speed traps set up on Foothill Ave between Casa St and California Blvd, as well as Northbound Hwy 1, thus motorists are advised to drive with caution.
Where are the best places to park in San Luis Obispo?
There are several parking options available while on your stay in San Luis Obispo. There are parking garages such as the City of San Luis Obispo Parking as well as the Marsh Street Parking Structure, which closes at around 6pm and provide 1h free parking on weekdays, 2h free parking on Saturdays, and all-day free parking on Sundays. The municipal lot on Marsh St provides free parking for up to 2h. Parking is free in Downtown San Luis Obispo.
How much does it cost to rent a car in San Luis Obispo?
On average a rental car in San Luis Obispo costs $57 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 Luis Obispo found in the last 2 weeks is $53.
Which car rental companies are at County airport (SBP)?
Which car rental companies will pick you up at County airport (SBP)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from County airport to off-airport locations include Hertz, Budget, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
How can I find car rentals near me in San Luis Obispo?
How much does a Medium car rental cost in San Luis Obispo?
A Medium car rental in San Luis Obispo costs $73 per day, on average.
How much does a Luxury car rental cost in San Luis Obispo?
A Luxury car rental in San Luis Obispo costs $106 per day, on average.
How much does a Small car rental cost in San Luis Obispo?
A Small car rental in San Luis Obispo costs $49 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in San Luis Obispo?
In San Luis Obispo, cars are most frequently rented at Avis 975 Airport Drive, Suite 8 (3 miles from city center).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in San Luis Obispo?
Most car rental providers in San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in San Luis Obispo?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 5 car rental agencies in San Luis Obispo.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in San Luis Obispo?
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 Luis Obispo?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in San Luis Obispo so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Are there HOV lanes in San Luis Obispo?
While there are numerous high occupancy vehicle lanes in California, you will not find any while cruising in your vehicle from cheap car rentals in San Luis Obispo through the city. However, you are free to carpool in the city. Notably, a project aimed at adding HOV lanes on South Coast Highway 101, which passes through San Luis Obispo, is underway.
Are there toll roads in San Luis Obispo?
While California has numerous express lanes that charge a toll, San Luis Obispo doesn’t charge any fees for road usage. However, this doesn’t mean that you will find heavy traffic on the city’s roads. The highways are usually clear unless an event featuring road closure occurs. At all times, be sure to check on the road sign. Cameras monitor your driving, and the CHP may call for a fine.
Our pickup was in the back side of a motel with NO signs anywhere that said Avis. Hard to find and had to call Avis representatives to find office. The desk representative was not helpful and not very friendly… didn’t show us where the car was, how to work it, NOTHING.. I give her a zero. The car was nice and the drop off in Tuson was easy to find and the representative was very friendly and helpful.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2025
Pickup truck
The entire experience was wonderful. The front desk staff was fantastic to work with.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Standard
Pro:Easy check in. Improvement: Needed to call earlier that they were closing right when we were going to pick up car. Did not realize they closed same time we were to pick up car.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2024
Intermediate
Just about perfect. Newer car, clean, no smells. Pickup & dropoff at 2 different airports, were quick and easy.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Intermediate SUV
Didn’t receive receipt or email of final charges. Also was charged a $200 “deposit” in addition to rental charges. They are supposed to reverse the $200 “deposit” ???
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Compact
Pickup was fast, good, well maintained. Car. Paperwork was a minimum. Drop off was during a huge rainstorm at Santa Barbara airport. They were Avis reps outside who took care of just about everything. Couldn't have been better under the circumstances.
Counter service was a little slow but the agent was friendly. Walk to /from lot to the terminal is a bit inconvenient.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2025
Intermediate
Please contact me
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2025
Intermediate SUV
Rental agent was exceptionally helpful and very nice!
6.0 Okay
Daniel, May 2025
Economy
I requested a child’s booster seat and when I made the reservation, it didn’t cost extra. It just showed my total cost with seat included free. When I arrived for pickup, they informed me that it was an additional $15 per day. This obviously is frustrating for a renter to find out at this point. Not cool
10.0 Wonderful
Elizabeth, Sep 2024
Intermediate
TOO NOTCH!
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Economy
The man at the desk was really pleasant and helpful and got me into a car quick , even unpgraded me to a wonderful orange Tacoma for minimal fee. He was kind and made it a great experience overall. Thank you to him.
United Dropped me in DC and I had to Rent a Car to Drive myself home to VA Beach. I requested a FULL SIZE Car and got a Little KIA. It didn't even have Electric Seats or a Rear Window Wiper. The Driver who took us from Airport to Avis was Very Rude and insisted on playing his Radio Loud even when I explained I needed to Make an Important Phone Call.
10.0 Wonderful
Terrie, May 2021
Pros:
Staff was wonderful, easy to work with. Excellent experience
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, May 2021
Cons:
There was no radio No way to hook up my phone to Bluetooth
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
Super helpful and friendly staff. Easy drop-off. Very clean and new car. Loved the car!
Cons:
Nothing. It was my first time renting a car and they made it so easy. You will remain my first choice should I need another rental car.
Great and easy collection, very helpful staff and easy drop off! Would use again for a rental car.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Nov 2024
Intermediate
When I went to pick up the car my credit card wasn't working when putting in the machine. The representative said he couldn't enter it manually. Finally it worked but almost had a heart attack if it didn't. Then on my on 2nd to last day the battery went bad had to call road side assistance and was told it would be a $55 charge. The AAA driver said it was the original battery and wouldn't hold a charge and probably would have to call the next morning. Fortunately I ran the car for about an hour and half and it did start the next day and the enterprise representative waived the fee.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Compact
Car was not available upon arrival. No cars.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Standard
No car available
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2021
Cons:
We had a communication problem, I stated several times that I have my own Insurance, AAA and have additional coverage on my American Express Card. Very disappointed and I assure you that I will tell EVERYONE THAT I know not to use you guys!!!
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.4
Value for money
5.0
One location in San Luis Obispo
Locations in San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo County Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
140 travelers who rented a car in San Luis Obispo gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7
Medium, Small, Large, SUV, Pickup truck, Luxury, Van
Rental locations
12
Airport locations
6
Popular agencies
Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, Turo
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