Watsonville car rentals from $38/day

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 Watsonville with a pick-up date of 5/11 and drop-off date of 5/18. 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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Useful Info
Recommended by KAYAK

Cheap car rentals in Watsonville

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Chevrolet Spark car
Chevrolet Spark
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
$41/day
Mitsubishi Mirage G4 car
Mitsubishi Mirage G4
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
$39/day
Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar Medium
5
3
2/4
$38/day
Chevrolet Malibu car
Chevrolet Malibu
or similar Large
5
2
2/4
$52/day
Chrysler Pacifica car
Chrysler Pacifica
or similar Van
5
5
4-5
$93/day
Chevrolet Tahoe car
Chevrolet Tahoe
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
$111/day
Nissan Maxima car
Nissan Maxima
or similar Large
5
5
2/4
$54/day
RAM Pickup car
RAM Pickup
or similar Pickup truck
5
3
2/4
$56/day
Chevrolet Suburban car
Chevrolet Suburban
or similar SUV
5
5
4-5
$136/day
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
$40/day
Nissan Kicks car
Nissan Kicks
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
$49/day
Nissan Rogue car
Nissan Rogue
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$49/day
Ford Edge car
Ford Edge
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$58/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular agency

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Most popular car type

Standard

Average price

$93/day

Good deal

$71/day

When to book a rental car in Watsonville

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

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Watsonville

  • Watsonville, California, is a small city brimming with iconic landmarks and beautiful neighbourhoods, and you are better off adventuring the city and its stunning surrounding areas via Watsonville car rentals. While the city boasts good public transportation, car rentals in Watsonville still win out when it comes to convenience and affordability. You will spend less on driving around the city and nearby towns and cities than the cumulative fares on buses or trains. You can learn more about the city and its people at Agricultural History Project Center & Museum, and explore the Natural Bridges State Beach, Pinto Lake County Park, Sunset State Park, Castro Adobe State Historical Park, and Mt Madona Stables.
  • Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the nearest airport serving Watsonville, about 26 miles from the city center. If you are flying into Watsonville, you will likely land here. Multiple car rental agencies operate on-site desks, including Budget, Hertz, National, Avis, Alamo, and Enterprise. The rental desks are on the first floor of the terminal building near the baggage claim area. Picking your Watsonville car rentals at the airport lets you explore the city immediately after landing.
  • Generally, driving in Watsonville is a safe and manageable experience, thanks to the less impatient drivers and well-established and maintained roads. However, driving in the city has its fair share of challenges, needing you to pay attention to details. Although jaywalking is outlawed in the city, it is common still common in the city. Be sure to keep a keen on them, because even if they are on the wrong side of the traffic regulations, you don't want to hit them. Some roads are narrow, especially rural roads. Drive carefully on search roads and overtake only when it is safe and necessary.
  • Significant cities in California experience dense traffic, drawing rush hour, and Watsonville is no exception. Despite well-developed roads, Watsonville streets are typically brimming with vehicles during peak travel times, as many locals access their respective working places with private cars. Usually, the city experiences rush hours from 6 am to 10 am and from 5 pm to 7 pm. Only drive your car rentals in Watsonville during these hours if necessary.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Watsonville for $71 or less
  • Book your rental car in Watsonville at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Economy rental cars in Watsonville are around 42% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Watsonville

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

    On average a rental car in Watsonville costs $93 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 Watsonville found in the last 2 weeks is $54.

  • How much is gas price in Watsonville?

    The average gas price in Watsonville is $3.40 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $41 and $54, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Watsonville?

    Standard (Ford Edge or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Watsonville.

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

    Car rental companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Thrifty, Alamo and National.

  • 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 Thrifty, Alamo, and National.

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

    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 Watsonville?

    A Standard car rental in Watsonville costs $78 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Watsonville?

    A Full Size car rental in Watsonville costs $148 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Special car rental cost in Watsonville?

    A Special car rental in Watsonville costs $63 per day, on average.

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

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

  • How many car agencies are operating in Watsonville?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 2 car rental agencies in Watsonville.

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

    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 Watsonville?

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

  • What car type is recommended for driving in Watsonville?

    Watsonville car rentals have a wide range of vehicles, and the roads are well-established, making them versatile for any car type. To this end, your car type depends on your specific needs and destinations. While the vehicle’s safety features and fuel efficiency are not the only factors you want to consider, they play critical roles when choosing your car rentals in Watsonville. For example, if you are driving to off-road locations, look for a well-raised vehicle like an SUV for navigation. Yet, you want to consider the vehicle’s capacity to ensure that it accommodates you and your luggage.

  • What is the speed limit in Watsonville?

    Watsonville has many speed limits, depending on the road you drive. Observing these speed limits is crucial in saving you from getting into trouble with authority. Unless posted otherwise, the speed limit in Watsonville is 25 mph in residential areas, 35 mph on the city roads, 55 mph on two-lane highways, 65 mph on multilane, and 70 mph on freeways out of the city. Also, look out for posted speed limits, as speeding is harshly punished in the city.

  • Where are the best places to park in Watsonville?

    Finding a parking lot when driving your car rentals in Watsonville is manageable, with many car parking options, more so in downtown Watsonville. 1620 W Beach Street Parking, Watsonville Parking Lot 14, Civic Plaza Parking Garage, City Parking Lot, and Watsonville Parking Lot 15 are some places worth considering. It costs around $1.50 per hour, but charges vary from location to location. Park your car rentals in Watsonville downtown to stay within the city’s hub.

Watsonville car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

7.0

Comfort

6.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

5.5

3 locations in Watsonville

Show locations

Locations in Watsonville

1150 N. Main Street, Suite 1a

+1 831 761 2800

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2724 Soquel Ave Ste A

+1 831 464 1900

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

6900 Automall Pkwy

+1 408 847 4001

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Don, Sep 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Used to a bigger car with better ride comfort. Nothing wrong with the car they provided. It was clean, gassed up and performed as one would expect

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Sep 2024

Full-size

KAYAK
When we reserved the car at noon it didn’t showed the closing time is noon so when we showed up at 12:30 the employee won’t be able to help us! Not even get us a car at their other rental office. Not helpful at all!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The Watsonville enterprise office cancelled our rental 2 hours before we were supposed to have picked it up. Their office gave no alternatives, despite the fact that we had the vehicle reserved for 3 weeks ahead of time.

Cons:

I had to do the work of tracking down a replacement vehicle at the last minute. Al, who works at the enterprise on Ocean St. in Watsonville, did an amazing job to help us. He stayed past closing time to get us a vehicle in time.

1 out of 2

Hertz

Cleanliness

2.0

Comfort

2.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.0

Value for money

2.0

4 locations in Watsonville

Show locations

Locations in Watsonville

2724 Soquel Ave

+1 831 423 0315

Monday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Tuesday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Wednesday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Thursday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00

50 Aviation Way

+1 831 722 2760

Monday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00

6981 Cameron Blvd Suite B

+1 408 847 9179

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

7000 Soquel Avenue

+1 831 462 0469

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Curt, Apr 2024

Minivan

KAYAK
Car rental.com is a scam. Don’t ever use them.

8.0 Very good

Paul, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Simple, limited-contact pick up and drop off.

Cons:

When I returned the car two days early, the staff at Hertz were unable to do a refund for those extra days. This isn't a criticism of Hertz -- just know that when you book through Kayak, they don't have as much flexibility for extending or shortening a rental. Note that this Hertz location does not do after-hours drop-off. You must return the car before closing time.

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The two ladies who checked me in were a delight to deal with. Very professional and personable as they went through all the paperwork and what not.

Cons:

My pre-paid 1pm reservation was for a Mid-size Car, and when I got there at 1:30pm they had rented my car and had no Midsize cars left, so I was stuck with an economy car that felt like I was driving a go-kart on steroids or tin can on wheels. That was total BS!! Also, they closed the location close to my house, but it is still listed on their website, Yahoo, Waze, Google, etcetera, so when I drove over there to swap cars, there was a sign on the keys drop box saying to drop off cars across town, at the location where I picked up the car. Again, total BS!! Then when I returned the car they ran my credit card before talking to me at all, and I wanted to use my debit car. When I asked to cancel the charge and put it on my debit card, she said it was too late, she couldn't do that. Third strike of total BS. Even if it costs more and is farther away, I will never again rent a car for Hertz!!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The location didn’t exist.

1 out of 4

Thrifty

5.5

Fair

One location in Watsonville

Show locations

Locations in Watsonville

6981 Cameron Blvd Suite B

+1 408 847 9179

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

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

No score available yet

2 locations in Watsonville

Show locations

Locations in Watsonville

2724 Soquel Ave

+1 831 423 0315

Monday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Tuesday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Wednesday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Friday08:30 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00

6981 Cameron Blvd Suite B

+1 408 847 9179

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

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2025

Pickup truck

KAYAK
Very good experience. It was straightforward and I did not have any issues.

1 out of 1

5 travelers who rented a car in Watsonville gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.5

Car rental locations in or near Watsonville

Watsonville car rental information

Pick-up locationWatsonville
Car typesCompact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Minivan, Pickup truck, Premium, Premium SUV, Standard SUV, Supplier choice
Rental locations2
Airport locations1
Popular agenciesHertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Turo

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