KAYAK’s insights & trends for Oakland Airport car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Oakland Airport with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Oakland Airport?
You should book your rental car in Oakland Airport around 5 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Oakland Airport?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Turo ($23.00/day), Provider's pick ($27.12/day) and Thrifty ($31.51/day).
What is the most popular rental car in Oakland Airport?
Rentals in the Medium category (Toyota Corolla or similar) are the most popular option in Oakland Airport, costing $87/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $61/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Oakland Airport?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Oakland Airport is January at an average cost of $36/day. August is the most expensive month to rent a car in Oakland Airport when prices are $55/day on average, which tends to be 22% above the yearly average rental price for Oakland Airport.
Oakland Airport car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Oakland Airport by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$37 - $56
All Car Types
$63 - $85
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Oakland Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Oakland Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Oakland Airport?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Oakland Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Oakland Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Oakland Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Oakland Airport?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Oakland Airport?
Small car rentals in Oakland Airport typically cost around $48 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average $37 per day which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 36% cheaper than the average rental in Oakland Airport, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in Oakland Airport typically cost around $69 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average $62 per day which is about 11% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 8% cheaper than the average rental in Oakland Airport, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Oakland Airport typically cost around $74 per day. The best time to book is August, when prices average $65 per day which is about 13% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 2% cheaper than the average rental in Oakland Airport, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.
SUV rentals in Oakland Airport typically cost around $77 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $64 per day which is about 17% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 3% more expensive than the average rental in Oakland Airport, but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van rentals in Oakland Airport typically cost around $112 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $75 per day which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 34% more expensive than the average rental in Oakland Airport, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Oakland Airport typically cost around $75 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $62 per day which is about 18% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are usually the same price as an average rental in Oakland Airport.
Luxury car rentals in Oakland Airport typically cost around $98 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average $86 per day which is about 13% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 24% more expensive than the average rental in Oakland Airport, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Oakland Airport typically cost around $95 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $52 per day which is about 46% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 22% more expensive than the average rental in Oakland Airport, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Thrifty
Large
$75/day
$58/day
Top tips for renting a car at Oakland Airport
You can conveniently get a car rental at Oakland Airport at any time because the Rental Car Center runs 24h a day. Besides the daily working hours, you can make special requests for after-hours services, allowing you to pick up or drop off the vehicle overnight. In such cases, the car remains in your responsibility until the company completes a satisfactory check-in of your car rental.
Many companies at Oakland Airport car rental center incorporate hygiene maintenance with enhanced cleaning services, including disinfecting high-touch places. You can also enjoy free cancellation policies from different providers to improve your convenience when dealing with emergencies. Getting a car rental at the airport enables you to connect to areas within and around the city with ease, even for first-time visitors. Additionally, you can efficiently manage your time and avoid sitting in Bay Area traffic via public transportation, making it more comfortable to move around Oakland for business or leisure.
You can conveniently return your car to the rental office at Oakland Airport since all the companies offer the same pick-up and drop-off points. The Rental Car Center sits on Earhart Road, which you can access from the city center in approximately 15min via I-880S and Hegenberger Road. You can find blue signs when you approach the airport that led you to the Rental Car Return area.
Most freeways in the Bay Area have rush hours in the mornings and evenings when people are commuting to and from work, requiring you to depart earlier or later to avoid inconveniences. Notably, some routes like Interstate 580 that links to Interstate 880 can have more congestion in the early evening. Hence, you want to plan your drive when picking up or returning the car rental at Oakland Airport with the rush hours in mind for accurate time management.
25% of our users found rental cars at Oakland Airport for $61 or less
Book your rental car at Oakland Airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about renting a car at Oakland Airport
How can you get to the rental car offices at Oakland Airport?
The Rental Car Center is about 10min away from the terminals at the airport's North Field. Upon arrival, you can exit the baggage claim area and reach it using the Rental Car Shuttle, running between the terminals and center. The bus is accessible around the fourth curb in front of Terminal 1 and 2, leaving approximately every 10min.
What services can you get at the car rental center at Oakland Airport?
You can find self-service kiosks that let you directly check-in without needing the rental counter service. In addition, you can quickly receive a receipt-sized rental agreement that you can present with your driver's license at the exit booth when driving out in the rented vehicle. The Rental Car Center has drop boxes for the different companies in the return area, aiding you when dropping off your car after hours.
Which car rental offices offer the most convenience at Oakland Airport?
The Rental Car Center's proximity to the terminals enhances your convenience when getting a car rental at Oakland Airport. Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Alamo, and Thrifty are some of the most convenient rental companies at the airport, offering free cancellation and enhanced cleaning. Moreover, you can avoid long waits and skip the counter using the Fastbreak or Accelerated Check-in policy given by certain companies like Budget and Alamo.
What documentation do you need to get services from Oakland's rental car center?
Most companies at Oakland Airport's Rental Car Center require you to be at least 21 years to get a vehicle, with drivers aged between 21 and 24 incurring an underage surcharge. They must also possess an approved credit card and a valid driving license. Notably, the license must include your photograph because most car rental companies do not accept digital licenses. International travelers can obtain Oakland Airport car rental services by showing a valid foreign license with an optional International Driver's Permit (IDP). However, the IDP is compulsory for translation purposes when the foreign driving license uses a non-Latin-based alphabet.
How much does it cost to rent a car at Oakland Airport?
On average a rental car at Oakland Airport costs $80 per day.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at Oakland Airport?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Oakland Airport to off-airport locations include Thrifty, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, Alamo, Payless, Avis, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Drop off was straightforward. Pickup was another story. They seemed either short-staffed or some agents were not as efficient. My agent was not very friendly. I also filled out information ahead of picking up my rental but it didn't feel like it helped expedite the process. It was a long wait for everybody in line.
2.0 Poor
Abraham, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
None of the 3rd parties involved including the main party; Budget were able to assist me in any way, shape, or fashion. Everyone points their finger to the other party when it comes to making changes to the car rental. There is no accountability.
8.0 Very good
Anil, Sep 2025
Intermediate SUV
Clean Car , good! Poor Car/Driver seat, Bad!
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2025
Luxury
Booked with Kayak. Budget gave my (already reserved) rental away.
2.0 Poor
David, Feb 2025
Supplier choice
Dangerous car, deceptive advertising, incompetent and inaccessible personel.
I had to wait for 3 and half hours after the schedule time for picking up my vehicle. And then when I finally got it, it was not the type of suv which I had paid for. I got a compact suv instead of the one I booked, which was an intermediate suv. And they did not even adjust the price. It was a bad experience in all.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Supplier choice
My car was not available
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Intermediate SUV
The check-in clerk was awesome very helpful and streamlined my drop off. Give that man a raise.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2022
Car was clean & in good condition. Excellent communication from everyone especially the manager Tess & the lady who checked us out at the gate, they could not have been friendlier or more helpful. One exception of when picking up the young lady did not seem to know we were covered for insurance & presented us with a bill for $99 she said which was for an extra day, we were not taking an extra day which was clearly stated on our rental voucher (which she did not want to see) I questioned the amount to be charged & this was amended immediately. Overall would definitely use this service again.
The car stunk of cigarettes! Smelled like an ashtray. Had bad connectivity, no CarPlay etc for navigation. Very basic
8.0 Very good
Mike, Oct 2024
Supplier choice
People were great. The Fox lot is located in the back and to the left of the large rental car lot. This could’ve been explained better.
2.0 Poor
Philipp, Aug 2024
Compact
During the booking process Kayak just added besides my wish San Jose airport also Oakland airport. It was my bad that I did not check in detail prior to final booking but at the end I rented a car at a location, which I could not cancel or switch station. Money was wasted, therefore. I blame besides my own foolishness also the research form from kayak. Last car rental with kayak for me :(
Thriffty was OK The Kayak website was miss leading. The pick up location was change after the booking. made us lose a day of vacation. we will think twice before using Kayake a gain..
10.0 Wonderful
Antonio, Jan 2025
Compact
The experience was good. On the other hand, I had selected an electric vehicle and I did not noticed that I had done so. I think Kayak should make this information more explicit or do not select electric vehicles by default without asking the client since for long distances an electric vehicle might be a problem.
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Full-size SUV
My reservation was canceled..I had to get a car at a higher rate. Not happy about it
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Full-size SUV
Waa denied my car that was completely pre paid at the counter
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Intermediate
Pick up and drop off was simple enough. Car was clean and just what we needed. Price point was unbeatable. Will use thrifty again in the future.
I was never able to rent the car because they wouldn’t take my card. I used my card to reserve the car. They charged my bank account $50 and then put it back. I got confirmation that my car was good to go. When I got off the plane and got a shuttle to take me to Enterprise they refused to rent me the car with the card I used this whole time. They said I needed a credit card. I don’t have any credit cards, only my visa debit card. Which is like cash. She didn’t want that and she refused to give me my car. Another lady stepped in and was so rude to me. I was stuck at the airport with now ride and I had to get to somewhere that was almost 2 hours away. Horrible customer service! The ladies that were there were rude and ghetto acting. I have never experienced this type of service from a rental car company and I’ve rented cars before at airports.
10.0 Wonderful
M. Rene', May 2024
Minivan
Great customer service. Super easy in and out. No wait.
They should rename themselves to PayMore. I received an extra charge of 112 dollars with no explanation or notice. It was apparently for gas even though I returned the car with a full tank. I was put on an hour long hold to dispute this. Waste of time and no respect for renters.
the person that was at the counter was very, very slow. A co-worker took care of 4 individuals to 1 for the person that assisted us. The Tolls charge was not explained to us so we didn't take it only to find ourselves going over a toll bridge with ABSOLUTELY NO idea what to do. This was very upsetting. We were also given a space letter/number for the car we were assigned to only to get to the lot and there was no such #. We were not told what kind of car we had been given so no clue what to do. Luckily a lot attendant saw our confusion and stopped to assist us. Even he was confused which car was ours since the # didn't match anything. I feel the counter worker was somewhat competent but probably should not be at the counter. The car itself was great but there was a lot of stress involved with the entire rental process upon arriving at the car rental terminal.
10.0 Wonderful
Arianna, Jun 2025
Standard SUV
The vehicle was wonderful. Excellent condition. Well cared for the drop off was wonderful. The staff was really great. The pick up was actually not bad either. The problem was the wait time during pick up. There was not enough staff. There was only two staff members and it took an extended period of time waiting in line to get to those staff members to pick up the vehicle. So that is my only point of improvement they need more staff members to handle the incoming reservations outside of that everyone was friendly and the process was easy, but the initial process was not fast.
10.0 Wonderful
Dale, Aug 2024
Intermediate SUV
The license plate was rattling on the car while driving. Only screwed in on the top of the plate and no screws on the lower portion of the plate, which caused it to rattle at higher speeds or going over rougher roads or bumps.
2.0 Poor
Helen, Jan 2024
Passenger van
I reserved my car months ago with Avis and I even called that morning to confirm it. By the time I went to pick up my car at 3pm my scheduled pick up time, the front desk told me that there’s no car for me to pick up. They offered us 2 SUVs instead of one 12 seat passenger van. We asked if they can help check if other nearby Avis has the 12 passenger van. She just throw me the customer service line and said they don’t have access to other Avis. Not helpful at all and they don’t even care if they ruin your plan. We understand things happen but at least you call us ahead of time so we have time to find alternative.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Compact
Good value, good price, which is most important. Also easy to deal with.
2.0 Poor
Susan, Oct 2023
Supplier choice
terrible Got a giant pick-up truck. Supplier‘s choice!
Explanation of additional fees for tolls and options to pay them wasn't covered, resulting in large charge.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Standard
The main issue is that they seem to have over-billed me, and it's impossible to actually get ahold of a human-being to resolve this issue.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Compact
My car wasn’t ready. The car they tried to give me was not the same car that was on my reservation. I had to wait almost an hour for a car. This was very annoying after traveling all day.
2.0 Poor
monika, Jun 2024
Compact
it was terrible. the clerk was rude, insolent, hostile and yelled at me. i hadnt intentionally reserved an EV (I don't live in the bay area and don't know the infrastructure) but he told me i had to take one. he wouldn't tell me his name or call his manager.
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