We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Ridgecrest. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in Ridgecrest in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in Ridgecrest and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in Ridgecrest and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Ridgecrest so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in Ridgecrest?

Renting a car in Ridgecrest, California, offers unparalleled access to the diverse attractions and natural wonders of the Mojave Desert and surrounding areas. With your own vehicle, you can conveniently explore ancient petroglyphs, unique geological formations, and scenic mountain passes at your own pace.

Public transportation options are limited in this region, making a rental car essential for reaching remote sites like the Trona Pinnacles, Walker Pass, and the Maturango Museum. Having a car ensures flexibility and comfort as you navigate the expansive desert landscapes and nearby mountain ranges.

Car rental tips for Ridgecrest

  • Ridgecrest does not have a commercial airport; the nearest major airports are in Bakersfield and Los Angeles. Consider renting a car from these airports and driving to Ridgecrest, which is approximately 110 miles from Bakersfield and 150 miles from Los Angeles.
  • When planning to visit remote attractions like the Trona Pinnacles or Fossil Falls, ensure your rental car is equipped for off-road conditions. Some sites have rough, unpaved roads where a vehicle with higher clearance is beneficial.
  • Petrol stations can be sparse in the desert areas surrounding Ridgecrest. It's advisable to fill up your tank before embarking on longer trips to ensure you have sufficient fuel for your journey.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions; temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night in the desert. Ensure your rental car's air conditioning and heating systems are functioning properly for a comfortable experience.

FAQs about renting a car in Ridgecrest

What is the recommended car type/category?

A mid-sized SUV is recommended for navigating Ridgecrest and its surrounding areas. This vehicle type provides comfort for longer drives and is well-suited for the varied terrain, including unpaved roads leading to attractions like the Trona Pinnacles.

What are the parking options?

Parking in Ridgecrest is generally abundant and free, with ample spaces available at major attractions, shopping centres, and restaurants. Most hotels also offer complimentary parking for guests.

What's the speed limit?

In California, the maximum speed limit on most highways is 65 mph (105 km/h), with some rural highways allowing up to 70 mph (113 km/h). Within city limits, the speed limit is typically 25 mph (40 km/h) unless otherwise posted. Always adhere to posted signs and adjust your speed according to road conditions.

Popular attractions

  • Maturango Museum: Located in Ridgecrest, the Maturango Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of the Northern Mojave Desert, featuring exhibits on local geology, wildlife, and Native American artifacts. The museum also offers guided tours to nearby petroglyph sites.
  • Trona Pinnacles: Approximately 20 miles east of Ridgecrest, the Trona Pinnacles are a collection of over 500 tufa spires rising from the Searles Lake basin. These unique geological formations have been featured in numerous films and offer opportunities for hiking and photography.
  • Petroglyph Park: Situated within Ridgecrest, Petroglyph Park features replicas of ancient rock carvings, providing insight into the region's rich Native American heritage. The park includes an interpretive centre and a historic cabin, making it an educational stop for visitors.

More places to visit

  • Walker Pass: Located about 10 miles west of Ridgecrest, Walker Pass is a historic mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada, offering scenic views and access to hiking trails along the Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Red Rock Canyon State Park: Approximately 30 miles south of Ridgecrest, this state park features stunning red rock formations, scenic desert cliffs, and a variety of hiking trails.
  • Fossil Falls: Located about 45 minutes north of Ridgecrest, Fossil Falls showcases unique volcanic rock formations sculpted by ancient river flows, offering hiking and photography opportunities.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in Ridgecrest

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

National Car Hire

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Alamo Car Hire

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SIXT Car Hire

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Enterprise Car Hire

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Budget Car Hire

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Hertz Car Hire

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Europcar Car Hire

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Thrifty Car Hire

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Keddy Car Hire

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AVIS Car Hire

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Firefly Car Hire

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: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

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Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

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Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

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Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

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Ridgecrest: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.