We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in San Luis Obispo. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

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


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Why rent a car in San Luis Obispo?

Renting a car in San Luis Obispo offers the flexibility to explore the city's diverse attractions at your own pace, from historic sites to natural wonders. With a vehicle, you can easily access nearby destinations along California's Central Coast, enhancing your travel experience.

Car rental tips for San Luis Obispo

  • San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport hosts several car rental agencies, allowing travellers to pick up a vehicle upon arrival. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.
  • The city's downtown area features narrow streets and limited parking, particularly during events like the weekly Farmers' Market. Opting for a smaller vehicle can make navigation and parking more manageable.
  • If you plan to explore nearby coastal parks or rural areas, be prepared for winding roads and varying elevations. Ensure your rental vehicle is equipped to handle such terrain, and always check road conditions before embarking on trips to remote locations.

FAQs about renting a car in San Luis Obispo

What is the recommended car type/category?

A mid-sized saloon or SUV is recommended to comfortably navigate both city streets and the hilly terrain of surrounding areas. If planning to visit coastal parks or rural regions, an SUV may provide added comfort and versatility.

What are the parking options?

Downtown San Luis Obispo offers metered street parking and several public parking structures. Parking is generally available, but it can become limited during peak times, such as the Thursday evening Farmers' Market. Always check for posted parking regulations to avoid fines.

What's the speed limit?

In California, the maximum speed limit on most highways is 65 mph (105 km/h), with some areas 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 local signage and drive cautiously, especially in residential areas.

Popular attractions

  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa: Founded in 1772, this historic Spanish mission features a church, museum, and gardens, offering insights into California's early history.
  • Bubblegum Alley: A quirky 70-foot-long alley adorned with layers of chewed gum, reflecting the city's unique charm and creativity.
  • Bishop Peak: The highest of the Nine Sisters volcanic peaks, offering hiking trails with panoramic views of San Luis Obispo and the surrounding area.
  • San Luis Obispo Children's Museum: An interactive museum with three floors of exhibits designed to engage and educate children through play.
  • San Luis Obispo Museum of Art: A contemporary art museum showcasing works by local and regional artists, with rotating exhibitions and educational programmes.

More places to visit

  • Morro Bay State Park: Located approximately 12 miles northwest, this park offers sailing, fishing, hiking, and bird watching opportunities, along with a natural history museum.
  • Montaña de Oro State Park: About 15 miles west, this park features rugged cliffs, secluded beaches, and scenic hiking trails along the Pacific coastline.
  • Hearst Castle: Situated roughly 45 miles north, this historic estate boasts opulent architecture and art collections, offering guided tours of its lavish rooms and gardens.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in San Luis Obispo

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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Keddy Car Hire

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Thrifty 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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San Luis Obispo: 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.