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

Quality & Expertise

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


location image

Why rent a car in Oakland?

Renting a car in Oakland provides the flexibility to explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the bustling downtown area to the scenic hills and waterfronts. With a vehicle, you can easily access attractions like the Oakland Zoo, Lake Merritt, and the historic Jack London Square at your own pace.

Beyond the city limits, a rental car allows for convenient day trips to nearby destinations such as the Napa Valley wine region, the coastal town of Santa Cruz, or the state capital, Sacramento. Having your own transportation ensures you can fully experience the rich cultural and natural offerings of the Bay Area.

Car rental tips for Oakland

  • Oakland International Airport hosts several car rental agencies conveniently located near the baggage claim area, allowing travelers to pick up their vehicles shortly after arrival. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and competitive rates.
  • While driving in Oakland, be prepared for varying traffic conditions, particularly during weekday rush hours between 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM. Utilizing real-time navigation apps can help you avoid congestion and find the most efficient routes.
  • If you plan to explore the surrounding Bay Area, be aware that many bridges, such as the Bay Bridge to San Francisco, require toll payments. Consider renting a vehicle equipped with an electronic toll collection device to streamline your travel and avoid potential fines.
  • Oakland's diverse neighborhoods offer unique driving experiences; for instance, the winding roads in the Oakland Hills provide scenic views but may be challenging for those unfamiliar with steep inclines. Ensure your rental vehicle is equipped to handle such terrain if you plan to visit these areas.

FAQs about renting a car in Oakland

What is the recommended car type/category?

A mid-sized sedan or compact SUV is recommended for navigating Oakland's urban environment and the surrounding Bay Area. These vehicles offer a balance of comfort and maneuverability, suitable for city driving and excursions to nearby attractions.

What are the parking options?

Oakland offers a mix of street parking and public garages. Downtown areas may have metered parking with time restrictions, while residential neighborhoods often require permits. It's advisable to check signage carefully and consider using parking apps to locate available spaces.

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). Urban areas typically have speed limits of 25 to 35 mph (40 to 56 km/h). Always adhere to posted signs, as limits can vary, especially in school zones and residential areas.

Popular attractions

  • Oakland Zoo: Located in the Grass Valley neighborhood, the Oakland Zoo is home to over 850 native and exotic animals. The zoo features naturalistic habitats like the African savanna and tropical rainforest, and offers attractions such as a gondola ride providing panoramic views of the Bay Area.
  • Lake Merritt: Often referred to as the 'Jewel of Oakland,' Lake Merritt is a tidal lagoon surrounded by parks and walking paths. It's a popular spot for jogging, picnicking, and bird-watching, as it was designated the first official wildlife refuge in the United States.
  • Jack London Square: This vibrant waterfront area offers a mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Named after the famous author, the square hosts farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and provides ferry access to San Francisco.
  • Chabot Space & Science Center: Situated in the Oakland Hills, this center features interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and one of the largest public telescopes in the country, offering visitors a chance to explore the wonders of space.
  • Redwood Regional Park: A hidden gem within the city, this park boasts a serene forest of towering redwoods, providing miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic areas.

More places to visit

  • Napa Valley: Renowned for its world-class wineries and picturesque vineyards, Napa Valley is a premier destination for wine enthusiasts and is approximately an hour's drive from Oakland.
  • Santa Cruz: A coastal city known for its boardwalk, surfing culture, and redwood forests, Santa Cruz offers a blend of beachside relaxation and outdoor adventure.
  • Sacramento: As California's capital, Sacramento boasts historic landmarks, museums, and a burgeoning food scene, all within a two-hour drive from Oakland.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Rental Brands in Oakland

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

9.17 / 10

Alamo Car Rental

View more
8.5 / 10

National Car Rental

View more
4.5 / 10

Thrifty Car Rental

View more

SIXT Car Rental

View more

Enterprise Car Rental

View more

Budget Car Rental

View more

Hertz Car Rental

View more

Europcar Car Rental

View more

Keddy Car Rental

View more

AVIS Car Rental

View more

Firefly Car Rental

View more

: 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!

Car image for small and economy car category

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.

Car image for hybrid and electric car category

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.

Car image for prestige car category

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.

Car image for stationwagon and minibus car category


Oakland: 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.