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

Quality & Expertise

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


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Why rent a car in Palo Alto?

Renting a car in Palo Alto offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the city's diverse attractions at your own pace. From the historic Stanford Theatre to the expansive Foothills Nature Preserve, having a vehicle allows you to seamlessly transition between urban and natural settings.

Additionally, a car provides the convenience to venture beyond Palo Alto, enabling day trips to nearby destinations like the vibrant city of San Francisco or the scenic coastal town of Half Moon Bay. This mobility ensures you can fully experience the rich cultural and natural landscapes of the region.

Car rental tips for Palo Alto

  • Palo Alto is home to numerous technology companies, leading to increased traffic during weekday rush hours, particularly on main thoroughfares like El Camino Real and Page Mill Road. Plan your travel times accordingly to avoid delays.
  • If you're arriving via San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or San Jose International Airport (SJC), both offer a range of car rental services. Booking in advance can secure better rates and ensure vehicle availability.
  • Downtown Palo Alto and areas near Stanford University can have limited parking, especially during events or peak times. Utilize public parking garages or consider accommodations with dedicated parking to ease your stay.
  • For those planning to explore the scenic coastal routes or mountainous regions nearby, ensure your rental car is equipped with GPS navigation and check for any road advisories or closures before embarking on your journey.

FAQs about renting a car in Palo Alto

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is ideal for navigating Palo Alto's urban streets and parking spaces. If planning excursions to nearby mountainous or coastal areas, consider a vehicle with sufficient power and comfort for varied terrains.

What are the parking options?

Downtown Palo Alto offers metered street parking and public parking garages. Be mindful of time restrictions and fees, especially during peak hours. Residential areas may have permit requirements; always check signage to avoid fines.

What's the speed limit?

In Palo Alto, the speed limit is typically 25 mph (40 km/h) in residential areas and 35 mph (56 km/h) on main roads. On highways, limits can range from 55 mph (89 km/h) to 65 mph (105 km/h). Always adhere to posted signs and adjust for road conditions.

Popular attractions

  • Stanford Theatre: A beautifully restored 1925 movie palace showcasing classic films, offering a nostalgic cinematic experience in a neoclassical Persian and Moorish architectural setting.
  • Foothills Nature Preserve: A 1,400-acre park featuring diverse ecosystems, hiking trails, and the serene Boronda Lake, ideal for nature enthusiasts and outdoor activities.
  • Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo: An interactive museum and zoo with over 200 species, providing educational exhibits and hands-on science activities for children and families.
  • Cantor Arts Center: An art museum on Stanford University's campus housing a vast collection, including the largest Rodin sculpture collection outside Paris.
  • Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve: The largest undisturbed marshland in the San Francisco Bay, offering extensive trails and exceptional birdwatching opportunities.

More places to visit

  • San Francisco: A vibrant city known for landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and diverse cultural neighborhoods.
  • Half Moon Bay: A coastal town famous for its stunning beaches, surfing spots, and the annual Pumpkin Festival.
  • Monterey: A historic city featuring the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and scenic 17-Mile Drive.
  • Napa Valley: A premier wine region offering vineyard tours, wine tastings, and gourmet dining experiences.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Rental Brands in Palo Alto

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 Rental

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Alamo Car Rental

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SIXT Car Rental

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Enterprise Car Rental

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Budget Car Rental

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Hertz Car Rental

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Europcar Car Rental

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Thrifty Car Rental

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Keddy Car Rental

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AVIS Car Rental

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Firefly Car Rental

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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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Palo Alto: 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.