Car rental in USA California

Tips for scoring a cheap car to rent in California

Need a cheap car rental in California? With Economybookings, you can easily compare multiple providers to find the best possible deal, no matter where you plan to start your Golden State adventure. Whether you're planning to visit California’s famed beaches, spend some quality time at their incredible theme parks, or do a road trip to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a quick comparison can save you time and money.

• Compare pickup locations – Select the broader city instead of a specific location to unlock more deal options, including off-airport savings.
• Slightly adjust pickup times and dates – Even changing your booking by an hour can reveal lower rates.
• Choose the right car for your needs – For more rugged excursions into the mountains, deserts, and rural coastal areas, a sportier four-wheel drive vehicle can help navigate through rougher terrain. But if you mostly plan on exploring major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, a compact car can help you save time on finding parking and money on fuel costs.
• Book early – Peak travel seasons like summer (June to August) and the winter holiday period often see higher prices, so reserving in advance helps secure better rates and availability.

Tips when renting a car in California

• Rent a car if you plan to go beyond the big cities to reach suburban areas, smaller towns, theme parks, and the mountains, as mass transit options are limited outside major cities.
• Avoid rush hour traffic on major freeways like I-5, I-80, I-405, and I-10, especially around city centers and popular areas. (For example, the stretch of I-405 in LA from LAX Airport to the US 101 interchange is notoriously jammed on weekdays.)
• Picking up your rental car at major airports like San Francisco, Los Angeles, or San Diego International provides the best vehicle selection and access to toll road options.
• Choose a mid-size or compact car for easier parking at attractions, resorts, and city centers, and to maximize fuel efficiency for day trips.
• California currently has no emission zones or congestion pricing programs, but the Bay Area and Southern California do have a few toll roads—ask your rental company about toll payment options.
• Always inspect the car and take photos before and after your rental.

Driving tips in California

• Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
• Headlights flash as a polite signal (e.g., to let you pass), not as aggression.
• On freeways faster drivers tend to drive in the left lanes, while the right lanes move more slowly.
• Use parking apps like ParkMobile or SpotHero to find and pay for metered spots in popular areas.
• Note parking signage: Many street parking spots in downtown areas have time limits during the day, and some residential areas restrict street parking to permit holders.
• Popular gas stations: Chevron, Shell, ARCO, and 76.
• Keep your license, rental papers, and insurance with you at all times. (You might also want to keep your passport or proof of valid passport within easy reach as well.)
• Major freeways like US 101, I-5, and I-15 connect popular destinations, so they often experience traffic on weekends and during major holidays. (For instance, the northbound lanes on I-15 are often busy on Fridays, as many Californians drive to Las Vegas, Nevada, on weekends.)

Speed limits

In California, speed limits are typically 55 mph (89 km/h) on two-lane highways, 65 mph (105 km/m) on urban freeways, and 70 mph (112 km/h) on freeways showing signs with this maximum designated speed limit. Residential areas can enforce 25 mph (40 km/h) limits, especially in the most pedestrian-friendly urban neighborhoods. Always watch for posted signs, as limits can vary.

Road signs

US road signs follow international standards and are usually clear and well-placed. They’re primarily in English and use symbols for quick understanding. Speed limit signs are in miles per hour (mph). In California, look out for signs marking one-way only streets, bus-only lanes, shared bike lines, and designated school lanes, which may have time-based restrictions and speed limits.

Toll roads, express lanes, and pay-to-use bridges

Multiple agencies manage California's toll roads, and they can cover everything from high-traffic bridges in the Bay Area to freeway-adjacent express lanes in Orange and San Diego Counties. Major Northern California toll routes include the Golden Gate Bridge (US 101), the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge (I-80), and the I-680 express lanes in the East Bay. Meanwhile, major toll routes down south include SR 73, SR 241, and the I-405 and SR 91 express lanes in Orange County, and the I-15 express lanes in San Diego County. 

California’s toll roads accept several payment options, with FasTrak electronic transponders being the most widely accepted. Depending on the region, drivers without a transponder may be able to pay online by providing their license plate number in advance or within five days of driving. Wherever you begin your California trip, check with your rental car agency in advance to see if they provide a FasTrak transponder and ask about their toll road coverage policies.

Discover California by car

Renting a car in California opens up wide swaths of the state to explore. Beyond famous theme parks like Disneyland and Legoland, you can venture to quiet beaches, colourful deserts, and majestic mountains. From the Pacific Ocean to Lake Tahoe, and from Mount Shasta to Point Loma, California is made for road trips. A rental car lets you explore areas that buses and trains don’t reach.

When to Visit

California has many year-round destinations, but some areas are affected by seasonal conditions. In winter, Lake Tahoe’s ski resorts open for the season, and the combination of visitor traffic and snowy/icy roads can make for long drives on I-80. On the flip side, hot summer weather brings large crowds from Arizona and Nevada to the cooler beach cities in Orange and San Diego Counties.

For the best road trip weather, try the winter and spring months in Southern California, when you will run into fewer crowds. Up north, September and October usually bring the most pleasant weather in San Francisco, while February and March tend to be the best months for a Tahoe ski trip. Whenever you plan to hit the open road, make sure to pack water and sunscreen, and to check weather forecasts before leaving.

Languages & Communication

English is the primary language spoken in California, but the state is highly multicultural and home to diverse communities. As you explore, you’re likely to hear a wide range of languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. From theme parks to restaurants and hotels, California is well-equipped to welcome global visitors, with most signage and services available in English and staff often experienced in assisting non-English speakers.

Currency & Payments

California uses the U.S. Dollar (USD$). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, with contactless payments commonly used at gas stations, parking meters, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout cities and surrounding areas, making it easy to withdraw cash if needed.

Top driving routes from California cities

California really is the ideal state for road trips. Whether you aim to go surfing at the beach, seek out the best dim sum and birria tacos, or climb some mountains, these top driving routes highlight some of the best day trips and weekend getaways across the state:

• Mount Shasta – Not only is this one of California’s tallest volcanic peaks, but you will also find nearby gems like Castle Crags State Park, Lake Siskiyou, and the charming village of Dunsmuir.
• Northern California Wine Country (Napa and Sonoma Counties) – To the north of San Francisco lie the world-class wineries of the Napa Valley and Russian River Valley, along with the foodie heaven of Yountville, the fun forest town of Guerneville, the gorgeous beaches of Sonoma Coast State Park, and the increasingly chic city of Napa.
• Sacramento – The state capital might not seem like the most exciting destination at first, but it’s chock full of historic treasures in Old Town and funky urban neighborhoods east of the Capitol.
• Lake Tahoe – As North America’s largest alpine lake, Lake Tahoe has some of the American West’s most beautiful freshwater beaches at Emerald Bay (California) State Park and Sand Harbor State Park (on the Nevada side). And during winter, ski resorts like Northstar, Palisades, and Heavenly bring in ambitious skiers and snowboarders.
• San Francisco – Even if you're not planning to stay long in “the city,” San Francisco is absolutely worth spending some quality time exploring diverse neighborhoods like Chinatown, Japantown, and the Castro.
• Monterey Bay & Big Sur – To the south of San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the Monterey Bay region offers a mix of cool surfing beaches in Santa Cruz, a wealth of historic monuments in Monterey, and artsy sophistication in Carmel. Farther south, Big Sur may make the state’s best road trip, but check in advance for road conditions on SR 1 (Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH).
• Yosemite & Mammoth – To the east of Stockton and north of Fresno lie the most beloved icons of the Sierra Nevadas. During summer, Yosemite National Park is picture-perfect for giant sequoia forests and mighty mountains. And in winter, Mammoth Mountain offers the best alpine skiing within a day’s drive from Southern California. 
• Santa Barbara – As the closest major wine country region to Southern California, Santa Barbara County towns like Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Solvang are great for visiting wineries (with a designated driver) and enjoying great cuisine. And on the coast, Santa Barbara and Montecito offer scenic beaches and luxury resorts.
• Los Angeles – A vibrant hub of international culture, buzzy nightlife, celebrity glamour, and oceanfront beauty, LA is great for road trips. Try Malibu for lovely coastal scenery, and visit areas like West Hollywood, Downtown (or DTLA), and the San Gabriel Valley to experience some of the region’s rich diversity.
• Orange County – Located southeast of LA, tourists mostly drive down to OC to experience “The Happiest Place on Earth” at Disneyland. Yet beyond those magical gates, there’s plenty more to explore, from fascinating urban neighborhoods in Little Saigon and Downtown Santa Ana to gorgeous beaches in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach.
• Palm Springs & the Coachella Valley – Take I-10 east from Los Angeles and continue through the Inland Empire to reach the inviting desert communities of the Coachella Valley. Palm Springs is a fun, artsy, and very LGBTQ-friendly city, while Rancho Mirage and La Quinta have the region’s finest luxury resorts.
• San Diego – At the southwesternmost corner of the Golden State, you will find everything from family-friendly theme parks like Legoland California and SeaWorld San Diego, to lively city neighborhoods like Little Italy, Hillcrest, North Park, and Pacific Beach. In addition, you will also find some of Southern California’s best beaches in North County towns like Encinitas and Carlsbad.