Irvine Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Irvine

Renting a car in Irvine, California, offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed, making it a convenient option for families, business travellers, and those seeking a city-themed experience. Key attractions within Irvine, such as the Orange County Great Park, Bren Events Center, and Tanaka Farms, are all accessible with ease. Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations like Newport Beach, located 14 km away, where you can enjoy the scenic piers and beaches. Santa Ana, just 10 km from Irvine, features cultural sites like the Bowers Museum and Disneyland® Resort, while Costa Mesa, 12 km away, offers attractions like the Orange County Fair and Events Center. Having a rental car allows you to explore these popular spots without the limitations of public transportation, enhancing your overall sightseeing experience in and around Irvine.

Most popular car rentals in Irvine

• Economy: The Economy car is a popular choice for both solo travellers and small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers and up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for those who value fuel efficiency and ease of parking while exploring Irvine. With its compact size, it offers the flexibility needed for navigating city streets and allows for hassle-free luggage management during your travels.
• Compact: The Compact car type is another highly booked option that comfortably seats up to 5 travellers and accommodates up to 3 medium suitcases. This versatile choice is perfect for couples or families looking for a balance of space and efficiency. The Compact car provides a bit more room than the Economy option, making it suitable for longer trips around Irvine while still being easy to handle in urban settings.
• Midsize: The Midsize car is ideal for couples and families who require more space, as it accommodates up to 5 travellers and up to 3 large suitcases. This option is especially convenient for those travelling with a bit more luggage, ensuring that everyone can travel comfortably without feeling cramped. With the Midsize car, you can enjoy a more spacious interior while still being able to navigate the beautiful roads of Irvine effortlessly.

Top rated car suppliers in Irvine

• Greenmotion: With a rental location conveniently situated in Irvine, Greenmotion is a popular choice among travellers seeking flexibility. Most booked cars with this supplier are Economy and Midsize vehicles, making it ideal for those looking for economical options to explore the area at their own pace.
• U-Save Car Rental: Also featuring a rental location in Irvine, U-Save Car Rental stands out for its selection of Fullsize and Compact cars, catering to a variety of needs. Whether you're travelling solo or with family, this supplier offers reliable vehicles that make managing your luggage and itinerary a breeze.
• Hertz: Hertz, with its rental location in Irvine, is another top choice for car rentals. Known for its Midsize and Compact cars, Hertz provides a range of options that balance comfort and efficiency. This supplier is well-suited for travellers looking to navigate the attractions in and around Irvine seamlessly.

Where to stay around Irvine

• Newport Beach: Located 14 km from Irvine, Newport Beach offers a family-friendly, outdoor, and city-themed experience. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Newport Beach Pier and Crystal Cove Beach. For shopping enthusiasts, there are shopping centres and malls nearby, along with various food and drink options, including restaurants and wineries. The beach atmosphere combined with the theme park nearby makes it a great spot for a holiday.
• Santa Ana: Situated 10 km from Irvine, Santa Ana is ideal for families and those seeking entertainment. Key attractions include the Disneyland® Resort, Bowers Museum, and the historic Old Orange County Courthouse. The area features shopping centres and arts venues, ensuring plenty of activities to enjoy. With various dining options and wineries close at hand, Santa Ana provides a vibrant urban experience.
• Costa Mesa: Just 12 km away from Irvine, Costa Mesa is perfect for families and business travellers alike. The Orange County Fair and Events Center hosts a range of events, while the nearby Orange County Museum of Art offers cultural insights. Shopping centres and restaurants abound, providing ample options for dining and leisure. With its proximity to the beach, Costa Mesa combines urban life with coastal charm.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Irvine

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary with demand, making it wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to lock in lower prices and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to manoeuvre in crowded urban areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This policy can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid extra fees. This is often the most advantageous option. Other policies may allow for full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can also be convenient; just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but this may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses and offers peace of mind if unforeseen issues arise during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Irvine

The best time to rent a car in and around Irvine is February, as it offers the best value with slightly low prices and moderately high demand. Following this, June tends to present a good option with slightly low prices and moderate demand. In contrast, March is typically the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and average demand. Additionally, April sees slightly high prices while demand drops to moderately low levels, making it a transitional period before the busier months ahead.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	57.7°F (14.3°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	57.6°F (14.2°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	61.9°F (16.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
May	64.2°F (17.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
June	68.4°F (20.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
July	72.7°F (22.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
August	74.1°F (23.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
September	73.6°F (23.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	69.3°F (20.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Average
November	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
December	57.6°F (14.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average