Palo Alto Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Palo Alto

Renting a car in Palo Alto offers an excellent opportunity to explore the area with freedom and flexibility. With a vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Palo Alto Art Center and Stanford Memorial Church, both ideal for culture-themed experiences. The convenience of managing your luggage ensures that you can enjoy your travels without the hassle of public transport schedules. A rental car also allows you to venture beyond Palo Alto. For instance, Sunnyvale, located 12 km away, features Historic Murphy Avenue and California's Great America. You can also explore nearby destinations like Stanford, where you can visit Hoover Tower and the Stanford University Arboretum, or East Palo Alto, which includes attractions like the Santa Clara Convention Center. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for families, business travellers, or those seeking cultural experiences. Whether you're planning a family outing or a business trip, having a rental car means you can create your own itinerary and travel at your own pace, making your visit to Palo Alto enjoyable and stress-free.

Most popular car rentals in Palo Alto

• Midsize SUV: This car option is a popular choice for travellers in Palo Alto, comfortably accommodating 5 passengers along with up to 3 large suitcases. The Midsize SUV is ideal for families, couples, or small groups, providing ample space for both people and luggage, making it a great fit for your explorations around the area.
• Standard SUV: Perfectly suited for 5 travellers, the Standard SUV can carry up to 2 medium suitcases. This option is great for couples, families, or groups looking for a balance between space and fuel efficiency. It offers flexibility and comfort, allowing you to navigate the attractions of Palo Alto with ease.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize vehicle accommodates 5 travellers with the capacity to hold up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an excellent option for families and groups who need extra room for their belongings. With its generous storage space, the Fullsize offers convenience and comfort for your journey in and around Palo Alto.

Top rated car suppliers in Palo Alto

• Hertz: With 3 rental locations conveniently situated in the Palo Alto area, Hertz is a top choice for many travellers. Known for their reliable service, the most booked vehicles with Hertz are Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, making it an excellent option for those needing space and comfort. Renting from Hertz allows you to explore Palo Alto and its surroundings with ease and flexibility, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.
• Budget: Budget operates 1 rental location in Palo Alto, providing travellers with affordable options to suit their needs. The most popular vehicles rented from Budget are Midsize and Economy cars, perfect for those looking to save on fuel costs while enjoying the freedom of a rental. With Budget, you can enjoy a cost-effective solution for your car rental needs while exploring the beautiful sights of Palo Alto.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental has 1 rental location in Palo Alto, making it a convenient choice for visitors. The most sought-after vehicle from Thrifty is the Compact car, which is ideal for navigating the city and finding parking easily. With Thrifty, you can enjoy a hassle-free rental experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip around Palo Alto and the surrounding areas.

Where to stay around Palo Alto

• Sunnyvale: Located 12 km from Palo Alto, Sunnyvale offers a family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor activities and business-themed experiences. Visitors can explore attractions like the historic Murphy Avenue, California's Great America amusement park, and the intriguing Winchester Mystery House. The area also features shopping malls and a variety of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, making it an appealing stay for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
• Menlo Park: Just 4 km away from Palo Alto, Menlo Park is ideal for those interested in culture and family activities. The area boasts attractions like Bedwell Bayfront Park for outdoor enjoyment, the United States Geological Survey library for cultural insights, and access to shopping centres. With numerous restaurants and wineries nearby, visitors can enjoy a well-rounded experience that combines leisure and learning.
• Mountain View: Situated 8 km from Palo Alto, Mountain View is perfect for families and culture enthusiasts. The city features the Computer History Museum for a unique cultural experience and California's Great America amusement park for family fun. The area also offers vibrant shopping malls and a selection of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local culinary scene while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Palo Alto

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, use the filters on Expedia to help you discover the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often allows you to access lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically cost less to rent and are easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a balanced option between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before finalising your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also be suitable. Just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but this may be worth it for the convenience it provides.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and offers peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is a straightforward process when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you have plans for long road trips, look for rentals that include unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Palo Alto

The best time to rent a car in and around Palo Alto is September, which offers the best value with lower prices and moderately high demand. August also presents a good option, as prices remain slightly low with steady demand. Conversely, May is the most expensive month, often accompanied by moderately low demand, making it less ideal for budget-conscious renters. April tends to be the busiest month, featuring higher demand and slightly low prices, while October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	53.1°F (11.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
April	57.4°F (14.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
May	60.6°F (15.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High
June	66.2°F (19.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
August	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
September	69.4°F (20.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
October	65.5°F (18.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
November	57.7°F (14.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average