Stanford University Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental around Stanford University

Renting a car around Stanford University offers you the freedom to explore at your own pace while managing your luggage and travel plans with ease. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for tourists and business travellers alike. With a rental car, you can conveniently visit attractions such as the Computer History Museum, located only 8 km away, or head to the thrilling California's Great America amusement park, which is 18 km from Stanford. Culture enthusiasts can explore the Winchester Mystery House, situated 23 km away, for a unique historical experience. Additionally, having a car allows you to discover nearby cities like Sunnyvale, just 14 km away, where you can enjoy Historic Murphy Avenue. In Palo Alto, where Stanford University is located, you can visit the Palo Alto Art Center and Baylands Nature Preserve. The neighbourhood of Stanford itself features the iconic Hoover Tower and the Stanford University Arboretum. Overall, renting a car enhances your travel experience, providing the convenience to explore diverse attractions and destinations around Stanford University effortlessly.

Most popular car rentals near Stanford University

• Midsize SUV: This versatile vehicle accommodates 5 travellers and has space for up to 3 large suitcases. It's an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore the attractions around Stanford University while enjoying the comfort and flexibility that an SUV provides.
• Fullsize: Offering room for 5 travellers and accommodating up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize vehicle is perfect for families and groups. This option allows for plenty of luggage space, making it convenient for those planning longer stays or carrying additional gear during their trip around Stanford University.
• Standard SUV: This option comfortably fits 5 travellers and can hold up to 2 medium suitcases. The standard SUV is ideal for couples, families, or groups who seek a spacious and comfortable ride while exploring the local area around Stanford University. Its design offers both practicality and a smooth driving experience.

Top rated car suppliers near Stanford University

• Hertz: Hertz is a top choice for car rentals near Stanford University, featuring 3 rental locations, with the nearest just 1 km away. This convenience makes it easy for travellers to pick up their vehicles quickly. Hertz's most popular bookings include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, providing a good balance of space and comfort for exploring the local area at your leisure. Many customers appreciate the reliability and variety of vehicles offered by Hertz, making it a solid option for your trip.
• Budget: Budget offers a great rental option with a location situated 5 km from Stanford University. Known for competitive pricing, Budget caters to a wide range of travellers with their most booked vehicles, including Midsize and Economy cars. This can be particularly beneficial for those looking to save on rental costs while still enjoying the flexibility of having a car. Budget provides a straightforward rental experience, making it a popular choice among visitors to the area.
• Avis: Avis is another reputable car rental supplier located 5 km from Stanford University. They are well-regarded for their selection of Midsize and Compact vehicles, ideal for navigating both urban and rural settings. Avis is known for its efficient service and commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a reliable choice for those who value convenience and a smooth rental process. With Avis, you can explore the beautiful surroundings of Stanford University with ease.

Where to stay near Stanford University

• Palo Alto: Staying in Palo Alto places you right at the heart of Stanford University. This city is perfect for those seeking a culture-themed experience, with highlights such as the Palo Alto Art Center and Stanford Memorial Church for art and history enthusiasts. Families can enjoy the Baylands Nature Preserve, a great spot for outdoor activities. The proximity to shopping centres adds convenience to your stay, making it a well-rounded choice for visitors.
• Menlo Park: Located only 3 km from Stanford University, Menlo Park offers a blend of cultural and family-friendly experiences. Visit Bedwell Bayfront Park for some outdoor fun, or explore the United States Geological Survey for an educational outing. The city has a variety of dining options, including wineries and restaurants, ensuring you have access to delightful meals during your stay.
• Sunnyvale: Approximately 14 km from Stanford University, Sunnyvale provides a family-oriented and business-themed atmosphere. This vibrant city features attractions like California's Great America, ideal for outdoor fun, and Historic Murphy Avenue, perfect for exploring local shops and dining options. With a range of nearby activities, including amusement parks and sports facilities, Sunnyvale makes for a versatile accommodation choice.

10 tips to save on your car rental around Stanford University

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search according to vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're likely to obtain lower rates and benefit from better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might justify the cost.
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 unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car around Stanford University

The best time to rent a car around Stanford University is September, when prices are at their lowest and demand is slightly low. August and October also offer good value, with slightly low prices and moderate demand. However, May tends to be the most expensive month, with higher prices and moderate demand. April usually sees the highest demand, leading to increased rental costs. June through July generally maintain average prices and demand, while the months of November and December present moderately high demand and prices as well.

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