Monterey car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in Monterey
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Monterey
- One of the wonderful aspects of visiting Monterey, California, is the beautiful scenery you get to enjoy while driving up and down the coast. If you are trying to decide whether to rent a car in Monterey, consider what you could miss if you don’t. Many of the popular sites and areas surrounding the city are much more available when you rent a car. Coastal drives, beaches, and tourist attractions can all be reached on your own schedule without having to rely on the fixed schedules of public transportation. Car rentals in Monterey can help you visit sites like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and the San Carlos Beach.
- As you descend to the first floor of the Monterey Regional Airport, you will find the counters for car rental companies next to the baggage claim. These are conveniently located so visitors can pick up their bags and go straight to the counter of the rental company to check in. The Monterey Regional Airport houses major rental car companies like Avis, Enterprise, Alamo, and Hertz. The rental car lots are situated close to the terminal for easy loading and departure.
- Visitors interested in Monterey car rentals should be aware that the city follows regular rush hour times. This means that during the hours of 6:30am to 9:30am and 4:30pm to 7:30pm, the roadways are typically quite congested. You will find busy roads around the beaches and along the coast. Del Monte Avenue, in particular, can get congested during rush hour times. Also, travelers should be aware of Highway 1. This famous coastal drive can be dangerous due to narrow roads and frequent stops by travelers to take pictures.
- Monterey has pleasant weather all year round. If you experience a rain shower by chance, you should be careful to drive safely and slowly. Visitors should also watch out for added congestion on roads during the summer months due to the tourist season. While Monterey has an abundance of beautiful vistas and picture-worthy scenes, drivers should be careful not to disrupt traffic by stopping unexpectedly or pulling off to the side of the road without warning.
- Book your rental car in Monterey at least 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Intermediate rental cars in Monterey are around 5% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Monterey
What type of car is recommended for driving in Monterey?
Trying to decide what type of car to get from car rentals in Monterey can be tricky. Smaller groups can be better served with a more compact vehicle. Some of the scenic drives have narrow, winding two-lane roads, which can be handled well by a sedan. These cars typically have good gas mileage and are handy during high-traffic times.
What’s the speed limit in Monterey?
While in residential and other highly trafficked areas in the city, the speed limits will range from 20 to 40mph. However, as drivers venture out onto the faster speedways, interstates, and highways, the speed limit can range from around 55mph to 75mph. School zones and parks will have the lowest speed limits and drivers should be exceptionally vigilant in these populated areas due to an abundance of foot traffic.
Where are the best places to park in Monterey?
Monterey has over 30 parking garages. Visitors should expect to pay between approximately $1.75 and $2.25 an hour. Most garages have day passes for about $15 a day. Most beaches and other public destinations have parking nearby. The Cannery Row Parking Garage boasts over 1,000 spaces, making it likely that you’ll find a spot here. These parking facilities are scattered throughout the city for the convenience of locals and tourists. It may be worthwhile to check the size of the parking garage you plan to use as smaller garages will have limited availability.
How much is gas price in Monterey?
The average gas price in Monterey is 12.77 ﷼ per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between 153 ﷼ and 204 ﷼, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Monterey?
Intermediate (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Monterey.
How can I find car rentals near me in Monterey?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Monterey?
An Intermediate car rental in Monterey costs 289 ﷼ per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Monterey?
A Standard car rental in Monterey costs 352 ﷼ per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Monterey?
A Mini car rental in Monterey costs 419 ﷼ per day, on average.
Monterey car rental reviews and directory All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Budget
7.9
Good
Read 17 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
7.6
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
200 Fred Kane Drive, Suite 105
+1 831 373 1899
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Reviews
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
The person at the counter was super friendly, getting the car was easy.Cons:
The car smelled like cigarettes.10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
I went through Kayak and ended with Priceline I wanted to change my itinerary and called Priceline who asked me to call Kayak that has no phone connection.Cons:
Book directly through Budget10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
Easy process and great staff6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Apr 2021
Pros:
No, I tried to call their office various times the day before, and they put me on hold for a long time twice, then just hung up the 3rd try. After that it just went to corporate.Cons:
The young man I encountered upon arrival was very brusque. Whipped thru the paperwork, and when I asked to confirm the quoted price, he said a price of $40 more. I asked why and he said it was because I was picking it up early (less than an hour difference, the flight was a bit early). He re-did it all to reflect the price I was quoted. Never had anything like that happen before.2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Pros:
Nothing! Didn’t even rent the vehicle!Cons:
No where in the rental agreement did it say there would be a rental car deposit?!! Therefore I was not prepared with a credit card that could hold that amount of money!! Very disappointed!!National
9.1
Wonderful
Cleanliness
10.0
Comfort
9.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.1
Value for money
8.5
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
200 Fred Kane Dr Ste 108
+1 844 370 1083
Filters
No reviews available
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.4
Very good
Read 1 reviewCleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.2
Value for money
7.7
2 locations in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
1178 Del Monte Ave
+1 831 649 6300
200 Fred Kane Dr
+1 831 242 2020
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
EBD, Jul 2020
Pros:
Staff was super friendly and helpful. Little to no wait on the pick up. Quick Drop off and immediate shuttle service to terminal.Avis
8.2
Very good
Read 3 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.7
Value for money
7.7
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
200 Fred Kane Drive Suite 106
+1 831 647 7140
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Supplier choice
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2021
Pros:
It was the fastest, easiest checkin at the counter I've ever experienced.Hertz
7.7
Good
Read 14 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.3
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
200 Fred Kane Ste 104
+1 831 373 3318
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Supplier choice
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2021
Pros:
Yes2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2020
Cons:
Rental was for 08:00 am, but the car was not ready until 09:00. Was told they do not have the staff and he could not tell me when the car would be ready. Once the car was delivered, still had trash in the back from prior rental.8.0 Very good
Natalie, Oct 2020
Pros:
The staff was great, the service was excellent - easy pick up and drop-off (and the woman staffing the desk remembered me three days later!). I found the entire experience to be easy and understandable (where to go, what to do, etc.) from beginning to end.Cons:
The car wasn't all that great. It was safe, it was functional, and it was most definitely clean. However, I would have preferred something a little more comfortable and modern, even at my small-car/low-level need.9.2 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2020
Pros:
easy pick-up and drop-offCons:
cost was a bit high for the duration and distance I drove10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2020
Pros:
Yes very friendly and helpful.Alamo
7.5
Good
Read 3 reviewsCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
7.3
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
200 Fred Kane Dr Ste 108
+1 844 370 1084
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Melika, Feb 2024
Pickup truck
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Jan 2023
Compact
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Nov 2021
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
200 Fred Kane Dr Ste 108, Monterey, , USA California
+1 914 368 0091
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Monterey
Good to know
Most popular car type | Intermediate |
|---|
When to book a rental car in Monterey
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Monterey
Monterey car rental information
| Pick-up location | Monterey |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Rental locations | 9 |
| Airport locations | 8 |