San Jose car rentals
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Cheap car rentals in San Jose
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in San Jose
- Explore every nook and cranny of San Jose with the flexibility a hire car can provide. Whether it is a trip to the Alum Rock Park in the northeast of San Jose or the Levi Stadium, which is about 9 miles out of the city, a hire car can get you there in no time.
- There are various hire car options at San Jose International Airport, including Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, and Sixt. The Rental Car Center can be found at Terminal B and passengers landing at Terminal A are provided with a shuttle bus transporting them directly to the Rental Center.
- Californian cities in general are teeming with tourists during the summer season and traffic can be a challenge during peak times. Also, drivers have a reputation to not use the turn signals when changing lanes or making a turn, so always double-check and drive carefully. Always watch out for pedestrians, as crosswalks are sometimes not properly indicated, and San Jose is one of the cities with the highest pedestrian death rates, so it’s better to be safe.
- San Jose’s morning rush hour is at its worst between 7 and 8:30 AM, so it is advisable to avoid starting any trips during that time. Between 4:30 and 6:00 PM, when workers return to their homes, traffic increases significantly again, especially on the US-101. As San Jose is famous for its amazing weather, the summer season comes with tourists and therefore more congestion on the roads, so always plan at least 30 minutes ahead.
- Book your rental car in San Jose at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
San Jose car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about renting a car in San Jose
What type of car is recommended for driving in San Jose?
What type of car is recommended for driving in San Jose, CA?Which car to choose also depends on your plans during a trip to San Jose. To seize the innumerable opportunities for a road trip into nature or to surrounding cities, an SUV is a good choice, as it provides efficient traction and space. If cruising through the city and making most of the weather is part of the plan, a convertible is the optimal choice.
What’s the speed limit in San Jose?
The allowed speed is always signposted, but the general basic law for speed limits is 65 mph on highways, 25 mph in residential areas, and 15 mph in alleys. However, the state’s speed limit laws require drivers to adapt to the current conditions, i.e. when there is fog, children are close by, or heavy rain decreases road traction.
Where are the best places to park in San Jose?
There is a color scheme which lets drivers know where they can park in the city. If there is a green line, parking is allowed for a short amount of time (indicated on a sign). If there is no line at all, unrestricted parking is possible – however, note that it could be metered, so check the surrounding curb to find a meter machine. For longer parking, choose a public garage or parking lot like the Fourth Street Garage or Market and San Pedro Square Garage, which are about $20 per day.
How much is gas price in San Jose?
The average gas price in San Jose 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 San Jose?
Economy (Honda Fit or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in San Jose.
How can I find car rentals near me in San Jose?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does an Economy car rental cost in San Jose?
An Economy car rental in San Jose costs 143 ﷼ per day, on average.
San Jose 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.
Fox
6.3
Okay
Read 161 reviewsCleanliness
6.5
Comfort
6.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.4
Value for money
6.5
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Boulevard
+1 408 709 2950
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Reviews
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Luxury
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Intermediate
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2023
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
lillian, Sep 2023
Minivan
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2023
Compact SUV
Alamo
8.6
Very good
Read 27 reviewsCleanliness
8.9
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.4
Value for money
8.2
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 844 370 8303
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Tim, Oct 2024
Intermediate SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Compact SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Minivan
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Intermediate
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Carlos, Jan 2024
Premium SUV
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.1
Very good
Read 14 reviewsCleanliness
8.5
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.9
9 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1080 D Blossom Hill Rd
+1 408 979 8282
1485 Kerley Dr
+1 408 437 1001
1659 Airport Blvd Ste 5
+1 833 813 5264
2635 Cunningham Ave
+1 408 937 4988
282 Barack Obama Blvd
+1 408 286 4444
300 Almaden Blvd
+1 408 286 4444
3581 Stevens Creek Blvd
+1 408 246 6477
3591 Pearl Avenue
+1 408 448 2100
395 Curtner Ave
+1 408 280 2111
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Minivan
4.8 Mediocre
Sergio, Oct 2020
Cons:
We rented for a month an SUV in order to go from CA to FL. The internal electrical stopped working on our way there. When I called to alert the problem in California, they told me to go to the nearest airport enterprise location in FL. Here, their first answer was that I should take it to a Firestone store to get it checked. I called the nearest Firestone and they told me they couldn't touch the car being so new and low milage; it was the dealership's problem. I called enterprise again and they told me to take it to the nearest dealership. At the dealership they told me that they can't service a car brought in by the customer. With enough frustration built, and the original San Jose office shinning by their absence, I demanded a simple swap of the car but they made me call 4 different enterprise locations in FL looking for an SUV replacement. An assistant manager in Daytona finally managed to put us in a minivan, but all of this took 20 calls and 3 days of painful dodging by their representatives. I will definitely be dodging their service in their future. Not recommend.8.0 Very good
Carolyn, Sep 2020
Pros:
All good3.2 Poor
Aldo, Aug 2020
Pros:
Price did not show fees upon pickupCons:
Show all fees instead of catching your consumer off guard10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2020
Pros:
Staff was quick to help. Great car.Cons:
Nothing4.8 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jul 2020
Pros:
Friendly staff.Cons:
1. Someone picking up the phone (called two open locations, no answer, one said to leave a message). 2. Being given instructions for one-way drop off at airport at time of rental or at least posted in rental car drop off lot. I had to call Enterprise to find out what to do once I parked the car as there was no attendant (Medford, OR). 3. Receiving revised receipt. There "special" car was a huge, double-cab pick up truck. Basically, no trunk and this was an airport pick up. So, I upgraded to a Toyota Corolla. When I dropped off the car, I was told a receipt would automatically be emailed to me but I never received and had to contact customer report for a copy.Dollar
7.5
Good
Read 21 reviewsCleanliness
8.4
Comfort
8.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.6
3 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 408 999 6561
3076 Almaden Expwy
+1 408 265 6050
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Full-size SUV
6.0 Okay
Thomas, Apr 2021
Pros:
The car was clean and the price was very fair. However, see below...Cons:
I rented a certain class for not only the luxury comfort, but for the size. However, Dollar did not have the car I rented. They first tried to down grade me to a lower class, but larger car. I did not think this was fair so I did not agree. We went through the options and I explained, due to having two of my elder uncles with me and their need for a larger car, I needed something larger. Eventually a larger car was offered, but at a much higher rate. Again, I did not agree as a car in my category should have been available to me. Eventually I was offered another luxury vehicle (supposedly in the same class), but much smaller and the entire weekend we had difficulty getting my uncles in and out of it. Due to the inability to have a car ready for me in the class I rented I would have preferred the “upgrade” to an adequate car but the agent would not agree without additional payment to which I did not think was fair.10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2020
Pros:
Staff very friendly and helpfulCons:
Should be more proactive in looking for damages during inspection10.0 Wonderful
Ernesto, Feb 2020
Pros:
Friendly service4.4 Mediocre
Christopher, Dec 2019
Cons:
I prepaid and Dollar upsold my poor mother. Never again will I use kayak for car rentals.2.0 Poor
Rui, Jul 2023
Standard SUV
Sixt
7.3
Good
Read 25 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.2
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 888 749 8227
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Fabian, May 2024
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Standard SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2022
4.0 Mediocre
sharrin, Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Jim, Aug 2022
Thrifty
7.2
Good
Read 19 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
7.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.1
Value for money
6.9
3 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 408 999 6561
3076 Almaden Expwy
+1 408 265 6050
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Compact SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Compact
4.4 Mediocre
Anonymous, Nov 2020
Pros:
Pick up has been painful. Drop off was cumbersome. Still awaiting my final receipts.7.2 Good
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Pros:
Straightforward process. Car feels cleanCons:
The hood of the car open but there was no indication of it on the car. Found out when it started moving on the freeway. This put my life in danger. Staff should have made sure that the hood was close and the car should have warned the driver that the hood is open.6.4 Okay
Mike, Sep 2020
Pros:
The staff were very friendly at pick up and drop off and the car was clean. It had a few scratches, but nothing too bad. Fuel economy was better than expected.Cons:
The price was significantly better than other companies for the same type of car and it would have rated a higher score on value for money if it were not for the fact that the car needed some TLC. The engine sounded rough under load (like it was knocking), it needed oil (which I added) and the convertible top had trouble locking properly when it was lowered. I noticed later that the key had a sticker on it that said "check engine", but it seems that was not done.9.2 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2020
Pros:
Staff was very helpful and friendly at SJCCons:
Car wasn't in spot marked on envelope. Had to look around for a few minutes to find it.5 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1350 N 1st Street
+1 669 223 1570
1659 Airport Boulevard Ste 2
+1 408 993 2224
2180 Tully Road
+1 408 809 0502
2200 Eastridge Loop Ste 1104
+1 669 255 4088
3680 Stevens Creek Blvd, Ste B
+1 669 223 0424
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jan, Nov 2024
Intermediate
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2023
Economy
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Apr 2021
Pros:
Staff was inept and inexperienced to handle a simple situation. We liked the car model.Cons:
The car was not cleaned at all. Surprising they rented out without cleaning and sanitizing in COVID times. After bringing this issue to the agent, he said he could not help it. I was mad but had no option but to take it. Myself and two of my family members cleaned the car inside out for two hours before starting the trip. Horrible experience. Won’t rent from Avis again.10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Aug 2020
Pros:
professional staff. very efficient checkin and return process. nice car in good shape and very clean. everything that I could ask for worked very well6.4 Okay
Anonymous, Jul 2020
Cons:
The car needs a good wash10 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1040 The Alameda
+1 408 998 8207
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 408 938 6000
170 S. Market Street
+1 408 286 6201
2487 Alum Rock
+1 408 929 0995
3076 Almaden Expwy
+1 408 265 6050
3565 Stevens Creek Blvd
+1 408 260 9476
3565 Stevens Creek Blvd
+1 408 260 9476
5645 Cottle Rd
+1 408 578 4021
575 W San Carlos St
+1 408 998 8207
725 Ridder Park Drive#95
+1 408 437 6250
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Reviews
8.0 Very good
Michelle, May 2024
Supplier choice
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Premium SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Intermediate
2.0 Poor
Cliff, Nov 2022
2.0 Poor
Ashley, Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2022
5 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1350 N 1st Street
+1 669 223 1795
1659 Airport Boulevard, Ste 3
+1 408 286 7850
2180 Tully Road
+1 408 809 0512
2200 Eastridge Loop Ste 1104
+1 669 255 4102
3680 Stevens Creek Blvd, Ste B
+1 669 244 4335
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Minivan
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Luxury
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Supplier choice
2.0 Poor
Jared, Jun 2024
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Open air all terrain
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Intermediate SUV
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd Ste 8
+1 844 370 8304
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2022
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 408 724 4400
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Sep 2024
Compact
10.0 Wonderful
janet, Apr 2021
Pros:
Staff was excellent at pick up and drop offCons:
Had difficulty finding the actual registration desk. Confusing multiple floors/signing. Didn’t know Payless was also Avis.10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Pros:
The staff was helpful. When I picked up the car, it had a half tank of gas. They told me to return it with the same amount, which I did. But when I got there, they charged me for the remainder for a full tank. I went to the desk and the agent there and guy who checked it out a few days before to me were very helpful and corrected it (refunded the difference).6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Pros:
Clean car, employees at counter very politeCons:
For starters I thought I was renting car with kayak not with other party that I never heard of it. On paper it says I got car at 5:36 but reality was that car was no ready and got it at 5:59p not a problem understandable even if it delay me am put me to more traffic time but for them is not ok for us to turn late, I got there at 8;07p and seems I was charge another. My point is we don’t get discount for pick up late but get fully charged for being late “very fair”2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2020
Pros:
I can't cancel8.4 Very good
Anonymous, Aug 2020
Cons:
The signs at the airport were poor. Luckily a security guard arrived and directed me to the 4th floor. I rented from Payless, a sign at their counter directed me to Budget and, in the end I got the car keys from Avis. Car was small, as ordered, so the comfort wasn't excellent, but as expected. The onboard computer and controls, in the Nissan Versa, are hard to understand and reset. I never trusted the distance-to-empty indicator/estimate and when driving almost 2,000 miles that is important. Had two cellphones connected, one for calls and one for audio. The incoming calls always kept going to voice mail after pausing the audio. Overall excellent, but quirky. Recommend2 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
765 Coleman Ave
1-408-573-7111
788 North King Road
+1 213 784 8585
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2020
Cons:
Good overall2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2020
Cons:
Incorrect pick up address and contact information, no one there to assistOne location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
Please Go To Fox Counter
+1 408 709 2950
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2024
Intermediate
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
561 West Hedding St.
+1 866 932 0060
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
Filters
No reviews available
3 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd
+1 800 940 9332
1701 Airport Blvd
+1 800 940 9332
561 W Hedding Street
+1 800 940 9332
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
788 North King Road
+1 213 784 8585
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No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
Filters
No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
San Jose airport
+1 844 742 5870
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No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1659 Airport Blvd Car Rental Center San Jose Ca
+1 408 709 2950
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No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
1701 Airport Blvd, San Jose, CA
+1 415 370 8478
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No reviews available
One location in San Jose
Locations in San Jose
San Jose Airport
+1 408 709 2950
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No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near San Jose
Good to know
Most popular car type | Economy |
|---|
When to book a rental car in San Jose
Everything you need to know for your car rental in San Jose
San Jose car rental information
| Pick-up location | San Jose |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Rental locations | 59 |
| Airport locations | 29 |