Car hire in Berkeley, United States

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There are 12 car hire providers in Berkeley. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Berkeley

Hiring a car in Berkeley: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyThrifty
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceRs23,897
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Berkeley

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Berkeley car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Berkeley

  • Pick up a cheap rental car in Berkeley and be on your way for around Rs23,897 a day. From solo rides to family outings, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.

  • Daily rental prices in Berkeley start from just Rs14,821.

  • For longer trips, book a weekly rental from Rs56,981 and pack more sights into your itinerary.

  • Snap up the best price on a Berkeley car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the best value with the most choice.

  • Check out the offers available with Hertz, Enterprise and Budget. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Berkeley car hire policy, whether with Hertz or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.

  • Go wherever the road takes you by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you like without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

  • The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at Rs20,135 a day.

  • Not far behind, this provider offers daily rates of around Rs23,297.

  • The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly Rs21,298 a day with this supplier.

  • The Compact rental category is a dependable choice if you can't decide what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's rented the most in Berkeley.

Compare car hire types in Berkeley

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Berkeley is all about getting you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.

  • Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this Berkeley car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic backroads alike.

  • Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Berkeley effortlessly handles larger loads and group travel. They're spacious, versatile, and built to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Choosing excess insurance for your Berkeley car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so give them a quick comparison.

  • Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. These add-ons can make your journey easier and more relaxed when you rent a car in Berkeley.

Good to know

  • Usually, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Being younger isn't always a deal-breaker — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.

  • If you're going away with the kids, check if you need to add a car seat to your Berkeley car hire booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

  • You'll be asked for some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will tell you exactly what you need.

  • Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And remember to stay on the right side of the road in the United States.

  • Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.

  • Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother trip. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and excursions. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's possible, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't possible.

  • English is the language most commonly spoken throughout this country.

Best hotels in Berkeley for drivers

  • Offering valet parking, Kissel Uptown Oakland, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is around 6 kilometres from central Berkeley and also comes with Wi-Fi and a bar.

  • Alternatively, make use of the accessible parking at Terrace Inn and Suites. The city centre is roughly 6 kilometres from this stay, which also features internet access and Wi-Fi.

  • Browse the lineup of hotels in Berkeley for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find exactly what you're after. You can even use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Berkeley and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) and Berkeley Municipal Rose Garden are classics for any first-time visitor.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Berkeley

  • Around 72 kilometres southeast of central Berkeley, San Jose should be on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Japantown (San Jose) and Winchester Mystery House.

  • They've perfected the guest experience at Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport and Alura Inn, two accommodation options with parking in San Jose.

  • Or pick up your cheap car hire in Berkeley and drive about 16 kilometres southwest to San Francisco. Featuring Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square, its attractions speak for themselves.

  • BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Hotel G San Francisco are comfy places to stay in San Francisco if you're sticking around for a bit. Choose one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.

  • There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Cruise on over to Reno, around 290 kilometres northeast of Berkeley. From Bicentennial Sculpture Park to Truckee River Whitewater Park, it's the perfect finale to your trip.

  • All that's left to do now is sleep. Circus Circus Reno Hotel & Casino and Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Reno.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Berkeley will set you back around Rs23,897 per day or Rs73,978 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Berkeley is an intermediate SUV. The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Berkeley are currently Budget and Thrifty.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Berkeley is currently August.
On average, around Rs73,978. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Berkeley is Rs56,981.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Berkeley for a whole month is Rs377,252. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Berkeley, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Berkeley that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Berkeley.
Most places – Berkeley included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs14,821 per day. The average price per day is around Rs20,022.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Thrifty, Hertz and National offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Thrifty as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Berkeley.