Car hire in Palo Alto, United States

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Palo Alto

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Palo Alto car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Palo Alto pick-up location

There are 12 car hire locations in Palo Alto. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Palo Alto

Hiring a car in Palo Alto: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyAvis
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, SUV
Average daily priceRs25,567
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Palo Alto

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 Palo Alto car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Palo Alto

  • Looking for a cheap rental car in Palo Alto? With an average price of Rs25,567 a day, big savings are just around the corner. Whether you're after a compact ride, a roomy SUV, or something else entirely, we round up all the top deals to help you spend less.

  • Kick high costs to the curb by reserving your wheels in April. With average daily rates of Rs10,446, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in Palo Alto.

  • Book early to reserve a cheap rental car in Palo Alto. Along with better prices, you can actually get the car you wanted, not just what's left.

  • Hertz, Budget and Avis are popular providers offering car hire deals in Palo Alto.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Palo Alto car hire policy, whether you go with Hertz or any other supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.

  • Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in Palo Alto. Providers often need to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can lock in some fantastic one-way prices.

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Palo Alto with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.

  • Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you explore further.

Compare car hire types in Palo Alto

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or just planning a quick trip, a cheap rental car in Palo Alto from this category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to good fuel efficiency and easy handling.

  • Medium: A solid choice when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Offering greater driving comfort and advanced tech features, this Palo Alto car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

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

  • Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Palo Alto makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're tough, versatile, and ready to take on any task.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Palo Alto car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make every mile feel easier. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Palo Alto.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may offer rentals to younger drivers for a higher fee, so always go over the policies before finalizing your ride.

  • If the kids are coming with you, see if you need to add a car seat to your Palo Alto car hire booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Palo Alto

  • Don't leave town without ticking off some of the city's top attractions, like Birthplace of Silicon Valley and Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve. Lock in a car hire deal in Palo Alto and then start sketching out your sightseeing hit list.

  • If you're after somewhere to stay in Palo Alto while you take in the sights, consider Grand Hotel or Motel 6 Sunnyvale, CA - South.

  • Around 26 kilometres south-east of central Palo Alto, San Jose easily earns a place on your itinerary. Make a beeline for can't-miss sights like Japantown (San Jose) and Winchester Mystery House.

  • They know how to treat guests at Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport and Alura Inn, two accommodation options in San Jose.

  • Add San Francisco to your trip lineup. Grab your cheap car hire in Palo Alto and drive roughly 48 kilometres north-west to explore main draws such as Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square.

  • Relax after a day of exploring San Francisco at BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham. Or trade the open road for a quiet stay at Hotel G San Francisco.

  • Not done driving yet? Modesto is a fun road trip destination that's around 105 kilometres east of Palo Alto. Consider making a few pit stops at John Muir Park and Modesto Art Museum.

  • The only thing left to do now is hit the pillow. DoubleTree by Hilton Modesto and Days Inn by Wyndham Modesto are ready with a room in Modesto.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Palo Alto will set you back around Rs25,567 per day or Rs87,652 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Palo Alto is an intermediate van or truck. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, SUV.
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 Palo Alto is currently April.
On average, around Rs87,652. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Palo Alto is Rs61,287.
If you're looking for freedom to explore Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto.
Most places – Palo Alto 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 Rs11,534 per day. The average price per day is around Rs20,669.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Avis, Fox - Rent A Car and Enterprise offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Yes – van hire is available in Palo Alto.