Car hire in Alameda, United States

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There are 26 car hire providers in Alameda. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Alameda

Hiring a car in Alameda: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyFox - Rent A Car
Most popular carPremium/Luxury, 4-5 doors
Average daily price$150
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Alameda

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 Alameda car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Alameda

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Alameda? With prices averaging $150 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're after a go-anywhere compact, a family sedan, or something else entirely, we round up all the top deals to make booking easy.

  • $85 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Alameda.

  • For longer trips, book a weekly rental from $602 and pack more sights into your itinerary.

  • Book early to snap up the best price for a Alameda car hire. Besides saving money, you'll have a wider range of options to pick from.

  • Line up your ride with Dollar, one of the city's most trusted providers.

  • Whether you book with Dollar or another supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your Alameda car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.

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

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

  • Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average $180 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around $174, this provider comes in next.

  • The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly $171 a day with this supplier.

  • If you're not quite sure which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Premium rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of vehicle in Alameda.

Compare car hire types in Alameda

  • Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or taking a short trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent mileage.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, fuel efficiency and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this Alameda car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: Featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Alameda handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're spacious, functional, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If your vehicle is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different Alameda car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Alameda.

Good to know

  • To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may rent vehicles to younger drivers for an additional fee, so always check the policies before confirming your booking.

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

  • Bring the right documents and save time at pick-up. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If extra requirements apply, your booking will list them.

  • If you've never driven in the United States, remember that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.

  • Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.

  • In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a couple of drinks, get someone else to do the driving or use public transport instead.

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

  • You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. Along with your bank cards, have some cash on hand for smaller purchases.

  • English is the language used most widely across the country.

Best hotels in Alameda for drivers

  • Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time relaxing at Motel 6-Oakland, CA - Embarcadero. Around 2 kilometres from central Alameda, it comes with parking, internet access and air conditioning.

  • Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Kissel Uptown Oakland, in the Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The city centre is roughly 6 kilometres from this stay, which also features a cash machine and air conditioning.

  • Browse the selection of hotels in Alameda for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Alameda and the right hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. USS Hornet Museum, Pacific Pinball Museum and Harbour Bay Trail are a classic introduction to the city.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Alameda

  • Around 56 kilometres southeast of central Alameda, San Jose should feature on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Japantown (San Jose) and Winchester Mystery House.

  • Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport and Alura Inn are popular accommodation options with parking in San Jose.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Alameda and then head out to San Francisco. Around 16 kilometres west of Alameda, Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square are among the highlights that make the drive worthwhile.

  • San Francisco has some good places to stay including BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Hotel G San Francisco. Both are convenient choices for guests with cars.

  • Keep the wheels turning and road-trip it to Reno, around 290 kilometres northeast of Alameda. Kick things off at Bicentennial Sculpture Park, then follow it up with Truckee River Whitewater Park.

  • Browse the room options at Circus Circus Reno Hotel & Casino or Eldorado Resort Casino at THE ROW. Make one your base for exploring everything Reno has to offer. They also come with a place to park.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Alameda will set you back around $150 per day or $762 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Alameda is a compact SUV. The most popular is Premium/Luxury, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Alameda are currently Dollar 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 Alameda is currently April.
On average, around $762. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Alameda is $602.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Alameda for a whole month is $3,108. 

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 Alameda, 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 Alameda 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 Alameda.
Most places – Alameda 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 $85 per day. The average price per day is around $142.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Fox - Rent A Car, Enterprise and Alamo offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Fox - Rent A Car 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 Alameda.