Your quick travel guide to Sacramento

Car Rental in Sacramento: an eminently drivable California’s city

As the home of the 1849 Gold Rush, Sacramento is the oldest incorporated city in California. Nestled almost equidistantly between the Bay Area and the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Sacramento is a great place to visit for lovers of the outdoors and tourists looking for a slower pace than you’ll find in California’s coastal cities. Sacramento is also an eminently drivable city, so make the most of your visit by booking your rental car today!

Unlike cities in southwestern California, Sacramento typically observes four distinct seasons, with cool winters and blistering hot summers, making the shoulder seasons the best time of year to visit the area.

The de facto national language of the United States is English, which is the language that most residents of Sacramento also speak, though about 17% of the population speaks Spanish as a first language. Most of the original indigenous inhabitants of the area spoke one of the languages in the Penutian family, such as Maiduan or Miwokan languages.

The currency throughout the United States is the dollar. Currency exchange is highly available at airports and popular tourist destinations, and credit cards are accepted at the vast majority of businesses.

Sacramento is in the Pacific Time Zone, UTC-8.

Automobile hire is available in over 20 locations throughout Sacramento, though the most popular location to book a car is the Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

Rent a Car in Sacramento to Explore Attractions

Sacramento is ideally located as a base for some great day-trips. Consider travelling, for example, to:

  • Napa Valley, located about an hour west of Sacramento.
  • Tahoe City, located about two hours east of Sacramento on Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
  • San Francisco, located between one and a half and two hours southeast of Sacramento, depending on traffic conditions.
  • Or Calistoga and its resident geyser, located about one and a half hours east of the city.

Planning a Trip to Sacramento: Understanding Visa Regulations

38 nationalities can enter the United States as tourists without applying for a visa, though if you are among these nationalities, you are still required to fill out the ESTA in advance. Visit esta.us for more information. Visitors to the United States will be fingerprinted and biometrically photographed upon entry. If your nationality is not included in the visa-waiver program, you will be required to apply for a B-1 or B-2 visa in advance of your arrival.

Sacramento Car Rental: Navigating Local Driving Regulations

Built on a grid, Sacramento is typically an easy city to navigate—with the exception of sometimes un-marked one-way streets. Have a look in which direction cars are parked if you come across an otherwise confusing intersection. Though the city is served by some public transportation, a rental car is truly the best way to navigate Sacramento and its surroundings.

Right-Hand Driving

  • Traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road throughout the United States.
Speed Limits
  • In the city: 25 mph (40 km/h)
  • On urban highways: 55 mph (88 km/h)
  • On rural highways: 65 to 70 mph (104 to 112 km/h)
  • Rush hour has gotten quite congested in recent years in the Sacramento area, so avoid driving between 7 and 9 am and 3:30 and 6 pm to make the most of your travel time.
Other Regulations
  1. There are numerous options for parking in downtown Sacramento that typically make finding a spot pretty easy. Street parking typically costs $1.75 an hour and is free after 4:30 pm on the weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays.
  2. Your domestic driver’s license is sufficient for driving in California.
  3. While there are a number of toll roads and bridges near the major cities of California, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, there aren’t any in the direct vicinity of Sacramento. If you’re planning a cross-California road trip, ask your rental company if your car has been outfitted with a FasTrak transponder to ease your navigation of these tolled areas.
  4. Californians can legally drive as young as 16 with driver’s education, but most rental agencies will require you to be at least 21, and you can expect to pay young driver surcharges until the age of 25.

Top Car Deals in Sacramento

Automobile hire in Sacramento typically starts at around $26 a day. Here are some of the best deals in Sacramento:

  • Kia Rio or similar (economy class) – $26/day
  • Nissan Note or similar (compact class) – $27/day
  • Hyundai Elantra or similar (intermediate class) – $28/day
  • Ford Fusion or similar (fullsize class) – $29/day

Note that prices vary depending on the availability of each specific car and the season in which you rent. For the most accurate offers, use the search bar above.

Tips for Finding Cheap Car Rental Deals in Sacramento

There is no seasonal variation in rental car price in Sacramento, and while rental cars are available throughout the city, book from the numerous rental agencies located at the Sacramento International Airport for the most availability and the cheapest prices. EuropCar, Dollar, and Thrifty routinely offer the cheapest prices in the city.

You can also save more than $15 a day by extending your rental period to over a week!

Luxury Car Rental in Sacramento: Explore Car Types and Popular Cars

When visiting Sacramento, opting for a luxury car rental can elevate your experience. From touring Old Sacramento to visiting the iconic California State Railroad Museum, doing so in a luxury car in Sacramento can add an elegant touch to your journey.

The city offers a plethora of options for those keen on renting the car that perfectly fits their preference. From SUV rental to convertible rental, Sacramento features a variety to cater to every traveler's need. If you're more into historical vibes, imagine cruising around Sacramento in a class special car, reminiscent of the golden era of automobiles.

Discover Car Rental Information: Best Sacramento Rental Agencies and Top Car Rental Deals Found

For those in need of a rental car in Sacramento, there are many car rental agencies available, ensuring that your vehicle in Sacramento awaits you, be it at rental locations around the city or right at the Sacramento airport. Top agencies include well-known names that offer competitive car rental prices, ensuring you find the best rental car deals.

Booking a rental car in advance often secures the cheapest rental rates, especially during off-peak seasons when it's the cheapest time to rent. By comparing car prices across the various Sacramento car rental agency options, travelers can often find deals on Sacramento SUVs or even a Sacramento luxury car for as low as some medium car rental prices.

Find the Best Deals from Car Companies in Sacramento: Vans Rental, Small Cars Rental, and More

For larger groups or families, you might want to rent a van in Sacramento. But if you're traveling solo or as a couple, renting a small car in Sacramento could be your most economical choice. The city's car rental companies offer a diverse fleet, from Sacramento small cars to Sacramento large cars, ensuring every traveler finds their fit.

Furthermore, if you're planning on moving some items or perhaps helping a friend relocate, the pickup truck rental option is available in many car rental locations. Just ensure you have a valid driver's license, and if you're an international visitor, an international driving permit might be required by some rental car companies in Sacramento.

Experience the top locations with car rental in Sacramento

Sacramento Airport
Thrifty
7.9

All car rental in Sacramento

Discover the cheapest car rental in Sacramento

Cheap Car Rental in Sacramento Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla
5
2
4
A
From US$ 15.12 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Sacramento Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta
5
1
4
A
From US$ 13.98 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Sacramento Ford Focus
Ford Focus
5
2
4
A
From US$ 13.20 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Sacramento Ford Fusion
Ford Fusion
5
3
4
A
From US$ 18.30 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Sacramento Toyota Rav4
Toyota Rav4
5
2
A
From US$ 25.11 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Sacramento Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Impala
5
2
4
A
From US$ 31.48 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Sacramento Nissan Quest
Nissan Quest
7
1
4
A
From US$ 53.26 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Sacramento Nissan Quest
Nissan Quest
7
2
4
A
From US$ 67.73 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Sacramento Buick LaCrosse
Buick LaCrosse
5
1
A
From US$ 40.85 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Sacramento O6 NISSAN FRONTIER CREW CAB
O6 NISSAN FRONTIER CREW CAB
5
2
A
From US$ 34.42 per day
*
Cheap Car Rental in Sacramento V4 MUSTANG GT CAMARO SS
V4 MUSTANG GT CAMARO SS
5
2
A
From US$ 144.15 per day
*

* Disclaimer: Prices displayed may not reflect today's rates.

What our customers say

Car rental companies in Sacramento

We have prepared a shortlist of top rental companies in Sacramento. To save both time and money compare offers on EconomyBookings.com to find the best deal.

Thrifty
star
7.9 /73 reviews
Available in 1 location
Time it took to drop your car off9.4
Cleanliness of the car8.4
Overall condition of the car8.3
Time it took to pick your car up6.3
Dollar
star
8.2 /18 reviews
Available in 1 location
Time it took to drop your car off9.8
Cleanliness of the car7.4
Overall condition of the car8.3
Time it took to pick your car up5.4
Hertz
star
8.6 /2 reviews
Available in 1 location
Time it took to drop your car off10.0
Cleanliness of the car9.5
Overall condition of the car10.0
Time it took to pick your car up8.0

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find a car rental agency in Sacramento, California?
You can find several car rental agencies in Sacramento, California. Some popular options include Thrifty, Dollar and Hertz
Can I rent a large car in Sacramento?
Yes, you can rent a large car in Sacramento. Many car rental agencies offer a variety of vehicle options, including full size cars.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Sacramento on average?
The average price for renting a car in Sacramento is 13.20 US$/day, but it can vary depending on the type of car and the duration of the rental.
Can I rent a luxury car in Sacramento?
Yes, you can definitely rent a luxury car in Sacramento. Several car rental agencies offer luxury vehicle options for those looking to travel in style.
Are SUVs available for rent in Sacramento?
Yes, you can rent an SUV in Sacramento. Many car rental agencies offer SUVs as part of their vehicle options.