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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare rental car prices from top providers in Berkeley, California with Road Genius. From compact cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Quickly check deals at Downtown Berkeley branches or nearby Oakland Airport and San Francisco Airport, then book ahead of busy UC Berkeley move-in or graduation weekends to lock in the car you want.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Berkeley City Locations | Lower rates without airport fees; Convenient for university visitors | Limited hours (often 8am-6pm); Some closed on weekends; Restricted selection |
| Oakland Airport (OAK) | 15 miles (24 km) from Berkeley; Wider selection; 24-hour service | Airport fees increase rental costs; Need transportation to/from Berkeley |
| San Francisco Airport (SFO) | Largest vehicle selection; International arrival option | 25+ miles (40+ km) from Berkeley; Highest rates and substantial airport fees |
Transport to Rentals: For travelers arriving by air, consider taking BART directly from OAK or SFO to Downtown Berkeley or North Berkeley stations, then walking or taking a short rideshare to rental locations. Some Berkeley hotels offer shuttle service to nearby areas.
On average, car rentals in Berkeley cost around $80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $44 per day.
Price-check Berkeley city depots vs. airports. City spots usually dodge the big airport fees. A quick BART ride from OAK or SFO plus a short Lyft can still beat the airport total.
Watch the campus calendar. Rates skyrocket during UC Berkeley move-in, graduation and big game weekends. If you must travel then, lock in 4-6 weeks out. Winter break often brings flash sales.
Play with pickup/drop days. Midweek starts or full 7-day bookings can undercut weekend-only rentals. Returning on the same weekday you collected often shaves extra dollars.
Stack membership deals. University visitor codes, AAA, and other club discounts can slice 5-15 percent when you compare multiple suppliers in one search.
Skip the pricey toll program. Bay Bridge and other crossings are electronic only—pay online within 48 hours and avoid the rental company's daily toll package markup.
Fill up yourself. Stations on University Ave and San Pablo Ave sit near most city branches, saving you the refuel surcharge.
| Area | Availability | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley Campus Area | Very limited | Strictly enforced permits in campus and residential areas; use public garages for visiting |
| Downtown Berkeley | Moderate | City garages available; metered street spaces have time limits |
| Residential Berkeley Hills | Restricted | Many areas have residential permit requirements; read signs carefully |
| Berkeley Marina | Available | Spaces available in most areas; some time limits for restaurant access |
Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental to easily:
San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf
Napa Valley – wineries, Calistoga
Point Reyes National Seashore – lighthouse, coastal trails
East Bay Regional Parks – Tilden, Redwood
What documents do I need to rent a car in Berkeley?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card in your name and proof of insurance. You can also buy the rental company's insurance. If you're visiting from another country, you can use a valid foreign license to drive. We suggest getting an International Driving Permit, but it's not required by law.
How difficult is parking in Berkeley?
You'll find parking is tough, especially near the UC Berkeley campus and in residential neighborhoods. Most residential streets require a permit to park. Downtown has public garages, but they can get full when it's busy. You should always read street signs carefully to check for parking rules and street-cleaning times.
What's the best strategy for visiting San Francisco from Berkeley?
If you're taking a day trip to San Francisco, we suggest you take the BART train instead of driving. This helps you avoid city traffic and expensive parking. If you have to drive, you should plan to leave early to miss the worst bridge traffic and look up parking spots before you go.
How do toll bridges work with rental cars?
All Bay Area bridges have electronic tolls, so you can't pay with cash. You have a couple of options. You can use the rental company's toll program, which adds a daily fee, or you can register the car's license plate and pay the toll online in the next 48 hours. If you don't pay the toll, the rental company will charge you for it and add their own service fee.
What's the best vehicle type for Berkeley's hilly terrain?
To drive on Berkeley's hills, we recommend you get a car that has good power and brakes. Most standard rental cars will work just fine. You should try to avoid very large vehicles because some neighborhood streets are narrow. If you want to save on gas in city traffic, you might want to rent a hybrid.
Are there any times I should avoid renting in Berkeley?
You'll find it's very hard to rent a car during UC Berkeley's move-in week in mid-August, graduation in mid-May and on big football game weekends. If you are visiting then, you should book your car far ahead of time. You could also try renting from a place in Oakland or San Francisco instead.
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