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Finding a rental car in Chico is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers around California with no reservation fees. Pick up at Chico Municipal Airport or a downtown branch for often lower daily rates, then follow CA-99 to Bidwell Park, Lake Oroville or Lassen Volcanic National Park. Reserve early during CSU Chico move-in and graduation weekends to secure low prices and a wider choice of cars.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Chico Municipal Airport | • Convenient for air travelers • Rental companies on-site (Enterprise, Hertz) • Easy access to CA-99 and Chico • Free parking |
• Limited operating hours • Smaller vehicle selection • Limited provider competition • Higher rates than in-town locations |
| Sacramento Airport (SMF) | • Largest selection in region • Competitive rates • All major rental companies • 24/7 operation |
• 90 miles (145 km) from Chico (about 1.5 hours) • Airport fees and surcharges • Return trip planning needed |
| Downtown/Business District | • Multiple providers (Enterprise, Hertz, Budget) • Often lower rates than airport • Convenient to CSU Chico and downtown • Some offer pick-up service |
• Most closed Sundays • Limited business hours (usually 8am-5pm) • Advance reservation highly recommended • Limited luxury or specialty vehicles |
On average, car rentals in Chico cost around $67 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: Downtown Chico locations often beat the airport by $5-$15 a day and skip the airport surcharge. Factor in a quick rideshare to town vs paying higher on-airport rates.
Avoid CSU rush weeks: Move-in, graduation and Pioneer Day spike prices. If you must travel then, lock in 4+ weeks ahead. Any other time, last-minute deals pop up as fleets sit idle.
Shift your dates: Picking up Monday–Thursday usually costs less than a Friday start. Even sliding your rental by 24 hours can drop the total.
Go weekly for 5+ days: Chico agencies give steep weekly discounts, so a 7-day booking can be cheaper than five separate days.
Places to Park:
| Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Chico | Free but time-limited | • 2-hour limits in most areas • Enforced weekdays 8 am–6 pm • Free after hours and weekends • Some areas restricted during Thursday Night Market |
| Downtown Garages | Free for first few hours, then paid daily rate | • City-owned garages on Salem and 3rd • Free on weekends and holidays |
| CSU Chico Campus | Paid hourly and daily rates | • Visitor permits required • Metered spaces available • Enforcement Monday–Friday • Free nights and weekends in most lots |
| Shopping Centers | Free | • Plenty of free spots at Chico Mall and other shopping centers • Some time limits at grocery stores |
| Bidwell Park | Free | • Various areas throughout the park • Upper park lots can fill on weekends • Limited spots at popular swimming areas in summer |
Important Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental so you can get to:
Bidwell Park – trailheads swimming areas
Lake Oroville – marinas shoreline picnic areas
Lassen Volcanic National Park – visitor center lakes volcanoes
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – tours restaurant taproom
Is it necessary to have a car in Chico?
You can walk around downtown Chico and the CSU Chico campus, but you will need a car to reach most attractions like Upper Bidwell Park, local breweries and surrounding natural areas. The city offers limited public transportation, and the summer heat makes it hard to walk for long distances.
What's the best vehicle for visiting Upper Bidwell Park?
The roads in Upper Bidwell Park are unpaved and have some ruts and bumps. You can drive any car in most areas, but you'll be more comfortable in an SUV or crossover because they have slightly higher clearance. We recommend an SUV if you plan to explore the more remote areas or visit during wet seasons.
Do I need 4WD or AWD in Chico?
You'll be fine with a 2WD car all year for driving around town and to most local sights. If you plan winter trips to Lassen Volcanic National Park or higher elevations, an AWD/4WD vehicle is helpful. It rarely snows in Chico itself, but it's common in the nearby mountains during winter. No matter what kind of car you have, California law might require you to carry tire chains when chain controls are active.
What should I know about parking in downtown Chico?
You can find free parking in downtown Chico that has a 2-hour limit on weekdays (8 a.m.–6 p.m.). If you need to stay longer, you can use the city parking garages on Salem Street or 3rd Street. You get the first 2 hours free and pay reasonable rates after that. Parking enforcement officers patrol downtown, so pay attention to the time limits. There are usually no restrictions on weekends and evenings.
Are there any seasonal driving considerations I should be aware of?
The summer heat in Chico can get extreme (100 °F+/38 °C+), so make sure your rental car's air conditioning works. In winter, valley fog can make it hard for you to see on highways, especially in the morning. If you're traveling to higher elevations east of Chico (like Lassen), check road conditions during winter since snow is common and you might need chains. Spring brings beautiful wildflowers but sometimes heavy rains cause flash floods that can affect park roads.
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