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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Elk Grove. Compare rates and book in one place. Simple. See real-time prices from Elk Grove neighborhood counters and nearby Sacramento International Airport, then choose the vehicle that fits your plan, whether you want a compact for commuting up CA-99 or an SUV for wine country and the Delta, all with transparent fees and flexible pickup options.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Elk Grove Local Agencies | • No airport fees • Convenient for Elk Grove residents/visitors • Enterprise, Hertz and others have locations • Some offer local pickup service |
• Limited business hours (usually 8am-6pm) • Closed Sundays at most locations • Smaller vehicle selection • Advance reservation recommended |
| Sacramento International Airport (SMF) | • Larger selection of vehicles • Competitive rates due to multiple providers • 24/7 availability for most counters • All major rental companies represented |
• 10% airport concession fee • 25-30 minutes from Elk Grove • Customer facility charge • Need to factor in travel time from airport |
| Downtown Sacramento | • No airport fees • More options than Elk Grove proper • Potentially lower rates • Midway between airport and Elk Grove |
• Limited hours compared to airport • 15-20 minutes from Elk Grove • Parking/traffic considerations • Many closed weekends |
On average, car rentals in Elk Grove cost around $69 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $14 per day.
Shop multiple pickup spots: Compare Elk Grove neighborhood counters, downtown Sacramento, and SMF airport. Local branches skip the ~10 % airport fee but have tighter hours, so balance cost vs convenience.
Know the season game: Winter (aside from Christmas/New Year) is the cheapest stretch. For summer, State Fair week, and long holiday weekends, lock in 2-4 weeks early before prices spike.
Play with length & timing: A 7-day "weekly" rate often beats a 4-5 day booking. Grabbing the car after lunch instead of first thing can also avoid paying for an extra calendar day.
Use the free pick-up perk: Many Elk Grove neighborhood agencies will collect you inside city limits at no charge, saving the cost of a rideshare to the branch.
Refuel smart: Fill up along Elk Grove Blvd or other city stations where gas is usually cheaper, then return the car full. Dodging airport pumps and refuel surcharges keeps cash in your pocket.
Check one-way math: If dropping in another city, compare both directions and round-trip options. Sometimes a quick return to Elk Grove plus a rideshare still wins on price.
Where to Park:
| Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elk Grove Shopping Centers | Free | • Plenty of free spots at Elk Grove Commons and other centers • No time restrictions at most shopping areas • Dedicated spots for fuel-efficient vehicles at some locations |
| Old Town Elk Grove | Free | • Street parking and public lots • Can be busy during events and weekends • Time limits in some areas (2-3 hours) |
| Sacramento Downtown | Paid | • Street meters in downtown Sacramento • City garages more economical for full day • Event parking rates higher near Golden 1 Center |
| Regional Parks | Paid | • Day-use fees at regional parks • Annual passes available • Cosumnes River Preserve has free parking |
| Light Rail Stations | Varies | • Park and Ride lots at light rail stations • Alternative to driving into Sacramento • Franklin station closest to Elk Grove |
Important Local Driving Rules:
A rental gives you the freedom to reach nearby cities, wine regions and outdoor escapes that transit doesn't cover.
Get a rental so you can drive to:
Sacramento – State Capitol, Old Sacramento Waterfront, Golden 1 Center
Napa Valley – wineries, Yountville dining, Calistoga hot springs
Lake Tahoe – ski resorts, beaches, alpine trails
San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, museums
Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta – marinas, fishing spots, river towns
Cosumnes River Preserve – wetlands, birdwatching areas, nature trails
Is it necessary to have a car when staying in Elk Grove?
Yes, you'll need a car in Elk Grove. The city is very spread out and has limited public transportation. You'll find that major shopping, dining and attractions are far apart. Most neighborhoods are not close enough to walk to stores. The E-tran bus service (now run by Sacramento Regional Transit District) is available, but it doesn't run very often or go to many places.
What's the best way to get from Elk Grove to Sacramento?
When it's not rush hour, you can drive on CA-99 or I-5. It's the fastest way and takes 20-30 minutes. During rush hour, you might want to take the Light Rail from the Franklin station in south Sacramento to get downtown and avoid traffic. If you decide to drive during busy times, plan for a 45-60 minute trip and use a navigation app to find a better route if there's heavy traffic.
Do I need an SUV or special vehicle for exploring the Delta?
A standard car works for most Delta exploration since the roads are paved, though they are sometimes narrow. An SUV can give you a better view and a more comfortable ride on the occasional rough patch of road. The most important thing to consider is having enough space for your gear, like fishing equipment and picnic supplies, rather than the type of car you drive.
How difficult is parking in Old Town Elk Grove?
You can usually find parking easily in Old Town Elk Grove. There's both street parking and public lots. It can be harder to find a spot during special events like the Dickens Street Faire or farmers markets. Most spots are free, but some have 2-3 hour time limits when businesses are open.
Is it worth renting from Elk Grove instead of Sacramento Airport?
If you're staying in Elk Grove and don't need a car right when you land, you can save on airport fees (about 10% plus other charges) by renting in town. However, you might find fewer car choices and the rental offices may have shorter hours than the ones at the airport. For a short trip, the money you save might not be worth the trouble of getting a ride to the rental place.
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