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Finding a rental car in Eureka is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands around California with no booking fees. Pick up at Eureka Arcata Airport (ACV) or downtown and hit US-101 to Redwood National Park, the Avenue of the Giants and the Lost Coast beaches. Inventory is limited in this remote market so reserve early to lock in low prices and the vehicle size you need.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Eureka-Arcata Airport (ACV) | • Convenient for air travelers • Major providers (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis) • Easy airport pickup • No shuttles needed - walk to counters |
• Limited flight options into ACV • Higher rates than in-town locations • Smaller selection of vehicles • Sometimes closed between flights |
| Arcata/McKinleyville | • Close to airport and Humboldt State University • Sometimes better availability • Enterprise has location in Arcata |
• Still limited hours and selection • 15-20 minutes from downtown Eureka • Transportation needed to reach location |
| Eureka City Locations | • Potentially lower rates • Multiple providers available • Some offer pickup service • Convenient if already in Eureka |
• Limited business hours (often 8am-5pm) • Most closed Sundays and holidays • Smaller fleets than major cities • Advance reservation highly recommended |
On average, car rentals in Eureka cost around $89 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $45 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown pickup: ACV is walk-up easy but often pricier. If you're already in town, check Eureka or Arcata branches—rates can be lower and you skip the airport surcharge.
Play with dates and rental length: In Eureka a 5-7 day "weekly" rate frequently beats 4 separate daily rates. Shift your pick-up/return by a day or two in our search tool and watch the total drop.
Book early only for peak demand: Summer, holiday weekends and Humboldt State events sell out fast—lock in 3-4 weeks ahead. For winter trips you can often wait until 1-2 weeks out and snag lower off-season prices.
Size matters on winding North Coast roads: A compact or midsize handles the curves and drinks less gas (fuel here runs higher than the California average), saving you at the pump.
Where to Park:
| Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Eureka | Free, time-limited | • 2-3 hour limits in business district • Enforced weekdays 9 am-6 pm • Free evenings and weekends • Read signs for specific restrictions |
| Old Town Eureka | Free | • On-street spaces and public lots • More challenging on weekend afternoons • Some areas have time limits • Abundant during weekdays |
| Redwood Parks | Free/Fee varies | • Most trailheads have free spaces • National Park visitor centers may charge a fee • State parks may charge a daily fee • Annual passes available for frequent visitors |
| Beaches/Scenic Areas | Mostly free | • Trinidad State Beach and most coastal access points free • Some county parks have small day-use fees • Limited spaces at popular spots like Moonstone Beach |
| Trinidad/Arcata | Mostly free | • Small town spaces generally easy to find • HSU campus requires permits during academic year • Time limits in some commercial areas |
Important Local Driving Rules:
With limited public transit, having your own wheels lets you reach the North Coast's towering redwoods, wild beaches and historic towns.
Get a car rental to drive to:
Redwood National and State Parks – Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
Avenue of the Giants – Founders Grove
Lost Coast – Shelter Cove, Mattole Road
Trinidad – State Beach, coastal overlooks
Is a special vehicle needed to see the redwoods?
You don't need a special vehicle for most redwood sights. You can get to major attractions like Avenue of the Giants and the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway on paved roads using any standard car. However, you might want a vehicle with higher clearance for some remote forest roads, especially after it rains.
How far in advance should I book a rental car in Eureka?
Because there are few cars and lots of people want them in the busy season, you should book your car at least 3–4 weeks ahead for a summer trip (June–August) and 1–2 weeks ahead in the off-season. For holiday weekends, you'll need to book even earlier. It's often hard to find a car at the last minute in this area.
Can I drive from Eureka to San Francisco in one day?
Yes, but you should plan for a long day. The drive is about 270 miles (435 km) and takes around 5 hours if you don't stop and have good conditions. However, US-101 has winding coastal parts and mountain passes that can slow you down. Many visitors stop overnight to break up the drive and enjoy the scenery.
Are there areas where a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is recommended?
You can reach most attractions in a standard car, but we recommend a high-clearance vehicle for the Lost Coast area (especially Mattole Road), some backcountry redwood forest roads and certain beach access points. During the rainy season (October–April), you'll feel safer on remote roads if you have a car with AWD/4WD.
Is it difficult to find parking at popular redwood groves and trails?
You can usually find parking at most redwood attractions, except on busy summer weekends and holidays. Parking lots at popular spots like Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Founders Grove and Prairie Creek Redwoods can fill up by the middle of the day in summer. You should get there early (before 10:00 AM) to have the best experience and find a parking spot.
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