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Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a rental car in California is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers across California with no reservation fees. Pick up a car near East Bidwell Street to skip airport markups or reserve at Sacramento Airport for a bigger fleet, then head out to Folsom Lake, Lake Tahoe or downtown Sacramento on your own time.
| Rental Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Folsom Local Rentals | • Lower rates (no airport fees) • Convenient for visitors staying in Folsom • Personalized service |
• Limited hours (often weekdays and Saturday morning) • Smaller vehicle selection • May require advance reservation |
| Sacramento Airport (SMF) | • Larger vehicle selection • Extended hours and 24/7 returns • Multiple competing agencies |
• Airport fees increase costs by around 11% • 30-mile (48 km) drive to Folsom • Potential wait times during peak periods |
| Roseville/Rocklin Area | • More locations than Folsom • Midway between airport and Folsom • Competitive rates |
• Still requires transportation to Folsom • Variable hours by location |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Folsom cost around $100 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Stay off-airport: Picking up in Folsom or nearby Roseville avoids SMF's 11% airport fee and usually cuts the bill by 10-15%.
Compare pickup spots: Rates can swing by $5-$20 a day between Folsom, Roseville and Rocklin so run them all through the search before you book.
Tweak your dates: Mid-week rentals and fall or spring travel often price lower than summer weekends or holiday weeks. Shift a day or two if you can.
Check weekly rates: A seven-day "weekly" deal can be cheaper than four separate daily rates. Add an extra day and still come out ahead.
Book the cheapest class: Local fleets are small. When they're out of economy cars the desk will usually upgrade you for free.
Confirm unlimited miles: Most Folsom deals include it, saving you per-mile charges on Tahoe or Napa day trips.
| Area | Parking Availability | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Historic Folsom | Street parking and public lots | Time limits in some areas; free parking in designated lots |
| Folsom Premium Outlets | Ample free parking | Generally unrestricted during business hours |
| Folsom Lake Recreation Areas | Multiple parking lots | Day use fee required |
Local Driving Rules:
Important:
Get a rental to easily:
Folsom Lake Recreation Areas – Beals Point, Granite Bay
Historic Folsom district – Gold Rush sites, prison museum
Sacramento – Capitol, Old Sacramento waterfront
Lake Tahoe via US-50 – ski resorts, beaches
Apple Hill foothills – orchards, wineries
Napa Valley – vineyards, tasting rooms
Is it worth renting a car at Sacramento Airport rather than in Folsom?
If you're flying into Sacramento Airport, renting a car there is easier than finding another ride to Folsom. But if you're already in Folsom, you can usually save 10–15% by renting locally because of lower fees and taxes.
What type of vehicle is best for visiting Lake Tahoe from Folsom?
In the summer, any car will work fine for the drive to Tahoe. For winter trips (from November to April), you should get a car with all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). This is because US-50 often has chain controls. Most rental companies don't let you put chains on their cars.
Are there electric vehicle charging stations in Folsom?
Yes, you can find many EV charging stations in Folsom, like the Tesla Superchargers at Folsom Premium Outlets. Many hotels and shopping centers also have places for you to charge your car. The whole Sacramento area has a lot of chargers.
How do I access Folsom Lake with a rental car?
You can get to Folsom Lake from several entrances, like the Folsom Lake Recreation Area, Beals Point and Granite Bay. You will need to pay a day-use fee of about $12 for your car. On busy summer weekends, you should get there early because the parking lots can fill up by mid-morning.
Is there a scenic driving route around Folsom?
Yes, you can take the Salmon Falls Road loop. It goes along the north side of Folsom Lake and through the countryside foothills. Another choice is Green Valley Road, which takes you through the nearby wine country in El Dorado County where you'll see rolling hills and vineyards.
Do I need to worry about wildlife while driving around Folsom?
You might see deer crossing the road, but it's not as common as in the deep countryside. This happens most often at sunrise and sunset on roads near Folsom Lake and in the foothills. You should drive carefully in these spots, especially at night.
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