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Find competitive rental car prices in Gilroy, California with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, hatchbacks, passenger vans and reserve with no booking fees. Local pickups from Enterprise or Hertz let you skip airport surcharges and put you within an hour of Monterey, Santa Cruz and Pinnacles National Park.
| Rental Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Gilroy Local Rentals | • Lower rates than airport locations • No airport fees or surcharges • Convenient for visitors staying in Gilroy |
• Limited hours (often until 6PM weekdays, shorter hours on weekends) • Smaller vehicle selection • Closed on certain holidays |
| San Jose Airport (SJC) | • Larger vehicle selection • 24/7 availability at most agencies • Immediate access upon arrival |
• Airport fees increase costs by approximately 11% • 30 miles (48 km) from Gilroy • Heavy traffic during commute hours |
| Gilroy Premium Outlets | • Shopping convenience • Easier parking than downtown • Some agencies located nearby |
• May have limited inventory • Weekend availability can be challenging during peak shopping seasons |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Gilroy cost around $75 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $43 per day.
Pick up in Gilroy, not at San Jose Airport – skipping airport concession fees saves roughly 10-15 percent and you're only a 30-mile (48 km) drive away.
Compare weekly vs. daily pricing – in Gilroy a 7-day rental often undercuts the per-day rate by 15-20 percent, even if you only need the car for 5-6 days.
Avoid Garlic Festival & holiday weeks if you can – prices spike in late July and around Christmas; shifting dates by even two days can drop the daily rate by $20+.
Shop different pick-up times – weekend mornings and late Friday returns get hammered; a Tuesday noon pick-up with a Monday night drop-off usually lands the lowest base rate.
| Area | Parking Availability | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Gilroy | Street parking and small lots | Time limits in business areas; generally free |
| Gilroy Premium Outlets | Extensive free parking | Unrestricted during business hours |
| Gilroy Gardens Theme Park | Large parking lot | Paid parking during operating hours |
Local Driving Rules:
Important Notes:
Get a rental car so you can drive to:
Monterey and Carmel – beaches, Cannery Row, 17 Mile Drive
Santa Cruz – boardwalk, surf spots, redwood parks
Pinnacles National Park – hiking trails, talus caves, condor habitat
Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail – wineries, tasting rooms
What's the best way to avoid traffic when driving to San Francisco from Gilroy?
You should leave early (before 6 AM) or after the morning rush (after 10 AM). You can take I-280, which is often less crowded and more scenic. US-101 has more lanes but usually has heavier traffic during peak times. Check a real-time traffic app before you go.
Is it worth visiting Pinnacles National Park from Gilroy?
Absolutely. Pinnacles National Park is about 45 miles (72 km) from Gilroy (around an hour's drive) and has unique rock formations, hiking trails and cave exploring. You will need a rental car as there's no public transportation to the park.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Gilroy area?
A standard sedan works well for most attractions. If you are planning long trips to parks or beaches, a small SUV gives you more comfort and storage. For wine tours or scenic drives, you might want a convertible during good weather.
How can I avoid the outlet mall traffic in Gilroy?
During weekends and holidays, you should avoid Leavesley Road and Monterey Road near the outlets, especially between 11 AM and 4 PM. You can use other routes like 10th Street or Luchessa Avenue when you travel east-west across Gilroy.
Are there any scenic drives from Gilroy?
If you take Highway 152 west over Hecker Pass, you will see beautiful views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. For a longer scenic route, you can take Highway 25 south through the countryside toward Hollister and Pinnacles National Park.
What should I know about driving in fog around Gilroy?
On winter mornings, you can run into dense fog, particularly on Highway 152 west and in rural areas. You need to reduce your speed, use low-beam headlights (not high beams) and maintain extra distance between cars. You should avoid using hazard lights while driving in fog because it can confuse other drivers.
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