






Finding a car rental in Hanford is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers in California with no booking fees. Search downtown Hanford pick up spots alongside Visalia and Fresno Yosemite Airport options in one quick comparison, then grab low prices and hit Highway 198 to Sequoia, Kings Canyon or the Central Valley farm trails.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Downtown Hanford |
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| Visalia (20 miles / 32 km) |
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| Fresno Yosemite Airport (FAT) (35 miles / 56 km) |
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Additional Notes: Hanford is served by Amtrak's San Joaquins line, and rental locations are often within walking distance or a short taxi ride from the station. Enterprise has a location in Hanford and other providers serve nearby communities. Some agencies may offer pickup service from the train station or your hotel if you arrange this in advance.
On average, car rentals in Hanford cost around $87 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $30 per day.
Shop multiple pick-up spots: Compare quotes for downtown Hanford, Visalia, and Fresno Airport. Even with the drive, non-airport locations often come out cheaper once you ditch FAT's extra fees.
Watch the calendar, not just the clock: Prices stay steady most of the year, but they jump for the Kings County Fair or major NAS Lemoore events. Only lock in early if you're coming during those peak weeks or need a niche vehicle.
Check "weekly" even for 5–6 days: Central Valley agencies usually knock 15-20 % off on 7-day rentals, and some will still honor that break if you return a day early.
Hunting miles? Go unlimited: Drives to Sequoia, Kings Canyon, or Bakersfield rack up distance fast. Unlimited-mileage plans avoid per-mile fees and are common in Hanford.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Having your own wheels opens up day trips across the Central Valley and into the Sierra.
Sequoia National Park – sequoia groves, trails
Kings Canyon National Park – canyon vistas, waterfalls
Visalia – restaurants, boutiques
Fresno – museums, zoo

What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Hanford area?
Most visitors find a standard sedan works just fine. You should consider an SUV if you plan to visit the national parks or rural areas, especially in the winter. The mountain roads can have snow or ice and might require tire chains.
How does Tule fog affect driving in the Hanford area?
Tule fog is common during winter (December–February), especially in the early morning. This thick ground fog can make it very hard to see. If you can, wait to drive until mid-morning when the fog usually lifts. You should use your low-beam headlights and slow down a lot.
Is it easy to find parking in downtown Hanford?
Yes, you can find plenty of free street parking in downtown Hanford. Just know that some spots have time limits when businesses are open. The historic downtown area has angled parking on many streets. This makes it easy for you to find a spot unless there's a big event happening.
What's the best route from Hanford to Sequoia National Park?
Take Highway 198 east through Visalia to Three Rivers and the park entrance. It takes about 1.5 hours to get to the Foothills Entrance Station, and you'll need more time to reach different spots inside the park. The road gets winding after Three Rivers, so drive carefully and carry tire chains in winter.
Are there any toll roads around Hanford?
No, there are no toll roads in or around the Hanford area. You can drive on all highways and major roads for free.