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Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Irvine. Compare rates and make reservations in one place. Simple. Choose from John Wayne Airport or downtown pickup spots, see live prices from major suppliers and grab wheels that fit everything from beach days to Disneyland runs.
| Location | Details | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| John Wayne Airport (SNA) | • Closest airport to Irvine (3-5 miles / 5-8 km) • On-site rental counters between Terminals A/B • Major companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt |
• Most convenient option if flying in • No shuttle needed at SNA - walk to counters • Open approximately 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM |
| LAX Airport | • Larger selection of vehicles • More rental companies • 45 miles (72 km) from Irvine |
• Requires 1+ hour drive to Irvine (traffic dependent) • Long shuttle rides to rental centers |
| Irvine City Locations | • Various neighborhood locations along main boulevards • Locations near Irvine Transportation Center |
• Often closed Sundays and have limited Saturday hours • Some offer pick-up service from hotels or train station |
On average, car rentals in Irvine (CA) cost around $82 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Compare airport vs city pick-ups: SNA is super convenient but adds an 11.11% concession fee plus ~$10/day facility charge. If your flight times line up, grabbing the car at a nearby Irvine neighborhood office (and taking a quick rideshare over) can shave off those extras—just watch for limited weekend hours.
Lock in early for peak dates only: Rates jump for summer, UCI graduation (June) and major holidays. Book ahead for those windows, but in quieter months (mid-January, post-Labor Day) keep checking our site—prices often drop and many suppliers let you rebook free.
Check weekly pricing even for 4-5 day trips: In Orange County a "weekly" deal frequently costs less than five separate daily rates. Run both options in the search box before you click pay.
Skip the toll roads: Set your maps to "avoid tolls" and use I-5 or surface streets. You'll dodge electronic toll charges and the daily admin fee that most rental companies tack on.
Refuel smart: Decline prepaid fuel and top up at off-freeway stations like ARCO (cash/debit) where prices can be 30-40¢/gal less than pumps near I-405 or the airport.
Free parking is everywhere: Almost every mall, beach lot and attraction in Irvine is free, so you can pass on pricey hotel valet packages or downtown LA parking rates—another reason to base yourself here and day-trip out.
| Location | Parking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irvine Spectrum Center | Free parking in garages and lots | Can fill on weekend evenings; covered parking available |
| Shopping Centers | Free parking at all major centers | Plenty of spots throughout Irvine |
| UC Irvine | Permit parking on campus | Visitors need to purchase permit from dispensers |
| Residential Areas | Street parking usually allowed | Some areas near apartments have permit restrictions |
| John Wayne Airport | Short term and long term options available | Multiple structures available |
| Great Park | Free parking | Large lots available for all park facilities |
Cell phone use while driving requires hands-free operation
Irvine is surrounded by several toll roads (SR-73, 133, 241, 261)
Rent a car so you can see:
Disneyland Resort – Anaheim
Newport Beach – Balboa Peninsula, harbor
Laguna Beach via SR-133 – art galleries, coves
Irvine Spectrum Center – shopping, dining
Los Angeles – Hollywood, museums
San Diego – downtown, zoo
What's the best way to get a rental car if I'm flying into John Wayne Airport (SNA)?
The easiest way is to rent your car right at the airport. You'll find the rental counters in the terminal between Terminals A and B. You can walk straight from your gate to the counter and then to your car, so you don't need to take a shuttle.
Do I need to pay for toll roads in Irvine?
You'll find toll roads around Irvine (73, 133, 241 and 261), but you can also use free roads to get anywhere. If you use a toll road, remember they don't accept cash. You can pay online at TheTollRoads.com within 5 days. This way, you can avoid extra fees from the rental car company.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring Irvine and Orange County?
Most visitors find a midsize car works best. It gives you enough room for 2-4 people plus your shopping bags or beach gear and it's still easy to park. Many locals drive SUVs, but you won't need one for the roads or weather here.
How is traffic in Irvine compared to Los Angeles?
You'll find traffic in Irvine is much easier to handle than in Los Angeles. The city has a planned layout and wide streets, which helps cut down on traffic jams. However, you'll still see slowdowns on the I-405 and I-5 freeways during rush hour (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM on weekdays).
Is parking difficult or expensive in Irvine?
You'll find plenty of free parking in Irvine. Almost all shopping centers, restaurants and attractions let you park for free. The main exception is the UC Irvine campus, where you need to buy a visitor permit from one of their machines.
Can I easily drive to Disneyland from Irvine?
Yes, you can drive to Disneyland easily. It's about 15 miles (24 km) north on the I-5 freeway, and the drive usually takes 20-30 minutes outside of rush hour. This makes it easy for you to stay in peaceful Irvine while visiting the park.
What's the fastest route to the beach from Irvine?
To get to the beach quickly, drive to Newport Beach. You can take Jamboree Road south or CA-55 south, and it will take about 15-20 minutes. You can also get to Laguna Beach on CA-133 south. That drive takes about 30 minutes and is a scenic route through Laguna Canyon.
Are there any driving restrictions I should know about in Irvine?
Police in Irvine enforce traffic laws very seriously. They pay close attention to drivers making a full stop at stop signs and not using a handheld phone while driving. They also strictly enforce speed limits in school zones during school hours. Otherwise, the city's well-planned roads make it easy to get around.
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