EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find low rental car prices in Los Gatos, California with Road Genius. Check rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. Compare Los Gatos car rental deals from Enterprise, Hertz and other trusted brands, whether you pick up downtown or at nearby San Jose Airport. Booking in town often saves 10 to 15 percent versus airport counters and puts you minutes from Highway 17 for quick trips to Santa Cruz, Silicon Valley or the Santa Cruz Mountains.
| Rental Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Los Gatos Local Rentals | • Lower rates than airport locations • No airport fees or surcharges • Convenient for visitors staying in Los Gatos |
• Limited hours (usually weekdays and Saturday morning) • Smaller vehicle selection • May require advance reservation |
| San Jose Airport (SJC) | • Larger vehicle selection • 24/7 availability at most agencies • Immediate access upon arrival |
• Airport fees increase costs by approximately 11% • 15 miles (24 km) from Los Gatos • Traffic can delay travel to/from Los Gatos |
| Campbell/West San Jose | • Closer than airport • Often more competitive rates • Extended hours compared to Los Gatos |
• Still requires transportation to Los Gatos • Limited weekend availability |
Additional Notes:
On average, car rentals in Los Gatos cost around $92 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $38 per day.
Compare off-airport spots first: Los Gatos and nearby Campbell/West San Jose branches usually beat San Jose Airport rates by 10-15 percent because there's no 11 percent airport surcharge.
Run a weekly quote even for 4-5 days: In Silicon Valley weekly pricing can undercut daily rates, so crunch both numbers before you book.
Travel in shoulder season (Mar-May or Sep-Nov): Demand eases, fleets are fuller and prices slide back to "moderate" territory—often $15-20 a day less than summer.
Watch the pick-up/drop-off combo: Returning to the same Los Gatos branch keeps one-way fees out of your total. If you must drop elsewhere, compare several routes to see which direction carries the lowest charge.
| Area | Parking Availability | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Los Gatos | Street parking and public lots | Time limits in most areas (usually 2-3 hours); some free lots available |
| Los Gatos Creek Trail | Multiple trail access parking lots | Limited spaces; arrive early on weekends |
| Shopping Centers | Ample parking at most retail centers | Time limits may apply; verify restrictions |
Local Driving Rules:
Important Points:
Book a rental car to drive to:
Santa Cruz – beaches, Boardwalk
Big Basin Redwoods State Park – redwood groves, hiking trails
Monterey and Carmel – Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive
Napa Valley – wineries, tasting rooms
Is Highway 17 to Santa Cruz difficult to drive?
Highway 17 is a winding mountain road with sharp turns and steep hills. You need to pay close attention when you drive it, but commuters use this road every day. Drive carefully, follow the 50 mph speed limit and use the turnouts if cars start to pile up behind you. We suggest you avoid driving on Highway 17 when it's raining heavily.
What's the best time to drive to San Francisco from Los Gatos?
To avoid heavy traffic, you should leave Los Gatos before 6:30 AM or after 10:00 AM on weekdays. When you drive back, try not to travel between 3:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Weekend traffic is usually lighter, but it can still get busy in the middle of the day.
Which route is better to San Francisco: 101 or 280?
Many drivers find Interstate 280 prettier and it often has less traffic than US-101. However, if you hit a traffic jam on I-280, you have fewer other roads you can take. US-101 takes you more directly to downtown San Francisco and the SFO airport.
Are there any parking strategies for downtown Los Gatos?
You can usually find more open spots in the parking lots behind North Santa Cruz Avenue than on the street. You can park for free for a limited time in the Montebello Way lot and the public lot behind Los Gatos Town Plaza. If you get there before 11:30 AM on weekends, you'll have an easier time finding a good spot.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Los Gatos area?
A standard sedan works fine for most local driving. If you plan to drive into the Santa Cruz Mountains or to the coast, you might want a car that handles well on winding roads. Many people enjoy driving convertibles during the summer for scenic trips.
How do I navigate the Los Gatos Wine Trail?
The Los Gatos area is part of the Santa Cruz Mountains wine region and has many wineries in a 15-mile (24 km) radius. You'll find a lot of them on narrow mountain roads that don't have many signs. You should download maps before you go, because your cell service might not work well there. We also recommend you pick a designated driver or book a wine tour service.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support