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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare car rental prices from top brands in Madera, California with Road Genius. From affordable cars to large SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Choose easy city pickups with no airport fees or reserve at Fresno Yosemite International Airport for the widest fleet, then hit Highway 41 to Yosemite or cruise the Madera Wine Trail on your own schedule.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Madera City (Enterprise) |
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| Fresno Yosemite Int'l Airport (FAT) |
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| Toyota Dealership Rental |
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Transportation to Rental Locations:
On average, car rentals in Madera cost around $95 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $26 per day.
Compare city vs airport pickup: Madera's downtown office usually beats Fresno Airport by avoiding airport surcharges. Add the cost of an Uber or shuttle to see if the airport still makes sense.
Tweak dates and length: A 7-day "weekly" rate often costs less than 5 or 6 individual days. Shifting pickup/return by a day can unlock lower pricing in the booking engine.
Skip the big SUV in summer: For June–September Yosemite runs, an economy or midsize sedan handles the drive fine. Upgrade only if you're visiting during winter chain season.
Grab unlimited-mileage deals: Day trips to Yosemite Valley, Bass Lake, Kings Canyon and back rack up miles fast. Filter for unlimited mileage to dodge per-mile fees.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Weather Considerations:
Rent a car so you can see:
Yosemite National Park – 80 miles (129 km), 2 h
Bass Lake – 40 miles (64 km), 1 h
Madera Wine Trail – local wineries 0–20 miles (0–32 km)
Fresno – 25 miles (40 km), shopping dining
What documents do I need to rent a car in Madera?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a major credit or debit card in your name. If you have your own car insurance, bring proof with you. If you don't, you can buy insurance at the counter. If you're visiting from another country, bring your passport. We also strongly recommend getting an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
Is it better to rent a car in Madera or at Fresno Airport?
Renting in Madera city is usually cheaper because you avoid airport fees. However, Fresno Airport has more cars to choose from and longer opening hours. If you want to save money, we suggest you check the rates in Madera first.
Do I need a special vehicle to visit Yosemite from Madera?
In summer, any regular car will be fine. In winter, from November to March, you should think about getting a car with all-wheel or four-wheel drive if there's snow in the forecast. You might need to use snow chains on mountain roads. Both California law and Yosemite National Park policies can require you to carry chains even if you have an AWD/4WD car, so you should check road conditions before you go.
Can I find a one-way rental from Madera to end my trip in San Francisco?
Yes, you can rent a car one-way, but it usually costs extra. Major companies like Enterprise let you do this. It's best to book ahead of time because they might not have many cars available for one-way trips.
Are there any driving challenges I should be aware of?
In the winter, the fog in the Central Valley can get very thick. You should use your low beams, not your high beams, and follow the fog line markings on the road when it's hard to see. In the summer, hot weather can affect how your car runs, so you should make sure the air conditioning in your rental works well.
What's the best route from Madera to Yosemite?
You can take Highway 41 through Oakhurst for the most direct route to Yosemite's South Entrance. Another option is to take Highway 140 through Merced and Mariposa. This route has a gentler climb and less mountain driving.
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