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Finding a rental car in Modesto is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers in California with no booking fees. Browse economy cars, trucks and SUVs from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and other major brands, then pick up downtown or at nearby Stockton or Sacramento airports for a trip to Yosemite, Gold Country or the Bay Area.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Modesto City Center |
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| Stockton Metropolitan Airport (SCK) |
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| Sacramento Airport (SMF) |
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Additional Notes: Modesto has Enterprise, Hertz and Avis/Budget locations inside the city, usually on McHenry Avenue or near Vintage Faire Mall. Most visitors to Modesto either rent locally after arriving by other means, or rent from Sacramento or Bay Area airports and drive to Modesto. Some agencies offer pickup service from hotels or the Modesto Transportation Center on advance notice.
On average, car rentals in Modesto cost around $86 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Compare city vs. airport pick-ups: Modesto in-town counters skip airport surcharges and usually run 10-15 % cheaper than Sacramento or Bay Area airports. If you're already in town, this is the easy win.
Mind the clock: City branches often close early or shut on Sunday. Double-check hours so you don't pay an extra day just because the desk was closed.
Peak vs. off-peak strategy: Prices stay steady most of the year, so last-minute deals are common. Lock things in early only for Yosemite summer weekends or February almond-blossom season when demand spikes.
Run the one-way math: Picking up at SMF and dropping in Modesto (or vice versa) can erase airport fees. Always weigh the one-way charge against the savings before you click "book."
Go unlimited mileage if you plan Yosemite, Gold Country and winery loops. A small daily bump beats surprise per-mile bills after a 250-mile (402 km) sightseeing day.
Fill up in town: Stations along McHenry Ave and other local spots are 10-30¢/gal cheaper than pumps on Highway 99 or near the mountains—top off before heading out.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Book a car rental to drive to:
Yosemite National Park – viewpoints, waterfalls
Gold Country towns – Columbia State Historic Park, Sonora, Jamestown
San Francisco Bay Area – museums, waterfront
Central Valley farm stands – almond orchards, u-pick fruit
What type of vehicle is best for exploring the Modesto area?
Most visitors will be fine with a standard sedan. You might want to get an SUV if you plan to visit Yosemite or the Sierra foothills, especially in the winter. The mountain roads can have snow or ice then.
How does Tule fog affect driving in Modesto?
Tule fog is common in the winter months (December–February), especially in the early mornings. This dense ground fog can make it very hard to see. If you can, wait to drive until mid-morning when the fog often clears. When you drive in the fog, use your low-beam headlights and reduce your speed.
Is Modesto a good base for visiting Yosemite National Park?
You can drive from Modesto to Yosemite Valley in about 2 to 2.5 hours, so you can visit for a day trip. However, this doesn't give you a lot of time in the park. You can think of Modesto as a cheaper place to stay overnight compared to places closer to or inside the park. If you plan to explore Yosemite for a few days, it's easier to stay closer.
What's the best time to visit the agricultural areas around Modesto?
If you visit from February to March, you can see beautiful almond blossoms all over the area. Summer and fall are harvest seasons, so it's a great time to visit fruit stands and farmers markets for fresh local produce. Many farms offer tours or let you pick your own fruit depending on the season.
Are there any toll roads around Modesto?
No, you won't find any toll roads in the Modesto area or along Highway 99. If you drive to the Bay Area, you might cross toll bridges to get to San Francisco or Oakland. California uses FasTrak to collect tolls electronically.
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