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Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Finding a car rental in Mountain View is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands in California with no booking fees. Downtown pickups often run 10 to 15 percent cheaper than airport desks yet keep you minutes from Google HQ, Stanford and US 101. Book early during big tech conferences to lock in more vehicle choices and low prices.
| Rental Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain View Downtown | • Lower rates than airport locations • No airport fees or surcharges • Walking distance from Caltrain |
• Limited hours (most weekdays until 6PM, reduced weekend hours) • 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% • 13 miles (21 km) from Mountain View • Traffic can delay travel during commute hours |
| San Francisco Airport (SFO) | • Extensive vehicle options • 24/7 service • International rental options |
• Airport fees add to costs • 25 miles (40 km) from Mountain View • Significant traffic possible on US-101 |
Additional notes:
On average, car rentals in Mountain View cost around $77 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $42 per day.
Pick up in downtown Mountain View, not the airport – skipping SFO/SJC "concession" fees often cuts 10-15 % off the bill.
Ride Caltrain from the airport, then rent – a $6 train ticket + cheaper city rates usually beats paying airport surcharges.
Shift your dates to the weekend – this is a Monday-to-Thursday business town, so Friday night–Monday morning rentals are regularly $10-$20 a day cheaper.
Steer clear of big tech conference weeks (Google I/O, WWDC, etc.) – prices spike and cars sell out; even moving your pickup one day earlier/later can save serious cash.
Compare smaller classes first – compact and midsize cars handle Silicon Valley parking better and are almost always the lowest daily rate.
Join the free loyalty programs when you book – they often waive "skip-the-line" fees and boost your odds of a free upgrade.
| Area | Parking Availability | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Castro Street | Street parking and public garages | Time limits on street (usually 2 hours); some free garage parking when validated |
| San Antonio Shopping Center | Ample free parking | Time restrictions in prime spots; unrestricted in general areas |
| Shoreline Park | Large free parking lots | Can fill during events and summer weekends |
Local Driving Rules:
Important:
Get a rental car so you can see:
Silicon Valley campuses – Googleplex, Microsoft, LinkedIn
Palo Alto and Stanford – Stanford University, Stanford Shopping Center
San Jose – downtown, Tech Museum, SAP Center
San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf
Santa Cruz coast – Beach Boardwalk, Capitola Village
Napa Valley – wineries, tasting rooms
What's the best way to get around Silicon Valley traffic from Mountain View?
Use a navigation app to get live traffic updates. I-280 is usually less busy than US-101 for driving north and south. During rush hour, you can take local roads like Central Expressway or Foothill Expressway instead. If you can, drive before 6:30 AM or after 10:00 AM and before 3:00 PM or after 7:30 PM.
Is it worth paying for an electric vehicle rental in Mountain View?
Mountain View and Silicon Valley have many EV charging stations, so electric cars are a practical choice. You can find free or cheap charging at many hotels, shopping centers and public facilities. However, if you're planning longer trips to the coast or wine country, think about the car's driving range or choose a hybrid instead.
What kind of car is best for exploring Mountain View and the areas nearby?
A compact or mid-size car is great for getting around Silicon Valley. Parking can be hard to find in downtown areas and at tech campuses, so a smaller car is easier to handle. If you plan to visit the coast or wine country, a comfortable sedan or small SUV gives you good gas mileage and a smooth ride.
How do I park at a tech campus if I'm visiting for a meeting?
Most big tech companies have parking for visitors, but the spots can fill up fast. Ask your host for directions on where to park and plan to arrive early. Some companies will ask you to register as a visitor before you arrive. Big companies like Google have special parking garages for visitors that are clearly marked.
What are other ways to get around Mountain View without a rental car?
Mountain View has other ways to get around besides a rental car. You can use Caltrain to travel on the Peninsula, VTA light rail and buses for local trips, ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft and shared bike or scooter programs. If you are staying near Castro Street, you can walk to many restaurants and services.
Are there scenic drives from Mountain View?
You can take Page Mill Road to Skyline Boulevard for a beautiful drive into the Santa Cruz Mountains. It offers amazing views of the Bay. For a longer trip, drive Highway 1 south from Half Moon Bay to see California's famous coastline. Car and motorcycle drivers love the trip to Alice's Restaurant on Highway 84.
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