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Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Newport Beach. Compare prices and make reservations in one place. Browse real-time offers from Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and other major brands at local branches or nearby John Wayne Airport, and pick the ideal convertible, SUV or minivan for cruising the Pacific Coast Highway, hitting Disneyland or chasing sunsets in Laguna Beach.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Newport Beach Local Agencies | • No airport fees • Multiple locations including Fashion Island area • Enterprise, Hertz and Avis have local branches |
• Limited business hours (usually 8AM-6PM) • Some locations closed on Sundays • Potential for limited vehicle selection |
| John Wayne Airport (SNA, 5 miles/8 km) | • Closest airport to Newport Beach • All major rental companies available • Short drive to Newport Beach |
• Airport fees (approximately 10-15% surcharge) • Can be busy during peak travel seasons • Wait times of 10-15 minutes during busy periods |
| Long Beach Airport (LGB, 23 miles/37 km) | • Less crowded alternative • Potentially lower rates than SNA |
• Longer drive to Newport Beach • Requires navigating I-405 traffic • Smaller selection of rental companies |
On average, car rentals in Newport Beach cost around $85 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $22 per day.
Skip the airport counter – local Newport Beach branches avoid the 10-15 % SNA surcharge. A quick rideshare from the terminal can cost less than the fee you'd pay at the airport desk.
Price-check SNA against Long Beach Airport (LGB) – LGB is a 25-mile (40 km) drive but often posts lower base rates. Calculate fuel and travel time to see if the detour actually saves money.
Travel in shoulder season (Jan–Feb or Sep–Oct) – demand drops after the summer rush, so you can score cheaper rates even without booking months ahead.
Start your rental midweek – prices often dip Tuesday to Thursday. Shifting pickup or drop-off by a day can unlock lower daily or weekly rates.
Compare daily versus weekly pricing – for trips of five days or more a weekly package frequently beats the per-day total, even if you return a little early.
Book the smallest class you're comfy with – compact cars handle Newport's tight beach parking and you might snag a free upgrade when bigger vehicles sit idle in off-peak weeks.
Finding a spot in Newport Beach:
Beach access:
Local Driving Rules:
A rental car lets you cover the spread-out highlights of Orange County and nearby Southern California cities on your own timetable.
Rent a car to drive to:
Laguna Beach – art galleries, tide pools
Disneyland Resort – theme park, parades, fireworks
Los Angeles – museums, shopping districts
San Diego – zoo, waterfront attractions
What are the parking options at Newport Beach?
You can find metered street parking ($1.50-2.50/hour), public lots ($15-25/day) and some free areas farther from the beach. During summer weekends, arrive before 10 AM to find a spot more easily. Consider visiting on a weekday during peak season.
Are there toll roads around Newport Beach?
Yes, the CA-73 (San Joaquin Hills Toll Road) runs through Newport Coast and the CA-133 (Laguna Canyon Freeway) is nearby. These roads have electronic tolling and no cash booths. If you're driving a rental car, register it on thetollroads.com. You have 5 days before or after your drive to do this and avoid extra fees from the rental company.
What's the best route to Disneyland from Newport Beach?
The most direct route is taking CA-55 north to I-5 north. This drive takes 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic. You should allow extra time during morning rush hour and on weekends.
Is street parking free in residential areas?
In most residential areas near the beach, you'll need a permit or have to follow time limits. Always check the posted signs carefully. They enforce parking rules strictly in some neighborhoods, especially on the Balboa Peninsula and in Corona del Mar.
When is the best time to visit Newport Beach?
If you visit in September or October, you will find warm weather, less fog than early summer and fewer tourists. Spring (April-May) is also a nice time to visit, as temperatures are mild. Summer gives you the warmest beach weather, but you should expect more crowds and higher rental car rates.
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