Car Rental Palo Alto, CA

You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. Most rental companies include California's minimum liability coverage in their rates. If you plan to use your own personal or credit card insurance, make sure to bring proof. If you're visiting from another country, you can use your license from home. We recommend an International Driving Permit, as some companies require it if your license is not in English.

In Downtown Palo Alto, you'll find limited parking. There are metered spaces, color-coded time-limited zones and parking garages. Stanford University makes visitors park in special lots and you need a permit. Most residential areas also require permits. Always read signs carefully to avoid expensive tickets.

If you're traveling for business, a compact or mid-size car is easy to drive and park. You can easily find charging stations for electric vehicles throughout the area. If you plan trips to the coast or wine country, a midsize or larger car will be more comfortable for longer drives.

Most major tech companies have parking for visitors, but their large campuses can be hard to navigate. Use your GPS and give yourself extra time to get around. Many companies require visitors to check in at security, so if you're visiting for business, check their rules before you go.

In the winter from November–March, rain can cause traffic delays and make it harder to see. You might run into fog on coastal roads any time of year, especially in the mornings. Summer has good driving weather, but you will find more tourist traffic on the way to coastal areas.

The worst traffic is during the weekday commute. You'll hit delays driving northbound toward San Francisco from 6:30–9:30 am and southbound from San Francisco from 3:30–7:00 pm. Friday afternoons are very busy in all directions. For trips to San Francisco or coastal areas, try driving on weekend mornings when traffic is lighter.