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Compare car rentals from major brands in Riverside with Road Genius. From compact cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Choose a city pickup to skip airport fees or collect your car at Ontario International Airport 17 miles (27 km) away, then cruise CA-60 or I-215 to Los Angeles, Palm Springs or Big Bear on your own schedule. We surface live rates from Hertz, Budget, Enterprise and more so you can lock in a low-cost Riverside car rental in minutes.
Riverside doesn't have its own commercial airport, but is well-served by nearby airports and local rental facilities.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Riverside City Locations | • Lower rates without airport surcharges • Shorter wait times (usually 10-15 minutes) • Convenient for local exploration |
• Limited operating hours (usually 8am-6pm) • Fewer vehicle options • May require advance reservation |
| Ontario International Airport (ONT) | • Closest airport (17 miles/27 km) • Multiple rental companies • Extended operating hours |
• Airport fees added to rental rates • 20-30 minute drive to Riverside • Traffic congestion possible on I-10/I-15 |
| San Bernardino | • Nearby alternative (12 miles/19 km) • May have additional rental options |
• Requires transportation to/from Riverside • Similar limitations to Riverside locations |
| LAX Airport | • Widest selection of vehicles • Competitive rates between companies • 24/7 operation |
• Approximately 70 miles (113 km) from Riverside • Higher airport fees • Heavy traffic congestion likely |
If arriving without a car:
On average, car rentals in Riverside cost around $70 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $21 per day.
Skip airport pick-ups: Riverside city branches avoid airport surcharges and can be $5-10 cheaper per day than Ontario or LAX. Just plan for their 8 am-6 pm hours.
Test different dates & pickup times: Mid-week or an hour later drop-off can shift you into a lower rate bucket, especially outside summer holidays.
Weekly deals beat daily math: In Riverside a 5-7-day "weekly" quote often costs less than 4 single days. Always price both options.
Refuel in town: Stations along Magnolia or University Ave are usually 30-40¢/gal under airport prices. Fill up before returning to dodge the premium refuel fee.
Bring your own tech & gear: Using your phone for GPS and packing a child seat can save $10-15 per add-on, per day.
Arriving via LAX or ONT? Consider the Metrolink train or rideshare to Riverside, then rent locally—sometimes the rail fare plus city rental still beats multi-day airport fees.
Downtown Riverside: Mix of metered street spots and public lots/garages
Mission Inn Area: Garages available for visitors
University Areas: Permit areas on campus; visitor lots available
Residential Areas: Generally unrestricted except in specific neighborhoods
| Rule Type | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Basic Rules | • Drive on the right side of the road • Right turn on red is legal after a complete stop (unless signed otherwise) • Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks • Seat belts mandatory for all occupants |
| Speed Limits | • City streets: 35-45 mph (55-70 km/h) • Residential areas: 25 mph (40 km/h) • Highways (I-215, CA-91): 65 mph (105 km/h) • School zones: 25 mph when children present |
| Enforcement | • California Highway Patrol monitors highways • Local police patrol city streets • Red light cameras at some intersections • Strict DUI enforcement (0.08% blood alcohol limit) |
| Special Considerations | • Heavy truck traffic on some highways • Be aware of train crossings throughout the city • Watch for pedestrians near universities • Note event traffic around fairgrounds and convention center |
There are no toll roads in the immediate Riverside area, but travel to Orange County may involve toll roads:
| Toll Payment Option | How It Works | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Agency Toll Program | Automatically charges your credit card | Includes a daily convenience fee plus the toll cost |
| Personal FasTrak Transponder | Add the rental car's license plate to your account | Charges tolls at the normal rate with no extra fees |
Rent a car so you can easily:
Los Angeles – museums, Hollywood, beaches
Palm Springs – resorts, shopping, spas
Big Bear Lake – skiing, hiking, lake activities
Temecula Wine Country – vineyards, wineries, tastings
Disneyland Resort, Anaheim – theme parks, entertainment, fireworks
Joshua Tree National Park – rock formations, stargazing, flora
What documents do I need to rent a car in Riverside?
You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you're visiting from another country, you'll also need your passport. Some rental companies might ask for an International Driving Permit in addition to your license from your home country.
Which airport is best for renting a car to visit Riverside?
Ontario International Airport (ONT) is your best choice since it's only 17 miles (27 km) away. You'll find many rental companies there that offer good prices and you'll save a lot of driving time compared to LAX or other regional airports.
Do I need a special vehicle for mountain driving?
For mountain trips in the summer, a standard car should work fine. For winter visits to Big Bear or other mountain resorts, we recommend an SUV that has AWD/4WD. You may need snow chains for winter mountain driving, no matter what vehicle you drive.
How far in advance should I book a rental car?
If you need a standard vehicle, you should book 1–2 weeks before your trip. If you need a special vehicle or are traveling during a holiday, book 3–4 weeks ahead to get the best selection and price.
Are there any seasonal considerations for renting in Riverside?
Yes. If you travel to the mountains in winter, you might need a vehicle that has AWD/4WD. In the summer, you'll want a car with good air conditioning to handle the heat. In the spring, more people rent cars on weekends to go see the flowers, so demand can be higher.
What are the driving distances to major attractions?
Riverside to Disneyland: 40 miles (64 km) (45–75 minutes)
Riverside to Joshua Tree National Park: 85 miles (137 km) (1.5 hours)
Riverside to Los Angeles attractions: 60–70 miles (97-113 km) (1–2 hours)
Riverside to San Diego: 95 miles (153 km) (1.5–2 hours)
Riverside to Palm Springs: 55 miles (89 km) (1 hour)
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