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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers at San Luis Obispo County Airport (SBP). Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Simple. All the big brands have desks inside the terminal, so you can walk to your car and hit Highway 1 or Paso Robles wine country in minutes. Lock in a low rate early for busy summer and Cal Poly weekends.
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Available Companies at SBP:
Additional Notes: Rental car counters are located inside the main terminal building. The rental car lot is a short walk away.
On average, car rentals at San Luis Obispo Airport cost around $42 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Compare airport vs downtown rates. SBP adds about 11 % in airport fees. If someone can give you a quick ride, downtown SLO counters often rent for less.
Tweak pickup times and length. A 7-day booking can be 15-20 % cheaper than a 5-day one. Play with dates on the comparison page until the weekly rate kicks in.
Peak-event rule. Summer, wine-festival weekends and Cal Poly graduation sell out fast. Lock in a free-cancellation reservation early, then re-check prices closer to travel.
Book the smallest class you're comfy driving. Fleets at SBP are limited and upgrades happen often, so start cheap and see what you get at the counter.
Stack discounts. Enter AAA, AARP or warehouse-club codes on the compare screen and watch prices drop another 10-20 %.
Refuel nearby. Gas up at Broad St. or Tank Farm Rd. (1–2 miles from SBP) to dodge the eye-watering per-gallon charge on returns.
Airport Parking (for reference):
Local Driving Rules from SBP:
Rent a car so you can drive to:
Downtown San Luis Obispo – restaurants, farmers' market
Pismo Beach – pier, beaches
Paso Robles Wine Country – wineries
Morro Bay – Morro Rock, seafood
How much time should I allow for picking up a rental car at SBP?
Because SBP is a small airport, you can usually get your rental car in 15 to 20 minutes after you get to the counter. You should plan for extra time if you arrive on a busy flight or during the main tourist season.
What's the best vehicle for exploring SLO County?
Most visitors find a standard sedan works just fine. You might want a convertible to enjoy the scenic coastal drives on Highway 1 or an SUV if you plan to explore the backroads in wine country.
Is it easy to find parking in downtown SLO?
Yes, you'll find several parking garages in downtown SLO that offer the first hour free and have reasonable rates after that. You can also find street parking, but it may have time limits. Finding a spot can be harder during the Thursday night farmers' market.
Can I pick up at SBP and return to another location?
Yes, rental companies let you do one-way rentals, but they usually charge an extra fee. People often drop off cars at airports like San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX) and Santa Barbara (SBA). The one-way fee is generally $50 to $200, depending on the distance and the rental company.
Do I need a special vehicle for Highway 1 to Big Sur?
No, you can drive any standard rental car on Highway 1. The road is fully paved but has many curves and elevation changes. If you get motion sickness easily, you might want a car that is stable and easy to see out of. You should always check Caltrans road conditions before you leave, since landslides can sometimes close the road north of Ragged Point.
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