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| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Turlock City (Enterprise) |
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| Turlock City (Hertz) |
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| Nearby Airports (Modesto((cars/rental/usa/modesto-ca)), Merced((cars/rental/usa/merced-ca))) |
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Transportation to Rental Locations:
Busiest Rental Periods:
On average, car rentals in Turlock cost around $86 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.
Skip the airport markups – City depots in Turlock avoid airport surcharges and often start $10-$20 cheaper per day. Factor in a quick Uber or free pickup service and you usually still come out ahead.
Shift your pickup day – Rates dip mid-week. If your trip is flexible, picking up on a Tuesday or Wednesday can shave 15-20 % off the weekend price.
Lock in summer & fair dates early – July's Stanislaus County Fair and other peak weekends see fleets sell out. Booking a couple of months ahead then keeps options open and prices sane.
Grab unlimited mileage – Yosemite, San Francisco((cars/rental/usa/san-francisco-ca)) and Sacramento are all 90-120 miles (145-193 km) away. Choosing a deal with unlimited miles avoids surprise add-ons when you rack up the Central Valley road trips.
Where to Park:
Local Driving Rules:
Weather Considerations:
With a rental car you can easily reach regional cities, mountain parks and scenic small towns beyond Turlock.
Yosemite National Park – valley, waterfalls
San Francisco – bay, bridges
Sacramento – state capitol, museums
Knights Ferry – bridge, river park

What documents do I need to rent a car in Turlock?
You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name and proof of insurance. If you're visiting from another country, you should bring your passport and might need an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
Is it better to rent a car in Turlock or at a nearby airport?
You can often find lower rates in Turlock since you don't have to pay airport fees. However, nearby airports may have more cars to choose from and are open for longer hours. If saving money is your main goal, check the rates in Turlock first.
Do I need an SUV or 4WD vehicle for driving in the Turlock area?
A regular sedan is fine for driving around the Central Valley any time of year. If you plan to visit the Sierra Nevada mountains during winter, you should consider a vehicle with AWD or 4WD in case it snows.
Are there any toll roads between Turlock and San Francisco?
The main highways (I-580, I-205) from Turlock to the Bay Area don't have tolls. However, you will have to pay tolls when you cross bridges to go into the Bay Area. If you use a toll bridge, the rental company will charge you for the toll and add a service fee.
What should I do if I encounter dense fog while driving?
In the winter, the fog in the Central Valley can get very thick. If you have to drive in fog, you should slow down and use your low-beam headlights, not your high beams. You should also leave more space between you and the car ahead and use the white line on the right side of the road to guide you. If it gets too hard to see, find a safe place to pull over.
Can I drive to Yosemite National Park as a day trip from Turlock?
Yes, you can drive to Yosemite and back in a single day. The trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hours from Turlock. We suggest you leave early, around 6 or 7 AM, to miss the long lines at the entrance and find parking in Yosemite Valley. You should also check if the park requires a reservation when you plan to visit during the busy season.