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Road Genius makes it easy to find car rental deals in Turlock, California. Compare rates and make reservations in one place. Grab a vehicle from a downtown branch to avoid airport fees, then cruise Highway 99 to Yosemite, Sacramento((cars/rental/usa/sacramento-ca)) or the Bay Area with unlimited mileage. Enterprise and Hertz both offer after-hours returns and pickup service in town.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Map of campervan rental depots near 567454
Location Pros Cons
Turlock City (Enterprise)
  • Local office on Carnegie St
  • No airport surcharges
  • Unlimited mileage standard
  • Lower rates than airport locations
  • Standard business hours
  • Closed Sundays
  • May have limited vehicle selection
  • Advance reservation recommended
Turlock City (Hertz)
  • Office on S. Center St
  • After-hours return available
  • May have Sunday morning hours
  • No airport fees
  • Smaller fleet than larger cities
  • Limited specialty vehicles
  • May have higher rates than major airports for certain vehicles
Nearby Airports (Modesto((cars/rental/usa/modesto-ca)), Merced((cars/rental/usa/merced-ca)))
  • Additional rental companies
  • Possible expanded hours
  • May offer more vehicle types
  • Distance from Turlock (additional transportation costs)
  • Airport surcharges
  • Higher base rates

Transportation to Rental Locations:

  • Turlock Transit buses connect major areas of the city
  • Taxis available from the Amtrak Denair/Turlock station
  • Enterprise offers pickup service in Turlock (by appointment)

Busiest Rental Periods:

  • Stanislaus County Fair (July)
  • Holiday weekends
  • CSU Stanislaus graduation
  • Weekday mornings (business rentals) and Friday afternoons (weekend travelers)

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Turlock?

On average, car rentals in Turlock cost around $86 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $36 per day.

Low-cost rental tips
  • 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.

  • Fill up in town – Gas in Turlock is up to 30 % cheaper than mountain or Bay Area stations. Top off before the return and dodge the rental company's pricey refuel rate.
Car rental prices in Turlock 2025/2026

Parking and Driving

Where to Park:

  • Downtown Turlock: Free street spots and public lots
  • Monte Vista Crossings and other shopping centers: Plenty of free spaces
  • CSU Stanislaus: Paid visitor areas on campus
  • No meters in most areas of Turlock

Local Driving Rules:

  • Speed limits: 25-35 mph in town, 55 mph on rural roads, 65-70 mph on Highway 99
  • California requires headlights when windshield wipers are in use
  • No handheld cell phone use while driving (hands-free only)
  • Move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles
  • Watch for agricultural vehicles on rural roads, especially during harvest seasons

Weather Considerations:

  • Summer: Very hot (95-110°F), ensure vehicle air conditioning works properly
  • Winter: Dense fog can severely reduce visibility on Highway 99 and rural roads
  • Rain: Occasional heavy downpours can cause temporary road flooding
Why rent a car in Turlock

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

  • Hilmar Cheese Company – visitor center, tastings

Driving Distances from Turlock

FAQs

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.