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Find low rental car prices in Ukiah, CA with Road Genius. Compare live rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no reservation fees. Pick up from Enterprise or Hertz on South State Street, skip airport surcharges, and hit Highway 101 within minutes for drives to Anderson Valley wineries, the Mendocino coast and towering redwood parks.
| Rental Location | Advantages | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Ukiah Local Rentals | • No airport fees or surcharges • Convenient for visitors staying in town • Local expertise on regional attractions |
• Limited hours (most close weekdays at 5PM, open Saturday mornings only) • Smaller vehicle selection • Closed Sundays at most locations |
| Santa Rosa Airport (STS) | • Larger vehicle selection • Extended hours • Immediate access upon arrival |
• Airport fees increase costs by around 11% • 65 miles (105 km) from Ukiah • Requires driving through wine country |
| San Francisco Airport (SFO) | • Extensive vehicle options • 24/7 service • Competitive rates |
• Airport fees add to costs • 120 miles (193 km) from Ukiah • Significant drive through urban and rural areas |
Note:
On average, car rentals in Ukiah cost around $92 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $45 per day.
Pick up in Ukiah, not at the airport – skipping Santa Rosa or SFO avoids the 11%+ airport surcharges and long drives, often shaving $10-15 a day.
Book early only for peak times – lock something in for summer or Aug-Oct harvest weekends; in quiet winter months you can wait and pounce on drop-in rates.
Choose a weekly rate if you'll be here 4-5 days or more. Weekly pricing in Ukiah often beats paying individual daily rates by 20%+.
Return to the same location to sidestep one-way fees that can wipe out any savings on a short rental.
Add your spouse for free – California law waives the extra-driver charge, so no need to pay the usual $10-15 per day.
Grab the most fuel-efficient class that fits your crew; vineyards, redwoods and coast drives rack up miles fast even with "unlimited mileage" included.
| Area | Parking Availability | Regulations |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Ukiah | Street parking and public lots | Time limits in business district (usually 2 hours); free parking in most areas |
| Wineries | Designated parking areas | Generally free; limited spaces at smaller establishments |
| Recreation Areas | Parking lots at trailheads and parks | Day use fees at some locations; limited capacity during peak season |
Local Driving Rules:
Important:
Get a car to easily:
Mendocino Coast – ocean views
Anderson Valley wineries – pinot noir tastings
Lake Mendocino – kayaking, picnics
Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve – redwood groves
What's the best route from Ukiah to the Mendocino coast?
You have two main options: Highway 253 to Highway 128 (it's more scenic and winds through Anderson Valley wine country) or Highway 20 (it's more direct but just as curvy). Both routes take about 1.5 hours and offer beautiful scenery. Many people prefer Highway 128 for its vineyard views and redwood trees.
Do I need a special vehicle type for exploring the Ukiah area?
Your standard sedan works for most activities around Ukiah, like visiting wineries and driving to the coast. When you explore more remote areas or visit forests on unpaved roads, a car with higher clearance (like an SUV or crossover) might feel more comfortable, but you don't have to have one.
What's the best strategy for wine tasting with a rental car?
You need to stay safe in wine country. You can have a designated driver who doesn't drink or you can limit how much you taste and use the spittoons. Another option is to use one of the many wine tour services in the area so everyone can join in. Many wineries ask you to make reservations, so be sure to plan your trip ahead of time.
How do driving conditions change by season around Ukiah?
In summer and fall, you'll find the best driving conditions, but the roads are busier. In winter (November–March), we get heavy rain that can sometimes flood or close roads, especially in the countryside. Spring has great conditions and not as many tourists. Fog can make it hard to see when you're driving in the morning any time of year, mostly in the valleys.
Are there any scenic drives from Ukiah besides the coastal route?
You can drive to Clear Lake on Highway 20 East to see mountains and the lake. The road north to Lake Mendocino is a quick way to get to the water for fun activities. If you like wine, you can explore the Redwood Valley wine trail north of Ukiah or the Anderson Valley wine region to the west to see beautiful vineyards.
What should I know about driving to remote attractions in Mendocino County?
In remote areas, like along the coast and in forests, your cell service might be spotty or you may not have any. You should download offline maps before you leave. Bring water and snacks and make sure your gas tank is at least half full. Tell someone your plans when you visit these out-of-the-way places, especially in the rainy season.
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