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Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find lower car rental prices in Ventura with Road Genius. Find rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. Compare Ventura downtown pickups with LAX and Burbank airport options in one search, then hit Highway 101 or the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara, Malibu and beyond.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Rentals (LAX/BUR) | • Immediate availability upon arrival • Wide selection of vehicles • 24/7 operation at LAX |
• Higher rates along with airport fees (approximately $9/day facility charge at LAX) • Longer wait times (30-60 minutes during peak periods) • Need to drive 60-70 miles (95-110 km) to reach Ventura |
| Ventura City Locations | • Lower rates without airport surcharges • Shorter wait times (around 15 minutes) • Convenient for local exploration |
• Limited operating hours (around 8am-6pm) • Fewer vehicle options • Requires transportation from airport |
If flying into [LAX] or Burbank and planning to rent in Ventura:
On average, car rentals in Ventura cost around $69 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: Ventura city offices often beat LAX/BUR airport rates by $10-15 per day since you skip the airport facility fee. Even after a rideshare from the airport (about $100 from LAX), a week-long trip can still come out cheaper.
Travel in shoulder season (Oct-Nov or Jan-Feb) when economy cars hover around $30/day and inventory is wide open. Summer rates can double.
Book early for peak weeks, then re-check prices: lock something 6-8 weeks out for summer or holidays, but keep monitoring. Ventura rates frequently drop closer to departure in fall and winter—free rebooking = easy savings.
Test a "weekly" rate even for 5-6 days; flat weekly pricing often undercuts daily totals by 20–30 percent.
Use your own toll payment (FasTrak or one-time online) if heading into Orange County's toll roads. Dodging the rental company's $3-$5 daily convenience fee keeps that coffee money in your pocket.
Return with a full tank from a local station; Ventura pumps along US-101 are far cheaper than the rental desk's refill charge.
Downtown Ventura: Mix of free public structures and street spots (usually 2 hours free)
Beach Areas: Paid lots by the hour or day
Tip: Arrive early on sunny weekends to secure beach spots
Residential Areas: Watch for permit-only zones near beaches
| 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 and residential areas: 25-35 mph (40-55 km/h) • Highways (US-101): 65 mph (105 km/h), some stretches at 70 mph • School zones: 25 mph when children present (some as low as 15 mph) |
| Enforcement | • California Highway Patrol monitors highways • Local police patrol city streets • Red-light cameras at some Ventura County intersections • Strict DUI enforcement (0.08 percent blood alcohol limit) |
| Unique California Rules | • Motorcycles can legally split lanes • At 4-way stops, first vehicle to stop has right of way • If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, yield to the car on your right |
A rental car gives you easy reach to coastal drives, nearby cities, and inland escapes.
Rent a car to visit:
Santa Barbara – Mission Santa Barbara, Stearns Wharf, Funk Zone wineries
Malibu & Pacific Coast Highway – Zuma Beach, Point Dume, coastal overlooks
Ojai Valley – farmers market, hiking trails, olive groves
Los Angeles – Hollywood Boulevard, Griffith Observatory, Getty Center
What documents do I need to rent a car in Ventura?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you're visiting from another country, you will also need your passport. Some companies might ask for an International Driving Permit as well as your license from your home country.
Is it worth renting at LAX versus in Ventura?
Renting a car at LAX is convenient when you fly in, but it costs more. The price is usually 15-20% higher once you add in airport fees, facility charges and local taxes. If you rent in Ventura, you'll save money but will need to get a ride from the airport. A rideshare or shuttle costs around $100, depending on demand.
How far in advance should I book a rental car?
To get the best prices and car choices, you should book 8 or more weeks ahead, especially for summer travel. If you wait until the last minute during busy times, you could pay 2-3 times more and have fewer cars to choose from.
What insurance coverage do I need?
The state of California requires you to have liability insurance. The rental price includes the state minimum coverage. You should check if you need to buy extra protection, depending on your personal insurance and your trip.
Are there any seasonal considerations for renting in Ventura?
Rental companies charge the most and are busiest in the summer (June–August). You can get the best deals from October to November and from January to February. In winter, be aware that rain can affect coastal roads. Summer mornings often start with fog that clears by midday.
What's the best vehicle type for exploring the region?
If you're a couple or solo traveler staying on main roads, an economy or compact car is the cheapest option. Families or people planning mountain trips may want to rent an SUV. You'll enjoy a convertible for drives along the coast.
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