How to find a cheap car rental deal in Walnut Creek
Travel at your own pace with a cheap rental car in Walnut Creek. With prices averaging $71 a day, it's a wallet-friendly way to explore on your terms. From zippy compacts to roomy SUVs, we'll help you pick the right rental for less.
The cheapest daily rental price in Walnut Creek is $60.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from $195 and pack in more adventures.
To land the best price on a Walnut Creek car hire, try to book ahead. Rates tend to rise as your travel dates approach, and last-minute availability isn't always guaranteed.
Avis, Enterprise and Hertz are among the most trusted providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Whether you choose Avis or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Walnut Creek car rental. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car rental options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with prices averaging $85 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around $90.
The third option also helps keep your travel costs low. Expect to pay roughly $92 a day for one of their rentals.
Want a car that's the reliable option for most getaways? The Full-size rental category ranks as the top pick for travelers visiting Walnut Creek.
Compare car rental types in Walnut Creek
Small: These cheap rental cars in Walnut Creek may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, great on mileage, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to maneuver around cities and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Walnut Creek car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and advanced safety features.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Walnut Creek is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're tough, versatile, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something to think about. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying an expensive excess fee. Different Walnut Creek car rental providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. They can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Walnut Creek.
Good to know
Usually, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Younger drivers aren't always turned away — just be ready for a few added rules or costs. Check the companies' terms and conditions before you book.
Add a car seat to your Walnut Creek car rental booking if you're bringing the kids. Requirements change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest approach.
You'll need some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring your physical driver's license, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
If you've never driven in the United States, remember that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 25mph in urban areas and around 70mph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everything you buy here. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash so you're covered for every situation.
The language most commonly used in this country is English.
Best hotels in Walnut Creek for drivers
Offering parking, Diablo Mountain Inn Walnut Creek takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is about 1 mile from central Walnut Creek and also comes with air conditioning and express check-out.
Hampton Inn Concord makes travel simpler with accessible parking and features such as express check-out and a fitness center. It's roughly 5 miles from the city center.
Browse the range of hotels in Walnut Creek for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the ideal fit. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to bring up places with on-site charging.
After you've found a car rental deal in Walnut Creek and the right hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Creek Walk, Arbolado Park and Fossil Hill Trail are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Walnut Creek
San Jose has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Japantown (San Jose) and Winchester Mystery House. This city is about 40 miles south of central Walnut Creek.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in San Jose include Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport and Alura Inn.
Add San Francisco to your travels too. Pick up your cheap car rental in Walnut Creek and drive around 20 miles southwest to take in leading attractions like Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square.
BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Hotel G San Francisco are comfy places to stay in San Francisco if you're planning to stick around. Book one of these and have somewhere handy to leave your ride.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Salinas, about 90 miles south of Walnut Creek. First, visit National Steinbeck Center, then take your time exploring Monterey Zoo.
Browse the room options at Super 8 by Wyndham Salinas or Western Motel. Use one of them as your base and enjoy everything Salinas has to offer. They come with room for your wheels too.
