Palo Alto car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

Save up to 40% on car rentals. Compare deals from all over the web.

Never overpay with our price tracking tools.

Filter searches by price, agency and more to find your best car rental.

Car Rental Deals
Booking Insights
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car rentals in Palo Alto

Medium car
Medium
Luxury car
Luxury
Commercial car
Commercial
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Palo Alto car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Palo Alto with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Palo Alto?

You should book your rental car in Palo Alto around 58 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest car rental company in Palo Alto?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Thrifty (₹ 26/day), Hertz (₹ 26/day) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car (₹ 32/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Thrifty 816 San Antonio Road (4.2 km from city centre).

What is the most popular rental car in Palo Alto?

Hires in the Medium category (Hyundai Elantra or similar) are the most popular option in Palo Alto, costing ₹ 4,371/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as ₹ 2,252/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Palo Alto?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Palo Alto is January at an average cost of ₹ 3,337/day. August is the most expensive month to hire a car in Palo Alto when prices are ₹ 5,053/day on average, which tends to be 10,648% above the yearly average hire price for Palo Alto.

Which car hire company in Palo Alto has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Avis each operate 2 locations in Palo Alto, more than any other car hire company.

Palo Alto car rental price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right rental car in Palo Alto by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

₹ 2,669 - ₹ 4,433

All Car Types

₹ 4,340 - ₹ 7,290

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Palo Alto?

How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Palo Alto?

Small car hire in Palo Alto typically costs around ₹ 3,404 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average ₹ 2,669 per day, which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 46% cheaper than the average car hire in Palo Alto, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Palo Alto typically costs around ₹ 4,710 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average ₹ 3,575 per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 26% cheaper than the average car hire in Palo Alto, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Palo Alto typically cost around ₹ 5,643 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average ₹ 4,131 per day, which is about 27% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 11% cheaper than the average car hire in Palo Alto, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.

SUV hire in Palo Alto typically costs around ₹ 6,639 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average ₹ 5,402 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 6% more expensive than the average car hire in Palo Alto but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in Palo Alto typically costs around ₹ 9,585 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average ₹ 4,576 per day, which is about 53% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 35% more expensive than the average car hire in Palo Alto but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck hire in Palo Alto typically costs around ₹ 6,188 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average ₹ 2,955 per day, which is about 53% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 2% cheaper than the average car hire in Palo Alto, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.

Luxury car hire in Palo Alto typically costs around ₹ 7,622 per day. The best time to book is June, when prices average ₹ 6,228 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 18% more expensive than the average car hire in Palo Alto but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Convertible hire in Palo Alto typically costs around ₹ 12,324 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average ₹ 9,247 per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 49% more expensive than the average car hire in Palo Alto but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Dollar
Small
₹ 4,408/day
₹ 3,734/day

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Palo Alto

  • Consider renting a car during your stay in Palo Alto to experience the convenience and flexibility of exploring the city and getting a feel of the culture, rather than dealing with expensive taxis or fixed routes using the public transportation system. There are a few airports near Palo Alto, with the closest one being around 13 miles away from the town center, which is a short drive for anyone who rents a car from one of the car rentals in Palo Alto. You can also choose to visit some of the popular tourist destinations near Palo Alto, such as Baylands Nature Reserve, which borders the San Francisco Bay, or the Pearsin-Arastradero Preserve, located south of the city opposite Interstate 280.
  • There are a few airports near Palo Alto, such as the San Jose (SJC) Airport, which conveniently has several Palo Alto car rentals on-site, such as Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and Hertz. The Rental Car Center is located across the street from Terminal B, and from Terminal A can be accessed via the bus shuttle which picks you up from baggage claim. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is approximately 18 miles away and has multiple car rental agencies on site as well, situated at the SFO Rental Car Center on the first and fourth floor. Off-airport agencies are served by free shuttle services, which stop at the south curb of the car rental center.
  • Like most busy cities, there are a few people who opt to not follow traffic rules. Drivers are warned to be cautious of jaywalkers who hop on busy roads without warning, as well as pedestrians and cyclists who don’t use their respective lanes. There are also a few cases of distracted driving. Visitors who opt for car rentals in Palo Alto are advised to consider getting vehicles that have built in GPS monitors to navigate through unacquainted roads.
  • The rush hour in Palo Alto city is not the worst, since it is a primarily residential area. In the morning when people are heading to work, rush hour starts at around 7am to 10am with people spending an average of around 45min on the road. It usually picks back up at around 3pm. Since the climate is mostly warm, there are usually no cases of weather-related accidents.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Palo Alto for ₹ 3,734 or less
  • Medium rental cars in Palo Alto are around 47% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Palo Alto

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Palo Alto?

    Due to the congestion that can occur on the roads especially during rush hours, small compact vehicles are recommended for solo travelers or couples and are ideal for visiting local sights such as the Palo Alto Farmers Market. Large SUVs are recommended for larger groups of people and are more comfortable for visiting the outskirts of the city.

  • What’s the speed limit in Palo Alto?

    The speed limit at Palo Alto is set at 35mph on the general business district. Roads that connect local streets to heavy arterials usually known as collectors have a speed limit of 40mph. School zones operate with a speed limit of 25mph. Roads that have not been posted also have a set speed limit of 25mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in Palo Alto?

    There are several options available in the city of Palo Alto. Free parking is provided for visitors and customers in the downtown area, with 2h free parking on surface lots and 3h free parking in parking garages except designated areas, effective between 8am to 5pm on weekends. Visitors can also purchase all-day parking permits which are valid in all off-street parking lots and garages but are not valid for on-street parking spots.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Palo Alto?

    On average a rental car in Palo Alto costs ₹ 4,408 per day.

  • Which hire car agencies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?

    Car hire companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Sixt, Europcar, Thrifty and Dollar.

  • Which hire car agencies will pick you up at San Francisco airport (SFO)?

    Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from San Francisco airport to off-airport locations include Sixt, Europcar, Thrifty and Dollar.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Palo Alto?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Small car rental cost in Palo Alto?

    A Small car hire in Palo Alto costs ₹ 5,534 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Medium car rental cost in Palo Alto?

    A Medium car hire in Palo Alto costs ₹ 3,286 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Large car rental cost in Palo Alto?

    A Large car hire in Palo Alto costs ₹ 6,983 per day, on average.

Palo Alto car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Budget

10.0

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

2 locations in Palo Alto

Show locations

Locations in Palo Alto

2452 Old Middlefield Way

+1 650 969 3730

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

4230 El Camino Real

+1 650 424 0684

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Tony, Nov 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
All good

1 out of 1

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

7.2

Comfort

6.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.4

Value for money

5.6

2 locations in Palo Alto

Show locations

Locations in Palo Alto

2243 Old Middlefield Way

+1 650 843 4990

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

360 Oak Rd

+1 650 843 4990

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Feb 2025

Luxury

KAYAK
The email confirmation took me to an old address which is now a hertz. Thankfully a hertz worker was there while they were closed to directed me to the correct address almost a mile away. I had to walk there in unideal weather. Then the car I reserved was not available. I was also charged for a car seat which I did not use and was not provided to me.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Passenger van

KAYAK
ORDERED A 12 PASSENGER VAN FOR A GROUP OUTING, ORDERED CONFIRMED. AFTER SETTING EVERYTHING UP I GET A CALL THE NEXT DAY , SORRY WE DO NOT HAVE A VEHICLE FOR YOU, TAKE MY ORDER, CONFIRM MY ORDER, CANCEL MY ORDER "1 STAR"

1 out of 2

Hertz

Cleanliness

6.7

Comfort

6.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.1

Value for money

6.1

3 locations in Palo Alto

Show locations

Locations in Palo Alto

360 Oak Road

+1 650 876 1866

Monday14:00 - 17:0009:00 - 13:00
Tuesday14:00 - 17:0009:00 - 13:00
Wednesday09:00 - 13:0014:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 13:0014:00 - 17:00
Friday14:00 - 17:0009:00 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

625 El Camino Real

+1 650 617 0386

Monday08:00 - 17:0013:00 - 17:00
Tuesday13:00 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Wednesday13:00 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:0013:00 - 17:00
Friday13:00 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00

816 San Antonio Rd

+1 650 739 0370

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

Frank, Aug 2025

Minivan

KAYAK
I had some trouble with the card reading machine but the agent was able to show me another way to complete my transaction.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Nov 2021

KAYAK
Staff member provided a vehicle that was a size smaller than what the reservation indicated, then lied about it when asked. I was eventually allowed to switch vehicles.

1 out of 3

Avis

6.4

Okay

One location in Palo Alto

Show locations

Locations in Palo Alto

4230 El Camino Real

+1 650 493 8888

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

5.3

Fair

One location in Palo Alto

Show locations

Locations in Palo Alto

816 San Antonio Road

+1 650 739 0370

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5.2

Fair

One location in Palo Alto

Show locations

Locations in Palo Alto

816 San Antonio Road

+1 650 739 0370

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

24 travellers who rented a car in Palo Alto gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.8

Car hire locations in or near Palo Alto

Palo Alto car hire information

Pick-up locationPalo Alto
Car types
Hire locations6
Airport locations0