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Car rental California

Discover the Turo car rental marketplace

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Extraordinary selection

From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget

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Liability insurance included

Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans

Free cancellation

Easy airport pickup

You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada

Rental cars in California

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

California rental cars for every journey 

Exploring California’s diverse landscapes needs a car as versatile as the Golden State itself. From scenic drives along Highway 1 to navigating bustling cities like LA and San Francisco, California car rental options on Turo let you explore at your own pace. Whether you’re chasing sunsets at Golden Gate Bridge or headed to the San Diego Zoo, the perfect set of wheels to match your adventure awaits.

Skip the hassle of traditional car rental companies, Turo puts you in the driver’s seat — literally. With compact cars for city trips, luxury SUVs for Sequoia National Park, and long-term rentals for extended getaways, California’s roads are yours to conquer. Wherever your journey begins, renting a car in California has never been easier — or more fun!

Sacramento, California

Endless car and location options in California

From SUV rentals and luxury car rentals to affordable options, you can search an extraordinary selection of rental cars in California and find the perfect vehicle for just about any occasion and any budget, right from your phone.

Airports, hotels, & more

On Turo, you can rent just about any car, just about anywhere, just about any time. Decide which day and location you want to pick up your rental car, or have it delivered to your preferred location in California. From airport car rental alternatives to convenient doorstep delivery at hotels, train stations, and more, get the car you want where you want it.

Insurance, protection, & peace of mind

Third-party liability insurance is included, and you can choose from a selection of protection plans. You can also cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your trip for added convenience, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book.

Recent reviews

Kia K5 2021

The host, the car, and the whole Turo experience was 10/10. The price was fantastic and the whole experience was seamless. We had weird hours we wanted to leave and return the car that would not have worked with a car rental agency, but Angel and Turo made the whole process easy and seamless. I’m a bigger guy so I was worried about how comfortable the car would be and it was perfect. The great ride made our whole vacation possible and comfortable. I really appreciated the vehicles safety features too!

Daniel Alexander
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Nissan Altima 2025

The Nissan Altima was great. Good mpg, clean, lots of power, great response time. The car needed to be picked up at an off site location called, economy car rental at 2367 India street. A proximity 2 1/2 miles from the airport. You will need to find a ride to their location. The price of taxi will be $30, however we took the free shuttle to the car rental center then walked 20 minutes the rest of the way. The team at this location did a great job, fast, friendly, polite, and after returning they able to offer a ride back to the airport. We would rent this Altima again, and I would recommend this vehicle.

Cori
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Renault TWINGO II 2014

Eric and Valerie have made it impossible for me to ever rent from one of the big international car rental companies again. This was my third rental with them and they are everything the big guys are not. They are friendly, efficient, customer focused are most importantly really easy to deal with. Their cars are great as well.

Sally
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Megan
Nissan LEAF 2016

Easy pick up and drop off. Car was very clean inside. A/C blows super cold even when it's 100 degrees out!! The windows are not tinted so I suggest bringing your own sun shades if you are going to be parked anywhere but the shade in the summer. Luckily I had those and that made my trip much better. The flip down visors do have the extenders to help block sun while driving thankfully. Charging prices are comparable to current gas prices - about $45 to get 250 miles of charge over a few sessions which is the same as I get from a full tank in my Toyota Yaris. This car DOES have the CHAdeMO fast charge input so it's 30-50 seconds per mile to charge depending on the fast charger & whether you're running the car (AC/radio) or it's fully off. Radio speakers were a little blown out so I had to adjust some settings to listen to my audiobooks but it was easy to do. I had no problem driving from the pickup spot to Kyle, then to the airport, and back into town without needing a charge which was about 90 miles, mostly highway. Just like any Turo rental make sure to take your own photos at pickup and drop off since scratches and such aren't usually documented after every drive by the car owners which seems standard in my experience. Overall a great deal, best price in town especially for a last minute rental. I requested the rental at 9pm on a Tuesday after my personal car died and was able to get this the next morning with no issue. Will definitely keep them in mind when I need a rental near by. Thanks again!

Megan
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Cary F.
Honda Civic 2012

First, I contemplated leaving a 4 star review for a few reasons. However, the prompt response to the issue with the original vehicle reserved, partly due to luck that someone happened to be onsite with the car, and the flexibility with returning the vehicle without requiring washing and vacuuming is deserving of some grace. The price for 5 day/4 night rental was fantastic, around $150 total. I certainly didn't expect a car in pristine shape for the cost. This car is a part of a Turo "rental company" fleet. It seems like a company that buys cheap, used cars to rent out. There are 12-15 cars parked behind a strip mall 8-10ish minutes from the airport in an area I was glad we were picking up and dropping off midday rather than the evening. The hybrid we originally reserved had stained seats and a lot of cosmetic wear. One tire looked like it was on a spare wheel and didn't have a lot of life left, honestly. A lot of the roads in San Diego aren't exactly in great shape, I was concerned about getting a flat. When we turned the car on to leave we immediately got check engine lights and a "pull over immediately" message. Fortunately, someone with the "rental company" was on site and qas able to quickly switched cars for us. It wasn't a hybrid, though. We didn't plan on a lot of driving, but originally opted for a hybrid to save money since we had two days of freeway driving. We definitely spent more on gas then originally planned. If there wasn't someone available onsite to help, it could have been a much longer ordeal which is a terrible way to start a vacation. Communication day of pick up felt slow with the owner. I didn't think to look back to the 2 month old message about how to find the car. I received a message from Turo saying we'd be sent details the day before the trip. I never got that confirmation text or measage the day before or day of pick up from the actual rental owner. When I first reached out to the rental company through the turo app to find the car at pick up time, I didn't get a response. I finally found a way to text someone about 20 minutes later. We did get a pretty quick response that way, but it's frustrating to be in a random parking lot messaging through an app and not get a response. The Honda interior is definitely cleaner than the hybrid we reserved, but the exterior, not so much. Its been side swiped and has a lot of sun damage. The TPMS light was on the whole time, but the actual tire pressure was fine. There was also a rattle and grinding noise when accelerating from a stop or on a hill, but it didn't cause an issue. The car drives fine for a 14-15 year old car, it's just a little noisy and you feel all the bumps on the road. I understand with the cheaper cost of renting through Turo amd choosing a 12-15 year old car, I'm not getting a newer car like I would with a standard rental company or paying more for a newer car. That said, with my last few Turo rentals, it feels a lot of these Turo "rental companies" aren't checking their cars or doing much more than standard maintenance as frequently as they should when they have over 150,000 miles on them. The confirmation message also suggested the cars are kept in great shape. These cars were not in great shape by any stretch of the imagination. No one wants to be on vacation and have their car break down or even be worried that the car they're driving is gonna get a flat or break down.

Cary F.
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Mireille
Mitsubishi Mirage G4 2023

I love the rental cars from Mohammed. He and his staff is friendly and helpful. The cars are small and good at gas. I would suggest anyone to rent a car with Mohammed.

Mireille
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Eliasmanuel
Subaru Impreza 2014

I had an excellent experience renting from this host and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and smooth car rental experience. The vehicle was extremely clean, well-maintained, and exactly as described in the listing. Communication was outstanding from start to finish. The host was friendly, professional, responsive, and made both pickup and drop-off incredibly easy and convenient. The car drove perfectly and made my trip stress-free and enjoyable. It’s clear the host takes great care of both their vehicles and their customers. I truly appreciated the attention to detail and overall professionalism throughout the rental process. I would absolutely rent from this host again in the future and highly recommend them to others looking for a top-quality rental experience.

Eliasmanuel
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Joseph
Audi S3 2015

The host was excellent throughout the whole process. Communication was very good, he was friendly and easy to deal with, and he made the whole car rental process simple and stress-free. Everything was straightforward from start to finish, and I would definitely rent from him again.

Joseph
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Ella
Mitsubishi Mirage 2023

Easy pickup and drop off, saved us when the car rental companies ran out of cars at the airport.

Ella
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Jennifer M.
Subaru Outback 2013

Andre was great, the car was somewhat still dirty, dust, dirt, what appeared to be cigarette ashes, animal hair, sticky spills around the cup holders in the center console and the door panels. Crumbs and dust/dirt left in the door handles and cubby's. In the center console cup holders and cubbys. On the top of the dashboard, around the steering column and gauges. Sticky dusty windows and stereo buttons. Rear view mirror had sticky smudges on it. All the windows inside were dusty and dirty with smudges and idk what really.. the car had a bad smell of animals like dogs, and faint cigarette smell.. however as I got further into my trip I got used to it and wasn't bothered by it anymore. A lot of these issues honestly didn't bother me very much. I was more worried of being blamed for them when I returned the car. Unfortunately I was put behind schedule due to a passenger side headlight and passenger side tail light being burned out. However upon informing andre, he was very quick with a solution to take the car to valvoline where they were able to repair the lights before I left for my trip. If I wasn't already running late It wouldn't of bothered me. Andre was also very quick to reimburse me the whole price of the repairs immediately upon me sending him the receipt of the work.. I very much appreciated that! I also appreciate that instead of canceling my trip Andre worked out a way to have the lights fixed with no trouble of my own. He was always quick to respond to all of my very long messages full of questions. This is my first time using turo and I did not know the ins and outs of the rental process. He was able to guide me threw every step all while being polite and keeping his patience with me! Hah. I ended up running behind schedule on my way back as well and was surprised how simple and easy it was to change the return time from noon to after 9 p.m. all without adding any fees to my bill! That was very helpful of andre to allow me to do. I also ended up being a little passed my return time due to vacuuming the car and dusting everything to my best ability. So that andre wouldn't have to deal with someone else's mess and the next person who rents the vehicle will not have to worry about it either. I had no issues with doing that for him after he was so helpful with me! The vehicle was a little different then what im used to. But in no time I settled in with the car and had a very enjoyable trip! I would forsure rent another vehicle from andre in the future due to how well he accommodated me on this trip. Even tho the car had the mess, that was not andre, But left over from previous renters. He even made sure to have a snow brush and ice scraper in the car for me. But unfortunately the previous renters also took that with them. Im sure there will be a new one for the next person who rents the car because thats how much andre cares about his customers !! 5 stars for andre !!! Whoever returned his vehicle like that should be ashamed and think about how it would feel if someone treated your things the same way! Once again THANK YOU andre! I will reach out to you next time I need to rent a car.. I appreciate all your help thru the process! I appreciate your professionalism and quick responses to all my questions and thank you for making sure the vehicle was 100% good to go for me before I left and wouldn't of been able to fix it. 5 of 5 stars for andre !!

Jennifer M.
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Azeema
Toyota Yaris 2012

My credit card wasn’t working for some odd reason and rental companies wouldn’t let me rent a car so I booked this Turo last minute and it was a reasonable price for five days. I will do it again when I come back to Vancouver in August.

Azeema
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Chevrolet Cruze Limited 2016

Excellent 1st experience using Turo. The host was very responsive and timely. The vehicle was in great condition and rode very well. The price was a good deal and would definitely use this again as opposed to a major car rental facility. It was a simple process overall and very straightforward.

Jaretta
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Nissan Versa 2020

Highly recommend! First of all Rigid was very helpful from the beginning. I wasn’t exactly sure what days I would be arriving at GSO so I had to keep rescheduling the rental, but Rigid was very understanding and willing to work with me! Very well communicated from making the reservation to returning the car. Very easy pickup, the car was dropped off right outside the arrival level, so no long walk to the parking lot or rental car center etc. Clean car with good mpg! Will definitely rent again next time I coming through GSO airport!

Haojun
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Trieu-Chung
Honda Civic 2025

The host, Tadeh was exceptional. The very best in customer service. I had the best experience with renting from Tadeh. Everything was so easy; Tadeh was super accommodating, very kind, he went way above and beyond what I reasonably expected. Tadeh is a thousand times better than AVIS, HERTZ, Enterprise, Thrifty, Budget, Dollar, and all the major car rental. Tadeh gave me the best deal; the major car rentals do not come close; I saved a lot of money. The car was great, very good on the gas mileage; and very clean. Tadeh made sure pick-up location was very convenient for me, Tadeh drove the car to where I was; it’s the best. Tadeh also picked up the car when I was done and again made sure it was convenient for me. I am very grateful for this. Once I return from my deployment, absolutely renting from Tadeh again; will be telling all my friends and colleagues. This is just amazing customer service. I am very appreciative for everything. THANK YOU

Trieu-Chung
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Toyota Camry 2018

Kiara had great communication throughout the rental process , the car was amazing , clean and comfortable. Rental was a great price as well. I'll be happy to rent from Kiara again in the future.

Timothy
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Chevrolet Volt 2014

A great car and definitely attentive host. I really appreciate that- Leon was great. So glad I went this route to rent a car vs going to a commercial car rental place. So much more personable. Would definitely recommend working with Leon!

Tracie
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Jose
Ford Fusion 2016

Good Morning 🌞 Yall! This Car was Amazing! I was able to go see my older Son's College Graduation during the week. The Car rental process was amazing and an easy process. I would definitely rent this Car again!!

Jose
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Car rental California: How it works

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1. Find the perfect car

Enter a date and location in California (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.

animation of finding a car

2. Select a pickup location

Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.

rear view of a car

3. Hit the road

Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of California! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.

Rent a car and explore California

Things to do and places to see in California

California is a dreamland for explorers, offering everything from sun-soaked beaches to snow-capped mountains. Picture yourself cruising along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, sipping wine in Napa Valley, or marveling at the towering trees in Sequoia National Parks. Whether you’re a foodie, an adrenaline junkie, or a history buff, the Golden State has a slice of adventure for everyone.

Rent the perfect car
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

This crimson beauty isn’t just a bridge — it’s a global icon. Spanning nearly two miles, the Golden Gate Bridge offers jaw-dropping views of the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Drive across in your Chevrolet Malibu or park nearby and walk the pedestrian pathway. Just don’t miss the Golden Gate Park nearby, where you can picnic, bike, or visit the Japanese Tea Garden.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Prepare to feel like a hobbit in an ancient forest. Home to the world’s largest trees, Sequoia National Park is where nature flexes its might. Take a scenic drive to the General Sherman Tree, hike through the Giant Forest, or enjoy stargazing like never before. A hardy SUV or 4WD will come in handy on these rugged roads, especially if you venture into Kings Canyon for more natural wonders.

San Diego Zoo, San Diego

Renowned as one of the best zoos on Earth, the San Diego Zoo offers an up-close-and-personal look at over 650 species from around the world. Wander through the lush, themed habitats or hop on a safari to see animals in action. It’s a family-friendly destination that’s as educational as it is entertaining. While in San Diego, take a detour to La Jolla Cove for a seaside stroll. Not done soaking up the adventure yet? Head over to Balboa Park afterwards — it’s a cultural and botanical smorgasbord that’ll make you feel worldly.

Turo vs. Traditional car rental

Turo

  • App-based experience

  • No waiting in line

  • Get the exact car you choose

  • Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations

  • Contactless pickup and dropoff available

Traditional car rental

  • Standard rental counter experience

  • Waiting in line

  • Get one type of car “or similar”

  • Pickup at retail locations

  • Requires in-person handoff

Rental car pickup locations throughout California

Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in California. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular California pickup locations include:

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San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Flying into the Bay Area? If San Francisco International Airport is your starting line, you can skip traditional rental car companies. Arrange with your Turo host to pick up your rental car near the airport or at the International parking lots (A or G). Simply grab the keys and take on those legendary hills like a pro. Whether you’re heading to Napa Valley for wine or up the coast to explore the stunning beauty of Point Reyes, SFO is your ideal pick-up spot. Don’t forget to cross the Golden Gate Bridge — extra points if you’re driving a convertible.

Downtown Los Angeles

Welcome to the gateway of glamour. Skip the airport madness and pick up your rental car in the heart of Los Angeles. Downtown LA is packed with trendy restaurants, iconic theaters, and plenty of photo ops. Plus, you’ll avoid LAX traffic (well, some of it). From here, you’re a short drive to hotspots like Griffith Park or Santa Monica, or you can head straight for the Pacific Coast Highway for stunning ocean views. From SUVs for family trips to compact cars for zipping between auditions — oops, we mean attractions — you'll find the perfect rental car for your LA adventure on Turo. Once you’ve got your car, cruise to iconic spots like Venice Beach, Hollywood, or the Griffith Observatory.

San Diego City Center

Prefer palm trees over planes? The San Diego City Center is perfect for picking up your rental car and diving into Southern California’s chill vibes. Start your journey with a stop at Balboa Park, grab a fish taco at one of the local spots, then hit the highway to explore nearby gems like La Jolla or even a day trip to Mexico. Other popular locations include Sacramento for Northern California road trips or Fresno if Yosemite’s granite cliffs are calling your name. Wherever you pick up your car, California’s iconic roads and destinations are waiting. Buckle up, you’re in for an unforgettable trip.

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Top tips for renting a car in California


California is a state where the journey is just as thrilling as the destination. Whether you're cruising through wine country, tackling the rugged roads of national parks, or zipping through city streets, renting the right car can make or break your adventure. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your time behind the wheel in the Golden State.


What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car in California?


To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, be 18 years old or older with a valid driver’s license, and get approved to drive on Turo. When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through an approval process by entering your driver’s license information by providing a photo of it and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for future road trips, business trips, and family vacations!


What are the road rules and driving conditions in California?


California’s road rules are fairly straightforward, but knowing a few quirks can save you from a ticket or two. Always stick to the speed limit — 65 mph on highways unless otherwise posted and 25 mph in residential areas. Don’t forget California loves its cyclists, so always give them ample space. As for driving conditions, expect smooth highways in larger cities but be prepared for some winding, narrow roads in the Sequoia National Park and other rural areas.


Are there toll roads in California?


Yes, California has its fair share of toll roads, particularly in Orange County and around the Bay Area. Most toll booths are automated, so you’ll want to be prepared if you're heading through these areas. Planning a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway? You’re in luck — this iconic route is toll-free, leaving you more cash for snacks and selfies.


Do I need to rent a car in California?


If you want to travel long distances or explore beyond public transportation's reach, a rental car is a great idea. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are sprawling, and many must-see spots like the Golden Gate Bridge and Sequoia National Park are best accessed by car. Plus, renting gives you the flexibility to design your own itinerary and save money on guided tours.


What occasions can I rent a car for in California?


From wedding getaways in Orange County to long-term rentals for your extended stay in San Diego, renting a car in California fits any occasion.

- Family vacations: Planning a family trip to Disneyland in Anaheim? Choose a spacious minivan like the Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica for comfort and ample space.

- Business travel: Attending a conference in Silicon Valley? Impress clients with a luxury sedan like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class or BMW 5 Series.

- Outdoor adventures: Heading to Yosemite National Park for hiking? Rent a rugged SUV like the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner.

- Romantic getaways: Planning a romantic weekend in Napa Valley? Opt for a convertible like the Ford Mustang Convertible or Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.

- Moving and relocation: Moving to a new apartment in Los Angeles? A pickup truck like the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado has you covered.

- Long-term stays: Staying in San Diego for an extended period? Consider a fuel-efficient car like the Toyota Prius or Honda Civic for economical daily driving.


What rental car types can I find in California?


California’s car options are as diverse as its terrain. Need a fuel-efficient ride for urban exploring? Rent a Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Civic or a hybrid like the Toyota Prius. Planning family hikes in Sequoia National Park? An SUV like a Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, or Toyota Highlander is perfect.

For a splash of luxury, try premium cars like the BMW 7 Series or even convertibles like the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, or Mazda MX-5 Miata to soak up the sunshine.


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


The cost of car rental in California can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in California, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.


How old do you need to be to rent a car in California?


Traditional agencies typically require you to be 21 to rent a car in California. On Turo, the minimum age is 18.