Car rental Big Bear, CA
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
- Car rental
- United States
- Big Bear Lake
Extraordinary selection
From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget
Liability insurance included
Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans
Easy airport pickup
You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada
Rental cars in Big Bear, CA
Average daily prices for a 3-day trip
Cadillac Escalade
2024
•4.75
(8)
BMW X7
2026
•5.0
(17)
Tesla Cybertruck
2024
•4.93
(58)
BMW X7
2026
•New listing
Tesla Cybertruck
2025
•5.0
(11)
Tesla Cybertruck
2024
•5.0
(9)
BMW 3 Series
2024
•5.0
(7)
Cadillac Escalade
2025
•5.0
(39)
Toyota Prius
2024
•New listing
Car rental near Big Bear on Turo
Booking a car rental near Big Bear is the easiest way to enjoy a mountain getaway. The lake sits at roughly 6,750 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, reached by winding highways like CA-18 and CA-330. Local transit is limited, so your own wheels are the practical way to move between the lake, the slopes, and the village.
A rental car opens up the whole area. You can reach the lakeshore marinas, the ski resorts, the walkable village, and down-the-hill day trips without waiting on a shuttle. That flexibility matters when the best spots are spread across the valley.
Booking on Turo is refreshingly simple. You choose the exact vehicle you want, then reserve it in the app in a few taps. No guessing about what you'll actually drive when you arrive.
If you're coming from farther afield, it's easy to browse car rental across the US and plan your route up the mountain. Many travelers fly into Ontario, where Ontario car rental puts you about an hour and a half down the hill.
Big Bear Lake car rental: How it works
The right car depends on the trip, and every Big Bear escape looks a little different. Whether you're chasing fresh powder, celebrating a milestone, or settling in for the season, there's a vehicle that fits.
1. Find the perfect car
Enter a date and location in Big Bear, CA (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.
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.
3. Hit the road
Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Big Bear, CA! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.
Rent a car and explore Big Bear, CA
Things to do and places to see in Big Bear, CA
Rent the perfect car
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is the seven-mile alpine lake at the heart of the area, ideal for boating, fishing, and lakeside trails. Its marinas and shoreline access points are spread all the way around the water. A car lets you reach the quieter north-shore spots and boat ramps instead of staying stuck near the village.
Big Bear Mountain Resort
Big Bear Mountain Resort pairs two ski-and-snowboard mountains, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, that become a bike park and Scenic Sky Chair in summer. It's the main winter draw and a year-round adventure base. The two base areas sit a few miles apart, so a car makes hopping between them and beating the morning parking rush much easier.
Lake Arrowhead
Lake Arrowhead is a neighboring alpine village about 45 minutes west along the Rim of the World Highway. It's an easy day trip for a change of scenery, lakefront dining, and shopping. There's no direct transit between the two lakes, so a rental car is the only practical way to combine both in one trip.
Why Rent a car on Turo?
Cheap Big Bear, CA car rental
Find deals on all kinds of drives in Big Bear, CA and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Convenient Big Bear Lake car rental pick up options
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Big Bear, CA, like airports, train stations, and hotels.
Relax with support & damage protection
24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.
Car rentals for any occasion
The mountain vacation
For a week at the lake and the slopes, you'll want a roomy, comfortable ride with space for luggage, gear, and passengers on the climb up. SUV rentals give you the clearance and cargo room that winter roads reward. Traveling with a bigger crew? Minivan rentals keep everyone comfortable with plenty of seats and storage.
The special occasion
A birthday, anniversary, or milestone weekend in the mountains deserves a standout ride for the drive up the Rim of the World Highway. Treat yourselves to luxury rentals that make the journey feel as special as the celebration.
The long-term stay
Remote workers and long-season visitors often settle in for weeks or a whole ski season. A long-term car rental keeps a dependable vehicle ready for the entire stay.
Turo car rental vs. traditional rental
Turo Car rental
App-based experience
No waiting in line
1,600+ unique makes & models
Get the exact car you choose
Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations
Cars rented out by local small businesses
Vehicles and hosts rated by guests
Traditional rental
Standard rental counter experience
Waiting in line
Limited selection
Get a type of vehicle “or similar”
Pickup at retail locations
Owned by large corporations
No vehicle ratings
Rental car pickup locations
Forget the traditional rental counters. On Turo, you can have a car delivered right to you. Whether you're arriving at the airport, staying at a local hotel, or beginning your trip from downtown, Turo offers flexible options to match your schedule and make pickup hassle-free.
Big Bear City Airport (RBF)
Big Bear City Airport is a small general-aviation field, so it mainly serves travelers arriving by private plane. If that's you, delivery can often be arranged to a nearby spot to get your trip started.
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Ontario International Airport is the nearest major fly-in and rental hub, roughly an hour and a half down the hill. Pick up your car here and drive up, or browse car rental in San Bernardino for another convenient valley option.
The Village in Big Bear Lake
The Village in Big Bear Lake is the walkable heart of town near the water. If you arrive by shuttle or simply want to start your trip downtown, you can arrange to pick up your car right here.
Top tips for renting a car near Big Bear
Road rules and driving conditions
Expect steep, winding mountain highways on CA-18 and CA-330, the Rim of the World Highway. Drive slowly, use lower gears on long descents, and watch for fog and wildlife. At roughly 6,750 feet of elevation, conditions can shift quickly, so give yourself extra time.
Parking
Village and lakeside lots fill up fast on peak winter and summer weekends, so arrive early at the resorts. Many San Bernardino National Forest trailheads and day-use spots also require a National Forest Adventure Pass, so pick one up before you park.
Toll roads
Good news: there are no toll roads on the routes up to Big Bear. You won't need to plan for tolls on the drive.
Gas stations and EV chargers
Fuel up down the hill before you climb, since mountain gas is limited and pricier. Grabbing rental cars in Redlands makes it easy to top off first. EV charging exists in the village but stays limited, so if you choose electric vehicle rentals, plan your charging stops ahead.
Do I need to rent a car near Big Bear?
Yes. Big Bear has minimal public transit, and its attractions are spread across the valley and down the mountain, so a car is the practical way to get around. Many visitors take the down-the-hill approach and start with Rancho Cucamonga rentals before making the climb.
Frequently asked questions
What documents and paperwork do I need to rent a car near Big Bear?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a payment method on your Turo account. Booking happens entirely in the app, so you can upload what's required before your trip and skip the paperwork at pickup.
What kind of license do I need to rent a car near Big Bear?
A valid driver's license is all you need for most trips. If you're visiting from outside the US, an unexpired license from your home country generally works, and an International Driving Permit can help translate the details.
What are the age requirements to rent a car near Big Bear?
Most guests need to be at least 18 to book on Turo in the US, though some vehicles set higher minimums. Younger drivers may see a smaller selection, so filter early to find the right fit.
How does insurance work when renting a car near Big Bear?
When you book on Turo, you can choose from a range of protection plans during checkout. Each plan lays out what's included, so you can pick the level that fits your trip before you drive off.
Are discounts available for car rental near Big Bear?
Often, yes. Many trips on Turo qualify for weekly and monthly discounts, which can lower your daily rate for longer stays. Prices vary by vehicle and dates, so compare options in the app to spot the best value.
Is long-term car rental available near Big Bear?
Yes. If you're staying for weeks or a full season, long-term rentals keep a vehicle ready for the entire visit. It's a popular choice for remote workers and long-season skiers.
Is unlimited mileage rental available near Big Bear?
Sometimes. Some trips on Turo include generous or unlimited distance, while others set a daily mileage limit. Check each listing's distance details before you book, especially if you plan day trips down the hill.
Can other people drive the car near Big Bear?
Yes, additional approved drivers can share the driving. Add them to your trip in the Turo app, where each driver gets approved before the trip starts. Handling it in the app keeps everyone covered.
How much does it cost to rent a car near Big Bear?
It depends on the vehicle, the season, and how long you're booking. Everyday cars tend to be the most affordable, while SUVs and luxury picks cost more, and winter weekends run higher than quiet weekdays. Compare live prices in the app to find a rate that works.
What rental car types are available near Big Bear?
Plenty. You'll find options for every kind of Big Bear trip, from quick runs up the hill to full family ski weeks:
Standard cars — everyday sedans for easy trips up the hill.
SUVs — clearance and space for winter roads and gear.
Minivans — room for the whole family and luggage.
Electric vehicles — for guests who want to plan charging around the trip.
Luxury rentals — a standout ride for a special weekend.
Is monthly car rental available near Big Bear?
Yes. Monthly stays are a great fit for extended mountain visits, giving you a dependable vehicle without the commitment of buying. Browse monthly and long-term rentals in the app to lock in a rate.
Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host's vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. In the US, liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host's vehicle.
For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host's vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.