Car rental Costa Mesa, CA
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
- Car rental
- United States
- Costa Mesa
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 Costa Mesa, CA
Average daily prices for a 3-day trip
BMW 7 Series
2026
•New listing
Cadillac Escalade ESV
2026
•5.0
(20)
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
2020
•5.0
(36)
Porsche Macan
2018
•5.0
(13)
Ford Transit
2021
•5.0
(16)
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
2018
•5.0
(16)
Toyota Sienna
2019
•4.94
(167)
Chevrolet Trax
2024
•5.0
(129)
INFINITI QX60
2026
•4.97
(42)
Rent a car in Costa Mesa on Turo
It’s a smart move to book a car rental in Costa Mesa on Turo. You’ll rent from local vehicle owners instead of a rental counter, often for better value than big rental brands. Roomy SUVs work great for family outings, beach trips, and group adventures. Luxury sedans are ideal for business meetings, special occasions, and scenic drives.
There’s so much to see, do, and explore in Costa Mesa, and your own car makes the trip more enjoyable. You won’t have to book ride shares or stick to shuttle bus schedules. Whether you’re heading to South Coast Plaza or the Newport Beach pier, you’ll explore on your own time. Heading beyond Orange County? Browse car rentals across California.
Costa Mesa car rental: How it works
On Turo, renting a car in Costa Mesa is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Costa Mesa, California and beyond, you’ll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.
1. Find the perfect car
Enter a date and location in Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa, CA! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.
Recent Costa Mesa car rental reviews
I highly recommend Mahmoud to anyone looking for an outstanding car rental experience! He provided excellent service, was professional, friendly, and made the entire rental process smooth and stress-free. The car was in great condition, and everything exceeded my expectations. Mahmoud went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. If you’re looking for a reliable, trustworthy, and hassle-free car rental, Mahmoud is definitely the person to choose. I would absolutely rent from him again and recommend him without hesitation!
Right from the start the host Wahleed was so helpful, patient an kind. I was new to Turo an accientally booked another car at the same timme Wahlee spent time talking me through the rental process. The car was immaculate and like brand new. Unfortunately, I was not familiar with hydrogen cars and thought i was renting an economical car. I would definitely rent again with Turo and definitelly from Wahleed again. Not ony was he helpful from the get go but when it came time to return the car I needed a late checkout, Wahleed authorizedd my request and when Turo wanted to charge me $43 for a late return Wahleed told me not to worry and when I couldnt find someone to picck me up from dropping off car Wahleed told me I could sit in the car and wait for my ride he said turn the air on and don’t worry just put the key in the mailbox and text him when i was leaving, This host is truly the definition of a host. His car was super nice AND fun to drive,
Absolutely, the best host. Our trip got cut short due to bad weather and we ended up traveling home early. The host was very accommodating and allowed me to modify my reservation. Car was beautiful and clean. I will definitely book again.
Easy pick up. Clean car ran great. Will use again for work trips. Easier than dealing with rental counter.
I want to say a big Thank you for allowing me to drive your car !! And also allowing me to keep extending the car rental and always easy communication.. God bless you ❤️🙏
The entire rental process with Khanh was very smooth. Khanh responds to all inquiries very quickly and has a very pleasant communication. The car was flawless, as advertised, very comfortable, everything worked, and it performed excellently during the trip. Very economical. I will definitely return to Khanh next time I need a car during my stay in the US – the price was also very good. Khanh – thank you for your cooperation. Best regards – Tom
Easy, simple, and efficient! This is my first time ever getting a rental car, and I had a good experience. I wasn’t aware of hydrogen fuel cars until this car. But I was made aware of the fuel situation and given the option to cancel my reservation with full refund before the trip if I wanted to. Car was clean and ran very smoothly.
Great host! Communication was easy, and the whole rental process was smooth and hassle-free. Would definitely recommend!
I had a great experience renting this fuel cell car! The vehicle was smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable to drive. I loved learning about the hydrogen fuel cell technology and how it provides a more environmentally friendly way to get around. The car drove well, was reliable, and made my trip a pleasant experience. Overall, I was very satisfied with my rental and would definitely recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for something different, innovative, and fun to drive. I would absolutely rent it again!
Rental was good. There were some issues with the transmission in my opinion, but overall was good will book again in the future great price
Russel was absolutely amazing and so accommodating! He last minute helped us out with getting a car seat in the car for my daughter, as well as being extremely flexible with pick up time and location! This was my first time renting through Turo, and I couldn’t have had a better experience. Thank you Russel!
The host was great! Very responsive, accommodating, and easy to communicate with. After our other host canceled at short notice, they stepped in and made the rental process smooth and stress-free. Really appreciate their flexibility and excellent service. Would definitely recommend this host to others!
Amazing car! Great pickup and straight forward! Tony was early for the my reservation and it was much appreciated! Highly recommended Tony's a great communicator!
The car was perfect! Great on gas, smooth ride and the host was thorough and quick to answer any and every question I had. If you’re looking for a smooth ride with great gas prices, this is the one!
Excellent car, communicative host. I picked up the car with minimial difficulty near the SNA airport and returned it on time with. It is basically a new car with XM radio and good AC. I guess I didn't follow the correct procedure to return the car (the app sends me some message to open an app that has no "return" button), but I complained about some fee that was added 30 minutes later and it was removed. I think the Turo app can be made easier to use but seems to be mainly selling add ons like the other car rental companies. Turo has not yet reached the point of commoditization (like uber, airbnb, etc.) that makes the rates the same as the old economy companies so I will use it again until it does.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great experience from start to finish! The car was clean, comfortable, and reliable. The host was friendly, responsive, accommodating and made the entire rental process easy and stress-free. Pickup and drop-off were seamless, and I had no issues with the car during my trip. I would definitely rent from this host again and highly recommend them!
Great Price, and effortless options. Helps makes planning a trip easier. Also making a trip changes while on the road, communicating with hosts are friendly, and respectful.
Rent a car and explore Costa Mesa, CA
Things to do and places to see in Costa Mesa, CA
Costa Mesa is well-known for its stunning parks, gorgeous beaches, and beautiful arts scene. There are activities and attractions for people of all ages. Starting your mornings with a coastal walk or a local cafe breakfast is an excellent way to begin each day in Orange County with more energy.
Rent the perfect car
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is a tranquil destination packed with protected wetlands, picturesque pathways, and amazing wildlife-watching possibilities. Along the waterfront, guests can stroll, jog, ride bikes, or just relax and take in breathtaking views of the bay. Because it hosts hundreds of species year-round, this location is a favorite among birdwatchers and nature photographers.
Noguchi Garden
Stunningly conceived by the illustrious artist Isamu Noguchi, Noguchi Garden (also called “California Scenario”) is an outdoor sculpture park. As you walk through the pathways and look at each installation, you’ll find yourself reflecting on how art and nature blend with one another. Geometric sculptures, symbolic landscapes, and textured stonework provide the perfect backdrop for sparking your curiosity and starting meaningful conversations.
Costa Mesa Golf Course
The two 18-hole layouts at Costa Mesa Golf Course are always immaculate, and the property’s lovely fairways and friendly, casual vibe make it a favorite among players of all abilities. The course features expansive greens, beautiful scenery, and an entertaining and demanding layout. A driving range, practice grounds, and a clubhouse are also available.
Why Rent a car on Turo?
Cheap Costa Mesa, CA car rental
Find deals on all kinds of drives in Costa Mesa, CA and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Convenient Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa, 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.
Costa Mesa car rentals for any occasion
Vacation car rental
Costa Mesa is a convenient home base for vacationers heading to nearby beaches, nightlife spots, and Orange County’s popular shopping districts. There are plenty of places to unwind with friends or spend an evening out. The LAB Anti-Mall and The CAMP are great group hangouts when you want to explore, eat, or relax. Having one vehicle for the whole group makes it much easier to get to each activity throughout the trip.
Wedding car rental
Costa Mesa is full of gorgeous venues that work great for weddings. Whether you’re in town for your own big day or someone else’s, having a luxury sedan or SUV will ensure you get to and from each event in style and comfort. From photo ops to receptions to rehearsal dinners, you won’t have to worry about being late for all of the most important moments. South Coast Plaza and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts area are also hot spots for business meetings and conferences.
Long-term car rental
Here for an extended stay, a work assignment, or a temporary relocation? A long-term rental gives you a car for weeks or months without the commitment of buying one. Turo offers flexible trip durations with weekly and monthly discounts, so longer bookings come with lower rates. Commute to Irvine, run weekly errands, and settle into Costa Mesa on your schedule. Need a car beyond Costa Mesa? Browse long-term car rental in California.
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 throughout Costa Mesa
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.
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Forget about standing in line at the airport car rental counter. When you book a car rental in Costa Mesa on Turo, you can arrange the pickup right at the John Wayne Airport. Just step off the plane, grab your luggage, and head to the parking garage listed on the Details page of your booking in the Turo app. Rental pickups are allowed in parking garages A1, A2, B2, and C.
South Coast Plaza
This location sits on a main arterial road running through Costa Mesa, putting you right next to luxury boutiques, fine dining, and popular entertainment venues. There are several parking lots that include plenty of space for doing a rental pickup. The lots are open to the public seven days a week. You’ll have easy access to major freeways, including the 405 and the 73. There’s clear signage at all entrances and exits so you can easily navigate the property.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts Area
There are more than 1,200 parking spaces at this attraction. Several parking areas have spots for large vehicles, making it ideal for picking up passenger vans, large SUVs, or cargo vehicles. You’ll be right next to major highways like the 405 and the 55. Some of the nearby hotels include The Westin South Coast Plaza and Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa. You may or may not have to pay a parking fee depending on which lot you use and whether an event is taking place.
Top tips for renting a car in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa offers shopping, dining, and lots of entertainment. Having a good time greatly depends on your ability to navigate the area and plan ahead. Here are some tips you can use to make your trip stress-free.
What are the road rules and driving conditions in Costa Mesa?
Always follow the posted speed limit signage and keep in mind that school zones often have reduced speeds. Don't use your cell phone unless it's in hands-free mode. The South Coast Plaza area tends to experience heavier traffic, especially during weekends and evening hours. There are lots of tourists and locals here who like to travel by bicycle. You should always maintain a three-foot buffer with cyclists to keep everyone safe and comfortable. During the morning time, the coastal fog may reduce visibility, so be sure to slow down and use your headlights.
What is parking like in Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa in Orange County provides plenty of parking. The mall areas typically offer free parking, but you'll want to check posted signs for time limits. Metered parking areas are available in some commercial zones. The residential areas have some parking, but several restrict it during certain hours. At places like The LAB Anti-Mall or The CAMP, parking tends to fill up fast during weekend evenings.
Are there toll roads in Costa Mesa?
You won’t come across any toll roads in Costa Mesa, but you may encounter some if you head toward Irvine on the 133. Certain toll routes require a FasTrak transponder or online payment to settle the fee. If you want to avoid these tolls, you can plan an alternate route using non-toll highways.
Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Costa Mesa?
You'll find plenty of options for topping off your gas tank and getting convenience snacks and beverages. Stores like Shell and ARCO both offer basic travel supplies and quick grab-and-go food items. Orange County, including Costa Mesa, has a wide variety of public charging stations for electric vehicle rentals. Some of the more popular spots include the stations at South Coast Plaza, IKEA Costa Mesa, and Costa Mesa Courtyards.
Do I need to rent a car in Costa Mesa?
With your own set of wheels, you can come and go and do as you please during your trip in Costa Mesa. Maybe you want to visit the Newport Beach shoreline, followed by an evening of dining near the harbor. Or perhaps you're visiting for a wedding and you want to take a scenic drive while you're in town. A rental vehicle gives you the freedom to explore Orange County at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions about Costa Mesa car rentals
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car in Costa Mesa?
To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.
In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.
When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!
What kind of license do I need to rent a car in Costa Mesa?
Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver’s licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn’t accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner’s permit/instruction permits are not accepted.
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car in Costa Mesa?
To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.
How does car rental insurance work in Costa Mesa?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.
In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*
In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.
Can I get car rental discounts in Costa Mesa?
You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo.
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals.
Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.
Learn how the loyalty bonus works
Is there long term car rental in Costa Mesa?
Yes there is - whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
Is there unlimited mileage car rental in Costa Mesa?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
Can other people drive the car I rented in Costa Mesa?
Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers to the trip. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers any time via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Costa Mesa?
The cost of car rental in Costa Mesa can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in Costa Mesa look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.
What rental car types are there in Costa Mesa?
You’ll have a long list of rental options to choose from when you book on Turo. Here are some of the top picks:
- Luxury SUV: A Cadillac Escalade or BMW X7 gives you plenty of room for stylish group outings around South Coast Metro. - Convertible: A Mustang Convertible or BMW Z4 lets you enjoy warm coastal breezes as you cruise toward Newport Beach. - Sports car: A Porsche 911 or Corvette Stingray turns a simple drive past Segerstrom Center into a thrilling nighttime experience. - Hybrid: A Toyota Prius or Honda Accord Hybrid keeps Costa Mesa errands efficient, quiet, and easy on fuel. - Cargo van: A Ford Transit or Ram ProMaster handles event gear and bulky items effortlessly when you’re setting up at the OC Fairgrounds. - Crossover: A Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V helps you hop between cafes, parks, and shopping districts without missing a beat.
Can I rent a car monthly in Costa Mesa?
Yes — you can rent a car for a month or longer in Costa Mesa on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 30+ days, so a monthly trip can get you lower rates than a shorter booking.
* 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.