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Car rental Merced, CA

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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 Merced, CA

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Chevrolet Equinox car rental in Merced on Turo

Rent a car in Merced on Turo

Whether you're heading out for a Yosemite adventure, attending a UC Merced event, or simply running errands, having your own car rental in Merced is the best way to get around this vibrant city.

A fuel-efficient sedan works well for zipping through the city, but if you're heading into Yosemite National Park, a roomy SUV is ideal for handling mountain roads and packing in gear for the day. Book your ideal car on Turo to take you on your journey through Merced and beyond on your own terms.

Merced, CA car rental: How it works

On Turo, renting a car in Merced is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Merced, California and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.

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1. Find the perfect car

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

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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.

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3. Hit the road

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

Recent Merced, CA car rental reviews

Ram
Hyundai Accent 2017

This was super easy for an extended rental and he was very communicative and helpful along the way.

Ram
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Al N.
Hyundai Accent 2017

Clean car, as described, responds promptly to any questions, polite, understanding, able to extend trip when asked

Al N.
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Hyundai Accent 2017

Appreciated that I was able to book at an hour notice as well as extend my trip. Great on gas! Great economy car

Monakai A.
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Karla
Hyundai Accent 2017

Everything about this rental was fabulous! Host was easy to work with and good communication!

Karla
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Maha B.
Tesla Model 3 2023

The car drove amazing. Valerie was also very accommodating and was available if I ever had any questions! Would definitely rent again

Maha B.
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Hyundai Accent 2017

Thank you for renting me your car. We had a very nice family trip thanks to you. I will be renting from you again in the near future. Thanks Jose!

Alan R.
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Rent a car and explore Merced, CA

Things to do and places to see in Merced, CA

While it's often known as the “Gateway to Yosemite,” Merced is more than just a stop on the way to the mountains. Linger a little longer and you’ll discover a city that's carving out its own rich identity. You'll be rewarded with experiences that blend its rich agricultural roots with aviation history and a thriving creative scene.

Rent the perfect car
Merced River in Yosemite National Park

Castle Air Museum

Just outside the city, this museum is home to an impressive collection of vintage military aircraft in its outdoor section, along with a complementary range of wartime memorabilia in the indoor section. Whether you’re a history buff or just love getting up close to bombers, jets, and helicopters from every era, this museum promises to be both awe-inspiring and sobering at the same time.

Merced Flea & Farmers Market

If you're looking for a truly local experience, head to the Merced Flea & Farmers Market where you'll get to savour fresh, locally-grown produce while shopping for unique antiques, clothing, and handmade goods. Whether you’re into hunting down vintage finds or selecting the best in-season ingredients for a picnic, it’s a great place to connect with the city’s agricultural roots and laid-back vibe.

Merced National Wildlife Refuge

This 10,000-acre refuge offers seasonal views of blooming wildflowers, migrating birds, and other local wildlife, making it a go-to spot for bird watchers, photographers, and anyone craving quiet natural spaces. In the cooler months, the sky fills with the calls of migrating sandhill cranes and snow geese, and watching them gather in the waters is a striking experience not to be missed.

Why Rent a car on Turo?

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Cheap Merced, CA car rental

Find deals on all kinds of drives in Merced, CA and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.

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Convenient Merced, CA 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 Merced, CA, like airports, train stations, and hotels.

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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.

Merced car rentals for any occasion

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Weekend car rental

Planning a weekend trip to Yosemite National Park or a scenic drive through the Sierra foothills? Find a road-ready SUV or spacious sedan that fits your group and gear comfortably. Browse Turo for weekend-ready rental vehicle options for tourists and locals at various car rental locations in Merced.

Business travel and airport car rental 

Grab a car rental (Merced) close to the nearest regional airport on Turo so you can head straight to meetings, job sites, or campus events without delay. Search for full-size sedans or mid-size SUVs to comfortably take you from business to leisure, and everything in between.

Short-term car rental

Look for flexible short-term rentals on Turo to continue with your plans while your car’s in the shop or for tackling your next weekend project. Whether it’s a people mover for trips to Merced's Applegate Park Zoo or a dependable pickup for hauling supplies, there are cars on Turo to suit all kinds of quick trips.

Turo vs. traditional car rental

Turo

  • 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 car rental

  • Standard rental counter experience

  • Waiting in line

  • Limited car selection

  • Get one type of car “or similar”

  • Pickup at retail locations

  • Cars owned by large corporations

  • No vehicle ratings

Rental car pickup locations throughout Merced

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

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Merced Regional Airport or Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)

Skip the long lines at the airport car rental counter and find car rentals on Turo near Merced Regional Airport or Fresno Yosemite International Airport. Just follow the pickup instructions in the app, and you’ll be on your way — whether you’re starting your drive toward Yosemite, checking into your hotel, or heading to a meeting downtown.

Downtown Merced

There's no need to make the inconvenient journey to a car rental agency when you can browse Turo rental listings near city center spots like the Amtrak station or Motel Drive hotels. It’s a convenient option if you're staying in town, grabbing a meal in the area, or visiting local attractions like the Merced Multicultural Arts Center.

UC Merced & North Merced

With plenty of car parks in the area, UC Merced is an ideal car rental location, whether you’re running weekend errands, heading out on a day trip, or just need a car while yours is in the shop. You can even search for vehicle pick-up at other nearby neighborhood locations like North Merced.

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Airport pickup made easy

Next time you fly, don’t wait in line and fill out forms — pick your car up at hundreds of popular airports.

Convenient pickup & return

Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.

No lines, no paperwork

Skip the rental car counter at hundreds of popular airports without waiting in line or filling out paperwork. Find and pick up the car with the app and hit the road in no time.

Free cancellation

Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.

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Pickup near or at Airports

Top tips for renting a car in Merced


Follow these tips for a safe and smooth trip in your car rental (Merced, CA).


What are the road rules and driving conditions in Merced?


Merced is a well-connected city. It has thoughtfully planned out local roads and major routes such as State Route 99 link it to other nearby hubs like Fresno and Sacramento.


Traffic in Merced is generally light compared to larger California cities, but it can pick up during weekday morning and evening commute hours, especially around R St and the UC Merced campus during the school year.


Speed limits in California typically range from 25–35 mph in urban areas, and up to 65 mph on highways. Be sure to watch for posted signs, particularly near schools, construction zones, and rural roadways where the speed limit can change quickly.


Merced experiences a typical Central Valley climate with hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. During summer, you may encounter hazy skies or reduced visibility due to wildfire smoke, especially if fires are burning in nearby foothills. In winter, dense morning fog, known locally as Tule fog, can cause low visibility on highways and rural roads. Flooding can also occur during heavy winter rains, especially in low-lying areas or along rural backroads. Keep an eye on local weather alerts and avoid driving through low-visibility areas or flooded roads.


What is parking like in Merced?


There's a variety of parking options in downtown Merced, including street parking spaces and surface lots. Be sure to check signs for any time limits or restrictions to avoid fines. You can also usually find car lots near public spaces like Amtrak Merced Parking or Lake Yosemite County Park, along with shopping malls like Marketplace at Merced.


Are there toll roads in Merced?


There are no toll roads in Merced, but if you're driving toward the Bay Area or Southern California, you might come across a few — especially around major cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles.


Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Merced?


Use apps like PlugShare or Google Maps to find the nearest gas station or EV charger in Merced and check their operating hours.


You’ll find plenty of gas stations around Merced, especially along major roads like G St and Olive Ave, so you can easily fuel up on your way in or out of town.


There are over 40 EV charging stations within 9 miles of Merced. You can find them near shopping areas like the Marketplace at Merced and accommodation such as the Courtyard by Marriott.


Do I need to rent a car in Merced?


Yes, renting a car in Merced is highly recommended, as public transit may not cover all the areas you want to visit. And while rideshares are available, they can get expensive if you’re making multiple stops in a day or heading outside the city.


With your own rental car on Turo, you’ll have the flexibility to get around on your own schedule whether you're exploring Yosemite National Park, visiting UC Merced, or heading to business meetings.

Frequently asked questions about Merced car rentals

What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?

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 on Turo?

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 on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.

How does car rental insurance work on Turo?

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 on Turo?

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 on Turo?

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.

See more about promotions & discounts

Is there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?

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 that I rented?

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 with no fees or additional charges. 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 via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.

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

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

What types of cars can I rent on Turo in Merced?

You’ll find a wide variety of vehicle options on Turo to match whatever brings you to Merced — whether you’re visiting Yosemite, attending a UC Merced event, or just need a rental vehicle to replace your usual ride.

Heading to Yosemite National Park or exploring the Sierra foothills with a bigger group? A standard SUV like the Subaru Outback or minivans like the Honda Odyssey have plenty of space for the whole crew. Need something with more utility? Book a pickup truck for weekend projects, hauling gear, or navigating rural backroads with ease.

If you're here on business or campus-related work, fuel-efficient sedans like the Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra offer a comfortable ride between meetings, hotel stays, and university visits. If you're mainly staying in town, compact vehicles are easy to park and are a great way to save money as you get around in a car in Merced.

Locals can take advantage of flexible short-term rentals too, whether it’s a cargo van for a DIY move or a sleek luxury car for a special event.

Compare car rental deals on Turo across Merced so you can find the right ride (at the right price) for your plans.