Car rental Oakland, CA
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
- Car rental
- United States
- Oakland, CA
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 Oakland, CA
Average daily prices for a 3-day trip
Porsche 911
2018
•5.0
(1)
BMW M3
2023
•5.0
(27)
Porsche 911
2023
•5.0
(120)
Porsche 911
2014
•4.99
(454)
BMW M3
2025
•5.0
(72)
BMW M4
2022
•New listing
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2026
•5.0
(1)
MINI Hardtop 4 Door
2020
•4.99
(123)
Mercedes-Benz CLE
2026
•5.0
(28)
Rent a car in Oakland on Turo
Food, culture, street art, vibrant nightlife – these are all reasons to visit San Francisco's ultra-cool little sister, Oakland. Whether your plans involve sipping a cocktail at a historic bar or indulging in a spot of vintage shopping, the best way to see it all is with your own car rental. Oakland is also located in a prime part of Northern California, mere miles away from other hotspots like San Francisco and Berkeley.
Tick everything off your Bay Area itinerary by renting a car on Turo. Here, you'll find tons of cheap car rentals and premium vehicles alike, all available for pickup in prime Oakland locations.
Oakland, CA car rental: How it works
On Turo, renting a car in Oakland is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.
Recent Oakland, CA car rental reviews
Great car rental experience. Car was clean and owner answered messages quickly and kept in touch
The car was amazing and so fun to have for our wedding! Shawn was an amazing host throughout our reservation
Second time with this great host! Reliable car, good gas mileage, easy pick-up/drop-off, convenient location. and fair price. Thank you!
Best trip ever the only car im ever renting for Oakland. Hosts where amazing 👏 🤩
Car easy to use and easy to rent with delivery service , very convenient for me Love this car, will book it again for next trip
The car rental was the smoothest part of our trip! Pickup was fairly straightforward and we had no issues with the car. It's definitely on the older side with wear and tear, but we were thrilled to get a hybrid to keep our gas costs down. The owner was very responsive and helpful.
John was perfection! Clear & precise instructions! Walked right out of the airport & the car was so close & nearby! The car was sparkling clean inside & out!!! Who needs any car rental companies? They are all horrible and inconvenient!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had a wonderful experience overall! The vehicle was clean, comfortable, and exactly what we needed for our trip. The host was incredibly helpful, responsive, and easy to communicate with throughout the entire process, which made everything feel stress-free and convenient. Traveling can be hectic, especially with little ones, and having a host who is attentive and willing to help makes such a difference. I really appreciated the communication and support along the way. Everything ended up working out great, and the car was reliable from start to finish. Thank you for helping make our trip a smooth one. I would absolutely rent from you again and highly recommend you to future guests!
Had a great experience renting this white Tesla The car was super clean, well maintained, and drove amazing. Everything worked perfectly and the pickup/drop-off process was smooth and easy. Host was very responsive, and helpful, throughout the entire trip, which made everything stress free. I will Highly recommend this host to anyone looking for a reliable car rental!
It was a great trip, the Benz drive very well, I will rent again, host also have a very quick response if you were to need a car last minute also The car is clean 10/10 recommend.
Amazing ride as always. Pick-up is smooth and convenient, the car is clean and smells great. Host is always very communicative. Best Turo host in the Bay ✨
My boys named the car Fifi and we had a great little family road trip. Great car and host was really great to work with!
Everything went smoothly! The car was great and the hosts were very friendly and communicated very well. We can definitely recommend a rental from Wendy!
Jayraj was an amazing host! My husband and I truly enjoyed this car, it was clean and smelled wonderful. Jayraj made our trip every easy through great communication and providing helpful tips throughout our entire trip. Look no further he’s the guy to book with you won’t be disappointed!
Rent a car and explore Oakland, CA
Things to do and places to see in Oakland, CA
While it mightn't have as big a rep amongst vacationers as San Francisco, there's an abundance of things to see and do in Oakland. The vibe here is electric thanks to the city's intersecting cultures, buzzing nightlife, great food, and nearby outdoor activities. See all kinds of wildlife at Oakland Zoo, or head over to Lake Merritt to bike, kayak, or picnic. Even if you're staying longer-term, you won't run out of sights to see with San Francisco, Berkeley, and San Jose all just a short drive away.
Rent the perfect car
Jack London Square
Once the heart of Oakland’s seaport operations, Jack London Square is now a dining, shopping, and entertainment destination that draws crowds all year long. Named for author Jack London, who grew up on the Oakland waterfront, it's a happening place with an authentic Oakland vibe. Must-visit spots include Plank beer garden, historic Yoshi's for Japanese food, and the Sunday farmer's markets. If the great outdoors is calling, kayak around the Oakland Estuary before finishing up with a bite to eat.
Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
Just a few miles from downtown Oakland lies the East Bay’s largest remaining natural stand of coastal redwoods, the Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park. Peaceful and awe-inspiring, it's the perfect local attraction for a hike, a picnic, or wildlife viewing. Pack a feast in your rental car and marvel in awe at the sky-scraping trees while you lunch, or load up with camping gear and stay a while – the choice is all yours!
Oakland Museum of California
Stroll through centuries of Californian art, history, and natural science at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), located at the south-west corner of Lake Merritt on Oak Street. Museum highlights include the Dorothea Lange archive and an exhibit on the state's seven unique ecosystems. Because of the museum's diverse offering, it's a must-see in Oakland for all kinds of travelers, whether you're a family with kids or flying solo. Park your rental car in the OMCA lot on-site, or find a nearby garage.
Why Rent a car on Turo?
Cheap Oakland, CA car rental
Find deals on all kinds of drives in Oakland, CA and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Convenient Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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.
Oakland car rentals for any occasion
Vacation car rental
If you're visiting Oakland on vacation, a rental car will give you the freedom to tick off all the sights on your itinerary, whether they're close to home or across the Bay in San Francisco. Pile your passengers (and luggage!) into an extended SUV like the Nissan Pathfinder or Cadillac Escalade, or cruise down picturesque highways in the convertible BMW 2 Series or the eco-friendly Volkswagen ID.4. Whatever you like to drive, you're sure to find it on the Turo marketplace.
Work car rental
Plenty of business travelers find themselves staying in Oakland, whether they're conducting work in the city itself or commuting to nearby San Francisco or San Jose. Join their ranks and rent a car from Turo while you're here for maximum comfort and convenience. Popular models include the sleek Audi Q5, the reliable Toyota Prius Prime, and the sturdy Ford F-150.
Long-term car rental
Planning on staying in Oakland for a few weeks or months? Or perhaps you're relocating here and need a car – either way, you're sure to find the right vehicle when you book with Turo. There are lots of options available for monthly rental and beyond on the Turo marketplace, including the zippy Toyota Yaris, the spacious Nissan Pathfinder, and the budget-friendly Mitsubishi Mirage.
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 Oakland
Get your vehicle delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in Oakland, CA, including Oakland, CA airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular Oakland, CA pickup locations include:
Oakland International Airport
Located approximately 7 miles south of the Oakland city center, Oakland International Airport (OAK) is a growing hub hosting a range of domestic and international flights. Book a rental car for collection near Oakland International Airport on Turo to make your journey seamless. Once you've touched down, breeze straight past the airport car rental counter and head to your vehicle, parked in a pre-arranged off-airport location. Check the Turo app before arriving to confirm where to collect the car and any pickup instructions.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
If you're flying from somewhere further afield, it's likely you'll land at the bigger San Francisco International Airport (SFO). At SFO, pickup and drop-off are only available at International Garages A and G. Once you've disembarked your flight and grabbed your bags, take the free AirTrain to the parking garage. Check the Turo app to confirm exactly where your host has left the vehicle, then exit the parking lot using the ticket they've left for you. Upon returning, take a ticket, enter the garage, and leave the ticket in the car for your Turo host to collect.
Downtown Oakland, CA
Make your own way downtown, then pick up your car rental at any number of easy-to-reach Oakland locations when you book on the Turo marketplace. Vehicles are dotted throughout the city center, as well as in outer suburbs like Emeryville, West Oakland, Cleveland Heights, and more. Popular pickup and drop-off locations include local landmarks, hotels, and car dealerships. Use the map to find a rental car that's located somewhere convenient for you, or if you'd prefer not to lift a finger, select the 'Deliver to me' option.
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.
Pickup near or at Airports
Car rental locations near Oakland, CA
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Top tips for renting a car in Oakland
Oakland drivers don't have a great reputation, but it's easier to navigate the area safely if you know the rules of the road. Here's what to consider before getting behind the wheel on the Bright Side of the Bay.
What are the road rules and driving conditions in Oakland?
California driving experiences run the gamut from laid-back highway cruising to stressful peak hour traffic, but as long as you follow safety precautions, you'll be ready to handle anything. Just like anywhere else in the US, in Oakland and beyond it's important to always drive on the right-hand side of the road, wear a seatbelt, obey road signage, and adhere to local speed limits.
Speed limits in Oakland start at 20 to 25 miles per hour (mph) in business districts, followed by a maximum speed limit of 50 mph on the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. Most other suburban streets have a limit of 30 to 40 mph.
As well as common country-wide rules, California has a few other laws to be aware of, including the Move Over Law, which requires you to change lanes or slow down in the presence of a pulled-over emergency vehicle with flashing lights. You must always carry your driver's license with you when driving in California, and it is prohibited to smoke in the car with passengers under the age of 18 – or in any rental vehicle from Turo.
Expect traffic to build up on busy Oakland streets like MacArthur Boulevard, Grand Avenue, Webster Street, San Pablo Avenue, and Broadway, particularly in rush hour. If you're headed into San Francisco, the bridge can back up significantly, and commuters to Berkeley should expect traffic on Martin Luther King Jr Way.
What is parking like in Oakland?
Parking is ample and well-laid out in Oakland, though depending on the time of day and year, it's not always simple to find a space – over 450,000 people live here, after all! The city has a mixture of over 3,800 metered street spaces, city-owned parking garages and lots, and private parking areas.
Garages are scattered throughout Oakland city, but the most convenient options in the downtown area include the Franklin Plaza Garage (419 19th Street), the Pacific Renaissance Plaza Garage (388 9th Street), and the 1200 Harrison Street Garage. If you choose to park on the street, be sure to pay at the electronic meter using cash or card before you leave your vehicle to avoid receiving a fine.
Are there toll roads in Oakland?
There are quite a few toll roads in the San Francisco Bay Area, including eight bridges and a handful of express lanes on interstates like the Interstate 680 (I-680) and US Route 101. The most important one to be aware of when traveling to or living in Oakland is the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, which links the two cities. If you're commuting for work and planning on exploring nearby SF, driving on this bridge is unavoidable.
The other toll bridges and express lanes in the Bay Area are:
- Antioch Bridge (Antioch to Rio Vista, eastbound)
- Benicia-Martinez Bridge (Benicia to Martinez, northbound)
- Carquinez Bridge (Crockett to Vallejo, eastbound)
- Dumbarton Bridge (Fremont to Menlo Park, westbound)
- Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (Richmond to San Rafael, westbound)
- San Mateo-Hayward Bridge (Foster City to Hayward, westbound)
- Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco to Marin County, southbound)
- Interstate 580 Express Lanes
- State Route 237 Express Lanes
- Interstate 680 Sunol Express Lanes
- Interstate 680 Contra Costa Express Lanes
- Interstate 880 Express Lanes
- Highway 101 San Mateo Express Lanes
- Highway 101/State Route 85 Santa Clara Express Lanes
Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Oakland?
California is home to the highest number of electric vehicles in the entire USA, so it's no surprise that the Oakland area – and, of course, its eco-trailblazing neighbor San Francisco – is well-equipped with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. In the downtown Oakland area, try the Ava Charge Fast station at the City of Oakland Parking Partners garage, the EVgo at 900 Market Street, or the EVgo at 409 Washington Street. There are also lots of options in the Emeryville area, with no fewer than six chargers located within a short drive of Frontage Road.
If you're driving a fuel-based vehicle, gas stations are also very easy to find in Oakland. Downtown, most of these are concentrated around major roads like Grand Avenue, the John B. Williams Freeway (Interstate 980), and Market Street. The easiest gas stations to access in the city center are the Chevron at 1700 Castro Street and the Aramco at 800 Harrison Street.
Do I need to rent a car in Oakland?
Public transit in the Bay Area is growing, with a number of options designed to connect Oakland and San Francisco, including an electric train and buses that make getting from the airports to either city very simple. However, Northern California is still best explored by car, if only to enjoy gorgeous scenic vistas and the flexibility to stop off at eclectic attractions throughout the area. Head out to the Golden Gate National Recreation area, see California Redwoods up close, or cruise down south via Highway 101.
Frequently asked questions about Oakland 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 worksIs 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 & discountsIs 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 Oakland?
The cost of car rental in Oakland can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in Oakland, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.
What rental car types are there in Oakland?
When you browse rental cars in Oakland on the Turo marketplace, you'll have your pick of a huge range of vehicle classes. Think premium SUVs and roomy minivans to fit the whole family, compact cars and sports cars for coastal road trips, sleek sedans and luxury models for driving in style, and electric vehicles for the eco-conscious. Remember, unlike other car rental companies, when you choose Turo, you're guaranteed to receive the exact vehicle you selected at checkout – no switch-ups or surprises.
* 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.