Car rental Oakland, CA

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 a number of toll bridges and express lanes across the San Francisco Bay Area, but the one that matters most for Oakland is the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge, which links the two cities. If you're commuting to work or planning to explore nearby San Francisco, you'll cross this bridge. Most Bay Area bridges and express lanes are cashless, so check the current payment method before you set off.

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, handy if you pick one of the many electric vehicle rentals in Oakland. 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.