Turo
Hero background image

Minivan rental in San Mateo, CA

Discover the Turo car rental marketplace

Where
From
Until
Insurance icon

Extraordinary selection

From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget

Insurance icon

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 San Mateo

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

San Mateo, EN

Minivan rental San Mateo for family adventures

San Mateo sits perfectly positioned in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering families easy access to both bustling tech corridors and stunning Pacific coastlines. You'll find yourself minutes from world-class attractions, from the interactive Children's Discovery Museum to the scenic trails of Crystal Springs Regional Trail. Booking a minivan rental gives you the space and comfort needed for family road trips, whether you're heading to San Francisco's iconic landmarks or exploring the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Your rental car becomes the perfect base for day trips that can stretch from beach picnics in Half Moon Bay to educational adventures at the California Academy of Sciences. The extra seating and cargo space in a minivan rental ensures everyone travels comfortably while you discover everything the Bay Area has to offer.

Recent reviews

Honda Odyssey 2023

Renting from Bay Area Rentals was hands down one of the best car rental experiences I've had. From the moment I booked, Eric was incredibly responsive, professional, friendly, and genuinely committed to making sure everything went smoothly. Every question I had was answered promptly, and he went above and beyond to make the entire process effortless. The pickup instructions were crystal clear, making check-in and check-out completely hassle-free. The car itself exceeded my expectations—it was spotless, impeccably maintained, and in outstanding condition, exactly as advertised. It was evident that great care goes into ensuring every guest has an exceptional experience. Eric has absolutely earned his Superhost status. His attention to detail, professionalism, and customer-first approach are second to none. Thanks to him, our trip was even more enjoyable and stress-free. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to rent from Bay Area Rentals again, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking for a premium Turo experience. If you're considering booking with Eric, don't think twice—you'll be in great hands. Five stars aren't enough. Thank you for an outstanding experience!

Gurunath
-
Kieron D.
Honda Odyssey 2020

My family and I had an excellent vacation overall, but having Gary take care of our transportation needs was truly the icing on the cake. The car was exactly as pictured and described which, in my experience, isn’t always the case, so that was a pleasant surprise. It was also exceptionally clean inside and out, making it feel like we were picking up a well-cared for personal vehicle rather than a rental. Gary took the time to explain everything thoroughly at pickup and made it clear that he was available if we had any questions during our trip. His communication was outstanding from start to finish—he was always quick to respond, which made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. If you’re considering whether to book with Gary, I hope my experience gives you the confidence to do so. I wouldn’t hesitate to book with him again the next time my family and I are back in the Bay Area visiting family. Highly recommended!

Kieron D.
-
Jaime
Ford Transit Cargo 2017

Great! Wish I could have rented it longer but the price was too much.

Jaime
-
Wayne
Honda Odyssey 2023

Host was great! Gave detailed instructions on how to pick up the minivan at San Francisco airport. The Odyssey was in excellent condition and drove great, nothing wrong with it. I would definitely rent from them again!

Wayne
-
Diane
Toyota Sienna 2026

Perfect for our trip. Great car, clean, convenient, would rent again!

Diane
-
Luke
Chrysler Pacifica 2020

Amazing Turo experience from start to finish! The host was very responsive, friendly, and easy to work with. They were flexible, supportive, and made the whole rental process smooth and stress-free. The car was also super clean and well maintained. One of the best rental experiences I’ve had — highly recommen

Luke
-
Ford Transit Cargo 2016

great rental and easy to use. will rent from them again

august
-
Kimberly
Toyota Sienna 2013

This van was perfect for our last minute camping trip! It was easy to pick up and drop off. Ridde was very accommodating when we wanted to pick it up a few minutes early. I would definitely rent this again.

Kimberly
-
Mark
Volkswagen ID. Buzz 2025

Wade is a friendly, communicative, engaged, enthusiastic, and professional host. The ID Buzz was a ton of fun for a week long trip up the coast. I'd happily rent from Wade again.

Mark
-
Chrysler Pacifica 2025

Moe was fantastic at customer service and a great job to his associate Kevin for the ease of dropoff and pickup of the vehicle. Would definitely rent from them again. Great experience!

Brantley
-
Toyota Sienna 2024

Clean car. Good experience hauling the family around. Would rent again!

Mi
-
Matthew
Toyota Sienna 2025

The car was perfect and we had no problems and we would rent again if we were in the area.

Matthew
-
Toyota Sienna 2026

Car was like brand new. Pick up and drop off was seamless. Great experience. Would rent again!!

Howard
-
Helen
Kia Carnival 2025

Super clean and fast car, best van we have ever rented

Helen
-
Chrysler Pacifica 2020

Great car for my family trip! Communication was quick!

Laurel,ann
-
Thalia
Toyota Sienna 2017

Fabulous car in great condition. Full-featured and very comfortable for a family trip

Thalia
-
Paul
Volkswagen ID. Buzz 2025

Fantastic vehicle, great communication, hugely additive to our vacation!

Paul
-
Alexander
Toyota Sienna 2019

Great van. Spacious and clean. The host is outstanding and very communicative. Would rent again. Thank you!🙏🏽

Alexander
-

Things to do and places to see in San Mateo

San Mateo offers families incredible access to Bay Area attractions, from the hands-on exhibits at Coyote Point Recreation Area to the shopping and dining at Hillsdale Mall. You can easily drive to nearby San Francisco airport area attractions or venture into the scenic hills surrounding the city. Your rental car opens up possibilities for spontaneous trips to Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco or beach days along the stunning California coastline. The Central Park in San Mateo provides beautiful walking paths and playgrounds, while the nearby Laurel Creek Park offers hiking trails perfect for family adventures.


Coyote Point Recreation Area waterfront adventures

This bayfront park combines a marina, museum, and recreational facilities all in one stunning location overlooking San Francisco Bay. You'll find ample parking near the CuriOdyssey science museum, making it easy to spend a full day exploring interactive exhibits and meeting rescued animals. The park's location offers spectacular views of the San Francisco skyline, and your rental minivan provides plenty of space for picnic supplies and beach gear for a perfect family outing.


Hillsdale Mall shopping and entertainment hub

This premier shopping destination features over 140 stores and restaurants, making it a perfect stop during your San Mateo visit. The mall offers convenient parking structures that easily accommodate larger vehicles like rental minivans. You can combine shopping with entertainment at the movie theater, and the central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring other Bay Area attractions.


Central Park San Mateo family recreation

This expansive urban park spans over 16 acres and features playgrounds, walking paths, and open spaces perfect for family activities. The park includes the San Mateo Public Library and Japanese Tea Garden, offering cultural experiences alongside outdoor recreation. Street parking surrounds the park, and your rental car gives you the flexibility to bring sports equipment, picnic supplies, and everything needed for a memorable day outdoors.


How to get to San Mateo

You can reach San Mateo through several convenient transportation options:
• By plane: Fly into San Francisco International Airport, located just minutes south of the city
• By plane: San Jose airport serves as another nearby option for air travelers
• By train: Caltrain provides regular passenger service connecting San Mateo to San Francisco and San Jose
• By car: Highway 101 and Interstate 280 provide direct access from throughout California and beyond


Top tips for renting a minivan in San Mateo

Book your rental car early on Turo to secure the best minivan options for your California adventure. Look for vehicles equipped with family-friendly features like backup cameras for navigating busy parking lots and keyless entry for convenience when handling luggage and children. Consider choosing a rental minivan with all-wheel drive if you plan to explore the hills around San Francisco or venture into areas with varied terrain. Pet-friendly options work perfectly if you're traveling with furry family members, and vehicles with entertainment systems help keep passengers comfortable during longer drives around the Bay Area.

Frequently asked questions in San Mateo

Why choose a minivan for your San Mateo family adventure?

Minivans offer exceptional space for families exploring San Mateo and the broader California region, accommodating up to eight passengers comfortably while providing ample cargo room for luggage and equipment. The elevated seating position gives excellent visibility when navigating San Francisco airport traffic or exploring the scenic Bay Area. These versatile passenger vehicles feature multiple entertainment options and climate zones, ensuring everyone stays comfortable during your California adventure.

What safety features should you prioritize when selecting a minivan in San Mateo?

Modern minivans come equipped with advanced safety systems including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts that prove invaluable when navigating busy San Mateo streets and San Francisco airport areas. Look for vehicles with multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and backup cameras to enhance protection for your entire family. Many passenger van models also include child safety locks and LATCH systems for secure car seat installation during your California travels.

How does driving a minivan differ from regular cars in California?

Minivans require more attention to height clearances, particularly important when using parking structures near SFO or San Jose airports, as these passenger vehicles typically stand taller than standard rental cars. The wider turning radius means you'll need extra space when maneuvering through tight San Mateo neighborhoods or busy California shopping areas. However, the improved visibility and comfortable driving position make highway travel more relaxing, especially during longer journeys around the Bay Area.

What are the best packing strategies for your minivan road trip?

Utilize the removable seats in your passenger van to create custom cargo configurations, maximizing space for your San Mateo adventure gear while ensuring all passengers remain comfortable. Pack heavier items low and toward the front of the vehicle to maintain proper weight distribution during California mountain drives. Consider using soft-sided luggage that can fit into irregular spaces, and always secure loose items to prevent shifting when navigating San Francisco's steep hills.

How can you ensure comfort during long minivan journeys from San Mateo?

Take advantage of your rental minivan's individual climate controls and entertainment systems to keep all passengers content during extended drives through California's diverse landscapes. Plan regular stops every two hours to stretch legs and enjoy the scenery, particularly when traveling between San Mateo and destinations like San Jose or the broader Bay Area. Adjust seats and mirrors properly before departure, and use the vehicle's multiple cup holders and storage compartments to keep essentials within easy reach.

Which minivan models work best for Bay Area road trips?

Full-size passenger vans excel for large families exploring California, offering three rows of seating and substantial cargo space for extended adventures from San Mateo to various Bay Area attractions. Mid-size minivan options provide excellent fuel efficiency while still accommodating most families comfortably, making them ideal for day trips around San Francisco or visits to SJC. Consider models with all-wheel drive if you plan to explore California's mountainous regions, as this feature enhances traction and confidence on varied terrain.

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.

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.

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 kilometers 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.

What documents and paperwork do I 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!

  1. * Est. daily price. Search for up to date price information.