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Van rental in Riverside, CA

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Rental cars in Riverside

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Riverside, EN

Van rental Riverside for your California adventure

Riverside combines California's inland charm with easy access to mountains, deserts, and coastal regions, making it an ideal base for exploring Southern California's diverse landscapes. You'll find historic downtown districts, citrus groves, and the scenic Santa Ana River trail system throughout the city. Booking a van gives you the cargo space and passenger capacity needed for group adventures, whether you're heading to nearby national forests or planning beach trips to the coast. The spacious interior accommodates all your gear for camping, hiking, or family outings across the region. Van rentals provide the flexibility to explore everything from urban attractions to outdoor destinations comfortably.

Recent reviews

Alan K.
Ford Transit Cargo 2017

Ran solid, well maintained, 2 types of side mirrors helped the lack of rear mirror (it still has a rear camera for reverse)

Alan K.
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Rojih
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo 2018

Very good experience Friendly host Very easy pick up and drop off

Rojih
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Ford Transit 2023

This van was perfect for our family vacation! Clean, new and easy to drive!!! The owner was also great!! Will definitely rent from him again!!

Chad M.
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Robert P.
Ford Transit Cargo 2017

Great cargo van! Easy check in and out very convenient. Host very good. I rate this experience 5 stars!

Robert P.
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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2019

The van was exactly what we needed, it was really comfortable, clean, and easy to drive. Would book again!

Ziv C.
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Justin S.
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cargo 2018

The Sprinter ran like a top, and the host was extremely kind when we were going to be a bit late, dropping it off. We will definitely be “turoing” again from him and will recommend our closest friends! Thank you!

Justin S.
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Things to do and places to see in Riverside

Riverside offers historic missions, riverside parks, and mountain access that become easily reachable with your rental van. The Mission Inn Hotel stands as the city's crown jewel, featuring stunning architecture and guided tours through its historic corridors. You can drive to Mount Rubidoux for panoramic city views, explore the California Citrus State Historic Park, or visit the Riverside Metropolitan Museum downtown. Having a van rental lets you pack camping gear for trips to San Bernardino National Forest or load up beach equipment for coastal excursions.


Mission Inn Hotel and Museum

This National Historic Landmark showcases Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts from around the world. The hotel sits in downtown Riverside with convenient parking available in nearby structures and street locations. Your van can easily navigate the downtown area, and the central location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring other Riverside attractions.


California Citrus State Historic Park

This park preserves Riverside's agricultural heritage with working citrus groves and interactive exhibits about California's citrus industry. The park provides ample parking for larger vehicles, making it van-friendly for families or groups. You can drive through the surrounding neighborhoods to see historic citrus ranches and enjoy scenic routes through the remaining groves.


Mount Rubidoux Park

This iconic hill offers hiking trails and panoramic views of the Inland Empire, with a paved road leading partway up the mountain. The park features multiple parking areas that accommodate vans and larger vehicles near the trailheads. You can combine your visit with drives through the historic Wood Streets neighborhood at the mountain's base, known for its early 20th-century architecture.


How to get to Riverside

You can reach Riverside through several transportation options:
• By plane: Ontario International Airport serves the region with van rental locations available
• By car: Interstate 215 and State Route 60 provide direct access from Los Angeles and San Diego
• By train: Amtrak and Metrolink connect Riverside to Los Angeles and other Southern California cities


Top tips for renting a van in Riverside

Book your van rental early on Turo to secure the best vehicle for your California adventure, especially during peak travel seasons. Look for vans with features like backup cameras for easier parking, all-wheel drive for mountain excursions, and ample cargo space for camping gear or beach equipment. Consider vehicles with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation through Riverside's suburban streets and surrounding areas. Choose pet-friendly options if you're traveling with animals, and prioritize vans with comfortable seating for longer drives to destinations like San Diego or Los Angeles.

Frequently asked questions in Riverside

Why choose a van for your Riverside adventure?

Vans provide exceptional cargo space for exploring Riverside's outdoor attractions, from the Santa Ana River Trail to Mount Rubidoux. The elevated seating position offers better visibility when navigating University Ave and downtown Riverside locations. Van rentals accommodate large groups comfortably while providing ample storage for equipment, making them ideal for family adventures or group outings throughout California.

What should first-time van drivers expect in California?

Van handling differs from regular cars due to increased height and width, requiring extra attention when parking near Ontario International Airport or busy Riverside areas. California's wide highways accommodate vans well, though you'll need to check clearance heights at parking structures and drive-throughs. First-time van drivers should practice turning and backing up in open spaces before navigating tight Riverside locations.

How do you park a van in busy Riverside areas?

Look for end parking spaces or areas with extra room when visiting downtown Riverside or University Ave shopping districts. Many vans require careful attention to overhead clearances in parking structures near Los Angeles Airport or San Bernardino locations. Always use your mirrors and take your time when maneuvering in tight spaces, as van dimensions differ significantly from standard passenger cars.

Which van works better for families or large groups?

Passenger vans excel for large groups traveling between Riverside and destinations like San Diego or Los Angeles, offering multiple seating configurations. Cargo vans work better when you need maximum storage space for equipment or luggage while maintaining some passenger capacity. Consider your specific needs: passenger vans prioritize seating comfort, while cargo vans maximize storage for extended California adventures.

How can you stay comfortable during long van trips?

Adjust your seat position properly and use lumbar support cushions for extended drives between Riverside and Los Angeles Airport or San Diego. Plan regular stops every two hours to stretch and rest, particularly when traveling longer distances across California. Ensure proper ventilation and temperature control, as vans can heat up quickly in California's warm climate, especially during summer months.

What van safety features matter most for new drivers?

Backup cameras and parking sensors prove invaluable when maneuvering vans in tight Riverside parking areas or near Ontario International Airport. Side mirrors with blind spot monitoring help track other vehicles when changing lanes on busy California highways. Electronic stability control becomes especially important in vans due to their higher center of gravity compared to standard rental cars.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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