How to find a cheap car hire deal in Reno / Tahoe (RNO)
Searching for a cheap Reno / Tahoe rental car? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging RM301 a day, we compare the best deals so you can book faster, spend smarter, and feel good about what you paid.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at Reno / Tahoe is RM180.
Staying a while in Reno and want to go further than the usual stops? RM1,007 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Consider this your cheat code for when to book. Three weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a RNO car hire.
Thrifty, Dollar and Alamo are popular providers at Reno / Tahoe.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Reno / Tahoe car hire policy, whether you go with Thrifty or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in RNO by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Reno / Tahoe with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.
Go wherever the road takes you by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices coming in at RM391 a day.
Offering daily rates of around RM378, this provider is next in line.
The third option also makes your money go further. Expect to pay roughly RM475 a day for one of their rentals.
The Economy rental category is a reliable choice if you're not sure which ride is right for you. It's also the car type that's booked the most at RNO.
Compare car hire types from Reno / Tahoe (RNO)
Small: These cheap Reno / Tahoe rental cars may be small in size, but they come with big advantages. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, light on fuel, and just the thing for short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this RNO car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them a popular choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, country roads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Reno / Tahoe makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're roomy, hardworking, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a hefty excess fee. Different RNO car hire providers have different insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.
Level up your ride with handy extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These add-ons can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Reno / Tahoe.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However providers may have their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's policy to find out what applies to you.
If you've got the kids in tow, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your RNO car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
Come prepared to make pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and another form of photo ID. Also keep a credit card handy to cover the required excess. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in the United States may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to have a few drinks, get someone else to do the driving or find a safe alternative way to get around.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everything you buy throughout your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash to cover you in every situation.
Drive smarter from the start
Get the adventure started once you've grabbed the keys to your RNO car hire. You've got the freedom to go wherever you like, but if you're headed to central Reno, it'll take you around 15 minutes to drive the 8 kilometres or so northwest.
Allow roughly 20 minutes to travel from Reno / Tahoe to the city centre during rush hours.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic in this destination. Try to avoid rush hours if you want a smoother run.
Don't need a set of wheels the moment you land? Consider picking up a car hire in Reno instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Reno / Tahoe (RNO)
Visit the major attractions in Reno before you do anything else. Truckee River Whitewater Park and Ultimate Rush Speed & Thrill Park will kick off your journey in the best way.
Shift gears and take off to Carson City. Around 40 kilometres south of RNO, you'll find well-known sights like Nevada State Railroad Museum and Vista Point - Clear Creek Canyon.
Alternatively, hop in your Reno / Tahoe car hire and drive around 64 kilometres south to South Lake Tahoe. Featuring Heavenly Ski Resort and Observation Deck Heavenly Ski Resort, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Oakland, roughly 290 kilometres southwest of RNO. First, swing past Fox Theatre, then take your time exploring African American Museum and Library.
