Car hire in San Jose, United States

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in San Jose

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find San Jose car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your San Jose pick-up location

There are 42 car hire locations in San Jose. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in San Jose

Hiring a car in San Jose: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyAvis
Most popular carCompact, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceRM300
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in San Jose

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your San Jose car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Jose

  • Looking for a cheap rental car in San Jose? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging RM300 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can book faster, spend smarter, and feel good about what you paid.

  • Lock in your ride in November and accelerate your savings. It's the cheapest month to rent a car in San Jose, with average daily rates of RM156.

  • Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap rental car in San Jose. Book around one week before your departure date to land the best prices.

  • Browse car hire deals in San Jose from top providers like Europcar, Hertz and Dollar.

  • Whether you book with Europcar or a different supplier, make sure you understand the coverage on your San Jose car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others treat it as an add-on.

  • Booking one-way could land you a discount on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be relocated. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for rent in San Jose.

  • Spend less on fuel by picking a car hire in San Jose that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.

  • If you have a flight to San Jose, you might prefer to skip the city pickup and book one of the car rentals in Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport instead. Throw your bags into the back of the car and head straight to where you want to go.

Compare car hire types in San Jose

  • Small: Whether you're darting along city streets or taking a short trip, a cheap rental car in San Jose from this category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and great mileage.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the just-right ride you need in your life. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with small families and couples.

  • Large: Offering greater driving comfort and advanced tech features, this San Jose car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in San Jose handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're spacious, functional, and ready for whatever the journey demands.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your San Jose car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.

  • From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in San Jose.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always go over your rental company's terms to find out what applies to you.

  • Travel plans include the kids? Car seat rules vary depending on where you are, and the best setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Make sure you add the right one to your San Jose car hire reservation.

Hit the road: Where to drive from San Jose

  • Don't leave town without exploring some of the city's best attractions, like Japantown (San Jose) and Winchester Mystery House. Snap up a car hire deal in San Jose and then start working on your sightseeing hit list.

  • If you need a place to stay in San Jose while you take in the sights, consider Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport or Alura Inn.

  • San Francisco should be on your to-do list if you're eager to see Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square. This city is around 64 kilometres north-west of central San Jose.

  • BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Hotel G San Francisco are recommended accommodation options in San Francisco.

  • Add Oakland to your travel plans. Grab your cheap car hire in San Jose and drive about 64 kilometres north-west to explore major attractions such as Bay Area and Fox Theatre.

  • Executive Inn & Suites Oakland and Imperial Inn Oakland are comfortable places to stay in Oakland if you're settling in for a while.

  • Extend your journey and road-trip it to Santa Rosa, about 145 kilometres north-west of San Jose. Make your first stop Safari West Tour, then take your time exploring Safari West.

  • The only thing left on your to-do list now is sleep. Holiday Inn Express Santa Rosa North and La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Rosa Sonoma are ready with a room in Santa Rosa.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in San Jose will set you back around RM301 per day or RM792 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in San Jose is a compact SUV. The most popular is Compact, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire company in San Jose is currently Thrifty, followed by Dollar.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in San Jose is currently November.
On average, around RM792. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in San Jose is RM707.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in San Jose for a whole month is RM6,076. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore San Jose, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in San Jose that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of San Jose.
Most places – San Jose included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is RM127 per day. The average price per day is around RM309.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Avis, Hertz and Budget offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Payless as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in San Jose.