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Salinas car rentals from $20/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in Salinas with a pick-up date of 5/22 and drop-off date of 5/29. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Wed 5/15
Wed 5/22

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Cheap car rentals in Salinas

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
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Mazda Mazda2 car
Mazda Mazda2
or similar SMALL
2
2
4-5
$20Total
Nissan Versa Note car
Nissan Versa Note
or similar SMALL
4
2
4-5
$21Total
Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
2/4
$33Total
Toyota Camry car
Toyota Camry
or similar LARGE
5
2
4-5
$30Total
Ford Transit Connect car
Ford Transit Connect
or similar VAN
5
5
4-5
$42Total
Toyota Highlander car
Toyota Highlander
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
$37Total
Buick Regal car
Buick Regal
or similar LARGE
5
5
2/4
$48Total
Chrysler 300 car
Chrysler 300
or similar LUXURY
5
5
2/4
$65Total
Nissan Frontier car
Nissan Frontier
or similar PICKUPTRUCK
5
3
2/4
$45Total
Honda Pilot car
Honda Pilot
or similar SUV
5
5
4-5
$40Total
Mazda CX-5 car
Mazda CX-5
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$32Total
Volkswagen Tiguan car
Volkswagen Tiguan
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$37Total
Chevrolet Trax car
Chevrolet Trax
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
$41Total
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Salinas

  • There are plenty of lovely places to tour in Salinas. Car rentals in Salinas ease travel around the city, allowing for as many stops as you wish. You can drive to the top racing track in California, the Laguna Seca, or shop for fresh produce at the Oldtown Salinas Farmer's Market. Cowgirls and cowboys will love a visit to California Rodeo Salinas, where they will get to watch the best tricks from the best horses.
  • Your driving experience can be made much easier and more enjoyable by being familiar with the main routes in Salinas. An example of such roads is US Route 101 which is a major highway that runs north-south through Salinas and connects the city to other major cities in California. East Market Street runs through downtown Salinas and is home to many shops, restaurants, and businesses. North Main Street runs north-south through Salinas and is a major route for commuters and travelers. To navigate these roads easily when driving Salinas car rentals, be aware of the traffic patterns and use caution when crossing intersections.
  • The Salinas car rentals desks at Salinas airport provide a wide range of vehicles and the added convenience of choosing at the airport rather than off-site locations. The airport is only 7min away from the city center. When you reserve the car, you can get into your vehicle minutes after you step off the plane. You are required to be over 21 years and have a valid driver's license to rent a car in Salinas.
  • Similar to the rest of California, Salinas has rules against driving while intoxicated. Driving a car while intoxicated is prohibited if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. The legal limit is lower for those under 21 and is set at 0.01% BAC. You may be subject to harsh punishments, like fines, jail time, and license suspensions if you are found guilty of DUI in Salinas.
  • Driving in Salinas may appear simple, but it has its challenges, like rush hour traffic. Morning peak traffic occurs between 7 am and 9 am, while afternoon peak traffic occurs between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Another issue that Salinas drivers face on occasion is road flooding. The majority of the flooding happens between January and March. Consequently, if you rent a car in any other month, you won't have to worry about this problem.
  • Whether you're new to the area or a seasoned driver in Salinas, it's crucial to remain vigilant on certain roadways that can present unique hazards. By driving cheap car rentals in Salinas with extra caution and awareness, you can better navigate these routes and help prevent accidents. One such road is North Main Street which experiences high traffic volume, especially near the downtown area. It also has several intersections, which require drivers to be extra cautious while crossing. Another is Sanborn Road which can be tricky to navigate, especially during wet or slippery conditions. Boronda Road runs through residential areas and has several speed bumps and stop signs, so it’s best to slow down while driving.
  • Drive cautiously through downtown Salinas. The area is densely packed with one-way streets that frequently switch directions. You can, however, customize car rentals with GPS to aid in city navigation. Because this is an agricultural area, you may encounter animals on the road, so drive carefully to avoid hitting them. Drivers are reminded to keep an eye out for pedestrians crossing Boronda Road between Hemingway Drive and Dartmouth Way, which is a busy thoroughfare with numerous routes feeding into it.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Salinas for $53 or less
  • Book your rental car in Salinas at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact rental cars in Salinas are around 74% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Salinas

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in Salinas?

    On average a rental car in Salinas costs $68 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Salinas found in the last 2 weeks is $26.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in Salinas?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($48/day).

  • How much is gas price in Salinas?

    The average gas price in Salinas is $3.93 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $63, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Salinas?

    Compact (Nissan Versa Note or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Salinas.

  • Which car rental companies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?

    Car rental companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Kyte, Fox, Sixt, Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Fox Autorent and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at San Francisco airport (SFO)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from San Francisco airport to off-airport locations include Fox, Sixt, Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, and Europcar.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Salinas?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does a Compact car rental cost in Salinas?

    A Compact car rental in Salinas costs $23 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Salinas?

    A Full Size car rental in Salinas costs $33 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car rental cost in Salinas?

    A Standard car rental in Salinas costs $42 per day, on average.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Salinas?

    On average a rental car in Salinas costs $473 per week ($68 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Salinas?

    On average a rental car in Salinas costs $2,025 per month ($68 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Salinas?

    Most car rental providers in Salinas offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Salinas, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

  • How many car agencies are operating in Salinas?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 2 car rental agencies in Salinas.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Salinas?

    Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

  • Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Salinas?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Salinas so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Salinas?

    The best car to rent from car rentals in Salinas when traveling in groups is a van because it has enough room for many including plenty of luggage space. You can also easily fit all of your luggage and you will not have to listen to your team members complain about not having adequate personal space, which will save you time and frustration. Another benefit of renting a van in Salina is that it can help you save money. Traveling in a small car may appear more cost-effective, but this isn't always the case, especially when traveling in a group. Tolls and gas can quickly add up. You and your friends can share the cost of the tolls, gas, and car by renting a van, making the trip much more affordable for everyone.

  • Are there restricted roads in Salinas?

    Yes. There are some restricted roads that you should be mindful of when driving cheap car rentals in Salinas. John Street is restricted to commercial vehicles only. Most of the other restricted roads in the area are one-way streets like Abbott Street which runs westbound from Main Street to Salinas Street, South Main Street running southbound from Alisal Street to Market Street, and East Market Street running eastbound from Salinas Street to Sanborn Road.

  • What is the speed limit in Salinas?

    The speed limit in Salinas differs based on the kind of road and the area it is in. The speed limit on loose surface or gravel highways is 30 mph and 35 mph on paved two-lane township highways. The speed limit in residential areas is 25 mph. The speed limit on two-lane roads is 45 mph, 50 mph on paved 4-lane divided highways, and 55 mph on main interstate highways.

  • How old should I be to rent a car in Salinas?

    Rental car companies in Salina typically require renters to be 21 or older, while some may have a minimum age of 25 years for specific car types.  Younger drivers can also anticipate additional requirements and fees, such as providing extra insurance coverage or paying higher security deposits due to their age.

  • Where are the best places to park in Salinas?

    Salinas provides convenient parking areas even in car rentals in Salinas. They include Public Parking Lots & Garages, On-Street Parking, 20min Parking Zones, 1-hour Parking zones, 90min Parking zones, 2-hour Parking zones, 4 Hour Parking, EV Parking, Handicap Parking, and Reserved Parking. Some great places to park are 499 W. Alisal Street, 111 W. San Luis Street, 300 Lincoln Avenue, and 282 Monterey Street, which are all free.

Salinas car rental reviews and directory

Hertz

4.7

Mediocre

29 reviews
Best rated
Cheapest deal
Most popular

Cleanliness

4.8

Comfort

4.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.1

Value for money

4.5

2 locations in Salinas

Show locations

Locations in Salinas

2049 Del Monte Blvd

+1 831 200 2897

Monday08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Wednesday13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 12:00
Thursday13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 12:00
Friday13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 12:00

50 Mortensen Ave

+1 831 449 2081

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Every thing

2.0 Poor

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

Kayak reserved my car at Salinas Airport from Saturday to the following Saturday. Come to find out right before I am to pick up the car that location is not open weekends. Nobody bothered to tell me that they where not open. I had to scramble and find another car. Luckily Avis in Santa Cruz was able to bail me out.

2.0 Poor

Jan 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing

Cons:

I could have got my rental without having to cancel because they wanted to start switching people over to credit card when I already payed in advance then let me know I can’t have my debit card on file even though it was prepaid also I didn’t like that I was taunted for not having a credit card

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

All good !!!!

2.0 Poor

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

My flight was delayed and when I got to Monterey they were closed. They closed at 7:00 pm. Then the next morning they didn’t have the car. I would not suggest renting from a place not at the airport.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff friendly and very helpful.

1 out of 8

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

4.3

Mediocre

27 reviews

Cleanliness

6.3

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.3

Value for money

4.0

4 locations in Salinas

Show locations

Locations in Salinas

1150 Auto Center Cir

+1 831 442 0808

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1191 Echo Avenue

+1 831 394 3333

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

200 Fred Kane Dr

+1 831 242 2020

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday08:00 - 12:00
Sunday08:00 - 12:00

280 Mortensen Ave

+1 831 422 4200

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Dec 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Customer service at drop off in SFO made me feel very uncomfortable. They are looking to cheat customers out of money however they can.

5.6 Fair

Jun 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

I liked everything except the part where I was lied to.

Cons:

When I called enterprise I was told I could drop my car off in Sacramento at no extra cost. I was told all I need to do is inform the pickup location that I was doing that. When I called the pickup location the man told me he was going to take $50 out of my deposit for dropping the car off in Sacramento despite the fact I was told it wouldn't cost me to do that. I am still waiting to get my deposit back and suspect I'll be calling to complain about the deception.

4.8 Mediocre

May 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Car wouldn’t start on Saturday evening. 20 minute hold for roadside assistance operator. Told there was a $55 dollar charge for roadside assistance. Help arrived quickly and they jump started car. Told me to run at least 1/2 hour to charge battery. The next morning the car wouldn’t start. I used my own battery charger To start. Enterprise told me they had no cars locally that I could swap cars. Had to drive 70 miles each way to San Jose to swap. When I returned the car the next day, they took off $55 dollar roadside assistance charge (no s$&t) but only gave me $7 off for my trouble. About 4 hours of my time and $20 in gas and they only refunded me $7 No happy.

2.8 Poor

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Have not dropped off yet. The car was not clean. And for the car I received the price was very expensive. If your going to change what you do at least clean the car? Unacceptable.

Cons:

A clean car!

2.0 Poor

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Enterprise allowed me to rent the car online. The employees had to call and inform me that they didn’t have any cars. To their credit, they did this right away and I appreciate that. The Enterprise company should not be advertising cars they don’t have.

3.6 Poor

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

I rented an “Expedition or similar “. They delivered an Explorer and charged extra for the bigger car.

1 out of 6

Easirent

4.7

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Salinas

Show locations

Locations in Salinas

Monterey Regional Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Eagle Rent A Car

No score available yet

One location in Salinas

Show locations

Locations in Salinas

1933 Del Monte Blvd.

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Salinas

Show locations

Locations in Salinas

Olmstead Road

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in Salinas

Show locations

Locations in Salinas

200 Fred Kane Dr Ste 108, Monterey, , USA California

+1 914 368 0091

Monday08:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:00
Wednesday08:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:00
Saturday10:00 - 16:00
Sunday10:00 - 16:00

Filters

No reviews available

56 travelers who rented a car in Salinas gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7

Car rental locations in or near Salinas

Good to know

Most popular agency

Hertz

Most popular car type

Compact

Average price

$68/day

Good deal

$53/day

When to book a rental car in Salinas

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches