How to find a cheap car hire deal in Monterey
Pick up a cheap rental car in Monterey and start your adventure for around $192 a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll help you find the right home for your plans.
The cheapest daily price for a home in Monterey is $93.
Planning to stay longer? Pick up a weekly home from $649 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
To land the best price on a Monterey car hire, try to book ahead. Rates tend to rise as your travel dates get closer, and any last-minute deals can vanish like a disappearing act.
Get behind the wheel with Budget, Hertz or Alamo. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
The coverage Budget or another supplier offers for your Monterey car hire can differ, so be sure to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra charge.
Consider booking a one-way home. You might be able to lock in a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates 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 ride with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Want to explore without stressing about how many miles you rack up? Find homes with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at $149 a day.
Next in line is this provider, offering daily rates of around $157.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly $149 a day for one of their homes.
After a car that makes sense for most travel plans? The Compact home category is the go-to choice for travellers visiting Monterey.
Compare car hire types in Monterey
Small: These cheap rental cars in Monterey may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, fuel efficient, and perfect for city runs or weekend trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and enhanced tech features, this Monterey car hire category includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and scenic backroads alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Monterey that fits a small crowd (and all their gear), a van is the roomy ride you need. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group excursions, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Monterey car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in Monterey by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.
Good to know
Usually, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Younger drivers aren't always turned away — just be ready for a few added rules or costs. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.
Kids coming with you? Car seat rules differ from place to place, and the right setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Confirm whether you need to add one to your Monterey car rental booking.
You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the home desk. As a rule, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card with room for the security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
If you've never driven in the United States, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everyday expenses throughout your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash so you're covered for every situation.
Best hotels in Monterey for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Fisherman's Cove Inn gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 2 kilometres from central Monterey and also comes with a restaurant and express check-out.
Villa Mara Carmel gets things right with parking and features like room service and tour services. It's roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in Monterey and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
After you've found a car hire deal in Monterey and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey State Historic Park and Cannery Row are some of the city's best experiences.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Monterey
Shift gears and head toward San Jose. Around 80 kilometres north of central Monterey, you'll find must-do sights like Winchester Mystery House and The Tech Interactive.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in San Jose include Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport & Silicon Valley and Alura Inn.
Alternatively, pick up your cheap car hire in Monterey and then set off for Salinas. About 23 kilometres east of Monterey, National Steinbeck Centre and Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum are among the highlights that make the drive more than worth it.
Super 8 by Wyndham Salinas and Western Motel are comfortable places to stay in Salinas if you're hanging around for a while. Choose one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
Ready to go the extra mile? Sacramento is a popular road trip destination that's around 225 kilometres north of Monterey. Plan to make a few pit stops at California State Railroad Museum and Old Sacramento State Historic Park.
Find a room at Econo Lodge Sacramento Convention Centre or SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Sacramento North. Make one your base for exploring everything Sacramento has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.
