Monterey car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Monterey

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
Minivan car
Minivan
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
M

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Monterey

  • One of the wonderful aspects of visiting Monterey, California, is the beautiful scenery you get to enjoy while driving up and down the coast. If you are trying to decide whether to rent a car in Monterey, consider what you could miss if you don’t. Many of the popular sites and areas surrounding the city are much more available when you rent a car. Coastal drives, beaches, and tourist attractions can all be reached on your own schedule without having to rely on the fixed schedules of public transportation. Car rentals in Monterey can help you visit sites like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and the San Carlos Beach.
  • As you descend to the first floor of the Monterey Regional Airport, you will find the counters for car rental companies next to the baggage claim. These are conveniently located so visitors can pick up their bags and go straight to the counter of the rental company to check in. The Monterey Regional Airport houses major rental car companies like Avis, Enterprise, Alamo, and Hertz. The rental car lots are situated close to the terminal for easy loading and departure.
  • Visitors interested in Monterey car rentals should be aware that the city follows regular rush hour times. This means that during the hours of 6:30am to 9:30am and 4:30pm to 7:30pm, the roadways are typically quite congested. You will find busy roads around the beaches and along the coast. Del Monte Avenue, in particular, can get congested during rush hour times. Also, travelers should be aware of Highway 1. This famous coastal drive can be dangerous due to narrow roads and frequent stops by travelers to take pictures.
  • Monterey has pleasant weather all year round. If you experience a rain shower by chance, you should be careful to drive safely and slowly. Visitors should also watch out for added congestion on roads during the summer months due to the tourist season. While Monterey has an abundance of beautiful vistas and picture-worthy scenes, drivers should be careful not to disrupt traffic by stopping unexpectedly or pulling off to the side of the road without warning.
  • Book your rental car in Monterey at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact rental cars in Monterey are around 50% cheaper than other car types, on average
See more tips

FAQs about renting a car in Monterey

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

    Trying to decide what type of car to get from car rentals in Monterey can be tricky. Smaller groups can be better served with a more compact vehicle. Some of the scenic drives have narrow, winding two-lane roads, which can be handled well by a sedan. These cars typically have good gas mileage and are handy during high-traffic times.

  • What’s the speed limit in Monterey?

    While in residential and other highly trafficked areas in the city, the speed limits will range from 20 to 40mph. However, as drivers venture out onto the faster speedways, interstates, and highways, the speed limit can range from around 55mph to 75mph. School zones and parks will have the lowest speed limits and drivers should be exceptionally vigilant in these populated areas due to an abundance of foot traffic.

  • Where are the best places to park in Monterey?

    Monterey has over 30 parking garages. Visitors should expect to pay between approximately $1.75 and $2.25 an hour. Most garages have day passes for about $15 a day. Most beaches and other public destinations have parking nearby. The Cannery Row Parking Garage boasts over 1,000 spaces, making it likely that you’ll find a spot here. These parking facilities are scattered throughout the city for the convenience of locals and tourists. It may be worthwhile to check the size of the parking garage you plan to use as smaller garages will have limited availability.

  • How much is gas price in Monterey?

    The average gas price in Monterey is ₪12.46 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between ₪150 and ₪199, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Monterey?

    Intermediate (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Monterey.

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

    Car rental companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Fox, Avis and Thrifty.

  • 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, Avis, and Thrifty.

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

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

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Monterey?

    An Intermediate car rental in Monterey costs ₪301 per day, on average.

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

    A Standard car rental in Monterey costs ₪320 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Economy car rental cost in Monterey?

    An Economy car rental in Monterey costs ₪227 per day, on average.

See more FAQs

Monterey car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Budget

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.3

Value for money

7.6

One location in Monterey

Show locations

Locations in Monterey

200 Fred Kane Drive, Suite 105

+1 831 373 1899

Monday19:00 - 22:0008:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:0019:00 - 22:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:0019:00 - 22:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:0019:00 - 22:00
Friday19:00 - 22:0008:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:0019:00 - 22:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2025

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Car was damaged at pickup. Tried to report to agent at counter but they disappeared to wash a car. Tried calling customer service number on receipt but they said they could only manage reservations. Tried emailing customer service with images of the damage and never heard back.

4.0 Mediocre

Mithun, Dec 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
When I got into the vehicle, the windshield and every window of the car were covered with water on the inside. The windows were all closed, so it seems like someone may have cleaned off the entire inside and not dried any of it. I had to wipe everything down with some spare clothes, then blast the heat until the windshield finished drying off. It took ages and I ended up with some wet clothes. Was completely unacceptable.

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Oct 2022

KAYAK
As soon as we got the Highway for our trip the “low tire pressure”light came on. We checked and filled in multiples gas stations to make sure our tires where safe enough for our family

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The person at the counter was super friendly, getting the car was easy.

Cons:

The car smelled like cigarettes.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

I went through Kayak and ended with Priceline I wanted to change my itinerary and called Priceline who asked me to call Kayak that has no phone connection.

Cons:

Book directly through Budget

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Easy process and great staff

1 out of 7

National

9.1

Wonderful

Best rated

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

9.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.1

Value for money

8.5

One location in Monterey

Show locations

Locations in Monterey

200 Fred Kane Dr Ste 108

+1 844 370 1083

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.4

Very good

Read 1 review

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

8.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.2

Value for money

7.7

2 locations in Monterey

Show locations

Locations in Monterey

1178 Del Monte Ave

+1 831 649 6300

Monday09:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Wednesday13:00 - 16:0009:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Friday09:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

200 Fred Kane Dr

+1 831 242 2020

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

EBD, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was super friendly and helpful. Little to no wait on the pick up. Quick Drop off and immediate shuttle service to terminal.

1 out of 1

Avis

8.2

Cleanliness

7.7

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.7

Value for money

7.7

One location in Monterey

Show locations

Locations in Monterey

200 Fred Kane Drive Suite 106

+1 831 647 7140

Monday19:00 - 22:0008:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:0019:00 - 22:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:0019:00 - 22:00
Thursday19:00 - 22:0008:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:0019:00 - 22:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:0019:00 - 22:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Our flight was delayed and the company did not answer the phone to update them of the flight status. Arrived 10 minutes after closing and they were nowhere to be found.

1 out of 1

Hertz

8.0

Cleanliness

8.5

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.1

Value for money

7.6

One location in Monterey

Show locations

Locations in Monterey

200 Fred Kane Ste 104

+1 831 373 3318

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Got extra charges for late return, but I returned the car almost 10 hours before I had to do. But Hertz told me I returned two hours too late. Scam scheme

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Rental was for 08:00 am, but the car was not ready until 09:00. Was told they do not have the staff and he could not tell me when the car would be ready. Once the car was delivered, still had trash in the back from prior rental.

8.0 Very good

Natalie, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was great, the service was excellent - easy pick up and drop-off (and the woman staffing the desk remembered me three days later!). I found the entire experience to be easy and understandable (where to go, what to do, etc.) from beginning to end.

Cons:

The car wasn't all that great. It was safe, it was functional, and it was most definitely clean. However, I would have preferred something a little more comfortable and modern, even at my small-car/low-level need.

9.2 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

easy pick-up and drop-off

Cons:

cost was a bit high for the duration and distance I drove

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes very friendly and helpful.

1 out of 5

Alamo

Cleanliness

7.1

Comfort

6.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.5

Value for money

7.0

One location in Monterey

Show locations

Locations in Monterey

200 Fred Kane Dr Ste 108

+1 844 370 1084

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday08:00 - 18:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Melika, Feb 2024

Pickup truck

KAYAK
I made the reservation through Kayak, they called me 1 hour before the pick up time and told me they don’t have the car. The person I talked to was very rude, refused to let me talk to his manager, refused to tell me his full name, and at the end told me his is not going to do anything for me.

1 out of 1

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

One location in Monterey

Locations in Monterey

Monterey Regional Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

AutoEurope

No score available yet

One location in Monterey

Locations in Monterey

Monterey Regional Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

One location in Monterey

Locations in Monterey

200 Fred Kane Drive

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in Monterey

Locations in Monterey

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

+1 914 368 0091

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday10:00 - 16:00
Sunday10:00 - 16:00

Filters

No reviews available

97 travelers who rented a car in Monterey gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.8

Car rental locations in or near Monterey

Traveling to a place near Monterey?

Rent a car at Monterey if you plan to visit one of these locations
Mountain View
San Ramon
Stanford
Palo Alto
Santa Cruz
Redwood City
Saratoga
Capitola
Menlo Park
Sunnyvale
Santa Clara
Calistoga
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel Valley
Folsom
Burlingame
Gilroy
Milpitas
Union City
Davis

Good to know

Most popular car type

Intermediate

When to book a rental car in Monterey

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

Monterey car rental information

Pick-up locationMonterey
Car types
Rental locations9
Airport locations8

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