The code SAVE24 is redeemable until 31.12.2025 at 23.59 and grants a discount of 10 % from a minimum booking price of 100 euros. The rental must be made before 31.01.2026. The discount code must be entered in the discount code field when booking. The promotion cannot be combined with other discounts and only one discount code can be redeemed per booking. The amount will be transferred to your account upon return of the rental car. Cash payment is not possible without a reservation or with a cancelled reservation.
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+49 89 1436 7940
Tomorrow: 10:00 - 18:30
Call us to book now! Our service team is there for you, in German and English.
Today: geschlossen
Tomorrow: 10:00 - 18:30
+49 89 1436 7940
Call us to book now! Our service team is there for you, in German and English.
Today: geschlossen
Tomorrow: 10:00 - 18:30
+49 89 1436 7940
Cancel free of charge
Cancel free of charge
Book in time without risk
You can cancel any booking through us free of charge up to 24 hours before rental.
To cancel, simply let our service team know within our opening hours.
Car rental California
The price comparison that really helps you!
Age and country
Driver's age
26 - 69
I live in
United Kingdom
Cancellation free of charge
Up to 24h before the start of the rental period.
Learn more.
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Book in time without risk
You can cancel any booking through us free of charge up to 24 hours before rental.
To cancel, simply let our service team know within our opening hours.
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1 of 271 ratings for California
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Satisfaction with MietwagenCheck: 4.8/5
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Questions from our customers about car hire in CaliforniaQuestions from our customers
If you are looking for an unforgettable and varied holiday, California is the right choice. Book a cheap hired car and visit the many sights. The Hollywood sign in Los Angeles is particularly recommended. Disneyland and the Santa Monica Pier are also located here. Another "must-see" is in San Francisco: the sight of the legendary Golden Gate Bridge delights thousands of tourists every year. You can hire a car in numerous cities in California such as Malibu, Los Angeles or San Francisco. In addition, rental cars are also available at the airports.
Explore California with a hired car
The secrets and gems of the Golden State can be most conveniently explored with a hired car. Driveboo will definitely be helpful here—check out the offers of all local car hire companies and book your hired car in California online. Part of the Pacific Region, California, also referred to as the Golden State, is the most populous state in the US. Californian tourist attractions range from the glamour of Hollywood in Los Angeles to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, to the never-ending summer of Santa Cruz.
California offers a diversity of landscapes providing the ideal conditions for an array of outdoor activities such as golfing, surfing, fishing, and bike riding. With a plethora of hiking trails of varying difficulty, California is a paradise for those who enjoy spending their free time outdoors.
San Francisco
Los Angeles
San Diego
What is the best time to travel to California?
California is a year-round destination offering weather ideal for all types of tourists. Basically, the time of the year that you should choose is dependent on the activities that you have planned for your stay. Most of the state is characterised by a Mediterranean-like climate. On the coast, the average temperature is somewhere around 21 degrees Celsius. However, the state also offers warmer areas.
Where can I hire a car in California?
In California, hiring a car won’t be a problem. The major car hire companies are all easily found in all of the larger towns and cities around the state. However, the most convenient way is to take advantage of the car hire spots at the airports.
Hiring your car at one of the airports in California will allow you to start your journey without any delays. With DriveBoo, you will get a detailed overview of all the best offers and available cars!
Do I need an international driver's license to hire a car?
Fortunately, the US has entered into an agreement with most EU countries. The agreement is supposed to be a guarantee that your national driver's license is enough to move around California in a hired car. However, bear in mind that some car hire companies will only hire vehicles to holders of an international driver's license, so it is better to apply for this far ahead of your trip so that you can enjoy a peaceful stay in California.
Speed limits in California
Type of road
Maximum speed in mph
Maximum speed in km/h
Multilane freeways
65 mph
105 km/h
Two-lane highways
55 mph
90 km/h
City streets
35 mph
55 km/h
Residential areas/areas around schools
25 mph
40 km/h
Additional information concerning driving around California
Driving and texting:
Californian law forbids writing, sending, and reading text messages while driving. However, drivers can use hands-free devices while talking on the phone.
Emergency situations:
In order to report an accident or get help, you should call 911.
Seatbelts:
Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for the driver and any passengers.
Drinking and driving:
The permissible blood alcohol limit is 0.08‰. Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered one of the most serious offences in California.
Carpool lanes:
Carpool lanes are identified by the special diamond-shaped pattern painted on them. You should also lookout for the black-and-white signs that will provide you with information about when you’re allowed to use the carpool lanes (usually on weekdays during rush hours). These hours have to be observed at all times. However, remember that there must be at least two people (including the person driving the vehicle) in the car. Remember, some carpool lanes in the San Francisco Bay Area have a three-person minimum. Using the lanes when you do not have the required number of passengers may lead to high fines of up to $ 400. Carpool lanes in California have specific zones for entering and exiting the lanes.
Explore the highlights of California with a hired car
Hiring a car in the State of California will be the most convenient way to explore the whole of this vast and fascinating region. Those who seek some peace and quiet away from the bustling Californian metropolises should head for Yosemite National Park. It is considered the US’s most picturesque and charming national park. It offers diverse terrains, including towering mountain tops, deep valleys, rivers, and stunning waterfalls. Families with children should definitely consider a visit to Disneyland. It can be found in Anaheim and is seen as a top destination for families. Inside, you will have a unique opportunity to forget about the outside world and delve deeper into the realm of rides, roller coasters, and Disney-themed sets.
Death Valley is one of California’s best-known attractions. It offers some of the most inhospitable areas on Earth. It mostly consists of dry patches of land, huge sand dunes, and barren mountains. However, this unique landscape is truly worth a visit.
Car hire California - Discover attractions
Another interesting Californian attraction is Big Sur. It is a charming stretch of scenic coastline that will bring all holidaymakers back to nature. The area around Big Sur offers a wide selection of outdoor activities, such as hiking, bike riding, fishing, and even golfing.
Holidaymakers seeking calm environments, breathtaking views, and green spaces should definitely travel to Lake Tahoe, which is a blast of clear blue water surrounded on all sides by snow-covered peaks. The whole area is home to great ski resorts. Therefore, the lake is a year-round destination.
If you have explored the natural gems of the region and are ready to head for the cities, you should consider visiting Los Angeles, San Francisco, Long Beach, Palm Springs, or Sacramento.
Frequently asked questions about car hire booking California
How much does a hired car in California cost?
Explore California with a cheap hired car
A cheap hired car is available from as little as 148 £ per week. We compare the prices of all major car hire companies and show you the best deal for California to make your trip a complete success.
Book a small car for California
Particularly popular are small cars, which you can hire from as little as 266 £ per week, because with them you can fit into even the smallest parking space.
Book a family car
If you are travelling to California with the whole family, a family car is also suitable, which you can hire from 158 £ per week.
Discover California with a convertible
If you like to travel topless, a convertible hired car is available for 258 £ per week. The Pacific Coast Motorway from San Francisco to Los Angeles is particulary nice to explore with a convertible.
Book a hired car for one day
If you only need a hired car for one day, you can hire it for as low as 22 £ per day.
InCalifornia, Alamo offers the cheapest car hire.
Where can I book a hired car in California?We offer hired car bookings in various cities and airports in California. This way, you are particularly flexible.
Drive over the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francicso
We offer hired car bookings in various cities and airports in California. This way, you are particularly flexible.
What is the minimum age to hire a car in California?
You can already book your own hired car at the age of 21. To do this, simply enter the age in the search mask and select the appropriate hired car for your plans in California. For drivers under 25 years, there is usually a so-called "young driver fee", which is usually already included in the displayed rental price.
What is there to consider when driving in California?
Take the traffic laws into consideration
Enjoy a stress-free trip to California by following the applying traffic rules.
Speed Limits: Business and residental districts: 25 mph, Two-lane undivided Highways 55 mph, Highways or interstates Between 65 – 70 mph
Alcohol: For drivers older than 21 the limit is 0.08%, For drivers who are under 21, the legal limit is 0.01%.
Driving licence: A current valid driving licence from a foreign country is sufficient.
Toll roads: In California you may have to pay a toll. You can pay the tolls using The Toll Roads app or online at TheTollRoads.com. Sometimes cash is accepted as well.
Can I pick up the hired car in California and return it at another location?
We offer one-way rentals
You can also return the hired car to a car hire agency at another location in California, such as Malibu or San Francisco or even in different states. To do this, simply change the return location in the search mask and look forward to an exciting road trip. For the so-called one-way rental, additional fees apply.
If you plan to be on the road longer, you can specify an additional driver. This way you can take turns driving the hired car and everyone can enjoy the view for once. In some offers, an additional driver is already included in the rental price.
Can I cancel the hired car free of charge?
If you decide not to go ahead with your trip as planned, you can cancel the hired car free of charge up to 24 hours before the start of the rental period. In case the Corona Virus and therefore possible travel restrictions prevent you from travelling, you are on the safe side. Thanks to the option to cancel your hired car free of charge, you are particularly flexible.
Satisfaction with MietwagenCheck 50843 Reviews
4.8/5
271 Experiences of our customers in California
Rating of Dennis F.
“Very friendly and fast handling, Navi even set up in German, everything great!”
Rating of Terry Z.
“Fast shuttle bus at the airport, which is easy to find. Well organized reception and super nice guy at the rental....Also the return was easy, fast and unproblematic...”
Rating of Achim C.
“Everything worked out perfectly. I was able to choose a vehicle from the booked category myself.”
Rating of Helene A.
“Ordering at Autoeurope was as usual to the fullest satisfaction. Pickup of the rental car in San Francisco at the local provider Alamo was problem-free, in the Choice Lane were about 10 vehicles to choose from!”
Rating of Janine F.
“Response to inquiries by mail answered comprehensively and very friendly....was not available...sklasse. The station is very well signposted....Return was easy and very fast...”
Rating of René L.
“Everything was perfect. Fast processing and very friendly.”
