Self-Drive Car Rental in San Jose, United States

Compare car hire from trusted providers

Book car hire with confidence

Save big on car hire in San Jose

Find a cheap car hire deal

Search for San Jose car hire near you

Choose from 116 pick-up spots

Find cheap car hire in San Jose

These are the lowest San Jose car hire prices we found over the next 30 days and are subject to change.

When's the cheapest time to hire a car in San Jose?

Our data shows that November is the cheapest month to rent a car in San Jose. It’s around ₹ 4,987 per day in November, compared to the yearly average of ₹ 7,699 per day.
Cheapest month avgNovember • ₹ 4,987
Yearly avg price₹ 7,699

Select your San Jose pick-up location

There are 116 car hire providers in San Jose. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

Car hire pick-up spots in San Jose

Compare car hire prices at airports, train stations and in different neighbourhoods across San Jose. You might find a better price, or the perfect pick-up point nearby. Start your journey where it suits you.
Filter locations
These are estimated prices to help you choose from a large number of options. Each is an average based on the lowest car rental prices found for each destination over the last 15 days.

The most popular car rental companies in San Jose

Turo
Europcar
Budget
Enterprise
Fox - Rent A Car
Thrifty

What's the most popular car to hire in San Jose?

Based on recent Skyscanner data, the Toyota Corolla is the most popular car to hire in San Jose, with prices starting from ₹2,281 per day. The Chevrolet Spark and similar models are also popular drives in San Jose.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla9% chose this
Chevrolet Spark
Chevrolet Spark7% chose this
Chevrolet Trax
Chevrolet Trax7% chose this
Nissan Rogue
Nissan Rogue6% chose this
Most popular carToyota Corolla
Why?Comfortable, practical, good value

San Jose's cheapest car hire providers

Europcar has the cheapest car hire in San Jose right now, with prices from ₹3,401 per day. You'll save an average of ₹2,265 per day when you book with them.
Europcarfrom ₹3,401 per day
Hertzfrom ₹4,609 per day
Paylessfrom ₹6,128 per day
Fox - Rent A Carfrom ₹6,260 per day
Cheapest providerEuropcar
Book with them to save around₹2,265 per day

Choose from the best car hire 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 companyTuro
Most popular carLarge, fullsize
Average daily price₹ 17,403
Best time to book4 weeks 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

  • Whether you need a small car for cruising the city streets or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in San Jose. Choose from options averaging ₹ 17,403 a day and get on the road for less.

  • ₹ 2,281 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in San Jose.

  • Thinking of staying longer? Book a weekly rental from ₹ 15,966 and explore more than just the top attractions.

  • Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a San Jose car hire. Try booking around one week before your departure date.

  • Check out the offers available with Europcar, Hertz and Dollar. They're among the top-rated providers in the city.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your San Jose car hire policy, whether you book with Europcar or any other supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.

  • Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in San Jose.

  • Avoid any unexpected fees by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and pay only for what you use.

  • Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up extra charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you go the distance.

Best value car hire options right now

  • The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at ₹ 7,270 a day.

  • Coming in second is this provider, offering daily rates of around ₹ 13,014.

  • The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly ₹ 7,887 a day with this supplier.

  • Need a car that covers most travel plans? The Large rental category comes in as the leading choice for travellers visiting San Jose.

Flying to San Jose? Think about an airport pick-up

  • If you're jetting into San Jose, start exploring sooner by picking up a car hire at San Jose International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 6 kilometres and takes about 10 minutes.

Compare car hire types in San Jose

  • Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or simply planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.

  • Medium: A dependable choice when you need something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg room compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Long drives are effortless in this San Jose car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent choice for groups of friends and families.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating trickier terrain or gliding down stretches of highway, many come with all-wheel drive to help you tackle any road.

  • Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in San Jose that fits a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group outings, business use or moving.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your San Jose car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's included.

  • Make life easier when you rent a car in San Jose by adding some handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make sure you never miss a turn, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.

Good to know

  • Typically, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Younger drivers can sometimes still qualify — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the companies' terms and conditions before booking.

  • Add a car seat to your San Jose car rental booking if you're planning to travel with the kids. Rules vary from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest option.

  • You'll be asked for a few things when picking up your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.

  • Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, find the lights and blinkers, and get used to its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the United States.

  • Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph in urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Always check the posted signs, as limits may vary.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.

  • Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day purchases and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card when you can, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't an option.

Best hotels in San Jose for drivers

  • Offering parking, Towneplace Suites By Marriott San Jose Downtown gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 2 kilometres from central San Jose and also comes with a cafe and Wi-Fi.

  • Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Jose Airport-Downtown. The city centre is roughly 3 kilometres from this option, which also features room service and a lounge.

  • Need more ideas? Browse the full list of hotels in San Jose. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If your car's electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.

  • It's time to start exploring now you've locked in a car hire deal in San Jose and your hotel. From Winchester Mystery House to The Tech Interactive and Santa Clara Valley, there's loads to keep you busy here.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from San Jose

  • San Francisco should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square. This city is about 64 kilometres northwest of central San Jose.

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

  • Add Oakland to your trip lineup. Pick up your cheap car hire in San Jose and drive around 64 kilometres northwest to explore top spots such as Fox Theatre and African American Museum and Library.

  • Oakland has some comfortable accommodation options including Bay Breeze Inn and Executive Inn & Suites Oakland. Both give you somewhere to leave your car while you're here.

  • Want to head even further out? Santa Rosa is a popular road trip destination that's about 145 kilometres northwest of San Jose. Plan to make a few pit stops at Safari West Tour and Safari West.

  • Browse the room options at Holiday Inn Express Santa Rosa North by IHG or La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Rosa Sonoma. They're a convenient base for exploring everything Santa Rosa has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.

Frequently asked questions

The average car hire cost in San Jose is ₹ 17,403 per day or ₹ 70,381 for a seven-day rental. If you're looking for a cheap deal, the lowest price we found is ₹ 2,281 per day for Medium hire from Budget. Need a specific type of car? Here's how prices compare:
Economy
Average price: ₹ 11,521 per day.
Cheapest price found: ₹ 2,359 per day.
SUV
Average price: ₹ 17,799 per day.
Cheapest price found: ₹ 3,059 per day.
Premium/Luxury
Average price: ₹ 14,502 per day.
Cheapest price found: ₹ 2,462 per day.
Electric
Average price: ₹ 14,422 per day.
Cheapest price found: ₹ 3,945 per day.
The cheapest car to rent in San Jose is Medium, compact. The most popular is Large, fullsize.
The cheapest car hire companies in San Jose are currently Europcar and Turo.
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 July.
On average, around ₹ 70,381. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in San Jose is ₹ 15,966.
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
If you've booked car hire with free cancellation, you can usually cancel or change your booking without paying a fee. The deadline depends on the car hire company, but it's typically around 48 hours before pick-up. If you cancel after that, you may be charged. If your booking doesn't include free cancellation, you'll need to check the car hire company's cancellation policy. Depending on when you cancel, you might have to pay a fee or you won't get a refund.
Yes. Most car hire companies in San Jose offer same-day car hire. If you're looking for last-minute car hire in San Jose, search for today's date on Skyscanner to compare what's available.
The best time to book car hire in San Jose is usually as early as you can. Booking ahead often means cheaper prices and more cars to choose from. You can sometimes find a good last-minute deal, but it's never guaranteed and availability is often more limited.
A good deal for car hire in San Jose is usually around ₹ 13,052 per day or less. That's about 25% cheaper than the average price in San Jose, which is ₹ 17,403 per day. The cheapest price we found in San Jose is ₹ 2,281 per day with Budget for Medium car hire.
It depends on the car hire company. Some companies in San Jose will let you drive your hire car abroad, often for an extra fee, while others don't allow it. If you're planning to cross a border, check with the car hire company before you travel. Driving your hire car abroad without permission could invalidate your insurance or break the terms of your rental agreement.
It depends on the car hire company. Some accept debit cards, others require a credit card. Either way, you'll need enough money on your card to cover a security deposit which you'll get back when you return the car.
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.
Yes, you can hire a car in San Jose from the age of 21. You'll need a valid driving licence and the usual ID. If you're under 25, you might need to pay a young driver fee, and some car hire companies only let you book certain types of car. When you search on Skyscanner, just enter your age and we'll show you the options available.
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is ₹ 2,359 per day. The average price per day is around ₹ 11,521.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Turo, Europcar and Budget offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
The best car hire company depends on what's most important to you. If customer ratings are your priority, here are some of the highest-rated car hire companies in San Jose, based on Skyscanner reviews. We've also included their average daily prices to help you compare your options.
Europcar
4.8/5 (from 1 reviews)
Average daily price: ₹ 7,270
Payless
4.8/5 (from 1 reviews)
Average daily price: ₹ 10,480
Thrifty
4.7/5 (from 85 reviews)
Average daily price: ₹ 10,479
Yes. Most car hire companies in San Jose let you add an extra driver. You usually need to pay an additional driver fee which costs around ₹ 224 per day. The good news is that some companies, like Turo, Thrifty and Alamo, include it at no extra cost.
Yes – van hire is available in San Jose.