How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Jose International (SJC)
Flight just landed? Pick up a cheap San Jose International rental car and be on your way for around R 1,935 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.
R 634 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental at San Jose International.
Staying a while in San Jose and want to go beyond the guidebook highlights? R 4,433 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
To get the cheapest price, book your SJC car hire around one week in advance.
Grab your wheels from Europcar, Fox - Rent A Car or Dollar, some of the most trusted providers at San Jose International.
The coverage Europcar or another company includes with your San Jose International car hire can differ, so remember to read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge extra for it.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Find the best available rates for a car for hire in SJC 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 car hire in San Jose International with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.
Travel without limits by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging R 1,791 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 1,804, this provider follows close behind.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly R 1,475 a day with this provider.
The Compact rental category is a dependable pick if you're not sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other at SJC.
Compare car hire types from San Jose International (SJC)
Small: These cheap San Jose International rental cars may be small in size, but they're big on practicality. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're easy to manoeuvre, light on fuel, and just the thing for city driving.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, it's the definition of just right. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and extra tech features, this SJC car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: If you need a car for rent in San Jose International that fits a small crowd (and their luggage), a van is the roomy solution. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a solid pick for group excursions, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying a big excess fee. Different SJC car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make life easier when you rent a car in San Jose International by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that upgrade your parking game.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so always double-check your rental company's policy to find out what applies to you.
If the kids are tagging along, check if you should add a car seat to your SJC car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll need to hand over a few things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
If you've never driven in the United States, keep in mind that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Stay within the local speed limits. In general that's around 40kph in urban 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 only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. Along with your credit and debit cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've collected the keys to your SJC car hire, the road is yours to conquer. Central San Jose is about 6 kilometres southeast and a drive of around 10 minutes if that's where your trip starts.
Allow roughly 25 minutes to get from San Jose International to the city centre during rush hours.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid busy hours generally for a smoother drive.
Don't need a set of wheels the moment you land? Think about grabbing a car hire in San Jose instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from San Jose International (SJC)
Before you move on, do some sightseeing around San Jose first. Highlights such as Winchester Mystery House and The Tech Interactive set the tone for your whole journey.
Shift gears and take off to San Francisco. Around 64 kilometres northwest of SJC, it's home to favourite sights like Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square.
Alternatively, grab the wheel of your San Jose International car hire and drive around 56 kilometres northwest to Oakland. Featuring Fox Theatre and African American Museum and Library, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.
Up for a bigger adventure? Santa Rosa is a top road trip destination that's about 137 kilometres northwest of SJC. Safari West Tour and Safari West make perfect pit stops.
