How to find a cheap car hire deal in Monterey
Searching for a cheap rental car in Monterey? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging R 2,054 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can book faster, spend smarter, and hit the road happy.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Monterey is R 1,168.
Planning a longer trip and want to go further than the usual stops? R 3,283 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
Book early to lock in the best price for a Monterey car hire. Besides saving money, you'll have first pick of the most popular options.
Find your perfect ride with Budget, Hertz or Alamo. They're some of the most trusted providers in the city.
Whether you choose Budget or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Monterey car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as an optional extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Discover 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're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average R 2,602 a day.
Coming in next is this provider, offering daily rates of around R 2,362.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly R 2,890 a day with this supplier.
After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Premium rental category is the top choice for travellers visiting Monterey.
Compare car hire types in Monterey
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Monterey gives you the freedom to explore for less. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are perfect for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine space, comfort and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the everything. Large vehicles have got the space to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Monterey car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in Monterey that can handle the big jobs. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your Monterey car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of a collision or theft. Insurance policies can vary from one provider to another, so compare before you book.
Make your trip smoother when you rent a car in Monterey by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that give you confidence when parking.
Good to know
You usually have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Being younger doesn't always disqualify you — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.
If you're travelling with kids, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Monterey car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
Come prepared to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no electronic copies) and another form of photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get used to how it handles before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
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 signs say otherwise.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, it's best to skip drinks entirely so you remain legal to drive.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around 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 to cover you in every situation.
English is the language you'll hear most people speaking in this country.
Best hotels in Monterey for drivers
Offering parking, Villa Mara Carmel makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 6 kilometres from central Monterey and also comes with a bar and a tennis court.
Carriage House Inn is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features accessible parking, along with internet access and Wi-Fi. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the range of hotels in Monterey for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the right fit. You can also apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to narrow it down to EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Monterey and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey State Historic Park and Chris' Fishing and Whale Watching are some of the city's best experiences.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Monterey
San Jose should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit Japantown (San Jose) and Winchester Mystery House. This city is around 80 kilometres north of central Monterey.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport and Alura Inn, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in San Jose.
Add Salinas to your travels too. Grab your cheap car hire in Monterey and drive about 23 kilometres east to discover major attractions such as National Steinbeck Centre and Monterey Zoo.
Salinas has some good places to stay including Super 8 by Wyndham Salinas and Western Motel. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.
Still got fuel in the tank? Cruise on over to Sacramento, about 225 kilometres north of Monterey. From Old Sacramento Waterfront to Redwood Park, it makes for a well-rounded adventure.
Book a room at Econo Lodge Sacramento Convention Centre or The Exchange Sacramento, Curio Collection By Hilton. They're a convenient base for exploring everything Sacramento has to offer. They also offer parking.
