How to find a cheap car hire deal in Mountain View
Pick up a cheap rental car in Mountain View and get on your way for around R 1,323 a day. From short drives to cross-country jaunts, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.
R 595 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Mountain View.
Planning a longer trip and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? R 3,599 is the best rate for a weekly rental.
To land the best price on a Mountain View car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Rates tend to climb as your travel dates get closer, and leaving it too late could mean missing out.
Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty are some of the best-known providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Whether you choose Hertz or another supplier, double-check the coverage on your Mountain View car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Booking one-way could snag you a cheaper rate on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Mountain View.
Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and refill it before drop-off, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore without stressing about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and travel as far as you like without the extra costs.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average R 1,178 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around R 1,201.
The third option also makes your money go further. Expect to pay roughly R 2,076 a day for one of their rentals.
The Economy rental category is a reliable option if you're not quite sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the most commonly booked car type in Mountain View.
Compare car hire types in Mountain View
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Mountain View puts you on the road for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of interior space and fuel efficiency and are popular with couples and small families.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for longer drives, this Mountain View car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Mountain View is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're roomy, hardworking, and built to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Mountain View car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are equal, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a GPS unit and reverse camera. They can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Mountain View.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However some providers make their own rules, so check your rental company's policy to make sure you meet the requirements.
If the kids are coming with you, check if you should add a car seat to your Mountain View car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll have to provide some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
If you've never driven in the United States, be aware that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are often about 40kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Check the road 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 anything at all.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make driving easier by avoiding peak periods in general.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases and expenses on your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash so you're covered for every situation.
The language most commonly used in this country is English.
Best hotels in Mountain View for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Leland Hotel Palo Alto makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is about 6 kilometres from central Mountain View and also comes with Wi-Fi and internet access.
Hyatt House San Jose/Cupertino is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features accessible parking, along with internet access and an outdoor swimming pool. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 10 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas before you book? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Mountain View. You can narrow things down using the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Mountain View and the right hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to explore first. Get things started with big attractions like Silicon Valley, Shoreline Amphitheatre and Vista Slope At Shoreline Park.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Mountain View
Around 18 kilometres east of central Mountain View, San Jose deserves a place on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Japantown (San Jose) and Winchester Mystery House.
They've perfected the guest experience at Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport and Alura Inn, two reliable accommodation options with parking in San Jose.
Or collect your cheap car hire in Mountain View and then set out for San Francisco. Roughly 56 kilometres northwest of Mountain View, Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square are standout attractions that make the drive worthwhile.
Relax after a day of exploring San Francisco at BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham or Hotel G San Francisco. These hotels are a good choice for guests bringing their own car.
Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Modesto is a popular road trip destination that's about 97 kilometres east of Mountain View. Make a few pit stops at John Muir Park and Modesto Art Museum.
Hit the hay in Modesto at either DoubleTree by Hilton Modesto or Days Inn by Wyndham Modesto. They've got a room waiting for you and space for your wheels too.
