How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Bernardino
Searching for a cheap rental car in San Bernardino? With prices averaging R 1,428 a day, you're in gear for serious savings. Whether you're wanting a go-anywhere compact, a roomy SUV, or something in between, we compare all the top deals to get you more for your money.
Daily rental prices in San Bernardino start from just R 717.
For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from R 4,990 and make room for more adventures.
To land the best price on a San Bernardino car hire, get in early. Rates tend to rise as your travel dates approach, and last-minute availability isn't always guaranteed.
Line up your ride with Avis, Hertz or Enterprise. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your San Bernardino car hire policy, whether you go with Avis or any other supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Spend less on fuel by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Explore without limits by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with prices averaging R 1,030 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 1,663, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/turo/4340)) is next in line.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly R 822 a day with this supplier.
Want a car that makes sense for everyday trips? The Premium rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers visiting San Bernardino.
Flying to San Bernardino? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your San Bernardino plans by picking up a car hire at San Bernardino Norton AFB Airport. The city centre is about 10 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in San Bernardino
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or just planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and great mileage.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this San Bernardino car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger back seats and plenty of storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a better view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising along smooth highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in San Bernardino big enough for a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're best suited for group trips, business needs or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your San Bernardino car hire gives you peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
Upgrade your ride with extras like a reverse camera and GPS unit. These features can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in San Bernardino.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so check your rental company's terms to find out what applies to you.
Add a car seat to your San Bernardino car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest choice.
You'll be asked for a few things when collecting your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards aren't widely accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.
Driving in the United States can take some adjustment if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.
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.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times for traffic around this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and activities. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's convenient, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Best hotels in San Bernardino for drivers
Spend less time looking for a parking spot and more time enjoying the comfort of Inland Inn & Suites. About 2 kilometres from central San Bernardino, it comes with accessible parking, internet access and a 24-hour front desk.
Sunpark Inn & Suites is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features accessible parking, along with room service and internet access. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Like some more inspiration? Browse the selection of hotels in San Bernardino. You can narrow things down using the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
You're ready to start exploring now you've found a car hire deal in San Bernardino and your hotel. From Public Art "Route 66" to Arrowhead Viewing Spot & Historical Monument and Black mountain truck trail, the city's packed with places worth visiting.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from San Bernardino
Los Angeles should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Hollywood Sign and Universal Studios Hollywood. This city is about 88 kilometres west of central San Bernardino.
The Biltmore Los Angeles and Freehand Los Angeles are recommended accommodation options with parking in Los Angeles.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in San Bernardino and then head for Long Beach. Roughly 88 kilometres southwest of San Bernardino, The Queen Mary and Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) are among the highlights that are worth going out of your way for.
Vagabond Inn San Pedro and Best Western Los Angeles Worldport Hotel are comfortable places to stay in Long Beach if you're in town for a while. Book one of these and skip the stress of finding somewhere to leave your ride.
Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to Chula Vista, around 161 kilometres south of San Bernardino. First, visit San Diego Aquatica, then spend some time at Chula Vista Bayfront Park.
Book a room at Loews Coronado Bay Resort or The Rambler Hotel. Use one of them as your base and enjoy everything Chula Vista has to offer. They also come with parking.
