How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Luis Obispo
Searching for a cheap rental car in San Luis Obispo? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging R 1,765 a day, we compare the best offers so you can search smarter, spend wiser, and feel good about what you paid.
The cheapest daily rental price in San Luis Obispo is R 506.
Staying a little longer? Pick up a weekly rental from R 3,537 and squeeze in a few road trips.
If you want to get the timing right, book around one week ahead to drive away with the best price on a San Luis Obispo car hire.
Avis, Enterprise and Budget are some of the most popular providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your San Luis Obispo car hire policy, whether you book with Avis or any other supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.
Booking a one-way car hire is often a great hack for finding a deal. Simply click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one site to another, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in San Luis Obispo.
Avoid any unexpected charges by booking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Want to explore freely without worrying about the number of miles you cover? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra fees.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from this company, with average prices at R 1,305 a day.
Next in line, [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/hertz/672)) offers daily rates of around R 1,626.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly R 1,418 a day.
The mini passenger van rental category is a solid choice if you're unsure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the car type that's booked more than any other in San Luis Obispo.
Flying to San Luis Obispo? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into San Luis Obispo, hit the road sooner by picking up a car hire at San Luis Obispo County Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 8 kilometres and takes about 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in San Luis Obispo
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in San Luis Obispo gets you moving without breaking the bank. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are good for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with small families and couples.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and advanced tech features, this San Luis Obispo car hire category includes full-size cars. With larger rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in San Luis Obispo makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're roomy, reliable, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your San Luis Obispo car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so compare before you commit.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in San Luis Obispo.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is generally 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always read your rental company's terms to see what applies to you.
If you're bringing the kids along, check if you should add a child car seat to your San Luis Obispo car rental reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll need to hand over a few things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
Get familiar with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the brakes and blinkers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's typically around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to drink, hand the keys to someone else or arrange a ride-share or taxi instead.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. As well as your debit and credit cards, consider bringing some cash for minor purchases.
Best hotels in San Luis Obispo for drivers
Offering parking, San Luis Creek Lodge takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central San Luis Obispo and also comes with a teahouse and a lobby bar.
Quality Suites Downtown San Luis Obispo is another practical pick for a trip that's big on driving. It features parking, along with ATMs and a fitness centre. Check in here and you'll be roughly 0.80 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in San Luis Obispo and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with charging access.
You're ready to start exploring now you've found a car hire deal in San Luis Obispo and your hotel. From Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa to Bishop Peak and Performing Arts Centre, you're spoiled for choice on things to do here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from San Luis Obispo
Around 40 kilometres southeast of central San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria easily earns a place on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Santa Maria Museum of Flight and Santa Maria Historical Museum.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Santa Maria include Homewood Suites by Hilton Santa Maria and Days Inn by Wyndham Santa Maria.
Or collect your cheap car hire in San Luis Obispo and drive around 72 kilometres south to Lompoc. Featuring Surf Beach and Return to Freedom, American Wild Horse Sanctuary, its highlights live up to the buzz.
Kick back after a day of exploring Lompoc at Embassy Suites by Hilton Lompoc Central Coast or Hilton Garden Inn Lompoc. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Stretch your journey and road-trip it to Fresno, around 177 kilometres northeast of San Luis Obispo. First, swing past Forestiere Underground Gardens, then head to Shinzen Japanese Garden.
Browse the room options at Best Western Village Inn or DoubleTree by Hilton Fresno Convention Centre. Make one of them your base and enjoy everything Fresno has to offer. They also have parking available.
