Modesto car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65
Tue 23/4
Tue 30/4

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Modesto car rental information

Pick-up locationModesto
Car types
Rental locations11
Airport locations4

Cheap car rentals in Modesto

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Mini
Economy
Compact
Intermediate
Standard
Full-size
Luxury
Minivan
Passenger Van
SUV
Commercial
Pick-up truck

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Modesto

  • If you are visiting the city of Modesto for a work trip or vacation, you are much safer getting cheap car rentals in Modesto than any other means of travel in the city. The rental car allows you to move between the city and Sequoia National Park, located about 153 mi from the city. It will also allow you to travel to the Spanish Creek Campground located about 164 mi to the North of the city or the Anaho Island National Wildlife Refuge, located about 179 mi to the northeast of Modesto. Pismo Beach is about 163 mi away and can be conveniently reached using cheap car rentals in Modesto.
  • In case you are looking for a place to rent a car in Modesto, the city offers several locations where you can get a cheap car rental. Some of the popular rental locations in the city include the Downtown Modesto Car Rental, Modesto County Airport, and, Woody Colony Shopping Center. The other locations that also offer car rental services in the city include Discount. Quebec car rentals and the Yandell Ranch Airport – 4CA8. The locations offer several car rental types such as SUVs among others.
  • Rental car companies in Modesto allow you to use the toll roads in the city with the billing being charged back to your credit card where systems have been automated. There are options of paying the toll fees in cash or taking up the rental car’s electronic payment options. The electronic toll option is effective when using roads that have an e-toll option. It is however important to note that the rental companies will charge much higher if you take their electronic options when paying for the toll since it will include a service charge. Companies such as Alamo offer TollPass products in some locations within the city.
  • Car rentals in Modesto allow greater access to areas outside the city center, including the abundant farmland that surrounds and supports the city. Even if you are not involved in farming, a drive through one of the many state parks is worth your time. Travelers that are looking to visit cities in the nearby Bay Area, such as San Francisco or San Jose, will find their trip much quicker and more convenient with a personal vehicle as opposed to public transit.
  • The local airport is Modesto City-County Airport, which has a rental car counter on the main floor of the terminal. Vehicles are available within walking distance of the terminal in the rental car section of the nearby parking lot. Many rental cars in Modesto come from other major airports in the area, such as San Jose International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. In San Jose International, you can find rental counters in the Rental Car Center within walking distance across from Terminal B. If you fly into Terminal A, take the blue shuttle bus to and from the Rental Car Center. At San Francisco International, the Rental Car Center is accessible from every terminal via the AirTrain Blue Line, an automated people mover.
  • As one of the major cities along Highway 99 through the Central Valley of California, Modesto serves as a resting point for many tractor-trailers and large trucks. If your directions require you to use Highway 99 at any point, be prepared to navigate around heavy traffic that includes these eighteen-wheelers. The city itself is laid out in grid formation, with larger roads, such as Briggsmore Avenue, crossing the entire town. If you find yourself caught in traffic along these major streets, consider moving over a few blocks to take an emptier road that follows in the same direction.
  • The major streets in Modesto can quickly become crowded during peak travel time, generally from 6:30am to 8:30am and 4:30pm to 6:30pm. Highway 99 is another factor that can impact your travel time, as frequent accidents and construction often cause massive delays. Before driving, check the traffic on Highway 99 to ensure that vehicles are still moving smoothly before attempting to use it. You are better off using side streets, county roads, or delaying your departure than trying to push through traffic on Highway 99, which has many lane changes and often shrinks to only two lanes.
  • Book your rental car in Modesto at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact rental cars in Modesto are around 50% cheaper than other car types, on average

Modesto car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Modesto 
YeseniaNov. 2023
So perfect for long distance driving. Doesn't put too much strain on a personal car especially when it's an older vehicle.
YeseniaNov. 2023
Incredibly affordable and it gives people a chance to test drive new models.
Verified travelerMay 2023
Nothing out of the ordinary ease to access location great service

FAQs about renting a car in Modesto

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Modesto?

    Since you will generally not be dealing with major weather events in the Central Valley, the recommended Modesto car rentals are economy or compact cars. This will allow you to safely navigate the busy highways surrounding Modesto. These vehicles also have better fuel efficiency than larger vehicles if you are looking to make the drive to the Bay Area, or even Yosemite National Park.

  • What’s the speed limit in Modesto?

    The speed limits within Modesto are generally 25mph in residential areas, with 35mph limits on major streets. Highway 99 has a variety of speed limits as it progresses north and south through California but sticks to 65mph while passing through Modesto city limits. There are many county roads that surround the city, which generally have a speed limit of 55mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in Modesto?

    There are three parking garages in Modesto, located at 8th Street and L Street, 11th Street and K Street, and 11th Street and J Street. These parking garages cost approximately $1.25 per hour with a maximum of $15. There are also pay-per-spot parking lots throughout the city, with the same hourly rate and maximum.

  • How much is gas price in Modesto?

    The average gas price in Modesto is C$ 5.31 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 64 and C$ 85, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Modesto?

    Compact (Kia Niro or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Modesto.

  • Which car rental companies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?

    Car rental companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Fox, Thrifty, Dollar, Hertz, Kyte, Sixt, Budget, Alamo, Europcar and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at San Francisco airport (SFO)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from San Francisco airport to off-airport locations include Fox, Thrifty, Dollar, Hertz, Sixt, Budget, Alamo, Europcar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Avis.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Modesto?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does a Compact car rental cost in Modesto?

    A Compact car rental in Modesto costs C$ 57 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Luxury car rental cost in Modesto?

    A Luxury car rental in Modesto costs C$ 70 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car rental cost in Modesto?

    A Standard car rental in Modesto costs C$ 87 per day, on average.

  • What should I watch out for when driving in Modesto?

    It is important to watch out for pedestrians and cyclists on the roads when driving in Modesto. Some of the roads are also not in very good condition hence you will need to drive carefully to avoid collisions or potholes that may cause damage to your vehicle or cause an accident.

  • Which car rental companies are at Modesto County Airport?

    There are several car rental companies that serve the major airport in the city. Some of the companies include Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Europcar, National, Avis, Thrifty, and Dollar.

Modesto car rental reviews and directory

Budget

7.4

Cleanliness

6.9

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.8

Value for money

7.0

2 locations in Modesto

Show locations

Locations in Modesto

3900 Pelandale Avenue Ste 145

+1 209 491 4807

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

617 Airport Way

+1 209 544 1196

Monday09:00 - 13:00
Tuesday09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday09:00 - 13:00
Thursday09:00 - 13:00
Friday09:00 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Feb. 2024

KAYAK
The first car I received had cigarettes on the ground and smelled. It caused me a asthma attack. The the second car had a flat tire and I was stuck on the side of the road

8.0 Very good

Oct. 2023

KAYAK
Easy to book, and easy to return rental. 👍🏻

10.0 Wonderful

Jun. 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Whole experience just fine.

Cons:

The only problem was I got a car I didn’t like. I do not like . I wanted a Chevy Cruz or similar type American car. I do not like Japanese, or any of that type car. They are not comfortable for myself or my husband. Otherwise Everything else was great.

6.0 Okay

May 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was great. He was very accommodating a d helpful. He told me that the car I was supposed to get came back from its rental smelling bad a d dirty inside. He said he had a large Jeep. I did not want to drive that big thing so had mo option but to take the dirty, smelly car.

2.0 Poor

Jan. 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Blamed me for a pre existing scratch on the car

8.8 Very good

Oct. 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

The agent in Modesto was quick, efficient and friendly. Was in and out in minutes

1 out of 6

Hertz

5.7

Best rated

Cleanliness

5.9

Comfort

6.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.3

Value for money

5.5

2 locations in Modesto

Show locations

Locations in Modesto

300 Motor City Ct.

+1 209 578 9680

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

617 Airport Way

+1 209 522 3236

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jan. 2022

KAYAK
This was a rare (for me) pickup at a non-airport location and it was great! Much less hassle than I usually encounter at the airport. Maybe it's always this easy--it's been a long time since I rented from Hertz. Dropoff was also a breeze.

3.6 Poor

Oct. 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

They made me wait 30 min to get my car while they cleaned it and didn’t even apologize. No one who works there appears to care about anything

Cons:

Having my car ready on time and not being so slow.

7.2 Good

Jan. 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Explanation of insurance

6.0 Okay

Nov. 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

When I picked up the vehicle, the lady that helped me was polite, I got a 2019 Toyota Camry, very nice car, superb and comfortable ride but the vehicle was dirty, all the windows were stained with water spots and the inside smelled like cigarette smoke. When I left the rental place I started driving on the freeway towards San Diego and had been driving for less than an hour when the maintenance light came on advising me to take it to be serviced. When I returned the car with a full tank and clean, the girl said there were cigarette ashes in ash tray and accused me of smoking inside the car. I don't smoke neither does my wife and I told her that is the way they gave me the car. She finished with the paper work and gave me the papers and told me here you go and turned around. No thank you or anything else. Not very professional. Thank you

Cons:

The vehicle was very nice, It could have been a little cleaner, the girl behind the counter had a little bad attitude, she tried to blame me for smoking in the car. I know a couple other friends that rent cars regularly and they also complain about the service.

2.0 Poor

Sep. 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

NOTHING!!! It was like a broken record, "We can't rent any more cars today." No one said they were sorry or made any attempt to help anyone find an alternative means of transportation.

Cons:

Someone could have helped me get a car. There had been an accident that knocked out the power. The ONLY WORDS anyone would say was, "We can't rent any more cars today." I asked how I was supposed to get to SFO for my flight, the reply was the same. I had less than 2hrs to make other arrangements.

2.0 Poor

May 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

I requested a refund, the days that we booked for the rental you had no rental available, I ended up not wanting the car and was still charged

1 out of 14

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.6

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

7.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.3

Value for money

7.1

2 locations in Modesto

Show locations

Locations in Modesto

4623 Mchenry Ave Ste C

+1 209 577 4700

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

707 7th Street

+1 209 491 0400

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jan. 2024

KAYAK
They were very kind and explained everything to me very well.

10.0 Wonderful

Nov. 2023

KAYAK
Newer models. Clean vehicles. Great customer service 👏

10.0 Wonderful

Nov. 2023

KAYAK
I liked the low mileage and year. Such a beautiful ride for a low price per day. Definitely will rent through this location again.

3.2 Poor

Dec. 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

They were fast. Maybe that’s because they were pulling a bait and switch. This is the first time I have ever had to write a negative review about anything, I feel if it’s not egregious then most things can be overlooked. This was egregious

Cons:

Everything! Customer care, value for the money and quite frankly some cars should just not be in a rental pool.

8.4 Very good

Oct. 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Gas mileage

Cons:

The driver's seat was way to low,I had to use 3 pillows. The head rest pushed my head forward, way to uncomfortable for my liking, but the overall ride was very smooth & easy to drive.

5.6 Fair

Oct. 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Check out was easy, brand new vehicle.

Cons:

There’s no afterhours drop off. Expensive rate for type of car.

1 out of 5

Avis

7.3

Cleanliness

7.2

Comfort

7.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.7

Value for money

7.4

2 locations in Modesto

Show locations

Locations in Modesto

3900 Pelandale Avenue Ste 145

+1 209 491 9302

Monday07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday07:30 - 17:00
Wednesday07:30 - 17:00
Thursday07:30 - 17:00
Friday07:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

617 Airport Way

+1 209 527 7223

Monday09:00 - 13:00
Tuesday09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday09:00 - 13:00
Thursday09:00 - 13:00
Friday09:00 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

9.2 Wonderful

Aug. 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Counter staff personable and good to work with.

Cons:

Process to sign papers was slow which created a line.

10.0 Wonderful

Jan. 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff at Modesto Airport. Quick and easy transaction

Cons:

Too many miles in car Not many full size car options

10.0 Wonderful

Apr. 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Good rental friendly staff

10.0 Wonderful

Aug. 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Fast, courteous, and helpful service.

Cons:

Nothing

4.0 Mediocre

Jun. 2023

KAYAK
It is not acceptable that the LLC running the operation has only one person for literally dozens of people. As a result there were people spending more than 2 hours in line in a room with no chairs to pick up their reserved rental. We were all stuck there to get the rental that we had reserved to be able to continue on with vacation or business. I will avoid returning there if I can, just for that total disregard for customers. On top of that, I returned the car on the next day just 45 min late and I was charged 75% of my rate, no mercy from the office manager Fernando . Very unforgiving, I will never return to that office, I doubt I will rent with AVIS again.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2022

KAYAK
I don’t know what others are complaining about - easiest check in and rental ever ! Dude at the counter was in a great mood and easy going -

1 out of 3

Thrifty

6.0

Okay

No reviews available

One location in Modesto

Show locations

Locations in Modesto

300 Motor City Court

+1 209 578 9680

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Modesto

Show locations

Locations in Modesto

Modesto City-County Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

DISCOUNT.QUEBEC

No score available yet

One location in Modesto

Show locations

Locations in Modesto

380 route 132 suite 180

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

136 travellers who rented a car in Modesto gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.2

Car rental locations in or near Modesto

Good to know

Most popular car type

Compact

When to book a rental car in Modesto

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches