KAYAK’s insights & trends for Monterey car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Monterey with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Monterey?
You should book your rental car in Monterey around 46 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the most popular rental car in Monterey?
Rentals in the Luxury category (Genesis G70 or similar) are the most popular option in Monterey, costing C$ 87/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as C$ 87/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Monterey?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Monterey is January at an average cost of C$ 75/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in Monterey when prices are C$ 123/day on average, which tends to be 71% above the yearly average rental price for Monterey.
What rental car company in Monterey has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 2 locations in Monterey, more than any other rental company.
Monterey car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Monterey by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup Truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
C$ 64 - C$ 104
All Car Types
C$ 117 - C$ 156
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Monterey?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Monterey?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Monterey?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Monterey?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Monterey?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Monterey?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Monterey?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Monterey?
Small car rentals in Monterey typically cost around C$ 83 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average C$ 64 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 39% cheaper than the average rental in Monterey, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car rentals in Monterey typically cost around C$ 111 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average C$ 74 per day, which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 18% cheaper than the average rental in Monterey, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Monterey typically cost around C$ 122 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average C$ 77 per day, which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 10% cheaper than the average rental in Monterey, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV rentals in Monterey typically cost around C$ 150 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average C$ 129 per day, which is about 14% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 10% more expensive than the average rental in Monterey but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van rentals in Monterey typically cost around C$ 191 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average C$ 147 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 30% more expensive than the average rental in Monterey but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Monterey typically cost around C$ 128 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average C$ 94 per day, which is about 27% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 6% cheaper than the average rental in Monterey, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in Monterey typically cost around C$ 172 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average C$ 126 per day, which is about 27% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 22% more expensive than the average rental in Monterey but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Monterey typically cost around C$ 173 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average C$ 59 per day, which is about 66% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 22% more expensive than the average rental in Monterey but perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Hertz
Luxury
C$ 87/day
C$ 62/day
Monterey car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Monterey
Be sure, should you pay in advance through a third party, you allow time at the airport to "negotiate" should you not be presented with what you thought you were getting.
Verified travelerAug 2024
Be sure your flight will come in during their operating hours.
DeonOct 2023
Use Hertz they are very professional.
Verified travelerJun 2023
Our car got swiped somewhere on our trip. We were in Carmel, Montery, Pacific Grove and Salinas. We noticed it in Carmel, but we do not know where it happened.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Monterey
One of the wonderful aspects of visiting Monterey, California, is the beautiful scenery you get to enjoy while driving up and down the coast. If you are trying to decide whether to rent a car in Monterey, consider what you could miss if you don’t. Many of the popular sites and areas surrounding the city are much more available when you rent a car. Coastal drives, beaches, and tourist attractions can all be reached on your own schedule without having to rely on the fixed schedules of public transportation. Car rentals in Monterey can help you visit sites like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, and the San Carlos Beach.
As you descend to the first floor of the Monterey Regional Airport, you will find the counters for car rental companies next to the baggage claim. These are conveniently located so visitors can pick up their bags and go straight to the counter of the rental company to check in. The Monterey Regional Airport houses major rental car companies like Avis, Enterprise, Alamo, and Hertz. The rental car lots are situated close to the terminal for easy loading and departure.
Visitors interested in Monterey car rentals should be aware that the city follows regular rush hour times. This means that during the hours of 6:30am to 9:30am and 4:30pm to 7:30pm, the roadways are typically quite congested. You will find busy roads around the beaches and along the coast. Del Monte Avenue, in particular, can get congested during rush hour times. Also, travelers should be aware of Highway 1. This famous coastal drive can be dangerous due to narrow roads and frequent stops by travelers to take pictures.
Monterey has pleasant weather all year round. If you experience a rain shower by chance, you should be careful to drive safely and slowly. Visitors should also watch out for added congestion on roads during the summer months due to the tourist season. While Monterey has an abundance of beautiful vistas and picture-worthy scenes, drivers should be careful not to disrupt traffic by stopping unexpectedly or pulling off to the side of the road without warning.
We recommend renting cheap car rentals in Monterey when in town. You can freely explore the city at your pace and take day trips outside the city. Day trips to Big Sur in normal traffic take about 45min and cover about 28 miles. Explore Big Sur’s rugged coastline, gorgeous peaks, and magnificent scenery. About 55 miles from Monterey is Pinnacles National Park, a 1h 10min drive via US 101 S. Just under 1h drive north from Monterey is Mystery Spot, about 45 miles away. Also 49 miles north of the city is the Roaring Camp Railroads, about 1h drive in normal traffic.
Some roads in Monterey require patient and conservative driving as they can be twisty. State Route 1 is extraordinarily scenic but one with several stretches and tight turns. Through Big Sur, you will encounter tight runs and stretches. Make sure to slow down when entering Big Sur, be alert, and have both your hands on the steering wheel. If there is fog or it's getting dark, avoid going through Big Sur with Monterey car rentals as the road gets more dangerous due to the lower visibility. Before using the Big Sur Route during winter, check if it is open, as rockslides can close the route periodically.
Several main roads linking Monterey to other cities can help you access them. State Highway 1 connects Monterey to Santa Cruz in the north and Big Sur in the south. Also, it links the city to Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. The US 101 is another road linking the city to the San Francisco Bay Area. It passes through Gilroy and San Jose. It connects to State Highway 156 and allows access to Prunedale and Castroville in the west. Be warned that State Highway 156 often gets congested on the weekends with tourists.
25% of our users found rental cars in Monterey for C$ 62 or less
Medium rental cars in Monterey are around 12% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Monterey
What type of car is recommended for driving in Monterey?
Trying to decide what type of car to get from car rentals in Monterey can be tricky. Smaller groups can be better served with a more compact vehicle. Some of the scenic drives have narrow, winding two-lane roads, which can be handled well by a sedan. These cars typically have good gas mileage and are handy during high-traffic times.
What’s the speed limit in Monterey?
While in residential and other highly trafficked areas in the city, the speed limits will range from 20 to 40mph. However, as drivers venture out onto the faster speedways, interstates, and highways, the speed limit can range from around 55mph to 75mph. School zones and parks will have the lowest speed limits and drivers should be exceptionally vigilant in these populated areas due to an abundance of foot traffic.
Where are the best places to park in Monterey?
Monterey has over 30 parking garages. Visitors should expect to pay between approximately $1.75 and $2.25 an hour. Most garages have day passes for about $15 a day. Most beaches and other public destinations have parking nearby. The Cannery Row Parking Garage boasts over 1,000 spaces, making it likely that you’ll find a spot here. These parking facilities are scattered throughout the city for the convenience of locals and tourists. It may be worthwhile to check the size of the parking garage you plan to use as smaller garages will have limited availability.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Monterey?
On average a rental car in Monterey costs C$ 87 per day.
Which car rental companies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
Car rental companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Avis, Fox and Thrifty.
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 Avis, Fox and Thrifty.
How much does a Luxury car rental cost in Monterey?
A Luxury car rental in Monterey costs C$ 87 per day, on average.
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Monterey?
A Medium car rental in Monterey costs C$ 76 per day, on average.
Are there car rentals in downtown Monterey?
Yes. If you’re not flying into the airport, cheap car rentals in Monterey are also available downtown. The downtown car rental center is along Fred Kane Drive with onsite agencies like Enterprise, Budget, Alamo, and Avis.
Do I have to pay tolls on Monterey roads?
Yes, the Monterey 17-Mile Drive is a toll road starting at the intersection of Esplanade Street and Del Monte Boulevard. A section of State Highway 156 connecting Monterey and the Bay Area is also tolled. Cash, Pay by Plate, and FastTrack electronic payments are all acceptable.
Our flight was delayed and the company did not answer the phone to update them of the flight status. Arrived 10 minutes after closing and they were nowhere to be found.
1 out of 1
Hertz
7.9
Good
Cleanliness
8.8
Comfort
8.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.2
Value for money
7.4
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
200 Fred Kane Ste 104
+1 831 373 3318
Monday
08:00 - 22:30
Tuesday
08:00 - 22:30
Wednesday
08:00 - 22:30
Thursday
08:00 - 22:30
Friday
08:00 - 22:30
Saturday
08:00 - 22:30
Sunday
08:00 - 22:30
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Patrick, Apr 2026
Intermediate
We paid for a Honda Accord or similar, and when we arrived, we were told we were to get a Corolla. Not a "similar" vehicle. When pressed, we were offered a Nissan Altima. Again, not a reasonable comparison. We should have been offered an "upgrade" to a full-size or, at very least, something more premium. Anyway, the staff were nice.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Supplier choice
Got extra charges for late return, but I returned the car almost 10 hours before I had to do. But Hertz told me I returned two hours too late. Scam scheme
1 out of 4
Budget
7.7
Good
Cleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.2
Value for money
7.5
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
200 Fred Kane Drive, Suite 105
+1 831 373 1899
Monday
19:00 - 22:0008:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
19:00 - 22:0008:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 18:0019:00 - 22:00
Thursday
08:00 - 18:0019:00 - 22:00
Friday
19:00 - 22:0008:00 - 18:00
Saturday
08:00 - 17:00
Sunday
19:00 - 22:0008:00 - 18:00
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2025
Intermediate SUV
Car was damaged at pickup. Tried to report to agent at counter but they disappeared to wash a car. Tried calling customer service number on receipt but they said they could only manage reservations. Tried emailing customer service with images of the damage and never heard back.
4.0 Mediocre
Mithun, Dec 2024
Intermediate
When I got into the vehicle, the windshield and every window of the car were covered with water on the inside. The windows were all closed, so it seems like someone may have cleaned off the entire inside and not dried any of it. I had to wipe everything down with some spare clothes, then blast the heat until the windshield finished drying off. It took ages and I ended up with some wet clothes. Was completely unacceptable.
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Oct 2022
As soon as we got the Highway for our trip the “low tire pressure”light came on. We checked and filled in multiples gas stations to make sure our tires where safe enough for our family
1 out of 4
Alamo
7.5
Good
Cleanliness
7.0
Comfort
6.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.7
Value for money
6.5
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
200 Fred Kane Dr Ste 108
+1 844 370 1084
Monday
08:00 - 22:30
Tuesday
08:00 - 22:30
Wednesday
08:00 - 22:30
Thursday
08:00 - 22:30
Friday
08:00 - 22:30
Saturday
08:00 - 22:30
Sunday
08:00 - 22:30
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2025
Intermediate SUV
Easy. Customer service was great.
2.0 Poor
Melika, Feb 2024
Pick-up truck
I made the reservation through Kayak, they called me 1 hour before the pick up time and told me they don’t have the car. The person I talked to was very rude, refused to let me talk to his manager, refused to tell me his full name, and at the end told me his is not going to do anything for me.
1 out of 2
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
Monterey Regional Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
North Car Rental
No score available yet
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
200 Fred Kane Ste 104
+1 831 373 3318
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Monterey
Locations in Monterey
200 Fred Kane Drive
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
71 travellers who rented a car in Monterey gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.6
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