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San Luis Obispo car rentals from C$ 85/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in San Luis Obispo with a pick-up date of 24/4 and drop-off date of 28/4. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in San Luis Obispo

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
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Mitsubishi Mirage car
Mitsubishi Mirage
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
C$ 100/day
View Deal
Kia Soul car
Kia Soul
or similar Small
4
2
2/4
C$ 92/day
View Deal
Hyundai Elantra car
Hyundai Elantra
or similar Medium
5
3
4-5
C$ 85/day
View Deal
Volkswagen Jetta car
Volkswagen Jetta
or similar Medium
5
3
2/4
C$ 109/day
View Deal
Chevrolet Malibu car
Chevrolet Malibu
or similar Large
5
2
2/4
C$ 109/day
View Deal
Chrysler Pacifica car
Chrysler Pacifica
or similar Van
5
5
4-5
C$ 164/day
View Deal
Nissan Maxima car
Nissan Maxima
or similar Large
5
5
2/4
C$ 145/day
View Deal
Nissan Rogue car
Nissan Rogue
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
C$ 114/day
View Deal
Toyota RAV4 car
Toyota RAV4
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
C$ 118/day
View Deal
Ford Edge car
Ford Edge
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
C$ 131/day
View Deal
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited car
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
or similar SUV
5
2
2/4
C$ 188/day
View Deal
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

San Luis Obispo car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in San Luis Obispo 
Learn how KAYAK collects reviews and tips from users.
Verified travelerFeb 2025
Clean car for reasonable price. Seamless check out.
Verified travelerApr 2024
Just go with Enterprise! They partner with Cal Poly, so you can count on high quality service and availability.
Verified travelerApr 2024
Budget had the best rates in SLO friendly staff and cars were right next to terminal
Verified travelerAug 2023
Book way in advance for good rates
HingMay 2023
It’s a tiny airport and the car rental facility was east to navigate.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in San Luis Obispo

  • Renting a car in San Luis Obispo is a convenient and flexible means of visiting the city and getting a feel of the culture. Several airports are remotely far from the town center, such as the Santa Barbara Airport, approximately 75.8 miles away, and the Los Angeles International Airport, 158.9 miles away, thus it is more ideal and cheaper to opt for rental cars in San Luis Obispo. There are also several sandy beaches, hot springs, and beautiful landscapes located a few miles out of town, easily accessible using a personal vehicle.
  • Some of the car rentals in San Luis Obispo are conveniently situated at the San Luis Obispo County (SBP) Airport, including Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, and Easier, which can be found at the baggage claim area at the Car Rental Center with the cars parked around 260 feet from the terminal. Off-site rentals, such as Budget, can be accessed via the airport shuttle, which is located on the east side of the terminal and are cheaper than taxis.
  • Like other major cities, visitors are advised to be cautious while on the road and observe traffic rules. There are a few intersections in San Luis Obispo which are known to be hazard zones, especially to speeding drivers, such as the Santa Rosa and Foothill intersection and Los Osos Valley and Calle Joaquin intersection. There are also a few cases of distracted driving, as well as jaywalkers and cyclists who fail to observe traffic laws. While selecting a vehicle in one of the car rentals in San Luis Obispo, it advisable to get GPS to be able to navigate through unfamiliar roads.
  • The rush hour in San Luis Obispo is pretty short-lived, with commuters spending an average of around 15 to 20min on the road, but is usually extended on roads undergoing construction. Rush hour in the morning is usually between 7:30am and 8:30am when people are leaving for work and school, and picks back up at 6pm to 7pm when people are heading back home. Heavy rains are also known to extend commute times in San Luis Obispo.
  • Choosing a vehicle from San Luis Obispo car rentals enables you to navigate attraction sites, such as Pismo Beach, just 10 miles away. The beach is best for water sports enthusiasts and is a perfect place for kayaking and sailing. Bubblegum Alley is less than a mile away from San Luis Obispo and takes only 4 minutes. The iconic site is known for used bubble gum accumulation on the alley walls. The local farmer's market is also a worthwhile destination for visitors. It is held on Higuera Street between Chorro and Osos Streets every Thursday evening, just a mile away from San Luis Obispo.
  • You will find no car rental offices at the Amtrak Station in San Luis Obispo. However, some cheap car rentals in San Luis Obispo can conveniently deliver a vehicle to a location of your choosing. If you want to pick up your rental car from their offices that is a great option too. There are several locations along Broad Street where you can a company to rent you a vehicle.
  • San Luis Obispo has excellent transport infrastructure. However, you may not miss traffic build-ups during weekly events such as the local farmers' market, which is held every Thursday night. Hundreds of residents flock to the fiesta that offers blooming flowers, fresh locally grown produce, handmade craft goods, jewelry, and farm-to-table dinners for less than $10. Higuera Street may be closed during this event, causing traffic in the city. Indubitably, the navigation system installed in your car will help you navigate and find less congested roads.
  • Book your rental car in San Luis Obispo at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact rental cars in San Luis Obispo are around 27% cheaper than other car types, on average
See more tips

FAQs about renting a car in San Luis Obispo

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in San Luis Obispo?

    There are several options to choose from at San Luis Obispo car rentals, depending on whether you’re considering a solo trip or planning to explore the Central Coast area as a group. Compact vehicles are recommended for when your visit to San Luis Obispo is concentrated in the town, while large SUVs are more ideal for large numbers of people and are a more comfortable option for those who visit the landscape in the outskirts of town.

  • What’s the speed limit in San Luis Obispo?

    The statutory speed limit in San Luis Obispo is set at 50mph. School zones have a set speed limit of between 15mph and 40mph at specific times of the day, while the speed limit in the business district is 25mph. There are also a couple of speed traps set up on Foothill Ave between Casa St and California Blvd, as well as Northbound Hwy 1, thus motorists are advised to drive with caution.

  • Where are the best places to park in San Luis Obispo?

    There are several parking options available while on your stay in San Luis Obispo. There are parking garages such as the City of San Luis Obispo Parking as well as the Marsh Street Parking Structure, which closes at around 6pm and provide 1h free parking on weekdays, 2h free parking on Saturdays, and all-day free parking on Sundays. The municipal lot on Marsh St provides free parking for up to 2h. Parking is free in Downtown San Luis Obispo.

  • What is the best rental car company in San Luis Obispo?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental company in San Luis Obispo is Budget (7.1, 69 reviews).

  • How much is gas price in San Luis Obispo?

    The average gas price in San Luis Obispo is C$ 4.88 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 59 and C$ 78, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in San Luis Obispo?

    Full-size (Chevrolet Malibu or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in San Luis Obispo.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in San Luis Obispo?

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

  • How much does a Full Size car rental cost in San Luis Obispo?

    A Full Size car rental in San Luis Obispo costs C$ 113 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car rental cost in San Luis Obispo?

    A Compact car rental in San Luis Obispo costs C$ 74 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in San Luis Obispo?

    An Intermediate car rental in San Luis Obispo costs C$ 72 per day, on average.

  • Are there HOV lanes in San Luis Obispo?

    While there are numerous high occupancy vehicle lanes in California, you will not find any while cruising in your vehicle from cheap car rentals in San Luis Obispo through the city. However, you are free to carpool in the city. Notably, a project aimed at adding HOV lanes on South Coast Highway 101, which passes through San Luis Obispo, is underway.

  • Are there toll roads in San Luis Obispo?

    While California has numerous express lanes that charge a toll, San Luis Obispo doesn’t charge any fees for road usage. However, this doesn’t mean that you will find heavy traffic on the city’s roads. The highways are usually clear unless an event featuring road closure occurs. At all times, be sure to check on the road sign. Cameras monitor your driving, and the CHP may call for a fine.

See more FAQs

San Luis Obispo car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Avis

8.0

Very good

Read 34 reviews
Best rated

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.1

Value for money

7.6

2 locations in San Luis Obispo

Show locations

Locations in San Luis Obispo

333 Madonna Road

+1 805 595 1464

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday10:00 - 14:00

975 Airport Drive, Suite 8

+1 805 544 0630

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sep 2024

Standard

KAYAK
Pro:Easy check in. Improvement: Needed to call earlier that they were closing right when we were going to pick up car. Did not realize they closed same time we were to pick up car.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Just about perfect. Newer car, clean, no smells. Pickup & dropoff at 2 different airports, were quick and easy.

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Didn’t receive receipt or email of final charges. Also was charged a $200 “deposit” in addition to rental charges. They are supposed to reverse the $200 “deposit” ???

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2023

Compact

KAYAK
Pickup was fast, good, well maintained. Car. Paperwork was a minimum. Drop off was during a huge rainstorm at Santa Barbara airport. They were Avis reps outside who took care of just about everything. Couldn't have been better under the circumstances.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was great. pickup and drop off 75 feet from luggage pickup.

Cons:

everything was great

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Drop off was easy, but I was overcharged.

Cons:

A cleaner, newer vehicle. The Elantra we received had 61,710 miles on it and was stained.

1 out of 12

Budget

7.1

Good

Read 34 reviews

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.7

Value for money

7.4

2 locations in San Luis Obispo

Show locations

Locations in San Luis Obispo

4554 Broad Street

+1 805 541 3977

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00

975 Airport Drive, Suite 5

+1 805 541 2722

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Elizabeth, Sep 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
TOO NOTCH!

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Economy

KAYAK
The man at the desk was really pleasant and helpful and got me into a car quick , even unpgraded me to a wonderful orange Tacoma for minimal fee. He was kind and made it a great experience overall. Thank you to him.

10.0 Wonderful

Bob, Apr 2024

Economy

KAYAK
Easy and fast

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Economy

KAYAK
The location given to me by Kayak had been torn down. I had to call the 800 number to find the new office, and when I got there they were already closed. I cancelled the reservation and booked with Enterprise.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Getting the car was fast, no pressure. Same with return. They were ready with paperwork at the airport counter, friendly, knowledgeable and courteous. The car was new, only 500 miles and very clean. Ran great. Easy to drive, keyless ignition. Too bad it didn't have automatic unlocking doors on approach. But all else was fine.

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Despite having a reservation, they didn't have a car ready for me when I arrived. I had to wait while they prepared the car and it was pretty dirty when I did receive it. As soon as I got into the car, the "needs maintenance" warning showed up on the dashboard.

1 out of 12

Hertz

7.1

Good

Read 8 reviews

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.1

Value for money

6.9

3 locations in San Luis Obispo

Show locations

Locations in San Luis Obispo

4554 Broad Street Suite #130

+1 805 781 3385

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

4751 Aviadores Way

+1 805 781 3383

Monday09:00 - 21:30
Tuesday09:00 - 21:30
Wednesday09:00 - 21:30
Thursday09:00 - 21:30
Friday09:00 - 21:30
Saturday09:00 - 21:30
Sunday09:00 - 21:30

975 Airport Drive Ste.06

+1 805 781 3383

Monday09:00 - 21:30
Tuesday09:00 - 21:30
Wednesday09:00 - 21:30
Thursday09:00 - 21:30
Friday09:00 - 21:30
Saturday09:00 - 21:30
Sunday09:00 - 21:30

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Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Dec 2021

KAYAK
United Dropped me in DC and I had to Rent a Car to Drive myself home to VA Beach. I requested a FULL SIZE Car and got a Little KIA. It didn't even have Electric Seats or a Rear Window Wiper. The Driver who took us from Airport to Avis was Very Rude and insisted on playing his Radio Loud even when I explained I needed to Make an Important Phone Call.

10.0 Wonderful

Terrie, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was wonderful, easy to work with. Excellent experience

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

There was no radio No way to hook up my phone to Bluetooth

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Super helpful and friendly staff. Easy drop-off. Very clean and new car. Loved the car!

Cons:

Nothing. It was my first time renting a car and they made it so easy. You will remain my first choice should I need another rental car.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Lady was horrible when I dropped off the car

5.2 Fair

Anonymous, Sep 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Customer service on drop off could have been better

1 out of 3

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

6.1

Okay

Read 9 reviews

Cleanliness

6.6

Comfort

6.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.1

Value for money

5.5

4 locations in San Luis Obispo

Show locations

Locations in San Luis Obispo

12318 Los Osos Valley Rd

+1 805 546 6270

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2989 Broad Street

+1 805 546 6270

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

975 Airport Dr

+1 844 942 0338

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2024

Compact SUV

KAYAK
Great and easy collection, very helpful staff and easy drop off! Would use again for a rental car.

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Nov 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
When I went to pick up the car my credit card wasn't working when putting in the machine. The representative said he couldn't enter it manually. Finally it worked but almost had a heart attack if it didn't. Then on my on 2nd to last day the battery went bad had to call road side assistance and was told it would be a $55 charge. The AAA driver said it was the original battery and wouldn't hold a charge and probably would have to call the next morning. Fortunately I ran the car for about an hour and half and it did start the next day and the enterprise representative waived the fee.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Sep 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Car was not available upon arrival. No cars.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2024

Standard

KAYAK
No car available

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

We had a communication problem, I stated several times that I have my own Insurance, AAA and have additional coverage on my American Express Card. Very disappointed and I assure you that I will tell EVERYONE THAT I know not to use you guys!!!

10.0 Wonderful

Sharon, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

They helped me out of a jam when Budget failed

1 out of 3

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

One location in San Luis Obispo

Show locations

Locations in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo County Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

152 travellers who rented a car in San Luis Obispo gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.8

Car rental locations in or near San Luis Obispo

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Travelling to a place near San Luis Obispo?

Rent a car at San Luis Obispo if you plan to visit one of these locations
Morro Bay
Pismo Beach
Cambria
Paso Robles
San Simeon
Atascadero
Avila Beach
Arroyo Grande
Grover Beach
Cayucos

Good to know

Most popular car type

Full-size

When to book a rental car in San Luis Obispo

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

Everything you need to know for your car rental in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo car rental information

Pick-up locationSan Luis Obispo
Car typesCompact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Minivan, Open-air all-terrain, Premium, Standard, Standard SUV
Rental locations12
Airport locations6
Popular agenciesEnterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget

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