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Modesto car hire

Driver's age: 26-65
Thu 1/8
Thu 8/8

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Cheap car hire in Modesto

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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Modesto

  • 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 car hire in Modesto at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard hire cars in Modesto are around 67% cheaper than other car types, on average

Modesto car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired 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 car hire 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 the price of fuel in Modesto?

    The average price of fuel in Modesto is £2.97 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £36 and £47, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Modesto?

    Standard (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Modesto.

  • Which car hire agencies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?

    Car hire companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Budget, Thrifty, Dollar, Hertz, Alamo, Avis, Sixt, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Fox and National.

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

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

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

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

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

    A Standard car hire in Modesto costs £24 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Modesto?

    An Intermediate car hire in Modesto costs £68 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Economy car hire cost in Modesto?

    An Economy car hire in Modesto costs £78 per day, on average.

  • Should I get insurance when hiring a car in Modesto?

    Most car hire providers in Modesto offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car hire in Modesto, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.

Modesto car hire reviews and directory

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.4

Best rated

Cleanliness

7.9

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

6.9

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 - 12:00
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 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

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.

10.0 Wonderful

May 2023

KAYAK
It was good no issues and the customer service was excellent

2.0 Poor

Dec 2021

KAYAK
Enterprise cancelled my rental ONE DAY BEFORE PICKUP. I rented the car to drive to airport and local rental office said they could not do one way rentals. Had to pay higher rates to Budget for a last minute rental. Will never do business with Enterprise again.

1 out of 3

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 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

617 Airport Way

+1 209 527 7223

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

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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.

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 -

1.9 Poor

Aug 2021

KAYAK
After confirmation from kayak that reservation had been made Avis called and said they didn’t have any cars available. I will not be using Kayak or Avis again.

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Woman was doing smart ,fast and excellent service.

1 out of 2

Budget

7.0

Cleanliness

6.9

Comfort

7.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

6.9

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 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

617 Airport Way

+1 209 544 1196

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

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

Nov 2022

KAYAK
I travel for work and rent cars all over the country, this Avis/Budget is by far the easiest to deal with. You can tell when you are dealing with people who take pride in thier jobs. From signing the contract to driving away in the freshly detailed vehicle (always cleaned really well), it was a pleasant experience.

2.0 Poor

Feb 2022

KAYAK
they canceled

1 out of 2

Hertz

5.7

Cleanliness

6.1

Comfort

6.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.5

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 - 12:00

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

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Jun 2024

KAYAK
Very bad bad service I will not get a car from Hertz again

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

Sept 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.

1 out of 3

Thrifty

5.8

Fair

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 - 12:00

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4.7

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

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

Car hire locations in or near Modesto

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a car hire in Modesto

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Car hire insurance in Modesto

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver

Some Modesto car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend being aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Modesto.

Deductible

Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a non-deductible option to your Modesto car hire.

Modesto car hire information

Pick-up locationModesto
Car types
Hire locations11
Airport locations4