San Luis Obispo car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car hire in San Luis Obispo

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Mini car
Mini
M
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Economy car
Economy
M
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Compact car
Compact
M
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Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
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Standard car
Standard
M
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Full-size car
Full-size
M
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Luxury car
Luxury
M
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People carrier car
People carrier
M
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Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
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SUV car
SUV
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Commercial car
Commercial
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Pick-up truck car
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Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular agency

Avis

Most popular car type

Full-size

Average price

£52/day

Good deal

£32/day

When to book a car hire in San Luis Obispo

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

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

Insights shared by verified travellers who hired 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 hiring 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.
  • 25% of our users found a car hire in San Luis Obispo for £32 or less
  • Book your car hire in San Luis Obispo at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Compact hire cars in San Luis Obispo are around 48% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about car hire 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.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in San Luis Obispo?

    On average a car hire in San Luis Obispo costs £52 per day.

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

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in San Luis Obispo are Avis (8.1, 50 reviews), and Budget (7.1, 69 reviews).

  • How much is the price of fuel in San Luis Obispo?

    The average price of fuel in San Luis Obispo is £2.55 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £31 and £41, depending on the car size.

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

    Full-size (Nissan Pathfinder or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in San Luis Obispo.

  • Which car hire agencies are at County airport (SBP)?

    The only car hire company onsite at County airport is Avis.

  • Which car hire companies will pick you up at County airport (SBP)?

    The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from County airport to off-airport locations is Avis.

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

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

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

    A Full Size car hire in San Luis Obispo costs £54 per day, on average.

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

    An Intermediate car hire in San Luis Obispo costs £46 per day, on average.

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

    A Compact car hire in San Luis Obispo costs £26 per day, on average.

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

    In San Luis Obispo, cars are most frequently hired at Avis 975 Airport Drive, Suite 8 (3 miles from city centre).

  • Should I get insurance when hiring a car in San Luis Obispo?

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

San Luis Obispo car hire reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Avis

8.1

Very Good

Read 35 reviews

Cleanliness

8.2

Comfort

8.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.1

Value for money

7.7

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, Mar 2025

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
The entire experience was wonderful. The front desk staff was fantastic to work with.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 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

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

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Elizabeth, Sept 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

Filters

Show reviews that mention

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, Sept 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Customer service on drop off could have been better

1 out of 3

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

5.9

Fair

Read 9 reviews

Cleanliness

6.4

Comfort

5.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.8

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, Sept 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 hired a car in San Luis Obispo gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.8

Car hire locations in or near San Luis Obispo

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Travelling to a place near San Luis Obispo?

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

Car hire insurance in San Luis Obispo

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver

Some San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo.

See Collision Damage Waiver offersSee Theft Protection Waiver offers

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 San Luis Obispo car hire.

See deductible offers

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

San Luis Obispo car hire information

Pick-up locationSan Luis Obispo
Car types
Hire locations12
Airport locations6

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