How to find a cheap car rental deal in Downey
Whether you need a small car for cruising around town or bigger wheels for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Downey. Pick from options averaging $139 a day and go where you want for less.
Daily rental prices in Downey start from just $43.
Making it more than a quick visit? Pick up a weekly rental from $224 and explore more than just the top attractions.
Land the best price on a Downey car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get the best value with the most choice.
Hertz, Budget and Enterprise are some of the most reliable providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
The coverage Hertz or another company includes with your Downey car rental can vary, so be sure to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Choosing a one-way car rental is often a great hack for finding a deal. Simply select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can snag some great one-way prices on a car for rent in Downey.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Want to explore freely without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car rental options right now
Taking first place for value is this company, with average prices of $73 a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around $77.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly $125 a day.
If you're not quite sure what kind of ride you need, choose something from the Premium rental category. It's the most widely booked vehicle type in Downey.
Compare car rental types in Downey
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Downey is all about getting you on the road for less. These zippy, fuel-efficient rides are good for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that offer a little extra leg space compared to smaller cars.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Downey car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for highways, backroads, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Downey handles big loads and group travel with ease. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If you're in an accident, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Downey car rental providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Downey by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may offer rentals to younger drivers at an extra cost, so carefully review the policies before finalizing your ride.
Travel plans include the kids? Car seat requirements vary by location, and the correct setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Check if you need to add one to your Downey car rental booking.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's license (no electronic copies) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If there's anything extra, it'll be listed in your booking.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in the United States, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph through built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects everyone differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make travel easier by steering clear of peak periods.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards to make sure you're always covered.
English is the language you'll hear most often in this country.
Best hotels in Downey for drivers
Offering accessible parking, Motel 6 South Gate, CA takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is around 5 kilometers from central Downey and also comes with internet access and air conditioning.
Or take advantage of the parking at American Inn Downey. The city center is roughly 3 kilometers from this option, which also features air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Browse the lineup of hotels in Downey for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.
Once you've found a car rental deal in Downey and the right hotel, the only thing left is figuring out where to head to first. Start your trip with big attractions such as Shree Swami Narayan Temple, Columbia Memorial Space Center and Downey Museum of Art.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Downey
Around 16 kilometers northwest of central Downey, Los Angeles easily earns a place on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Hollywood Sign and Hollywood Bowl.
They've got hospitality down to a fine art at The Biltmore Los Angeles and Freehand Los Angeles, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Los Angeles.
Or collect your cheap car rental in Downey and then set out for Long Beach. Around 19 kilometers south of Downey, Queen Mary and The Queen Mary are standout attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
Kick back after a day of exploring Long Beach at Vagabond Inn San Pedro or DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles. These hotels have arrangements for guests with cars.
Keep things moving and road-trip it to Chula Vista, roughly 177 kilometers southeast of Downey. Kick things off at San Diego Aquatica, then head to Chula Vista Bayfront Park.
The only thing calling your name now is a bed. Loews Coronado Bay Resort and Rambler Motel have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Chula Vista.
