Car Rentals in Monterey / Carmel

Monterey Bay is a beautiful and marine-rich area that straddles the border between the rugged Central Coast and the Bay Area regions of California. Monterey and Carmel-By-The-Sea are beautiful oceanside towns along California's scenic Highway 1. Although the compact downtown areas and nearby beaches can be seen on foot, but you'll want a Monterey/Carmel rent a car to explore the coastline. Monterey Peninsula Airport (MRY) offers Monterey/Carmel car rentals from Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, National, Avis, and Hertz. Try Budget for the lowest rates, followed by Enterprise and Alamo. Enterprise and Hertz also offer locations downtown with cheaper rates than those at the airport. The recently reorganized Monterey Peninsula Airport offers regular flights to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. From the airport a short drive will take you west along Highway 68 and onto southbound Highway 1, where the two right lanes lead straight downtown. Conveniently located in the center of the state, a few hours drive from dozens of major attractions, it is also a great starting point for any Californian vacation.

Once the capital of Spanish California, the Bay area was immortalized by the works of novelist John Steinbeck and naturalist John Muir. Retrace their words and take your Monterey/Carmel Rent a Car on a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping off at the many historic, cultural, and natural landmarks along the bay. In Monterey visit Fisherman's Wharf, Cannery Row, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In Carmel, tour the Carmel Mission, see the iconic Lone Cypress, golf at Pebble beach, or visit one of the area's many public beaches.

You must present a valid driver's license and credit card issued in your name at most rental car agencies, along with proof of insurance if you decline the vendor's coverage options. Usually age requirements are 21 for compact and economy cars, 25 for all others, and an additional young driver charge may apply for anyone under 25. All Monterey/Carmel Car Rentals must be kept within California state lines with exceptions for Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, Nevada, after advance notification and approval from the rental company.