Costa Mesa car hire
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Cheap car rentals in Costa Mesa
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Costa Mesa
- You’ll want to consider a car rental in Costa Mesa to check out all that Orange County has to offer, as nearly all travel in Southern California is done by car. You can spend time in Newport Beach, walking around the harbor or lazing on the beach. Be sure to check out the first permanent settlement in the area at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, a little over a 20min drive away. Maybe Disneyland is on your agenda, and with your car rental, you’ll be just a 15min drive away. Take a drive up the coast along Highway 1 to Seal Beach in Long Beach or continue even further north to the epic Manhattan Beach boardwalk, just south of sunny Los Angeles. No matter what you want to do and see while you’re in Costa Mesa, your own set of wheels with your car rental in Costa Mesa will give you all the freedom and comfort you need.
- There are plenty of airport options to get to Costa Mesa. The closest is the Santa Ana Airport which is a mere 4 miles away. If you’re flying into the Santa Ana Airport, there are a number of car rental companies that have on-site car rental services directly at the airport terminal, just outside baggage claim.
- The main roadways in Costa Mesa include the I-5 and the scenic coastal route known as Highway 101. Two state routes, 73 and 55 also end in Costa Mesa, and the San Diego Freeway, I-405 also serves the city. Pedestrians and cyclists are not common in Costa Mesa, with the only exception being around Highway 101 which has some tourist shops and beach access. Drive more carefully around this highway as you may be sharing the road with cyclists or have a pedestrian suddenly cross the street without expecting it.
- Traffic is notoriously congested during rush hour throughout this stretch of Southern California. If you’re heading north towards Los Angeles, expect the I-405 and the I-5 to be backed up starting from 7am until 9am. Heading south along those same freeways, it starts to get congested around 8am until 9am during the week and then again at 4pm to 6:30pm. During the weekend, heading south, especially during the summer, expect traffic to be heavy from 11am to 3:00pm.
- Book your rental car in Costa Mesa at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Economy rental cars in Costa Mesa are around 17% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Costa Mesa
What type of car is recommended for driving in Costa Mesa?
Since you will probably be doing a lot of freeway driving in Costa Mesa, we recommend you check out a compact or standard SUV for comfort and safety. It will also give you plenty of space to lug around your gear from beach to beach and maybe even try renting a surfboard if you’ve always dreamed about trying a new sport.
What’s the speed limit in Costa Mesa?
The maximum speed limit when driving on highways in California is usually 65mph. The maximum speed limit goes down to 55mph on two-lane highways. Within the city limits of Costa Mesa, particularly in residential areas and around schools, the speed limits drop to 25-35mph.
Where are the best places to park in Costa Mesa?
Parking is free and usually plentiful around Costa Mesa. The one exception would be along Highway 101 which might be more difficult, especially on the weekends and some posted areas which only permit one or 2h parking. There is a parking garage along the Main Street Promenade if you need long-term parking.
How much is the price of fuel in Costa Mesa?
The average price of fuel in Costa Mesa is $5.80 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $70 and $93, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Costa Mesa?
Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Costa Mesa.
How can I find car hires near me in Costa Mesa?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Costa Mesa?
An Economy car hire in Costa Mesa costs $69 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car hire cost in Costa Mesa?
A Full Size car hire in Costa Mesa costs $76 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Costa Mesa?
A Standard car hire in Costa Mesa costs $121 per day, on average.
Costa Mesa 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.
Fox
5.7
Fair
Read 120 reviewsCleanliness
5.9
Comfort
6.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.5
Value for money
6.0
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
325 E Baker Street
+1 714 874 5322
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Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Pros:
The staff outside in the lot was very helpful and friendly.Cons:
Car could have been a bit cleaner8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Cons:
Check in was a little long due to no other representatives being on desk.2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Pros:
Very bad customer service only 3-4 people are working inside and outside long wait my car was not ready on timeCons:
Customer service2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Cons:
Waited well over an hour for the car to get cleaned before I picked it up, making me very late for a couple meetings. The checkout counter was also incredibly slow, with no urgency shown by the staff.8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Pros:
Car was excellent and a very good value.Cons:
Pick-up and drop off were slow and drawn out. Stood by for 15 minutes waiting to check out while one agent worked and two others walked in and out without a word. Finally someone noticed me standing there and said someone would soon help me. Another 5 mintes with no attention!2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Feb 2021
Pros:
Nothing.Cons:
They canceled my rental AFTER i called them and emailed them that i was arriving late due to flight cancellations and wearher. When i arrived the next morning the counter guy said my trip was canceled and theres nothing i can do about it. I want a refund.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.9
Very Good
Read 5 reviewsCleanliness
8.7
Comfort
9.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.5
Value for money
8.7
2 locations in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
2036 Harbor Blvd
+1 949 515 7624
2855 Harbor Blvd
+1 714 556 3800
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Angel, Oct 2020
Pros:
Everything was easyCons:
Everything was perfect!10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2020
Pros:
The staff were amazing, both the representatives i dealt with were super professional, friendly and went above and beyond to make me satisfied4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Apr 2023
Pick-up truck
8.0 Very Good
Rebekah, Aug 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Otto, Jan 2022
Budget
7.7
Good
Read 6 reviewsCleanliness
7.2
Comfort
7.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
6.2
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
1989 Harbor Blvd
+1 714 557 0532
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
عليرضا, Nov 2023
Compact
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Pick-up truck
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Compact
10.0 Wonderful
عليرضا, Oct 2023
Compact
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Dec 2022
Avis
6.8
Okay
Read 2 reviewsCleanliness
6.8
Comfort
6.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
6.8
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
1989 Harbor Blvd
+1 949 200 6425
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Nima, Sept 2020
Cons:
They could have a car! They said there’s no car. Messed up a job interview.2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2022
Hertz
5.0
Fair
Read 5 reviewsCleanliness
5.4
Comfort
5.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.4
Value for money
4.9
3 locations in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
2706 Harbor Blvd
+1 714 556 4473
3130 Harbor Boulevard
+1 714 434 3721
3130 Harobur Blvd
+1 800 654 3131
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Andrew, Dec 2020
Pros:
They lied and said they had the car there, but they had no car available at the pick up time and place. The manager lied and said he called me but phones records show this man was just lying.Cons:
Every possible thing could have been better.4.8 Mediocre
Anonymous, Sept 2020
Pros:
They provided the incorrect address on the confirmation, they never have staff to come and pick you up or drop you You off after dropping off the car. When I called and told them that the address provided is incorrect and my Uber driver had to drop me off else where they didn’t even bother trying to help me, I had to pay for two Uber meanwhile I live bout 3miles away but they just kept saying they don’t have drivers.Cons:
Get more staff that works during operations hours and not after 1pm. Not sure how you can run a business like that.10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2022
1.9 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2021
1.9 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2021
Europcar
6.0
Okay
Cleanliness
6.5
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.5
Value for money
6.5
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
Please Go To Fox Counter
+1 714 874 5322
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No reviews available
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
1275 Bristol St
+1 855 359 2227
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No reviews available
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
2706 Harbor Blvd
+1 714 556 4473
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
2706 Harbor Blvd
+1 714 556 4473
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
325 East Baker Street
+1 310 645 2100
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No reviews available
2 locations in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
2073 Harbor Blvd
+1 949 485 4747
2115 Newport Boulevard
+1 213 784 8585
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No reviews available
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
2115 Newport Boulevard
+1 213 784 8585
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No reviews available
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
Lobby Of Travelodge Hotel
(714) 432-1313
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No reviews available
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
325 Baker Street E Off Airport Costa Mesa Ca
+1 714 874 5322
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No reviews available
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
Orange County Airport. Off-airport. 325 E Baker Street
+1 714 874 5322
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No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Costa Mesa
Good to know
Most popular car type | Economy |
|---|
When to book a car hire in Costa Mesa
Everything you need to know for your car rental in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa car hire information
| Pick-up location | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Hire locations | 19 |
| Airport locations | 8 |