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Hire a car in Oakland with Hertz
Start your breathtaking Californian road trip adventure with car hire in Oakland, close to big sights like San Francisco, San Jose, Palo Alto and Sacramento.
Oakland is East Bay's largest city and a haven for art lovers and foodies alike. Begin by exploring the streets of this stunning city to discover Art Deco theatres, edgy art venues and experience the diverse flavours of Oakland's many eateries.
Choose from car hire pick-up locations across Oakland at key locations for your convenience. If you're flying into Oakland International Airport, you'll be able to select from a collection of quality hire cars to suit your plans.
Whether you require a business car or a spacious vehicle perfectly suited to a family adventure, you'll discover what you're looking for to explore Oakland, and further afield.
Pickup locations in Oakland
- Oakland - Marriott City Center HLE
- Oakland - Signature Flight OAK AP (Private Flights Only)
- Oakland - Kaiser Air (Private Flights Only)
- Oakland International Airport
- Oakland - Jet Suite X (Private Flights Only)
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Oakland car rental driving guide
Driving in and around Oakland
Oakland is extremely well-connected thanks to the Bay Area's most popular interstate highways passing through the city.
If you're flying into Oakland Airport and hire a car from here, you'll be amazed at how smooth it is to get from your flight, to your vehicle and into Oakland.
Once you leave the airport, simply pick up the I-880 north for around nine miles. With Jack London Square on your left and Chinatown and Lake Merritt on your right, you'll arrive in the heart of the action.
Oakland is easy to navigate, and once you've explored this fascinating city, you're perfectly placed to reach popular nearby locations such as Berkeley and San Francisco.
Motorists have options when it comes to routes into Berkeley. Take the Eastshore Freeway for a picturesque waterfront vantage point, or the Martin Luther King Jr Way to travel via North Oakland and into Downtown Berkeley.
Looking to visit San Francisco during your trip? It's a straightforward 11-mile route via the I-80 west where motorists pass Treasure Island and over the Bay Bridge.
If you've always dreamed of crossing the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge, pick up Route 101 towards the Golden Gate National Recreation Area for an iconic drive. Upon arrival, either enjoy an awe-inspiring scenic drive in your hire car, or park up and stretch your legs on a stunning hike.
Remember to drive on the right in the USA, where roads are designed in a grid system with few roundabouts.
Why Hertz?
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Found a lower rent? We’ll match it and give 10% off of that base rate.
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Plans change. Cancel for free up to 2 days before pick-up.
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A quick guide to Oakland
Spend a day at Lake Merritt
Located in the middle of downtown Oakland you'll discover the beautiful Lake Merritt – a perfect place to spend a day.
Walk, cycle or even jog the three miles around the heart-shaped lake to take in a number of beautiful gardens and green spaces. If you're a budding ornithologist, you'll have the opportunity to discover up to 70 species of bird.
For a different perspective of the city, visitors can hire a pedalboat, canoe, rowboat or kayak, all of which don't require certification and make for fabulous fun.
Catch a game of baseball
How can you visit a city in the US and not embrace the sporting culture? A trip to this Californian city could see you cheering on the Oakland A's in a Major League Baseball fixture.
Treat yourself to something delicious from one of the concessions while you're at it. In 2019, the menu at the Oakland Coliseum was revamped, so whether you're looking for a cheeseburger and fries, a fresh salad bowl or a pizza, you'll find it here.
Grab an A's cap and your meal of choice then soak up the buzzing atmosphere of the MLB for an amazing experience.
Enjoy Oakland's art scene
If you're more interested either in visual or performing arts, you'll be able to immerse yourself in Oakland's incredibly vibrant creative scene.
Visit the many art galleries scattered across Oakland or go on a self-guided walking tour to admire the stunning street art.
The city boasts two stunning Art Deco theatres in both the Fox and Paramount – a trip to both is highly recommended. Book tickets to experience music acts, theatre tours, ballet and movie classics.
FAQs about car hire
Do I need to make a reservation in advance for a Hertz car rental in Oakland?
Do I need a driving permit to hire a car from Oakland?
Can I pick up a rental car in Oakland and return it to a different city in the USA?
What is the best time to book a rental car in Oakland?
Are there any restrictions on taking a rental car outside Oakland?
Will I be penalised for a late return on a car hire in Oakland?
What are the age requirements for hiring a car in Oakland?
Can I pick up my Hertz rental in Oakland and drop it off elsewhere?
What additional insurance options does Hertz offer in Oakland?
Does Hertz provide child seats for rentals in Oakland?
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