Costa Mesa car rentals
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Costa Mesa car rental information
| Pick-up location | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Rental locations | 17 |
| Airport locations | 8 |
Cheap car rentals in Costa Mesa
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| Minivan |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pickup Truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for renting 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
- Mini rental cars in Costa Mesa are around -45% 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 gas price in Costa Mesa?
The average gas price in Costa Mesa is ₱221.73 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between ₱2,661 and ₱3,548, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Costa Mesa?
Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Costa Mesa.
How can I find car rentals near me in Costa Mesa?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Costa Mesa?
A Mini car rental in Costa Mesa costs ₱5,467 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Costa Mesa?
An Intermediate car rental in Costa Mesa costs ₱3,213 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Costa Mesa?
A Full Size car rental in Costa Mesa costs ₱5,142 per day, on average.
Costa Mesa car rental reviews and directory
Fox
5.7
Fair
317 reviewsCleanliness
5.9
Comfort
6.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.6
Value for money
6.1
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
325 E Baker Street
+1 714 874 5322
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
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
Mar 2021
Cons:
Check in was a little long due to no other representatives being on desk.2.0 Poor
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
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
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
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
11 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
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
Everything was easyCons:
Everything was perfect!10.0 Wonderful
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
Apr 2023
8.0 Very good
Aug 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2022
Budget
7.7
Good
15 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
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
8.0 Very good
Mar 2019
Pros:
Small office in Costa Mesa, CA with no wait to pick up my car!Cons:
Everything went well with my car rentalAvis
6.8
Okay
6 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
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Sep 2020
Cons:
They could have a car! They said there’s no car. Messed up a job interview.9.2 Wonderful
Dec 2016
Pros:
Easy in and out for pickup.2.0 Poor
Jan 2022
Hertz
5.4
Fair
9 reviewsCleanliness
5.7
Comfort
5.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.8
Value for money
5.3
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
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
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
Sep 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.8.0 Very good
Apr 2019
Pros:
Friendly and helpful staffs4.4 Mediocre
Apr 2017
Pros:
Picking up and dropping off was nice and easy.Cons:
Took forever to get somebody to actually help me. The car smelled like vomit Staff was rude10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2022
1.9 Poor
Jul 2021
Europcar
6.0
Okay
No reviews available
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
Filters
No reviews available
Payless
5.1
Fair
15 reviewsOne location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
325 East Baker Street
+1 310 645 2100
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
May 2017
Cons:
Never got the car. In fact, was swindled and lied to when picking up the vehicle, was told they had no more cars to rent out because they were tired and didn't want to help anymore people since they were closing. Instead they lied to us and then put us on a shuttle to go find a car at Avis in the airport and said they would refund the difference. Well now I am disputing the charge because they lied to me and said they don't honor reimbursing the difference because they are not affiliated with Avis when the representative at Payless said they were. STOP offering deals to pick up rentals from Payless in Costa Mesa.7.6 Good
Apr 2017
Pros:
It was cheap, easy to rent, no line, not busy. Away from the airportCons:
The Kia I had rented smelled like smoke and the car had multiple stains on the interior on all seats.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2017
Pros:
Angel, our rep was really helpfulCons:
slow service recommend later in the day when not busy6.0 Okay
Apr 2017
Pros:
Excellent priceCons:
First vehicle offered had severely damaged bumper and dented passenger door (through paint to bare metal) which I refused. Took 2nd vehicle, which I then discovered after leaving on trip to AZ had two tires with slow leaks that I had to inflate daily; left front & right rear.2.0 Poor
Apr 2017
Cons:
Got to the counter and was told a debit card was no good. Payless agent made a call and a third party offered me a rate twice as much as the contract price and a $200 deposit whe I refused they offered another $20 discount. I was insulted and walked away.8.0 Very good
Mar 2017
Pros:
Good priceCons:
Not the most polished experience, car was a bit dirty but acceptable.Airport Van
4.9
Mediocre
13 reviews2 locations in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
2073 Harbor Blvd
+1 949 485 4747
2115 Newport Boulevard
+1 213 784 8585
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2018
Pros:
Not muchCons:
Was not informed of a $25 after hours drop off fee, or a $50 different drop off location fee. Was not informed that Costa Mesa closed before scheduled drop off time, and that drop off subsequently was at airport. I needed special instructions for the airport drop off.10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2018
Pros:
Great Customer Service From All the Staff.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2017
Pros:
Love it10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2017
Pros:
I would not hesitate to use this company again, and when we go back to this area I will definitely look here first for my rental van. The staff members we encountered were friendly and attentive. When we lost a cell phone Milton the General Manager personally attended to having it overnight shipped back to us, and Raphael, the one who found the phone in our returned van, searched the entire van to find it, which was no easy task because the phone was black on a black mat and under a seat.Cons:
This isn't the rental company's fault, but the city imposes a restriction upon rental pickups, so they have to go to a special parking lot, and I wasn't aware of this.10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2017
Pros:
We worried after reading some reviews, but this rental company was awesome. Friendly service from pick up, to drop off. Quick, clean, and total steal! The van was clean and ran beautifully. If you rent to experience a brand new car with all the bells and whistles, this won't suit you. But we loved it and hope others give them a try.Cons:
It was a little unclear what we needed to do once we got to the airport and even the airport info people hadn't heard of the company. Perhaps a bit more explicit instructions on how to get a ride to the rental facility would help.9.2 Wonderful
Jan 2017
Pros:
I needed a van to carry 8 people (including 3 car seats with kids) and renting a kia sedona from here did the job! Great people, fast service, and overall a pleasant experience.Cons:
Since it's a smaller, outside-of-the-airport shop, the rentals are a bit older and sometimes worn-down. (i.e. color stained but clean seats) No odor problems or anything like that, but you can tell when you get a van that someone used for camping/ snowboarding. Regardless, the price and service makes up for all of that!Silvercar
9.7
Wonderful
No reviews available
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
1275 Bristol St
+1 855 359 2227
Filters
No reviews available
Goldcar Rental SP
5.2
Fair
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
Filters
No reviews available
Rhodium
5.9
Fair
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
Filters
No reviews available
Advance Van Rental
No score available yet
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
2115 Newport Boulevard
+1 213 784 8585
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Costa Mesa
Locations in Costa Mesa
Lobby Of Travelodge Hotel
(714) 432-1313
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Costa Mesa
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
|---|