Car Rental Oakland

 

Car rental in Oakland makes it easy to explore the natural landscapes of the East Bay’s largest city. Admire impressive views of Lake Merritt or head to Redwood Nature Park for some of the best hiking opportunities in the county.

With Hertz, you can choose from a range of SUVs and minivans to fit the whole family or cruise around the city in style with a convertible or sports car. With a choice of locations across Oakland, you can pick up your rental car from Oakland International Airport or one of the other three locations across the city.

Our offices are open 24/7 so you can also drop off your Oakland car rental at a time that suits you, whether that’s when you’re done exploring for the day or before you catch your flight home.

Start your Californian adventure with Hertz car rental in Oakland today.

Oakland Locations

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Map data ©2026 Google
Map data ©2026 Google

A Quick Guide to Oakland

Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt

Surrounded by lush parkland, Lake Merritt is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Explore the banks on foot, rent a scooter or bike, or head to the water and enjoy a boating experience. Grab a holiday car rental and bring the family to one of Oakland’s picturesque highlights. 

Oakland Zoo

Oakland Zoo

Oakland Zoo is home to 750 native and exotic animals – you’ll have a chance to see both American black bears and African lions. Make sure you check the daily timetables to catch feeding times.

redwood regional park

Hiking in Redwood Regional Park

Redwood Regional Park is one of the best outdoor experiences in Oakland – with trails fit for hiking, biking or horse-riding. There are picnic spots and a children’s play area too. Keep your eye out for golden eagles, deer, racoons and squirrels. Simply park your Oakland rental car nearby and explore.

Claremont club and spa

41 Tunnel Rd, Berkeley, CA 94705

Surrounded by beautiful woodland with views of the Bay area, this popular landmark hotel offers upscale, cozy rooms and serves up a delicious breakfast to start your day the right way. Visiting for work? Rest here after a long day driving your business car rental in Oakland. 

Waterfront Hotel

10 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607

Living up to its name, Waterfront Hotel is full of nautical charm. Take a dip in the heated outdoor pool or relax in the sauna and round off your day with a meal in the onsite Italian restaurant.

Oakland Marriott City Center

1001 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607

This modern downtown hotel has funky decor and comfortable rooms with flatscreen TVs, desks and minifridges. You’ll have everything you need for a vacation or business trip. There’s also parking on-site for your Oakland rental car.

Shakewell

3407 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

Shakewell’s interior uses reclaimed wood and organic elements, giving the vibrant bistro a truly rustic feel. Tuck into delicious tapas dishes and paella cooked in a traditional wood-fire oven for a real taste of the Mediterranean. Park your car rental and enjoy filling your stomach after a long day driving in Oakland. 

Homeroom

4007 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94609

Homeroom delivers on flavor, whether you order a colorful fresh salad or tuck into the restaurant’s delicious range of mac n cheese dishes. Customize your classic mac with staple breakfast options like bacon and a fried egg or go Hawaiian and top with pineapple.

Belotti Ristorante E Bottega

5403 College Ave, Oakland, CA 94618

Soak up the community atmosphere at this neighborhood ristorante serving up homemade pasta and Italian favorites, often with a modern twist. Enjoy two of the most popular dishes, gnocchi bolognese and risotto with juicy, freshly caught prawns. Renting a car makes it easier to get to these Oakland eateries. 

Driving In and Around Oakland

  • Lakepark Lot (CA 9461) with 156 spaces for your Oakland car rental, this spacious lot is within walking distance of popular family attraction Children’s Fairyland.
  • Pacific Renaissance Garage (CA 94607) right in the heart of Chinatown has space for 578 vehicles.
  • SP+ Parking (CA 94610) is open 24/7 and within walking distance of the Pergola at Lake Merritt.
  • On-street parking is available on many streets across Oakland. These spaces are generally metered from 8am to 6pm and charge by the hour.

 

  • Main interstates in Oakland I-980 – two-mile long freeway connects Downtown Oakland with Interstate 580. Renting a car makes it easier to discover the area with freedom.
  • I-880 – the north-south freeway that passes Oakland International Airport and Oakland Allamanda County Coliseum.
  • I-580 – this 82-mile east to west highway covers most of North California.
  • I-80 – the main highway that connects San Francisco with Bay Bridge and Oakland.

 

Oakland International Airport to Oakland

  1. Join the I-880 North towards Downtown Oakland in your rental car
  2. After 0.5 miles, keep left onto 98 Avenue
  3. Use left two lanes to merge onto I-880
  4. Stay on the freeway for 6.3 miles
  5. Take exit 41B towards Broadway.

 

Oakland to University of California, Berkley

  1. Head southwest on Broadway for 0.1 miles, then turn right onto 12th Street
  2. After 0.3 miles, use the right two lanes to turn right and merge onto I-980 East toward CA-24 East
  3. In 0.9 miles, use the middle lane to stay on CA-24 East
  4. After 0.7 miles, use the right two lanes to take the exit toward 51st Street
  5. Continue on 51 street for 0.8 miles before turning right onto 52 Street
  6. Turn left onto Shattuck Avenue and continue for two miles
  7. Take the right onto Durant Avenue
  8. After 0.1 miles turn left at the intersection onto Fulton Street
  9. Continue straight onto Oxford Street.

 

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