Car Rental - Sacramento

 

Reserve Sacramento car rental with Hertz and cruise down its historic waterfront district, explore the wider Sacramento Valley area, or kickstart the ultimate Californian road trip with ease.

Once a simple cow town, Sacramento is now a city of rich diversity and contrasts. Delight in the farm-to-fork philosophy showcased here, or dive into the history of Sacramento, from the Californian Gold Rush to the state capital we see today. Drive your Sacramento rental car a little out of the center, and you’ll discover nature at its finest, with rivers, parks, and walking trails all there for the taking.

With plenty of pick-up locations peppered across the city, including car rental at Sacramento International Airport, collect your rental car wherever suits you best. Our selection of vehicles includes spacious SUVs perfect for families, plus sleek, sporty rentals to start any road trip in style.

Reserve car rental in Sacramento and begin your Californian journey.

Sacramento Locations

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Map data ©2026 Google
Map data ©2026 Google

A Quick Guide to Sacramento

California State Capitol Building

California State Capitol Building

The Neoclassical structure and dome of the California State Capitol Building make it the most striking in Sacramento’s skyline. California’s working seat of government is a living museum, offering guided tours to explore the offices and legislative chambers, various art depicting its history, and the grand 40-acre park. Admire the tranquil World Peace Rose Garden and reflect upon the 44 Messages of Peace engraved into plaques.    

Old Sacramento

Old Sacramento

Step back in time and wander the cobblestone streets of Sacramento’s riverfront district. Filled with historic buildings from the infamous Gold Rush period, Old Sacramento is a Californian landmark. Stroll through the State Historic Park and find over a hundred shopping and dining experiences, which have given new life to this 19th-century neighborhood. Metered street parking is widely available for your Sacramento car rental in the Riverfront district.

Golden 1 Center

Golden 1 Center

Get right into the here and now with Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center. Home to the Sacramento Kings, take in a high-octane basketball match in one of the most sophisticated arenas in the world. Entirely powered by solar energy, the center’s pioneering ambitions to be environmentally conscious have earned it global recognition. A free app allows fans to check bathroom lines, order snacks, and relive the action with replays from the court. Taking clients regularly? Get a parking pass for your business car rental and earn points towards free tickets.

Mama Kim Eats

Upscaling from her original food truck in 2012, Chef Mama Kim serves delicious gourmet dishes with a Southern Cajun flare. Each dish comes with a healthy helping of lively atmosphere, making it the perfect place for friends and family to enjoy a night of food and fun. All produce on the menu is locally sourced, and regular favorites include hearty fried chicken with honey mustard waffles.

Frank Fat’s

Frank Fat’s has been a Downtown staple for 75 years and is the oldest single-family-owned restaurant in the city. When Frank came to the US from China, he set up the restaurant to serve delicious Chinese-American fare. Open for lunch and dinner, house specialties such as brandy-fried chicken and Frank’s famous banana cream pie have made it a Sacramento hotspot.

Magpie Cafe

An old “farm-to-fork” Sacramento favorite, Magpie Cafe has made a name for itself by serving classic dishes with a splash of Californian soul. Everything is seasonal, locally sourced, and – of course – delicious. Try their southern French cassoulet with pork sausage, duck, heirloom beans, and pumpkin.

The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel

Just across from the Golden 1 Center, The Kimpton Sawyer Hotel is the ultimate luxurious getaway. Stay in one of the 250 chic suites and take in the Sacramento skyline while being served cocktails from the rooftop bar. You can even enjoy breakfast by the pool or in your suite. Treat yourself to the on-site valet parking service for your Sacramento rental car.

Parkside Inn & Spa

This romantic retreat is perfect for couples visiting Sacramento. Unwind in the spa with massages, facials, and a sauna, before heading to your in-room jacuzzi. The multi-course breakfast can be enjoyed in the restaurant or from the comfort of your balcony. Parking for your Sacramento rental car is available on the street outside the hotel – ask for a free pass to waive the usual two-hour maximum stay rule.

The Citizen Hotel

Get a real taste of American history with a stay at the Citizen Hotel. Each of the 198 elegantly designed rooms is inspired by 20th-century US politics. Expect luxurious suites with a twist of character. Downtown Cesar Chavez Plaza Park is in sight, making it an ideal retreat for those wanting to make the most of the city’s fine-dining restaurants. Valet parking is available for overnight guests, so you can leave your Sacramento car rental if you want to explore the area on foot.

Driving In and Around Sacramento

  • Discover over 1,800 parking spaces in Downtown Plaza – West Garage (95814), open 24-7. Park your Sacramento rental car here for the Golden 1 Center.
  • Close to California State Capitol Park and Museum, Capitol Garage 10th & L (95814) offers affordable hourly and daily rates and cheaper early-bird charges before 10am.
  • There are plenty of long-term parking slots at terminals A and B at Sacramento International Airport for as little as $10 per day.

Evening rush hour in Sacramento is generally between 3pm and 6pm on weekdays, so organize travel time around this for a smoother journey. At weekends, peak traffic times are between 11am and 2pm.

  • Interstate 5 (I-5) is the major north-south route in the US, connecting Sacramento to other states on the West Coast and the rest of California.
  • Interstate 80 (I-80) is the major east-west route across the US. It connects San Francisco to Sacramento before continuing to neighboring Nevada.
  • State Route 160 (SR 160) is a scenic highway that runs alongside the Sacramento River, connecting the city to the rest of California.

How to Get From Sacramento International Airport to Downtown Sacramento

  1. Exit the Hertz car rental lot at Sacramento Airport and join the I-5 S from Aviation Drive and Airport Boulevard.
  2. Continue on the I-5 South for around nine miles.
  3. Use the right two lanes to take exit 519B for J Street towards Downtown.
  4. Continue on J Street for 0.7 miles, turn left onto 10th Street, and left again to reach I Street
  5. Take a final left onto 9th Street, and you’ll drive into Downtown Sacramento.

 

Sacramento to San Francisco

Driving the 88 miles from Sacramento to San Francisco takes just under 1.5 hours using  I-80 West.

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