Car Rental - Fresno

 

Car rental in Fresno is your key to exploring the very center of California and the wider state with ease. Just a short drive from Yosemite National Park, Fresno is the perfect base for discovering spectacular West Coast wilderness.

Spend a day at the iconic Island Waterpark – and enjoy tastes from around the world at an array of culturally diverse eateries in the area.

If you’re an adventure seeker, strap on your hiking boots and venture to Yosemite in the north or Kings Canyon in the east. Thanks to its location in the heart of the Central Valley, there are plenty of natural wonders to discover beyond the city.

Collect your Fresno rental car from Fresno Yosemite International Airport, or any of our pick-up locations across the city, choosing from spacious SUVs, sedans and jeeps. You’ll be free to explore the local attractions to your heart’s content – or visit nearby cities such as San Jose and Bakersfield.

 

Fresno Locations

A Quick Guide to Fresno

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Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Falls Trail, CA 95389

Drive your Fresno rental car to the parking area near Yosemite Point, then head on foot into the spectacular surroundings of this world-famous national park. Covering more than 700,000 acres (about twice the size of the island of Hawaii), and stretching over to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, you can discover majestic waterfalls and granite cliffs here – along with 800 miles of hiking trails. Your car rental becomes your best companion in Fresno, giving you the freedom to explore some of the country’s most iconic spots. 

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Island Waterpark

6099 West Barstow Avenue, CA 93722

Quench your thirst for thrills and make a splash with the various waterslides at this popular destination, ideal for keeping the whole family entertained. There’s even an exhilarating wave pool to enjoy. Brave the Tunnel of Terror or get drenched under the Mumbai Monsoon.

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Forestiere Underground Gardens

5021 West Shaw Avenue, CA 93722

Take a guided tour of these unique underground gardens, dug by self-taught Sicilian artist Baldassare Forestiere. Discover orange, lemon, and kumquat trees grown up to 20 feet beneath the surface – and explore a complex network of patios and garden courts. All were built with nothing more than a shovel, a pick and a wheelbarrow.

Hotel Piccadilly

2305 West Shaw Avenue, CA 93711

Only a short drive from Island Waterpark, Hotel Piccadilly features a lush nine-hole golfing green and a refreshing outdoor pool with comfortable lounge chairs. The on-site restaurant serves classic Spanish fare in the evening and a classic cooked breakfast in the morning. Rest here after a long day driving in Fresno in your rental car.

Homewood Suites

6820 North Fresno Street, CA 93710

Guests can spread out and make themselves at home here by sinking into relaxing suites for a night of comfort. Enjoy the outdoor pool and relaxing hot tub, or work up a sweat on the on-site basketball court.

Garden Inn and Suites

4949 North Forestiere Avenue, CA 93722

Garden Inn offers a unique experience close to the edge of the city. Soak away the evenings in the rooms’ Jacuzzis, or cool off in the courtyard pool. For breakfast, taste fruit that’s grown organically on site, with a side of fresh pastries.

Castillo’s Mexican Food

3659 East Ventura Avenue, CA 93702

Stop here to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. From classic Huevos Rancheros (spiced eggs served on a tortilla) to warm chips served with made-to-order salsa, it’s the perfect place for a lunchtime pit stop after picking up your rental car in Fresno.

Phoenician Garden

1025 East Herndon Avenue, CA 93720

Experience a world of flavor at this vibrant Mediterranean restaurant. Amid eye-catching, old-world décor, you can dive into large Greek platters loaded with falafels and hummus, or rich Italian pasta dishes like the ever-popular garlic fettuccine alfredo.

Eureka!

7775 North Palm Avenue, CA 93711

Feast on American classics with a twist, from crispy chicken wings with blue cheese sauce to deep-fried mac n’ cheese balls. This place is perhaps best known for its creative burgers – why not try the Cowboy Burger topped with bacon, cheese and shoestring onions for a real taste of the restaurant?

Driving In and Around Fresno

  • Convention Center Parking Structure (CA 93721) is in the heart of the downtown area by the Saroyan Theater and Federal Courthouse. It has more than 1,000 available spaces for your Fresno car rental.
  • SP+ Parking Garage (CA 93721) is open during the day and conveniently located for Courthouse Park and Fulton Mall.
  • On-street parking is available across Downtown Fresno at metered parking spaces. These meters often have a limited time of stay, so check the signs before heading out on foot.
  • Highway 99 is the major north-south freeway in the state, stretching the length of the Central Valley from Sacramento in the north to Bakersfield in the south. Renting a car in Fresno means you’re free from sticking to public transport schedules.
  • State Route 168 begins in Fresno and heads to Huntington Lake in the north-east.
  • State Route 41 enters Fresno from Atascadero and runs north from the city to Yosemite National Park.

How to get from Fresno Yosemite International Airport to Fresno

Downtown Fresno is only around six miles – or a 15-minute drive with your holiday or business car rental – from the airport.

  1. Exit the airport and follow North Gateway Boulevard towards East McKinley Avenue.
  2. Turn onto CA-180 West and continue for several miles.
  3. Take North Blackstone Avenue.
  4. Turn onto North Street to journey into the heart of Fresno.

 

How to get from Fresno to Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park is around an hour and 15 minutes from Fresno by rental car. Simply head out of the city via North and Tulare Street, then merge onto CA-41 N and continue for approximately 61 miles.

 

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