Car Hire In Barstow, United States: Great Value For Desert Road Trips

Compare competitive prices and use this practical UK-focused guide to pick the best pickup point, avoid hidden fees, and drive Barstow and Route 66 with confidence.

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Barstow Car Hire Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Expect

Hiring a car in Barstow is one of the easiest ways to explore the Mojave Desert and use the city as a stopover between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Public transport is limited and ride-hailing can be patchy for longer trips, so a car offers flexibility for day trips (for example to Calico Ghost Town) and for moving luggage comfortably. For travellers from the United Kingdom, the main differences are automatic transmissions being most common, wider roads, and higher speeds on multi-lane highways. Plan for desert driving: carry water, allow extra time in summer heat, and keep fuel topped up as services can be spaced out on routes away from town.

Ontario International Airport (ONT) – Recommended Airport Pickup

ONT is typically the most convenient major airport for Barstow (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car, traffic dependent). Car hire counters are on-site; follow signs for 'Rental Cars' after baggage claim. Pros: strong availability, longer opening hours, easier one-way rentals. Cons: you still need to drive to Barstow and congestion can build on I-10/I-15 corridors at peak times.

Barstow – Main Retail/Service Corridor (Near I-15/Route 66)

Pros: convenient if you are already staying locally; quick access to I-15 for onwards travel; easier parking and often a calmer collection experience. Cons: shorter opening hours and smaller fleets, so last-minute choice can be limited; fewer premium/large SUV options at busy times.

Barstow Outlets/Shopping Area Pickup

Pros: straightforward access, amenities nearby while you complete paperwork, and typically easier pickup/drop-off parking. Cons: not all suppliers operate here; availability may be seasonal and you may need to pre-book to secure your preferred vehicle class.

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More Choice And Longer Hours From Major Airports

Airport collection (such as ONT, LAX, or LAS) usually gives the widest vehicle selection, late opening hours, and better availability for one-way trips. It can also reduce the risk of arriving to a limited fleet in town—ideal if you need an SUV for desert driving or are landing outside standard business hours.

Barstow Car Hire Ratings: Real Driver Reviews You Can Trust

Browse verified customer feedback on car hire services in Barstow, United States, and choose a provider with confidence before you collect your vehicle.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Accepts Debit Cards	Key Advantages
	1.2 5691+ reviews	$111	1.7 mi from Barstow Downtown	Low deposit		●Excellent roadside assistance ●Friendly helpful staff ●Smooth pick-up process
	1.2 99 reviews	$73	1.7 mi from Barstow Downtown	$407 - $481		●Great price booking online ●Outstanding service at airport ●No hidden extra charges

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 7 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

A Brit's Guide to Fueling Hire Cars in the USA

This guide simplifies the process of filling up a hire car with petrol in the USA for British visitors, covering terminology, payment methods, and step-by-step instructions.

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A Brit's Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA

This guide helps UK travellers navigate American petrol stations and refuel their rental cars confidently, covering payment processes, fuel types, and essential tips.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"In Barstow (no commercial airport), the top three US brands—Enterprise, Avis and Hertz—dominate ~94% of the market; downtown Main Street branches capture roughly 70% of pickups, with train and Greyhound stations serving as secondary hubs."

Booking Patterns

"US car rental revenue hit $36.1bn in 2022 (+24.7% YoY); economy cars led 36.3% of bookings while SUVs grew at 10.49% CAGR and online channels reached 68% of all reservations."

Customer Pain Points

"Around 70% of US renters report confusion over CDW vs Super CDW at the counter, the top complaint per industry surveys."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Auto Rental News – 2022 U.S. Car Rental Market Report (Bobit)
ConsumerAffairs – Car Rental Industry Statistics 2024
Avis Rent A Car – Barstow BS1 Location Page
Auto Rental News – 2022 U.S. Car Rental Revenue of $36.1B Shatters Records
Mordor Intelligence – Car Rental Market Size & Share Analysis 2026-2031
Statista – Car Rentals: United States Outlook (via ConsumerAffairs)
Hertz Global Holdings 10-K Report 2022 (counter upsell disclosure)
Avis Budget Group Q3 2023 Earnings Call (counter attach-rate commentary)
ConsumerAffairs – Hidden Fees & Insurance Complaint Analysis

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Barstow

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Barstow

BarstowLos Angeles

From

$59.00

Popular Self-Drive Routes & Trips From Barstow

Recommended Driving Routes:

Route 66 Highlights: Barstow to Oatman (via Needles & Kingman)

Scenic heritage drive4 hr 45 min–6 hr (one way, depending on stops)

Follow iconic stretches of historic Route 66 across the Mojave into Arizona, with classic roadside Americana, desert scenery and quirky towns. Ideal for a full day with frequent photo stops; best enjoyed in daylight for relaxed driving and views.

Route 66 Mother Road Museum (Barstow), Bagdad Café (Newberry Springs), Needles, California, Kingman, Arizona, Oatman, Arizona

Mojave Desert Loop: Barstow to Mojave National Preserve (Kelso Dunes & Cima Road)

Nature and desert landscapes3 hr 30 min–5 hr (loop, plus time for walks)

A classic desert loop into Mojave National Preserve for wide-open vistas, lava flows, sand dunes and quiet backroads. Drive cautiously on narrower sections, carry water, and plan fuel carefully as services are limited inside the preserve.

Mojave National Preserve (entrance area), Kelso Depot Visitor Centre, Kelso Dunes Trailhead, Cima Road (Joshua tree corridor), Amboy Crater (side trip)

High Desert to High Peaks: Barstow to Big Bear Lake (via Lucerne Valley)

Mountain escape2 hr 15 min–3 hr (one way)

Swap desert heat for pine forests and cooler air on a drive to Big Bear Lake. Roads climb quickly, so allow extra time in winter conditions; check for chains/tyre requirements after snowfall and start early for parking and trail access.

Calico Ghost Town, Lucerne Valley, Big Bear Lake, Boulder Bay Park, Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Popular Day Trips (Easy From Barstow):

Calico Ghost Town

20–30 min (one way)

A quick, family-friendly outing to a restored Old West mining town with shops, short walks and desert viewpoints—perfect for a half-day between longer drives.

Rainbow Basin Natural Area (Fossil Beds & Badlands)

25–40 min (one way)

Drive into vividly coloured badlands near Barstow for photography, quiet hiking and striking geology. Go in the morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures.

Death Valley National Park (Zabriskie Point & Badwater Basin)

2 hr–2 hr 30 min (one way to Furnace Creek area)

A bucket-list desert day with dramatic viewpoints and salt flats. Start early, take plenty of water, and avoid strenuous walking in extreme heat; fuel up before entering the park.

Joshua Tree National Park (West Entrance: Hidden Valley & Keys View)

1 hr 45 min–2 hr 15 min (one way)

See signature Joshua tree landscapes, boulder formations and big-sky sunsets. Weekends can be busy—arrive early, keep snacks and water in the car, and plan your route between entrances.

Car Rental Planning Tips For Driving Around Barstow

Check licence and age requirements early: Most firms require a valid driving licence and a credit card in the main driver’s name; younger drivers may face surcharges. Confirm requirements before you book to avoid collection-day surprises.

Plan fuel stops in the desert: Distances are long and services can be sparse outside towns. Fill up in Barstow or major junctions, keep at least half a tank when heading into remote areas, and note that fuel inside parks is limited and often pricier.

Prepare for heat and dehydration: Carry plenty of drinking water, sun protection and a basic first-aid kit. In summer, avoid mid-day hikes and keep an eye on engine temperature and tyre pressure.

Download offline maps and allow extra time: Mobile signal can drop in preserves and desert backroads. Download offline navigation, share your route with someone, and build in time for slow scenic roads and photo stops.

Choose the right insurance and know what it covers: Review collision damage waiver and liability options, and check any excess (deductible). If you rely on card or travel insurance, confirm it applies to the vehicle type and region you’re driving in.

Do a quick walkaround before leaving the lot: Photograph existing scratches, check tyres and lights, and ensure the spare/repair kit is present. Confirm how to contact roadside assistance—especially important for remote desert routes.

For mountain trips, check weather and chain rules: If you’re driving to Big Bear in winter, monitor forecasts and be ready for chain controls. Ask your rental firm about permitted chain use and choose suitable tyres/vehicle if conditions look marginal.

Barstow California Road Trip Travel Guide 2026

Plan your Barstow California road trip with our comprehensive guide covering driving rules, fuel prices, car rental costs, and essential traveller information for 2026.

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40-48 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

105-113 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.55/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.32/L - $1.59/L

TRAVELER RATING

9.0 / 10

Hiring a Car in Barstow: UK Traveller FAQs

Practical answers on licences, desert driving, fees and fuel for road-trippers from the UK

Can I use my UK photocard driving licence in California, or do I need an International Driving Permit?

Your UK photocard licence is legally valid for the full length of a tourist stay in California — no IDP is strictly required by the state. However, all major rental firms (Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget) treat the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP as a counter requirement, so without one you can be refused the keys. Order one from the AA or RAC for around £5.75, well before you fly. Carry both documents together, plus your passport.

Is desert driving around Barstow genuinely dangerous, and how do I prepare?

Yes, treat it seriously. Barstow sits in the Mojave where summer highs routinely hit 45°C (113°F). Carry at least 4 litres of drinking water per person, top up the washer bottle, and refuel at every opportunity — the next pump on I-15 or I-40 can be 80–160 km away, and small-town stations like Baker or Ludlow often close by 21:00. In winter, I-15 through Mountain Pass can close for snow; check Caltrans QuickMap before setting off.

I'm 22 — can I hire a car, and what young-driver surcharge should I expect?

Most US firms set the minimum age at 20–21, so at 22 you are eligible. Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge of roughly USD 20–30 per day (about £16–£24), which adds £150–£400 to a typical week. Some providers (notably Sixt) cap it at USD 99/day. There is no upper age limit in California, though over-75s may need a medical declaration. Book online in advance — walk-in rates are higher.

I want to drop the car off in Los Angeles or Las Vegas — what will it cost?

One-way drop-offs from Barstow are routine. Expect a drop-off fee of USD 100–200 (about £80–£160) added to your bill; Los Angeles is roughly 190 km west via I-15 (about 2 hours), Las Vegas around 260 km north-east (2.5 hours). Some firms waive the fee for rentals of three days or more in low season. Always book the one-way in advance — walk-in rates at Barstow's downtown or Amtrak-area depots can be double.

Which petrol grade should I use, and where do I fill up around Barstow?

American pumps dispense 87 Regular, 89 Mid-grade and 91 Premium. Most hire cars run perfectly on 87 — check the sticker inside the fuel flap to confirm. Pay at the pump with a credit or debit card; cash is rarely needed. Refuel straight after collection from Barstow's downtown, airport or Amtrak depots — leaving city limits on a quarter tank is a real risk on the desert stretches of I-15 and I-40.

Do I really need full insurance, given my UK credit card offers cover?

Yes, take out standalone excess cover before you fly. CDW/LDW bundled into UK broker packages (Holiday Autos, Auto Europe) typically leaves you with an excess of USD 1,000–3,000 (£800–£2,400). Credit-card policies usually cap cover at USD 50,000–100,000 and exclude tyres, windscreen, roof and under-body damage — exactly the bits that get hit on unpaved tracks to Calico Ghost Town or Rainbow Basin. A fortnight's standalone cover costs about £40 and pays for itself after one scrape.