Hire a Car in Riverside, United States — Competitive Prices and a Complete UK-Friendly Guide

Compare airport and city locations, understand insurance and fees, and pick up the right car for exploring Inland Empire, Los Angeles and the desert routes with confidence.

Terminal Guide

Car Guide

Deals

Compare

Rental Tips

Expert Advice

Popular Routes

Routes

Travel Info

FAQ

Awards

UK Travellers’ Essentials

Riverside Car Hire Guide: Where to Pick Up and What to Know

Riverside is a spread-out city in Southern California where driving is often the quickest way to get around. A hire car is particularly convenient for day trips to Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, and for reaching business parks and suburban areas where public transport can be limited. For travellers from the United Kingdom, the biggest differences are driving on the right, wider roads, and insurance structures that often separate collision cover from liability. To keep costs competitive, compare total prices (including taxes and surcharges), check the fuel policy (ideally ‘full to full’), and review add-ons such as additional drivers, toll programmes and sat-nav (many prefer using a phone with offline maps).

Ontario International Airport (ONT) — Primary Airport for Riverside Pickups

ONT is typically the most convenient airport for Riverside (around 20–30 miles depending on traffic). Car hire is widely available with longer opening hours and strong vehicle choice. Navigation tip: follow signs for the Car Rental facilities after arrivals; allow extra time at peak periods as queues and paperwork can be slower during busy flight banks. Advantages: broad selection, competitive rates due to high volume, easy to collect after landing. Disadvantages: airport concession fees and taxes can raise the final price, and you may face heavier traffic leaving the airport at rush hour.

Riverside Downtown (Mission Inn/Convention Centre Area)

A practical choice if you are staying centrally and do not need a car immediately on arrival. Advantages: often easier pickup and return than airports, potentially lower local surcharges, and convenient for city hotels. Disadvantages: reduced opening hours compared with airports, smaller fleets (fewer SUVs/people carriers), and stricter same-day availability during weekends.

University of California, Riverside (UCR) / Eastside Area

Useful for visitors attending UCR or staying near campus. Advantages: close to student and visitor accommodation, straightforward local driving access. Disadvantages: limited vehicle selection, potential peak demand at term-time, and fewer one-way options than airport locations.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Car Hire Ratings at Riverside – Trusted Reviews

Browse honest customer feedback on car hire services in Riverside, USA, and choose your rental with confidence.

Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
2.9 17000+ reviews	$224	1.6 mi from Riverside Downtown	Low deposit	●Professional and friendly service ●Transparent and competitive pricing ●Efficient and fast process
1.4 3300+ reviews	$74	1.6 mi from Riverside Downtown	$405	●Smooth pickup and return process ●Professional and helpful staff ●Easy reservation experience
1.2 99 reviews	$90	3.3 mi from Riverside Downtown	$383 - $536	●Great price booking online ●Outstanding service at airport ●No hidden extra charges
1.2 5691+ reviews	$85	7.4 mi from Riverside Downtown	$434 - $519	●Excellent roadside assistance ●Friendly helpful staff ●Smooth pick-up process

*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. 20 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.

View details

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.

View details

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

"Ontario Airport dominates with 55% of rentals, downtown Riverside holds 24%, and hotel pickups account for 12%. Enterprise leads market share at 28% in Southern California."

Booking Patterns

"SUV bookings surged 15% since 2022 to 32% share, while economy cars dropped 7% to 28%. Summer peak sees 45% demand surge; average rental is 4.8 days with 11-day advance booking."

Customer Pain Points

"Hidden fee confusion is the top pain point at 52%, with airport facility charges and toll transponder fees being the primary drivers of customer dissatisfaction."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Ontario International Airport - Ground Transportation Statistics
Mordor Intelligence - Car Rental Market Analysis
Auto Rental News Industry Report
California Tourism Board
J.D. Power Car Rental Satisfaction Study
American Car Rental Association

Popular Driving Routes From Riverside

Route Options:

Riverside to Joshua Tree National Park (West Entrance)

Nature & desert scenic drive1 hr 20 min–1 hr 50 min (one way, depending on traffic and stop time)

A classic Southern California desert run from Riverside into the high Mojave. Ideal for sunrise or golden-hour driving, with easy access to short hikes, boulder formations and stargazing. Aim to fuel up before you leave the city, as services are limited inside the park.

Cabazon Dinosaurs, Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (Valley Station), Pioneertown, Joshua Tree Visitor Centre, Hidden Valley Nature Trail

Riverside to Big Bear Lake via Mountain Resorts

Mountain drive & lakeside getaway1 hr 30 min–2 hr 30 min (one way; longer in winter or weekends)

A rewarding climb from the Inland Empire into the San Bernardino Mountains. Expect tight bends, occasional slow-moving traffic and big temperature swings. In winter, check chain controls and road conditions before committing to the ascent.

San Bernardino National Forest (gateway areas), Rim of the World Scenic Byway viewpoints, Big Bear Lake, Big Bear Discovery Centre, Snow Summit (seasonal)

Riverside to Orange County Coast (Newport & Laguna Beach Loop)

Coastal drive & beach towns1 hr–1 hr 45 min (one way; can exceed 2 hrs in peak traffic)

A flexible coastal day out with harbour views, cliffside parks and walkable seaside centres. Traffic can be heavy on weekday afternoons and weekends—leaving early and returning after dinner usually makes the drive smoother.

Balboa Peninsula & Balboa Pier, Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Beach Main Beach, Heisler Park, Dana Point Harbour

Popular Day Trips & Short Breaks:

Palm Springs & Coachella Valley Highlights

Full day (8–10 hours)

Combine mid-century architecture, desert gardens and a ride up the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for cooler mountain air. Best in autumn through spring for comfortable temperatures.

Temecula Valley Wine Country

Half day to full day (5–9 hours)

An easy inland escape for vineyard tastings, olive oil stops and lunch with valley views. Consider appointing a designated driver or booking a tour if you plan to sample wines.

Los Angeles Museums & Urban Neighbourhoods

Full day (10–12 hours, traffic dependent)

Drive in for major museums and neighbourhood exploring. Parking and traffic can be the biggest variables, so pick one main district (e.g., Exposition Park, Downtown, Getty area) to keep the day manageable.

San Diego Waterfront & Balboa Park

Full day (10–12 hours)

A straightforward drive south for bayside walks, Balboa Park gardens and Old Town history. Great year-round; weekends often require earlier arrival for easier parking.

Car Rental Planning Tips

Bring The Right Documents: Carry your driving licence, a passport/ID, and the payment card used for booking. International visitors should check whether an International Driving Permit is required by their rental company.

Understand Insurance Before You Collect: Clarify what is included (CDW/LDW, liability, theft) and what excess applies. If you rely on credit-card cover, confirm eligibility rules and keep paperwork for claims.

Choose A Fuel Policy You Can Follow: ‘Full-to-full’ is usually best value. Fill up near Riverside before mountain or desert drives, as fuel stations can be sparse and more expensive close to parks.

Plan Around Traffic Patterns: Interstates towards Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego can be slow at peak hours. Leaving early (before 07:00) and returning later in the evening often saves time.

Check Mountain Weather And Chain Rules: For Big Bear and other mountain routes, check Caltrans conditions and chain requirements in winter. Keep extra water and warm layers even if it is hot in Riverside.

Budget For Parking And Tolls: Beach towns and major cities can have paid parking; some Orange County routes use toll roads. Ask your rental provider about toll transponders and admin fees to avoid surprises.

Use Offline Maps In Low-Signal Areas: Download offline maps for Joshua Tree and mountain regions where reception can drop. Save key addresses (visitor centres, trailheads, hotel) before you set off.

Drive Riverside: Essential Guide for Travellers

Everything you need to know about driving and travelling in Riverside, California, from road rules to fuel costs and car rental essentials.

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$65 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40-48 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

80-113 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.58/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.58/L - $1.92/L

TRAVELER RATING

3.8 / 10

Riverside Car Hire & Driving FAQ

Essential answers for travellers renting and driving in Riverside, California

Can I drive in California with my foreign licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?

Most foreign licences are accepted in California if written in English. If your licence is in another language, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended and often required by rental companies. An IDP costs around £15 and is valid for one year. Always carry both your original licence and IDP together.

I'm under 25. How much extra will I pay to rent a car in California?

Yes, under-25 drivers face a young driver surcharge of approximately £20–£30 per day (often called a 'young renter fee'). Some premium and sports cars require drivers to be 25 or even 28. Drivers over 70 may face a senior driver fee of roughly £10–£15 per day. Always check the specific company's policy before booking.

Are there any toll roads near Riverside, and how do I pay for them?

The 91 Express Lanes and some San Diego toll roads use FasTrak transponders. If you're renting, ask whether the car has a FasTrak device installed—you'll be charged per use plus an admin fee. Cash is not accepted on most California toll roads. Budget £5–£20 per trip depending on distance.

Summer temperatures in Riverside regularly exceed 100°F (38°C). Will my hire car cope, and are there any special precautions?

Your hire car is fully designed for this heat, but check tyre pressure and coolant levels before long drives. Never leave children, pets, or valuables in a parked car—even briefly. Carry extra water (2 litres per person minimum) and ensure your mobile phone won't overheat in the glovebox.

I'm planning to drive to Palm Springs or Joshua Tree from Riverside. What should I be aware of?

The drive to Palm Springs (roughly 75 miles/120 km) takes about 90 minutes via I-10. In summer, road temperatures can exceed 150°F (65°C)—watch for soft asphalt and tyre blowouts on older hire cars. Joshua Tree's unpaved roads require high-clearance vehicles; standard hire cars may struggle. Avoid driving during the hottest hours (12:00–16:00) where possible.

What's the parking situation at Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm, and is it worth driving?

Disneyland's parking lots charge roughly £25–£35 per day. From Riverside, driving takes 45–90 minutes depending on traffic. Alternatively, Metrolink trains run from Riverside to Anaheim for around £8–£12 return, avoiding both parking fees and LA traffic. If driving, leave before 07:00 or after 19:00 to miss peak congestion.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers

Trusted by customers worldwide and we're always working to improve.