Rent A Car In Barstow For Flexible Desert Travel At Competitive Prices

Find the right pickup spot, compare rates and policies, and use our step-by-step guide to avoid fees and hit the road with confidence in and around Barstow.

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Updated Travel-Friendly Overview

Barstow Car Rental Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Know

Renting a car in Barstow is one of the easiest ways to explore the Mojave Desert region, nearby parks, and long stretches of Route 66 without relying on limited local transit. Barstow sits at a major freeway junction (I-15 and I-40), which makes it convenient for one-way road trips toward Las Vegas, the High Desert, or Southern California. Expect the best value when you book early, compare total costs (taxes, young driver fees, additional driver fees), and choose a fuel policy you can follow. In-town rental locations can be limited in hours and inventory, while pickups from larger nearby airports typically offer more vehicle choices but may require extra travel time to reach the counter.

Ontario International Airport (ONT) Car Rentals

Most practical major-airport option near Barstow with broad inventory and longer operating hours. Pros: more companies, better chance of SUVs and one-way availability, easier late arrivals. Cons: about 70–80 miles from Barstow and airport fees/taxes can raise the total price; allow extra time for pickup and return.

Barstow – Main Commercial Corridor (Near I-15/I-40)

Common area for local rental counters near hotels and services. Pros: convenient if you arrive by car or bus and want to start in town; easier drop-off without airport traffic. Cons: limited fleet (especially weekends), shorter hours, and fewer specialty vehicles; call ahead to confirm availability and after-hours returns.

Barstow – Route 66 / Historic District Area

Good for travelers staying near central Barstow attractions. Pros: walkable from some lodging and simple in-town pickup. Cons: inventory can be tight and pricing may be less competitive than major airports during high-demand periods.

¿Qué necesitas para alquilar un coche en Barstow?

Alquilar un coche en Barstow es bastante cómodo, pero puede haber algunos requisitos específicos, especialmente para los conductores extranjeros.

Forma de identificación: A valid physical United States national photo ID is required for the main and any additional drivers.
Permiso de conducir: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical US driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1 year.
Notas: Some offers state: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket.
Tarjetas aceptadas: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are accepted. Supported credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX; in some offers UnionPay is also accepted. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX). E‑voucher or printed voucher must be presented. Proofs of Collision and Theft Protection and Third Party Liability Protection may be required in the form of a printed letter from your credit card bank or car insurance provider, including your name/credit card details, coverage information, validity dates, applicable countries, and vehicle types.
Requisitos de edad: General driving age range: 21–80 years, though some offers limit the maximum age to 75. Young drivers aged 21–24 may rent for most vehicle categories but must pay a young driver surcharge of $27.00 per day. Renters under 25 are not permitted to rent luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty cars, full‑size SUVs, premium SUVs, Standard Elite SUVs, or similar specialty/street fleet/cool car categories. Any additional drivers must be at least 25 years old.

Permiso de conducir: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements, held for at least 1 year. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original Driver's License in Latin/Roman alphabet (such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.), or
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is only a translation; you must present the original licence together with the original IDP. Photocopies or scanned copies are not accepted, or
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation provided on the back of the licence.
Notas: Some offers state: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket.
Forma de identificación: A valid passport is required for the main and any additional drivers.
Tarjetas aceptadas: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are accepted. Supported credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX; in some offers UnionPay is also accepted. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX). E‑voucher or printed voucher must be presented. Proofs of Collision and Theft Protection and Third Party Liability Protection may be required in the form of a printed letter from your credit card bank or car insurance provider, including your name/credit card details, coverage information, validity dates, applicable countries, and vehicle types.
Requisitos de edad: General driving age range: 21–80 years, though some offers limit the maximum age to 75. Young drivers aged 21–24 may rent for most vehicle categories but must pay a young driver surcharge of $27.00 per day. Renters under 25 are not permitted to rent luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty cars, full‑size SUVs, premium SUVs, Standard Elite SUVs, or similar specialty/street fleet/cool car categories. Any additional drivers must be at least 25 years old.

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Choose Airport Pickup For More Cars, Longer Hours, And One-Way Options

Major airports near Barstow (like ONT or LAX) usually offer more rental companies, longer counter hours, and a larger range of vehicles (including SUVs for desert driving). Airport locations can be ideal for one-way road trips and late arrivals, but expect extra taxes/fees and plan for the drive from the airport to Barstow.

Barstow Car Rental Reviews: See What Drivers Say

Read genuine customer experiences about Barstow car rentals. Make informed decisions based on real driver feedback before booking your vehicle.

Compañía de alquiler	Calificación	Tarifa media diaria	Método/distancia de recogida	Depósito	Acepta tarjetas de débito	Ventajas clave
	1.3 95 reviews	$69	1.7 mi from Barstow Downtown	$300 - $450		●Competitive online pricing available ●Easy pickup and dropoff process ●Helpful staff at select locations
	1.2 5500+ reviews	$90	1.7 mi from Barstow Downtown	$300 - $527		●Professional and helpful staff ●Clean and reliable vehicles ●Quick pickup process

Los datos de valoraciones y opiniones se obtienen de Trustpilot. Los detalles de la póliza pueden variar según la ubicación y el tipo de vehículo. Por favor, confírmelo en el momento de la reserva.

Fuente de datos: Alquiler de coches QEEQ

Última actualización: Jun. 17 2026

Centro esencial de alquiler

Todo lo que necesitas saber antes de salir a conducir. Selecciona un tema para ver toda la información detallada.

Stress-Free Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA

This guide provides a step-by-step approach for international visitors on how to fuel up a rental car in the USA, covering fuel types, payment methods, and essential tips for a stress-free experience.

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Ultimate USA car rental guide avoid hidden fees insurance traps and extra charges

Discover how to avoid hidden car rental fees in the USA with a practical step by step strategy. Learn the real cost of CDW LDW SLI and PAI insurance, how to use third party coverage like QEEQ full protection, and when credit card coverage works. Understand fuel policy tricks like prepaid fuel vs full to full, airport concession surcharges, young driver and additional driver fees, and expensive extras such as GPS and child seats. Get clear guidance on handling toll roads without overpriced transponder packages and follow a detailed checklist for booking, pickup, and return so the price you book is the price you pay on your US road trip.

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Información de la plataforma

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Métricas de especialización

Reconocimiento de la plataforma

La mejor web de reserva de coches de Asia 2023 y 2024

Volumen de reservas

Revisar calidad

Más de 10.000 reseñas verificadas de 5 estrellas

Experiencia en el mercado

Autoridad de datos

Verificación de especialización

Datos de QEEQ verificados con fuentes de datos oficiales locales

Información clave de expertos

Análisis de la plataforma

"null"

Patrones de reserva

"null"

Puntos de dolor del cliente

"45% of first-time renters underestimate gravel road insurance needs, while 32% report confusion over CDW vs Super CDW coverage"

Fuentes de datos

Base de datos interna de reservas de QEEQ
Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce
City of Barstow Official Website
Visit California
DesertUSA - Barstow Information
Rentalcargroup.com - Car Rental Insurance Information
Bureau of Transportation Statistics - National Transportation Statistics

Viajes por carretera

One-way rental routes starting from Barstow

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

BarstowLos Angeles

Desde

$53.00

Popular Self-Drive Routes & Trips From Barstow

Best Road Trip Routes:

Barstow → Calico Ghost Town → Mojave National Preserve (Kelso) → Baker

Desert sights & historic stops loop4–6 hours driving (best as a full day with stops)

A classic High Desert route that pairs a quick Old West detour at Calico with wide-open Mojave National Preserve scenery—lava fields, dunes, and the iconic Kelso Depot—then finishes with a fun stop in Baker (home of the world’s tallest thermometer) before returning or continuing on I-15.

Calico Ghost Town, Mojave National Preserve (Cima Road/Joshua Tree corridor), Kelso Depot Visitor Center, Kelso Dunes, Baker (World’s Tallest Thermometer)

Barstow → Joshua Tree (North Entrance) → Hidden Valley → Keys View → Palm Springs

National park scenic drive (one-way)3–4.5 hours driving (6–10 hours with park stops)

Head south to Joshua Tree National Park for signature boulder-strewn landscapes and short hikes, then descend toward Palm Springs. This route is ideal for first-timers who want big views and easy-to-moderate stops without backtracking the same roads all day.

Joshua Tree National Park (North Entrance/Twentynine Palms), Hidden Valley Nature Trail, Skull Rock, Keys View, Palm Springs

Barstow → Death Valley Junction → Badwater Basin → Furnace Creek → Zabriskie Point

Extreme desert landscapes out-and-back5–6.5 hours driving (best as a very full day)

A bucket-list drive into Death Valley’s surreal salt flats, colorful badlands, and iconic viewpoints. Start early, fuel up before entering the park, and plan for significant temperature swings—especially in warm months.

Death Valley Junction, Badwater Basin, Furnace Creek, Artist’s Drive, Zabriskie Point

Popular Short Trips (Half-Day to Full-Day):

Calico Ghost Town Quick Visit

2–4 hours total

An easy nearby outing for Old West vibes, desert photo ops, and family-friendly attractions—perfect if you only have a few hours in Barstow.

Peggy Sue’s 50’s Diner + Baker Roadside Stop

2.5–4.5 hours total

Cruise I-15 for classic Route 66-style Americana: a retro diner meal and a quirky desert photo stop in Baker before heading back.

Mojave National Preserve Highlights (Kelso Depot & Dunes)

6–9 hours total

A full-day escape into quieter desert wilderness. Visit the restored Kelso Depot and, if conditions allow, hike on the singing sands of Kelso Dunes.

Lake Havasu City Day Trip (London Bridge)

6–8 hours total

A change of pace from the desert: drive to the Colorado River for waterfront views, walking paths, and the famous London Bridge landmark.

Car Rental & Driving Tips for Barstow and the High Desert

Fuel Up Early (Distances Are Deceptive): Top off in Barstow before heading toward Death Valley or Mojave National Preserve; services can be far apart and prices often rise in remote areas.

Plan Around Heat and Weather: Summer desert heat can be dangerous. Start drives early, keep A/C in mind, and check forecasts for wind, dust, or flash-flood risk.

Carry Extra Water and Snacks: Bring more water than you think you need (especially for short hikes) plus salty snacks to help with hydration in dry conditions.

Expect Spotty Cell Coverage: Download offline maps, save key addresses, and don’t rely on streaming navigation once you leave major highways.

Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Plan: Most highlights are on paved roads, but a higher-clearance vehicle can be more comfortable on washboard access roads. Avoid off-roading unless your rental agreement explicitly allows it.

Review Insurance and Windshield Coverage: Desert highways can mean rock chips and long distances to service. Confirm your collision coverage, roadside assistance, and glass policy before you go.

Build Buffer Time for Stops and Slowdowns: Add extra time for viewpoints, construction on I-15, and slower two-lane roads—especially on weekends and holiday travel days.

Know Park Entry Fees and Passes: National parks typically charge entry fees. If you’ll visit multiple parks, consider whether an annual pass is better value for your itinerary.

Barstow, California: Your Gateway to the Desert

Discover essential driving and travel information for Barstow, California - from speed limits and gas prices to car rental deals, everything you need to know for your High Desert adventure on Route 66

IDIOMAS

English

MONEDA

USD

Sigue conduciendo

Right-hand side

CÓDIGO DE PAÍS

PRECIO MEDIO DE ALQUILER DE COCHE

$55 per day

Duración media del alquiler de coche

7 days

Límite de velocidad dentro de la ciudad

40 km/h

LÍMITE DE VELOCIDAD FUERA DE LA CIUDAD

105 km/h

Límite aceptable de alcoholemia

0.08% (Strictly Enforced)

PRECIO MEDIO DE LA GASOLINA

$1.26/L

PRECIO DE GASOLINA MÁS BAJO / MÁS ALTO

$1.10/L - $1.40/L

Puntuación de los viajeros

8.8 / 10

Barstow Car Rental Guide

Essential driving tips and rental FAQ for Barstow, California desert adventures

Can I use my foreign driver's license to rent a car in Barstow?

If you're from outside the US, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home country's license. An IDP costs about $20 and is valid for 1 year. Major rental agencies like Enterprise and Hertz operate in Barstow, but book online in advance—selection is limited at this smaller location. Budget an extra $15-25/day for IDP compliance if asked.

I'm 22—will I pay a young driver surcharge, and how much?

Yes, expect a "young driver fee" of roughly $20-35/day if you're under 25. At 22, you'll definitely be charged. Some agencies in California waive the fee for ages 21-22 if you have a credit card with a high limit (they run a larger pre-authorization, typically $200-500). Before booking, call the local Barstow office directly—prices vary between agencies, and Hertz sometimes runs promotions that reduce or eliminate the young driver surcharge.

What special precautions do I need for desert driving around Barstow?

Summer temperatures here regularly exceed 110°F (43°C)—always keep 2+ gallons of water in your car, a spare tire (critical on desert roads), and inform someone of your route before heading to remote areas like Mojave National Preserve or Route 66 segments. Cell service is unreliable outside Barstow city limits. Gas up every time you see a station—distances between pumps can exceed 60 miles on desert highways. Watch for drifting sand on roads and never drive off-treaded areas.

Is fuel expensive in Barstow, and should I get a full-to-full policy?

Gas in Barstow typically runs $0.50-1.00 cheaper than California coastal cities—currently averaging around $4.20-4.50/gallon for regular. Most agencies offer "full-to-full" (return full, no refueling markup) or "full-to-empty" (prepay at higher rate, return empty). Always choose full-to-full and refill before returning. Stations near the I-15 corridor are cheapest; avoid gas near the highway exits if you're watching budgets.

Can I drive to Las Vegas or Death Valley from Barstow without issues?

Barstow sits at the crossroads of I-15 (to Vegas, ~130 miles, 2 hours) and I-40 (east to Arizona). Both are well-maintained highways, but summer brings extreme heat that increases tire blowout risk—check tire pressure before long drives. Winter mountain passes on routes to Death Valley (CA-190) can ice over—carry chains December through February. Note: rental companies often prohibit crossing into Mexico, but US cross-border driving is unrestricted.

How do I avoid a surprise damage charge when returning my rental?

Before leaving the lot, walk around the car with your phone and take timestamped video of all sides, especially bumper corners, roof, and undercarriage (desert brush scratches are common). Note any existing dents/scratches on the rental agreement and have the agent initial them. In Barstow, agents may be less thorough due to lower traffic—don't rely on their inspection alone. Use a credit card (not debit) for the security deposit, as it offers better fraud protection. Return 30 minutes early to resolve any issues before the office closes.

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Reconocida a nivel mundial por la excelencia en los servicios de reserva de coches de alquiler y la satisfacción del cliente.