Enterprise Mountain View location basics
Enterprise has a rental location in Mountain View at 969 East El Camino Real, near the intersection with Rengstorff Avenue. The branch handles standard car rentals for local and traveling customers, with typical hours running 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and shorter weekend hours. You can reach them by phone to check current availability, reserve a vehicle, or ask about specific car types before you arrive.
Like other Enterprise branches, this location offers one-way rentals if you need to drop the car off somewhere else, though one-way fees explore and vary by destination. Local rentals—where you pick up and return to the same branch—tend to have lower daily rates than one-way trips. The branch also handles damage waivers, additional driver registration, and GPS rental if you need navigation equipment.
Key Takeaways
- The Mountain View Enterprise branch is located at 969 East El Camino Real and operates standard rental hours, so calling ahead confirms availability before you drive there.
- Daily rates, vehicle selection, and one-way fees vary by the specific dates you need the car, so getting a quote online or by phone gives you the actual price you will pay.
- You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card in your name to complete a rental, regardless of which branch you use.
- Enterprise's damage waiver and roadside information options are optional add-ons that increase the daily cost but reduce your out-of-pocket liability if something goes wrong.
What documents and payment methods you need
To rent from Enterprise Mountain View, bring a valid driver's license (state ID or passport for international customers), proof of auto insurance, and a credit card in your own name. The credit card is used to hold a deposit—typically $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle class—and to charge the rental fee. Debit cards are sometimes accepted for the rental itself, but Enterprise still requires a credit card for the deposit hold.
If you are under 25, Enterprise charges a young driver fee (usually $15 to $25 per day) and may limit which vehicle classes you can rent. If a second driver will operate the car, bring their license as well; registering them costs extra but is required if they will drive. Proof of insurance can be your own policy card, your insurance company's app, or a digital copy—just make sure it shows your name, the policy number, and coverage limits.
How daily rates and vehicle availability work
Enterprise does not publish fixed daily rates on their website; instead, prices depend on the specific dates you need the car, the vehicle class, and current demand. A compact car might cost $35 per day one week and $55 the next week, depending on local events, season, and how many cars the Mountain View branch has available. The only way to know the actual price is to enter your rental dates on Enterprise's website or call the branch directly.
Vehicle selection at a single branch location is limited compared to a major airport rental center. The Mountain View branch typically stocks economy and mid-size sedans, SUVs, and vans, but they may not have every model available on your preferred dates. If a specific vehicle type is important to you, call ahead to confirm it is in stock. If the Mountain View location is out of what you need, Enterprise can sometimes arrange a pickup at another nearby branch, though this may add time to your rental process.
Understanding damage waivers and optional coverage
Enterprise offers a damage waiver (sometimes called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) that shifts responsibility for collision damage from you to Enterprise, usually for $15 to $25 per day depending on the vehicle. Without it, you are liable for any damage to the rental car up to its full value, even if your own insurance covers it. Your personal auto insurance may already cover rental cars, so check your policy before paying for Enterprise's waiver—you might be duplicating coverage you already have.
Enterprise also sells roadside information add-ons that cover towing, lockouts, and fuel delivery if you break down. These are optional and cost a few dollars per day. If you belong to AAA or another roadside service, you likely already have this coverage and do not need to buy it again. Read what your existing insurance and memberships cover before the rental counter, so you know which add-ons are actually new protection and which are redundant.
One-way rentals and drop-off locations
If you need to rent a car in Mountain View but return it somewhere else—say, at San Francisco Airport or another Enterprise branch—you can do a one-way rental. One-way fees vary widely based on the destination; dropping a car off 20 miles away might cost $30 to $50 extra, while returning it to another city could cost $100 or more. The fee is added to your daily rental rate, so a three-day one-way rental is more expensive than a three-day local rental.
Enterprise has branches throughout the Bay Area and across California, so you have multiple drop-off options. When you get a quote online or by phone, specify both the pickup location (Mountain View) and the drop-off location so the system calculates the one-way fee accurately. Some branches are open 24 hours, but many are not, so confirm the drop-off location's hours before you finalize your reservation—returning a car after hours may incur extra charges or require special arrangements.
Reservation, pickup, and return procedures
You can reserve a car online at Enterprise's website, by phone with the Mountain View branch, or through third-party booking sites. Online reservations let you lock in a rate and hold a vehicle for a set number of days, though the rate is may provide only if you pick up by the date specified. Calling the branch directly sometimes reveals availability or rates that do not show online, especially for same-day or next-day rentals.
At pickup, bring all required documents, inspect the car for existing damage (the agent will note it on the contract), and review the fuel policy—most Enterprise rentals require you to return the car with a full tank or pay a refueling fee. Ask about the mileage policy; some rentals include unlimited miles, while others charge per mile over a daily limit. Before you drive off, confirm the emergency contact number and roadside information process in case you have a breakdown or accident.
Return the car to the Mountain View location during business hours, or arrange an after-hours drop-off if you need it. The agent will inspect the car for damage, check the fuel level and mileage, and process your final bill. If you rented a damage waiver and there is damage, the waiver covers it; without it, you will be charged for repairs. Keep your rental agreement and receipt for your records, especially if you plan to submit expenses to an employer or insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car same-day from the Mountain View branch?
Yes, if the branch has an available vehicle in your preferred class and you have all required documents. Call ahead to confirm availability rather than showing up without a reservation; same-day demand can be high, especially on weekends or during local events. Online reservations for same-day pickup may not process in time, so a phone call is faster.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. A car due at 5 p.m. returned at 5:30 p.m. might trigger an extra hourly charge, while a return the next morning is charged as an additional full day. Call the branch if you know you will be late; they may be able to adjust your reservation to avoid surprise charges.
Does my credit card need to be in my name?
Yes. The credit card used for the deposit hold and rental charge must be in the renter's name. You cannot use someone else's card, even if they are present. If you do not have a credit card in your name, contact Enterprise before your rental date to discuss alternative payment options.
Can I add a second driver after I pick up the car?
No. All drivers must be registered and their licenses recorded before you leave the rental location. Adding a driver after pickup is not possible, and driving with an unregistered driver may violate your rental agreement. Register all drivers at the counter during pickup.
What if the car breaks down during my rental?
Call the emergency number on your rental agreement or the back of your key card. Enterprise will arrange a tow or replacement vehicle depending on the problem. If you purchased roadside information, that covers the service; otherwise, you may be charged. Your personal auto insurance may also cover roadside service, so check your policy before the rental.