San Diego car rentals from $21/day
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in San Diego with a pick-up date of 9/3 and drop-off date of 9/9. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Cheap car rentals in San Diego
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in San Diego
- Before driving your San Diego car rentals around, make sure you know the main rules and driving tips of the city and the surrounding areas. The carpool lanes on freeways (H.O.V. lanes) can only be used with two or more occupants in the car, and accessing only at the designated entry and exit points, where there are broken lines. In the state of California, you’re able to make a right-hand turn on red. Also, keep in mind that it’s prohibited to smoke while in the car with a minor, as well as driving while under the influence of alcohol, with a BAC of 0.08% or over.
- Locate the toll roads in San Diego and know how to pay them. There is one toll road in San Diego, the State Route 125, also known as the South Bay Expressway. You should know this before you find yourself driving along it. It’s possible to pay with the FasTrak system. You can check beforehand with your agency if this feature is available for your cheap car rentals in San Diego. Nonetheless, it’s also possible to pay with cash or a credit card at the toll booth, or within four days using the Pay-by-Plate option which has an extra processing fee.
- When you’re planning to drop off your cheap car rentals in San Diego, know that at the airport, the car rental agencies are located out of the terminal and consolidated at the Rental Car Center. This is the same place as the pick-up location for those who got their rental cars from the San Diego Airport. The Rental Car Center is located right off the Pacific Highway, adjacent to the San Diego International Airport (SAN). Nonetheless, the airport offers a free shuttle service to get you from your drop-off location to your departure terminal. These buses run 24/7 stopping at both of the airport terminals.
- Driving around San Diego is the most convenient and comfortable way of getting to know all corners of the region, as the freeway system is fairly easy to navigate and traffic is manageable (aside from during rush hour). Because public transportation services are unreliable in the city, staying mobile by renting a car is the best option. It is also ideal for travelers looking to explore other destinations outside the city, such as the wine country of nearby Temecula, or those who want to embark on a road trip along the California coast.
- All the big car rental agencies can be found in the San Diego International Airport (SAN), at the Consolidated Rental Car Center just outside the airport. The Rental Car Center is accessible via free shuttle bus services that stop at all terminals.
- Although the freeway system isn't generally complicated, always have a map or a GPS on hand to help you. When driving downtown, beware of tourists or other reckless drivers who may be too used to driving in the city. If you’re interested in hopping across the border to Mexico, make sure you talk to your rental agency, as they may need to provide specific documentation, such as car insurance that is also valid in the neighboring country. But if your plan includes a day trip to Tijuana, it's easier to just park your car on the U.S. side of the border and walk across.
- Although traffic is manageable, roads are usually fairly busy throughout San Diego, so avoid rush hours both in the morning (between 6:30 and 10 a.m.) and afternoon (between 3:30 and 6:30 pm) if you don't want to be stuck in traffic for longer than needed. Freeways along the coast also get pretty packed on weekends, especially the I-5.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in San Diego for $44 or less
- Book your rental car in San Diego at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in San Diego are around 22% more expensive than airport locations on average
- Intermediate rental cars in San Diego are around 11% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in San Diego
What type of car is recommended for driving in San Diego?
An automatic lower car, such as a Ford Mustang, is the best option when navigating both the city and the coastal roads. A convertible is a great option to enjoy the scenic rides along the coast when the weather allows it.
What’s the speed limit in San Diego?
The speed limit in the city is 25 miles per hour, but on urban highways it is set at 55 mph, and on rural highways it is between 65 and 70 mph. Generally, the speed limit on multi-lane freeways is 65 mph.
Where are the best places to park in San Diego?
Street parking in downtown San Diego is usually available, but it tends to be quite pricey, costing around $3 for one hour, and between $10 and $30 for 24 hours. Parking laws are strictly enforced throughout the whole city, so make sure you always pay for parking. Parking in beach areas is tougher to find, but pay lots are an option.
How much does it cost to rent a car in San Diego?
On average a rental car in San Diego costs $57 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in San Diego found in the last 2 weeks is $32.
What is the cheapest car rental company in San Diego?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at York Car Rental ($21/day), MEXRENTACAR ($23/day) and Avis ($24/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at York Car Rental 2548 Kettner Boulevard 92101 (1 miles from city center).
What is the best rental car company in San Diego?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in San Diego are Alamo (8.8, 124 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.6, 196 reviews), and Sixt (6.9, 154 reviews).
How much is gas price in San Diego?
The average gas price in San Diego is $3.78 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $45 and $60, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in San Diego?
Intermediate (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in San Diego.
Which car rental companies are at San Diego airport (SAN)?
Car rental companies onsite at San Diego airport include Dollar, Fox, Budget, Payless, Economy Rent a Car, Sixt, Avis, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo and York Car Rental.
Which car rental companies will pick you up at San Diego airport (SAN)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from San Diego airport to off-airport locations include Dollar, Hertz, Fox, Budget, Payless, Economy Rent a Car, Sixt, Avis, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Alamo.
How can I find car rentals near me in San Diego?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in San Diego?
An Intermediate car rental in San Diego costs $71 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in San Diego?
A Mini car rental in San Diego costs $119 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in San Diego?
A Standard car rental in San Diego costs $82 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in San Diego?
On average a rental car in San Diego costs $402 per week ($57 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in San Diego?
On average a rental car in San Diego costs $1,723 per month ($57 per day).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in San Diego?
Most car rental providers in San Diego offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in San Diego, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in San Diego?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 62 car rental agencies in San Diego.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in San Diego?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in San Diego?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in San Diego so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
What are some of the top destinations to drive to from San Diego?
Take advantage and visit more of the San Diego area. Check out the beautiful and classy area of La Jolla. It’s just under a half an hour's drive from downtown San Diego. The La Jolla Cove is worth the miles. If you’re interested in a more historic and scenic visit, Julian is about an hour east of San Diego.
Are there any car rental agencies located in downtown San Diego?
Yes, there are various car rental companies with non-airport offices in the central downtown area of San Diego. Enterprise and AVIS, for instance, have a pick-up location in the East Village, and Budget is in Little Italy. If you find yourself closer to Harborview, there are NU Rental and Hertz offices.
San Diego car rental reviews and directory All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Alamo
8.8
Very good
Read 61 reviewsCleanliness
8.9
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.0
Value for money
8.3
One location in San Diego
Locations in San Diego
3355 Admiral Boland Way
+1 833 763 1741
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Reviews
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Economy
10.0 Wonderful
Jeremy, Jun 2024
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Compact SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Luxury
6.0 Okay
Harmin, Jun 2024
Intermediate SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2021
Pros:
I was able to pick up the car the night before and saved moneyEnterprise Rent-A-Car
7.6
Good
Read 118 reviewsCleanliness
7.9
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
7.5
14 locations in San Diego
Locations in San Diego
1 Park Blvd
+1 619 696 5000
1333 Camino Del Rio South
+1 619 260 1505
2305 Pacific Hwy
+1 619 294 7774
2740 Lytton Street
+1 619 225 0848
2780 Garnet Ave
+1 858 490 1510
3299 Holiday Court
+1 858 404 0700
3355 Admiral Boland Way
+1 833 763 1739
3851 El Cajon Blvd
+1 619 229 2300
6330 Marindustry Dr
+1 858 455 0075
6620 Mira Mesa Boulevard
+1 858 404 0700
7993 Balboa Avenue
+1 858 560 9050
900 F St Ste 167
+1 619 696 5000
9292 Miramar Rd # 28
+1 858 689 8523
950 Hotel Circle North
+1 619 296 7493
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Passenger van
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Economy
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Minivan
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, May 2024
Intermediate
8.0 Very good
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Intermediate SUV
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Pickup truck
Sixt
6.9
Okay
Read 93 reviewsCleanliness
7.4
Comfort
7.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.9
Value for money
6.7
3 locations in San Diego
Locations in San Diego
3355 Admiral Boland Way
+1 888 749 8227
901 Bayfront Court
+1 888 749 8227
Delivery/Collection Service
+1 858 764 9338
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Ricardo, Dec 2023
Standard SUV
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Mar 2023
Full-size
10.0 Wonderful
Patrick, Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Terence, Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
John, Sep 2022
Budget
6.5
Okay
Read 116 reviewsCleanliness
7.2
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.5
Value for money
6.6
11 locations in San Diego
Locations in San Diego
1110 Torrey Pines Road Suite H
+1 858 456 2124
1350 6th Ave Suite #170
+1 619 544 0510
1670 Kettner Boulevard Suite 1
+1 619 231 7162
2790 Kurtz Street Suite 1
+1 619 574 6975
3355 Admiral Boland Way
+1 619 680 4949
3890 Valley Centre Dr Ste 103
+1 858 755 7457
4550 La Jolla Village Drive
+1 858 320 9017
500 Hotel Circle North
+1 619 220 0294
7815 Balboa Avenue
+1 858 974 8632
8720 Miramar Road
+1 858 271 0035
Cross Border Xpress - 2745 Otay Pacific Dr
+1 619 644 1362
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Compact
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Intermediate SUV
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, May 2024
Minivan
6.0 Okay
Benjamin, May 2024
Minivan
8.0 Very good
Angie, Apr 2024
Intermediate SUV
6.0 Okay
Anonymous, Mar 2024
Intermediate
Avis
6.4
Okay
Read 154 reviewsCleanliness
7.2
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.6
Value for money
6.4
11 locations in San Diego
Locations in San Diego
1110 Torrey Pines Road Suite H
+1 858 454 4621
1350 6th Ave Suite #170
+1 619 544 0438
1670 Kettner Boulevard Suite 1
+1 619 231 7137
2790 Kurtz Street Suite 1
+1 619 220 4920
3355 Admiral Boland Way
+1 619 688 5000
3890 Valley Centre Dr Ste 103
+1 858 755 0400
4550 La Jolla Village Drive
+1 858 450 6553
500 Hotel Circle North
+1 619 574 5377
7815 Balboa Avenue
+1 858 974 8630
8720 Miramar Road
+1 858 271 0018
Cross Border Xpress - 2745 Otay Pacific Dr
+1 619 588 1309
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Show reviews that mention