How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Diego
Pick up a cheap rental car in San Diego and be on your way for around 97 € a day. From solo rides to family outings, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.
26 € is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in San Diego.
Taking a longer break? Grab a weekly rental from 180 € and explore more than just the top attractions.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a San Diego car hire. Try booking around two weeks before you go.
Budget, Hertz and Dollar are among the most trusted providers in the city. Use them as a starting point to compare offers.
Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your San Diego car hire policy, whether with Budget or a different supplier. Some companies offer it as a paid extra instead of including it.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in San Diego.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise fuel add-ons when you hand back the keys either.
Go wherever the road takes you by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with average prices of 77 € a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around 66 €.
The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly 65 € a day.
If you're unsure which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Economy rental category. It's the most widely booked vehicle type in San Diego.
Flying to San Diego? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're flying into San Diego, start exploring sooner by booking a car hire at San Diego International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 5 kilometres and takes about 15 minutes.
Flying in another way? You can pick up a car hire from McClellan-Palomar Airport just as conveniently. The centre is 40 kilometres or so away and takes roughly 35 minutes to travel by car.
Compare car hire types in San Diego
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in San Diego puts you on the road for less. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a reliable pick for most journeys.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this San Diego car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a commanding view of the journey ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising down long stretches of highway, many offer all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in San Diego big enough for a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has room where it matters. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group excursions, moving or business needs.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your San Diego car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi, the right extras can seriously level up your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in San Diego.
Good to know
You typically have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Younger drivers aren't always turned away — just expect some extra rules or charges. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.
Travelling with kids? Car seat requirements vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, height and age. Be sure to add the right one to your San Diego car rental booking.
Bring the right documents to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no digital copies) and a second photo ID. Also bring along a credit card with room for the security hold. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in the United States, don't forget that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's typically around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always check the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother trip. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Use cards where you can, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Best hotels in San Diego for drivers
Offering parking, Hipster Haven takes the guesswork out of where to leave your car. This hotel is around 3 kilometres from central San Diego and also comes with a laundry and room service.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at City24 Hotel Little Italy Mission Hills. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this stay, which also features air conditioning and luggage storage.
Need more ideas? Browse the selection of hotels in San Diego. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If you're driving electric, you can use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in San Diego and the right hotel, the only thing left is to decide where to go first. Get started with must-see attractions like San Diego Zoo, San Diego Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from San Diego
Buckle up and make tracks to Oceanside. Around 56 kilometres north of central San Diego, it's home to must-see sights like Beach by the ocean and Oceanside Strand.
They've perfected the guest experience at West Inn & Suites and Days Inn by Wyndham Carlsbad, two accommodation options with parking in Oceanside.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in San Diego and then head for Escondido. Around 48 kilometres north of San Diego, Roynon Museum of Earth Science and Palaeontology and Dixon Lake are major attractions that make the drive more than worth it.
Unwind after a big day out in Escondido at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Escondido Downtown or Comfort Inn Escondido San Diego North County. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Up for a bonus adventure? Anaheim is a popular road trip destination that's around 145 kilometres northwest of San Diego. Consider making a few pit stops at Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
All that's left to do now is sleep. The Lemon Tree Hotel and TownePlace Suites Anaheim Maingate Near Angel Stadium have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Anaheim.
