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US$44/day


From
US$47/day


From
US$44/day


From
US$91/day


From
US$109/day


From
US$165/day
Most popular car rental suppliers | Thrifty |
|---|---|
Most popular type | Small car |
Average daily price | US$104.00 |
Typical rental periods | 2 days |
Getting a rental car in San Diego is simple. You'll need to be at least 21 years old, though some companies will rent to drivers 18-20 for an extra fee.
Make sure to bring your driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you're visiting from another country, you'll need your passport and international driving permit too. Most companies will place a hold of $200-$500 on your card as a security deposit, which they'll release when you return the car in good condition.
San Diego's perfect weather makes it ideal for fun car rental choices. For those looking to go green, San Diego has many charging stations for electric vehicles throughout the city.
Like all U.S. cities, San Diego drivers stay on the right side of the road. Speed limits are clearly posted: 65-70 mph on highways (I-5, I-8, I-15), 35-45 mph on main city streets, and 25 mph in residential areas and school zones. You can turn right on red after a complete stop unless signed otherwise, and carpool (HOV) lanes require at least two people per vehicle. California takes safety seriously – hands-free devices are required for calls, texting while driving is illegal, everyone must wear seatbelts, and children under 8 need proper car seats. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, and DUI penalties are strict, so plan for a designated driver if you're enjoying San Diego's famous craft breweries.
The rental car center at San Diego International Airport is located at 3355 Admiral Boland Way, and it's just a quick shuttle ride from the terminals. Free shuttles run 24/7 and come every 5-10 minutes – just look for the bright red "Rental Car Shuttle" signs at the terminals. Book through Trip.com to get the best car rental rates & deals from top rental companies, and you'll be on the road within 30 minutes of landing.
Pro tip: during summer (June-August), book at least a month ahead to get the car you want.
Traffic in San Diego is pretty predictable. Weekday mornings are busiest from 6:30-10 AM, and afternoons get packed from 3:30-6:30 PM. Interstate 5 can slow down around La Jolla and downtown, especially during rush hour. Beach areas like Mission Beach and Pacific Beach get crowded on weekends – plan ahead if you're heading to the coast. San Diego's traffic is generally milder than other California cities like LA or San Francisco.
Save money on gas by avoiding stations near the airport and tourist spots – they're usually $1-2 more per gallon. Instead, fill up in neighborhoods like Kearny Mesa or Mission Valley. When returning your rental, there are several affordable options along Pacific Highway, just minutes from the airport. Keep your tank at least half full when heading to attractions like Legoland or the Safari Park, as gas stations can be spread out in some areas.
Parking in San Diego varies by area. Beach spots fill up fast, especially on sunny weekends. Downtown has plenty of parking garages, usually charging $10-25 for a full day. Most hotels charge for parking (~$20-40 daily), but you can find free parking at hotels in Mission Valley. For beach areas, arrive early (before 10 AM) to snag a good spot, or use parking apps to find cheaper options in popular areas like the Gaslamp Quarter.
A rental car opens up amazing destinations around San Diego. Wine lovers should head to Temecula, just an hour north, for wine tasting. The charming mountain town of Julian, famous for its apple pies, is a perfect day trip 1.5 hours east. For beach hopping, drive up the coast to explore Del Mar and Encinitas. Planning a longer trip? Los Angeles is just 2-3 hours north, and Mexico's right next door (just check with your rental company about crossing the border first).
Booking a car rental in San Diego about 5 days in advance can get you a lower-than-average price.
In the past 11 hours, the lowest car rental price in San Diego is NÜ Chevrolet Spark: US$28,Economy Rent A Car Nissan Rogue: US$32,Europcar Toyota Camry: US$47,U-Save Honda Odyssey: US$75.
Standard SUV is the most popular car model to rent in San Diego. The average daily price for a Standard SUV is US$69, but some users have found prices as low as US$26.
May has the lowest average daily price at US$87. The most expensive month is March, with an average daily price of US$106, which is 10.14% higher than the annual average of US$96.
Dollar operates 148 branches in San Diego, more than any other car rental supplier.
Authentic San Diego supplier ratings
San Diego suppliers have an average rating of 4.3. All suppliers' ratings are based on authentic user reviews.