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 $181 a day. From solo rides to family outings, we'll help you find a rental that keeps up with your trip.
$35 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in San Diego.
Taking a longer break? Grab a weekly rental from $242 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 $117 a day.
Next in line, [this provider](this provider) offers daily rates of around $136.
The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Drive off in one of their rentals for roughly $129 a day.
If you're unsure which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Large 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
Generally, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in the United States. Being younger doesn't always disqualify you — just expect some extra fees or restrictions. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat laws vary depending on where you are, and the best setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Check if you need to add one to your San Diego car hire booking.
You'll need to show some documents when you pick up your ride. As a rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.
If you're unfamiliar with driving in the United States, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are usually about 40kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol doesn't affect all people equally, the surest choice is to avoid drinks so you remain legal to drive.
Aim to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for day-to-day spending on your trip. You may find it helpful to carry a mix of cards and cash to ensure you're covered in all situations.
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.
