How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Your plane may have landed, but your journey's just getting started. Pick up a cheap San Diego International Airport rental car for an average of $164 a day and drive away happy. We do the hard work for you by searching the best rental providers, so you can quickly compare prices and book.
$57 is the cheapest daily price for a rental at San Diego International Airport.
Planning an extended stay in San Diego and want to go beyond the guidebook highlights? $262 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Two weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a SAN car hire.
Check out the options available with Thrifty, Dollar and Budget. These are a few of the popular providers at San Diego International Airport.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your San Diego International Airport car hire policy, whether with Thrifty or any other supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to land a good deal if the provider needs to relocate some of its vehicles. Discover the best available rates for a car for hire in SAN by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Spend less on fuel by choosing a car hire in San Diego International Airport with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and return it full, so you only pay for what you use.
Want to explore without stressing about the number of miles you clock up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value for money comes from https://www.skyscanner.co.nz/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/thrifty/660, with average prices coming in at $134 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $129, https://www.skyscanner.co.nz/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/payless/341 follows close behind.
https://www.skyscanner.co.nz/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/fox-rent-a-car/657 also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly $160 a day for one of their rentals.
After a car that's a safe bet for most journeys? The Intermediate rental category is the number one choice for travellers at SAN.
Compare car hire types from San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Small: Whether you're zipping around busy cities or taking a short trip, this cheap San Diego International Airport rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent mileage.
Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are great for small families and couples.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this SAN car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra legroom and comfort make them a popular choice for groups of friends and families.
SUV: SUVs are adventure on four wheels. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and country backroads alike.
Van: If you need a car for rent in San Diego International Airport that can handle a small crowd (and all their stuff), a van has space where it counts. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group outings, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your SAN car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of damage or theft. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so compare before you commit.
Travel smarter when you rent a car in San Diego International Airport by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so always go over your rental company's terms to find out where you stand.
Planning a trip with the kids? Car seat rules vary by location, and the correct setup may depend on their age, weight and height. Check if you need to add one to your SAN car hire reservation.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: an official driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough balance for the deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. The full set of requirements will be laid out in your booking.
If it's your first time driving in the United States, keep in mind that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's normally around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the road signs.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, pass the keys to someone else or use public transport instead.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've grabbed the keys to your SAN car hire, the road is yours to conquer. Central San Diego is about 5 kilometres southeast and a drive of around 15 minutes if you choose to head that way.
During rush hour, expect the drive from San Diego International Airport to the centre to take as long as 30 minutes.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak times generally for a smoother trip.
You can also reserve a car hire in San Diego. If you don't need a vehicle right away, hold off until you're in the city and save on rental costs.
Hit the road: Where to drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Check out the top attractions in San Diego before doing anything else. San Diego Zoo and San Diego Balboa Park are a great way to kick things off.
Around 56 kilometres north of SAN, Oceanside deserves a place on your itinerary. Head straight for can't-miss sights like Beach by the ocean and Oceanside Strand.
Or collect your San Diego International Airport car hire and drive over to Escondido. Roughly 40 kilometres north of the airport, Roynon Museum of Earth Science and Palaeontology and Cruisin' Grand are among the highlights that are well worth the trip.
Ready to go the extra mile? Anaheim is a fun road trip destination that's around 137 kilometres northwest of SAN. Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park make perfect pit stops.
