How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Diego
Turn the key on your trip with a cheap rental car in San Diego. With prices averaging $148 a day, you get freedom without the high price tag. From small cars to full-size models, we'll match you with your ideal ride at a price that fits.
The cheapest daily rental price in San Diego is $59.
Staying a while and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? $239 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Timing is everything when it comes to finding the best price on a San Diego car hire. Try booking around two weeks before your departure date.
Budget, Hertz and Dollar are some of the best-known providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
Whether you book with Budget or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your San Diego car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any surprise charges by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, and pay only for what you use.
Pack more into your journey by choosing a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
The best value overall comes from this company, with average prices at $126 a day.
Next in line, this provider offers daily rates of around $175.
The third option also stacks up well on price. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly $140 a day.
If you're not quite sure which wheels are right for you, consider something from the Intermediate rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of car in San Diego.
Flying to San Diego? Think about an airport pick-up
Take the hassle out of arrival day by booking a car hire at San Diego International Airport. If you're flying to San Diego through this hub, simply pick up your wheels after landing and roll out. The drive to the city centre is about 5 kilometres and takes around 15 minutes.
Or make a speedy getaway with a car hire from McClellan-Palomar Airport. After collecting your keys, it'll take roughly 40 minutes to drive the 56 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car hire types in San Diego
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in San Diego is all about getting you on the road for less. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are great for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Long drives fly by in this San Diego car hire category. Also known as full-size, they've got the engine power for lengthy trips. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent option for families and groups of friends.
SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged backcountry or cruising along wide-open highways, many offer all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in San Diego that can handle the big jobs. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't mandatory, but is something you should consider. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different San Diego car hire providers have varying insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Make driving easier when you rent a car in San Diego by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to be your trusty co-pilot, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.
Good to know
Usually, you have to be at least 21 years old to rent a vehicle in the United States. Younger drivers can sometimes still qualify — just expect some added charges or limits. Check the suppliers' terms and conditions before booking.
Add a car seat to your San Diego car hire reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules vary from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest approach.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Check your seat and mirrors, test the lights and blinkers, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And remember to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only sure way to stay legal to drive is to skip the drinks.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run in general. 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. Pay with your card when it's possible, but have some cash handy when electronic payments aren't possible.
English is the language you'll hear most often in this country.
Best hotels in San Diego for drivers
Offering valet parking, The Westgate Hotel adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central San Diego and also comes with ironing services and a sauna.
The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel makes life simpler with valet parking and features like luggage storage and a bar. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full lineup of hotels in San Diego and choose the stay that suits your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to your needs — like 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
It's time to start sightseeing now you've locked in a car hire deal in San Diego and your hotel. From San Diego Zoo to San Diego Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum, the city's packed with places worth visiting.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from San Diego
Shift gears 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.
West Inn & Suites and Days Inn by Wyndham Carlsbad are popular accommodation options with parking in Oceanside.
Add Escondido to your trip lineup. Pick up your cheap car hire in San Diego and drive roughly 48 kilometres north to discover main draws such as California Centre for the Arts and ArtHatch Arts Complex.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Escondido Downtown and Comfort Inn Escondido San Diego North County are comfortable places to stay in Escondido if you're planning to stick around. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.
When the drive's been this good, why hit the brakes? Take off to Anaheim, about 145 kilometres northwest of San Diego. From Disneyland Park to Disney California Adventure Park, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
The only thing calling your name now is a bed. Hilton Anaheim and Sonesta Anaheim Resort Area have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Anaheim.
