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Car rentals in San Diego, California

Are you looking for cheap car rental deals in San Diego, California? Search right here!

San Diego, CA
mar 26 — abr 2
San Diego, CA
ter 3/26
Noon
ter 4/2
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Deals from rental companies in 70,000+ locations.

Rental cars insight and trends in San Diego

Useful insights to help you book the perfect rental car in San Diego

What is the cheapest rental car agency in San Diego?

The cheapest rental cars in San Diego are generally found through Economy Rent a Car. When booking with Economy Rent a Car, you may be able to find rental car prices for as low as $9/day. The average price to rent a car in San Diego is $30/day.

What car rental company in San Diego has the most locations?

Hertz has the most locations of any rental car company in San Diego, with 14 locations.

What car do most people rent in San Diego?

Most momondo users will rent the Nissan Rogue in San Diego, though renting the Chrysler Pacifica is a popular second choice according to our data. If you’re interested in renting the Nissan Rogue, prices are $69 per day on average. Some users have found Nissan Rogue rental deals in San Diego for as low as $17 per day. Chrysler Pacifica rentals in San Diego are $106 per day on average, with some of the cheapest deals at $28 per day.

Best deals found for San Diego, California car rentals

Find great deals below on a variety of popular rental car types in San Diego, California
Economy$19/day
Compact$18/day
Intermediate$17/day
Full-size$18/day
Minivan$22/day
Full-size SUV$32/day
Premium$29/day
Convertible$38/day
Compact SUV$18/day
Intermediate SUV$18/day
Standard SUV$19/day
Supplier choice$26/day
Best rates found by momondo users in the past 48 hours.

Important information about San Diego car rentals

San Diego is extensively recognized for its parks, warm climate, and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. An overwhelming majority of tourists worldwide prefer booking a cheap car rental in San Diego to explore the significant attraction sights, such as the star of India, Petco Park, and others. You can never experience a dull day in San Diego since the city has magnificent weather that allows you to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year. With an electric car rental in San Diego, you can explore the city's natural beauty and in a comfortable way.  Keep in mind that traffic gets congested during rush hour within the major roads, such as Highways 15, 56, and 805. However, there is ample parking in San Diego. Getting car rentals in San Diego is also easy as there are more than 10 car rental locations in the city.

While visiting is it worthwhile to get a rental car in San Diego?

Getting a San Diego car rentals will be determined by the kind of activities and the distance between one visiting destination to the other. There are numerous attraction sights in San Diego that, while they can be navigated by public transport, are so much more convenient to get to by car. Consider getting a luxury car rental in San Diego to explore other beautiful sceneries and outdoor activities in nearby towns, such as Oceanside. Oceanside has numerous outdoor activities, such as skydiving, whale watching tours, private vacation photography sessions, and others. You can also visit the top attraction sights in Oceanside, such as the Oceanside Pier, the California Surf Museum, and several others. Since these destinations are not walkable, you need an economy car rental or a passenger van rental to get there. There is adequate parking in San Diego, which is affordable and secure for your car rentals in San Diego.

What driving laws should I keep in mind while driving in San Diego?

If you plan a visit to San Diego, ensure you are familiar with the driving rules. When you are driving on a highway, stay in the right-hand lane, as the left-hand lane should only be used when passing other vehicles. If you are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, you are allowed to make a left-hand turn on a red light. Every time that you turn on your windshield wipers, you are also required to turn on your headlights. You may make a U-turn, even if it is over a double yellow line, as long as it is safe to do so. California law prohibits the use of handheld mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle unless it’s an emergency. It is mandatory to wear your seat belts while driving. Young children should use a booster seat. Ensure you observe the recommended speed limit for highways, interstate, and two-lane undivided roads. Also, use moderate speed while driving near a safety zone, such as a school or construction zone. If you are looking for rental cars in San Diego, it is good to check with the city's Department of Motor Vehicles for recent law changes.

Can I drive to Mexico with a rental car from San Diego?

Due to the area’s close proximity to the border, many visitors enjoy using car rentals in San Diego to travel to nearby cities in Mexico. Most rental car companies will typically allow you to drive to neighboring countries, but it’s always best to verify that this is allowed with your contract before embarking on your journey. To enter Mexico with a San Diego car rental, all travelers are legally obligated to have Mexican automobile liability insurance. Normally, you will be able to obtain this directly through your rental car company of choice. Beyond insurance, you will also need to have a government-issued driver’s license, as well as either a passport or passport card. Keep in mind that passport cards can only be used to travel to other countries by land.

Can you rent a rental car in San Diego without a credit card?

When booking car rentals in San Diego, even cheap car rentals in San Diego, most companies will ask that you pay with a credit card. However, lacking a credit card will not prevent you from renting a car in San Diego. Quite a few companies accept alternative payment methods, including cash, checks, and debit cards. However, if you use a form of payment other than a credit card, you may need to provide additional documentation, like proof of insurance or address. You may also be asked to put down a deposit, which will likely be in cash. As different companies have different rules regarding payment methods, we recommend contacting your San Diego car rental company ahead of time in order to verify what is accepted and to determine what the payment process will be.

What documents does an international traveler need to rent a car in San Diego?

Even if you do not have a driver’s license from the United States, you can still rent a car in San Diego under certain circumstances. For example, almost all rental companies will accept a valid international driver’s license; just make sure that the expiration date falls after your rental period. Many companies will also allow you to use a foreign driver’s license, but it should always be in an alphabet based in Latin. If it is in a different alphabet, you may be able to use an official translation in place of the document, but it is best to verify this with the rental company. You will always want to have your physical passport on hand, as the company will typically need to verify your identity with this, as well as take a photocopy in order to keep it on record with your file. In California, customers must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Renters under the age of 25 may be required to pay an extra fee.


San Diego, California car rental deals found on momondo

Find the rental car in San Diego that's right for you

Small cars

$32 - $59

All Car Types

$45 - $84

The average price of a small car rental in San Diego, the United States is $46. The cheapest time to rent a small car in San Diego, the United States is in January. The price is 31% lower than the rest of the year at just $32 per day. A small car rental is typically 26% less expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle rental in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for San Diego small car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a medium car rental in San Diego, the United States is $49. The cheapest time to rent a medium car in San Diego, the United States is in January. The price is 26% lower than the rest of the year at just $37 per day. A medium car rental is typically 20% less expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle rental in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for San Diego medium car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a large car rental in San Diego, the United States is $78. The cheapest time to rent a large car in San Diego, the United States is in January. The price is 33% lower than the rest of the year at just $53 per day. A large car rental is typically 22% more expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle rental in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for San Diego large car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a SUV rental in San Diego, the United States is $59. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in San Diego, the United States is in January. The price is 21% lower than the rest of the year at just $47 per day. A SUV rental is typically 5% less expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle rental in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for San Diego SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a van rental in San Diego, the United States is $109. The cheapest time to rent a van in San Diego, the United States is in January. The price is 22% lower than the rest of the year at just $86 per day. A van rental is typically 44% more expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle rental in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for San Diego van rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a pickup truck rental in San Diego, the United States is $101. The cheapest time to rent a pickup truck in San Diego, the United States is in November. The price is 53% lower than the rest of the year at just $48 per day. A pickup truck rental is typically 40% more expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle rental in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car.

The average price of a luxury car rental in San Diego, the United States is $101. The cheapest time to rent a luxury car in San Diego, the United States is in January. The price is 26% lower than the rest of the year at just $75 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 39% more expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle rental in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car.

The average price of a convertible rental in San Diego, the United States is $98. The cheapest time to rent a convertible in San Diego, the United States is in January. The price is 29% lower than the rest of the year at just $70 per day. A convertible rental is typically 37% more expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a vehicle rental in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for San Diego convertible rentals found on momondo in the past week.

Ford Focus
or similar Compact
Up to 4 passengers

$18/day

22 abr - 24 abr
Ford Focus
Chevrolet Spark
or similar Economy
Up to 2 passengers

$19/day

25 abr - 28 abr
Chevrolet Spark
Hyundai Venue
or similar Compact
Up to 4 passengers

$32/day

1 jun - 8 jun
Hyundai Venue

San Diego car rental directory

All major car rental suppliers in San Diego, California

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.8
Good
335 reviews14 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Overall

7.7

Pick-up/drop-off

7.6

Value

7.7

Dollar

6.8
Okay
223 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.8

Comfort

7.6

Overall

6.6

Pick-up/drop-off

6.7

Value

6.8

Budget

6.6
Okay
178 reviews11 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.3

Overall

6.6

Pick-up/drop-off

6.6

Value

6.6

Avis

6.5
Okay
299 reviews11 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.2

Comfort

7.3

Overall

6.4

Pick-up/drop-off

6.6

Value

6.5

Hertz

5.9
Fair
725 reviews13 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.7

Comfort

6.6

Overall

5.8

Pick-up/drop-off

5.8

Value

6.0

Economy Rent a Car

5.8
Fair
118 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.8

Comfort

6.5

Overall

5.6

Pick-up/drop-off

5.4

Value

6.0

Ace

4.4
Mediocre
154 reviews3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

5.1

Comfort

5.0

Overall

4.3

Pick-up/drop-off

4.2

Value

4.6

MEXRENTACAR

3.9
Poor
233 reviews4 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

4.6

Comfort

4.5

Overall

3.8

Pick-up/drop-off

3.7

Value

4.1

Quick facts about car rentals in San Diego

Get the overview on great rental deals, popular car rental companies, and best car types for your visit in San Diego

Most Popular Agency

Pacific Rent A Car

Popular Car Types

Compact, Intermediate, SUV

Cheapest Rental Car

$19

Most Popular Model

Nissan Rogue
The most popular San Diego car rental agency found on momondo this month is Pacific Rent A Car. Other top choices for car rental companies are Hertz and Fox
The following car types were offered at rental car companies in San Diego in the past 72 hours: Compact, Intermediate, SUV.
The lowest price for a rental car in San Diego is $19/day. For this area, you can expect average prices starting from $47/day.
The most popular car model to rent in San Diego in the past 7 days is the Nissan Rogue. Our users also prefer the Chrysler Pacifica as an alternative.

Find popular attractions close to your rental car pick-up

Visit these must-see attractions near popular rental car locations in San Diego

Nearby attractions:

Spanish Landing Park0.4 mi
MCRD San Diego Command Museum0.6 mi
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park1.6 mi
USS Midway Museum1.8 mi
InterContinental San Diego1.9 mi

Nearby attractions:

Birch Aquarium66.3 mi
La Jolla Cove66.6 mi
La Jolla Shores66.6 mi
Mission Beach71.8 mi
Belmont Park71.9 mi

Nearby attractions:

Birch Aquarium84.6 mi
La Jolla Shores85.0 mi
La Jolla Cove85.3 mi
Mission Beach90.8 mi
Belmont Park91.0 mi

Rent a car near one of these popular hotels in San Diego

Below are the most popular hotels in San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

1 Market Place, San Diego, CA, United States

0.7 mi from city center

Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Hilton San Diego Bayfront

1 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA, United States

0.8 mi from city center

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

1404 Vacation Road, San Diego, CA, United States

6.3 mi from city center

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa And Marina

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa And Marina

1441 Quivira Road, San Diego, CA, United States

6.0 mi from city center

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

1355 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, United States

0.9 mi from city center

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

207 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA, United States

0.6 mi from city center

Ramada Suites by Wyndham San Diego

Ramada Suites by Wyndham San Diego

631 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA, United States

3.3 mi from city center

Hyatt Regency La Jolla

Hyatt Regency La Jolla

3777 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, United States

11.5 mi from city center

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

543 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA, United States

3.2 mi from city center

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, United States

0.6 mi from city center

Omni San Diego Hotel

Omni San Diego Hotel

675 L Street, San Diego, CA, United States

0.6 mi from city center

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA, United States

2.5 mi from city center

Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

509 9th Avenue, San Diego, CA, United States

0.3 mi from city center

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA, United States

5.3 mi from city center

Best Western Seven Seas

Best Western Seven Seas

411 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA, United States

3.2 mi from city center

Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

901 Camino del Rio South, San Diego, CA, United States

3.3 mi from city center

Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort

Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort

1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, United States

4.3 mi from city center

Pendry San Diego

Pendry San Diego

550 J Street, San Diego, CA, United States

0.4 mi from city center


Driving with a rental car in San Diego - FAQs

Learn everything there is to know about renting a car in San Diego so you can be properly prepared for your next trip

How much will it cost to rent a car in San Diego, California in April?

Our data shows that for weekend car rental deals during April in San Diego, you can expect to pay around $68. A particularly good deal might be around $21, which is the lowest quote for San Diego we've seen so far. Stretching your rental over seven days shifts the price range to about $16 to $57.

Is there a fee to cancel my San Diego, California car rental?

In most cases, there is no fee when you cancel your San Diego car rental. You can check to see whether or not your preferred car rental company in San Diego offers free cancellation when booking with momondo.

What is the best type of car to rent in San Diego during April?

During the month of April in San Diego, temperatures hover around 64.4 °F - which is perfect for renting a Convertible. With precipitation only averaging 0.1″ during April in San Diego, a Convertible will allow you to truly enjoy the sites while cruising down the streets. Keep in mind that you may want to check the weather before your trip, just in case. Renting a Convertible in San Diego will cost you $99/day on average.

What is the speed limit in San Diego, California?

The speed limit in San Diego is 25 mph, unless otherwise stated on road signs. San Diego also has a suburban speed limit of 75 mph which is strictly enforced. If you find yourself on a highway in San Diego, be aware that the speed limit is generally 75 mph.

What car rental company has the Toyota RAV4 in San Diego?

What is the weather like in San Diego, CA in March?

During the month of March the average temperature in San Diego is 59 °F and the expected precipitation is 1.8″. This information is useful for travelers looking for a car rental in San Diego.

Is the weather in San Diego similar to the rest of California?

The climate in California during March is usually 57.2 °F with an expected 2.2″ of precipitation throughout the month. Those looking to rent a car and leave from San Diego on a road trip to the surrounding area should take note of this information.

When did momondo last update prices for cars in San Diego?

Prices for cars in San Diego are refreshed on a daily basis.

How many operators does momondo search for cars in San Diego?

How old do you have to be to hire a car in San Diego?

The minimum age for drivers varies by country, including San Diego. In many EU countries drivers must be 18 years old. As a rule, you’ll need to be 21 to hire a car abroad, and a young driver surcharge may be applied if you are under 25. We recommend reading through the policy of your chosen rental company before booking.

What documentation or ID do you need to rent a car in San Diego?

To rent a car in San Diego, all drivers must present a valid full driving license. If the license is written in a language other than the language of the country of rental, an International Driving Permit may be required to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you're renting a car abroad, you may also need to provide evidence of your return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We always recommend that you verify with the specific rental company you're booking with.


Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to book a car rental in San Diego?

Booking a car rental in San Diego via momondo could save you time and money. momondo provides you with a wide selection of options and cars as we search thousands of car rental websites and locations to enable you to make the best choice for your trip.

How does momondo help me find the best car rental deal in San Diego?

By the use of filters, momondo makes finding a great car rental in San Diego easier. Whether it is price, car type, amenities or policies, momondo allows you to refine your search with these and more filters to find the best deal for you.

Does momondo show car rental deals in San Diego with free cancellation?

Yes, whether it is for cars in San Diego or elsewhere, momondo allows you to filter specifically for policies that offer free cancellation.

Can I rent a car with a fair fuel policy in San Diego on momondo?

momondo specifically allows you to search for car rentals in San Diego with fair fuel policies.

Can I find a car rental in San Diego which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?

Yes, momondo shows deals with enhanced cleaning services for rental cars in San Diego.

Can I search for rental cars in San Diego with unlimited mileage on momondo?

Yes, unlimited mileage options can be found on rental cars in San Diego on momondo.


An easier way to manage your San Diego trip

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