San Diego car hire information
| Pick-up location | San Diego |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Convertible, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, People mover, Standard, Standard SUV |
| Hire locations | 131 |
| Airport locations | 61 |
| Popular agencies | Hertz, Budget, Thrifty, Alamo, Dollar |
Cheap car rentals in San Diego
| Economy | $55/day |
| Compact | $60/day |
| Intermediate | $48/day |
| Standard | $80/day |
| Full-size | $81/day |
| People mover | $137/day |
| Full-size SUV | $100/day |
| Luxury | $97/day |
| Convertible | $118/day |
| Standard SUV | $66/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $66/day |
Top tips for hiring a car in San Diego
- Driving around San Diego is the most convenient and comfortable way of getting to know all corners of the region, as the freeway system is fairly easy to navigate and traffic is manageable (aside from during rush hour). Because public transportation services are unreliable in the city, staying mobile by renting a car is the best option. It is also ideal for travelers looking to explore other destinations outside the city, such as the wine country of nearby Temecula, or those who want to embark on a road trip along the California coast.
- All the big car hire agencies can be found in the San Diego International Airport (SAN), at the Consolidated hire Car Center just outside the airport. The hire Car Center is accessible via free shuttle bus services that stop at all terminals.
- Although the freeway system isn't generally complicated, always have a map or a GPS on hand to help you. When driving downtown, beware of tourists or other reckless drivers who may be too used to driving in the city. If you’re interested in hopping across the border to Mexico, make sure you talk to your hire agency, as they may need to provide specific documentation, such as car insurance that is also valid in the neighboring country. But if your plan includes a day trip to Tijuana, it's easier to just park your car on the U.S. side of the border and walk across.
- Although traffic is manageable, roads are usually fairly busy throughout San Diego, so avoid rush hours both in the morning (between 6:30 and 10 a.m.) and afternoon (between 3:30 and 6:30 pm) if you don't want to be stuck in traffic for longer than needed. Freeways along the coast also get pretty packed on weekends, especially the I-5.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in San Diego for $98 or less
- Book your rental car in San Diego at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in San Diego are around 39% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Full-size rental cars in San Diego are around 16% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in San Diego
San Diego car rental reviews and directory
Payless
6.1
Okay
1386 reviewsBest rated
One location in San Diego
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6.0 Okay
Mar 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2023
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Drop off was easy, but no one inquired about my level of satisfaction so I did not have the opportunity to tell them that the car reeked of cigarettes and was overdue for maintenance (according to the maintenance required info on the display).Cons:
Everything was terrible. I was overcharged. My stated rate for two days was about $92. When I picked up the car, I was charged about $105. I requested clarification from the Payless rep, but he just kept repeating the amount he said was owed in a manner clearly intended to beat me into submission. There was a line of customers, so I gave in. When I got to the car, it was a compact even thought I had ordered intermediate. Even more disturbing, it had a strong perfume-ish scent. It’s been so long since I rented a car that wasn’t fresh and clean that it didn’t immediately occur to me that Payless was trying to cover a nasty odor. They were. Within a few minutes of leaving Payless, there was an overwhelming stench of cigarette smoke that permeated the car and even my home garage once I got the car home. And, the car’s display said it was overdue for service by over 40 days. All around awful.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Nothing.Cons:
Our flight landed 3 hours late. By the time I got to the rental place they had sold my reserved car to someone else. (Personally, I think that if you pay and reserve a car it should be there when you get there. Either way they get the money whether you show up or not.) The guy at the counter told me that they didn't have any more cars to rent. Then he suddenly found one, but it was a small size SUV instead of an economy car. There was an up charge for this. By the time I was out of there it was late and I was exhausted. I signed because I needed a car to get the family to the hotel. During my time there I witnessed this same thing happen to 3 other customers. At the time it didn't occur to me that something wasn't right. I just needed to get the wife and kids to the hotel. When I woke up the next morning I realized that I had paid over $100/ day for a car rental. When I called back to clarify my bill the gentleman told me that everything looked right on their end, but that I could return the car, and they would reimburse me for the un used days. Still waiting for that reimbursement. Totally felt scammed. After I dropped off the car at Payless the next day(11 hours after picking it up) I ended up renting a car from Alamo for $37.75/ day. Missed out on 3 hours of beach time with the family, but worth the savings for me to return the rental and go somewhere else.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
NothingCons:
The prices, the upgrades, and the knowledge of vehicles2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Luis was friendly but felt like he was trying to scam me into “upgrading” my car.Cons:
Lack of clarification on website on what car you are paying for and additional fees that you pay when you pick up the car but not expressed before. I will not use Kayak or Payless againHertz
6.1
Okay
1054 reviews13 locations in San Diego
from $102/day
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2.0 Poor
Nov 2022
2.0 Poor
Nov 2022
2.0 Poor
Nov 2022
2.0 Poor
Nov 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2022
4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2022
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
6.1
Okay
654 reviews14 locations in San Diego
Locations in San Diego
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10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Cons:
Everything was super easy, picking up and dropping off.10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
YesCons:
All fine8.0 Very Good
Apr 2021
Pros:
Nice carCons:
I had to stand in line for 90 minutes (no exaggeration) to get my rental.8.0 Very Good
Apr 2021
Cons:
Not the car i reserved no choice but to get it8.0 Very Good
Apr 2021
Cons:
It should be a full tank not empty gas when i got it2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
I didn’t like anything, because there was nothing to like. I went to get my rental at the time that you told me to. But you didn’t have any cars available and didn’t allowed me to have one. I had to buy me a ticket on Amtrak. For the money that you took from me, get prepare, I’m going to sue you. An less you put that money back on my card😡 you should not had made the reservation if you didn’t have a car to rent.Cons:
To have an available car to be rented. You charged me knowing that you were sold out😡😡😡😡😡Avis
6.1
Okay
525 reviewsCheapest deal
Most popular
11 locations in San Diego
from $83/day
Locations in San Diego
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2.0 Poor
Sep 2022
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
The staff was friendlyCons:
I’m a US born citizen, living overseas (military), and needed to use my military USAREUR license as well as my international drivers license as my US was stolen (stolen wallet). I called ahead of time to ensure I would be able to make a reservation and was told by customer service that I would. I booked my rental via prepay. When I arrived to the rental office, however, I was told that because I used my international license that I would have to do a second deposit of $250 but it would have to be via credit card. I was not told this beforehand, so I didn’t bring a credit card with me. The agent told me I could call the customer service hotline and get a refund do to the situation. However, I called and was told “well our policy is you need an additional credit card, so you will not be refunded, is there anything else I can do for you”. Now, I’m out $171 because of missing information and being told I could get my money back when apparently I can’t.8.0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
Staff was great and everything was super easyCons:
The car smelled of marijuana and smoke and floor mats were ripped, could have been cleaner2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Cons:
I have reserved with Avis three times now and theee times they have no car available when I got there. The third time I had called to confirm they were not out of cars. They said as long g as I arrive by 1pm I would get a car. I was there at 11:30. No cars available. I will never ever use Avis Budget again.2.0 Poor
Mar 2021
Pros:
There was NOTHING to like, horrible experience with Avis. Avis (Suzanne, the location manager: San Diego, CA Miramar Rd Location, (858) 271-0018) rented out all of their cars and told me they would not be able accommodate my reservation I made and secured with a credit card days before arriving, ultimately leaving my family of four stuck without a car. I then called Avis' main number, talked to Maggie, they were not able to offer assistance to find a replacement car either and basically told me tough luck. To add to the frustration, a day later they charged my credit card a $50 "No Show" fee for not picking up the car I reserved that they didn't have. From talking to others at the hotel it sounds like they do this often. Live and learn for me, no more Avis car rentals.Cons:
Obviously Avis should have managed the situation better. (1) have a car for the reservation, (2) make arrangements for when Avis over-rents and fails to provide a car for a reservation, (3) not charge a $50 to a family that didn't get a car in the first place.6.0 Okay
Mar 2021
Pros:
The pick up and drop off was pretty easy.Cons:
Old food left from previous renter. This shows how they didn't clean the car beforehand. Also, the previous renter left their paperwork with all of their information in the glove compartment. I shouldn't be able to know the details of the previous renter. Again, shows how they didn't clean or look through the car.Budget
6.1
Okay
320 reviews11 locations in San Diego
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2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2022
2.0 Poor
Sep 2022
2.0 Poor
Sep 2022
2.0 Poor
Sep 2022
2.0 Poor
Sep 2022
MEXRENTACAR
6.1
Okay
295 reviews4 locations in San Diego
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1.9 Poor
Jun 2021
2.0 Poor
Jun 2021
Pros:
New carCons:
This location is not near the airport and you have to take two shuttles which was never mentioned. Also they charged me $80 extra when i went to pick up my car saying I have to pay those fees if not dont get my rental. It felt i was held hostage as had no choice2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Car was clean.Cons:
Office doesn’t answer phone. Ever. Hours on their voicemail aren’t those kept by office. No overnight drop box. Not at airport. They don’t return calls. Waiver for liability is a scam. I will never rent from them again.4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
CheapCons:
Pick was awful.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Nothing because they said or we scheduled to pick up the car at 6:00 PM and it was confirmed. We received emails for 6:00 PM pickup. When we went for pickup they were closed and there was already a customer waiting who said he had have a really hard time getting a car there. The gates were closed, no car for us. The response was “guy leaves 6:00 pm on the dot” Really? Worst place to book from. Never book your car here unless you want to take the risk of not having a car to drive when you get there.Cons:
Everything - I don’t think this car rental should be permitted to operate if they don’t have the will to serve their customers with right information and service.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
Nothing at allCons:
this rental company should clearly indicate international customer have no option but they have to paid the liability insurance and it cost 16/day so customer don't get frustrate and choose the other rental car that does not mandatory on this. also they should need to mention that they don't care about the customer so they don't answer the phone no matter what and you need to find yourself to get to the rental car company. for customer, i will say look at the review before book this company and if they are lazy or stupid enough like me then they will learn the lesson hard way.Ace
6.1
Okay
167 reviews3 locations in San Diego
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2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
Never picked me up4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
It was a fairly simple process.Cons:
I called the day before we picked up our rental and the quoted price was $146. When we arrived, they told us our car rental was going to cost closer to $400. I was displeased but we needed a car as we were on vacation. So if you are considering utilizing ACE, beware that the quoted price is way below what you will actually pay.2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Cons:
Wasn't even able to rent the vehicle due to me living in san diego and wanting to rent it to go to las vegas and back couldn't take it out of state, but if I wasn't from here I was told i could rent the car and take it wherever I wanted. Won't be renting from them! You want a great rental car place go with Enterprise, have nothing but rave reviews for them and was able to rent within ours of being told no from Ace!2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Absolutely nothing I’m very unhappy with this rentalCons:
When I arrived to pick up my vehicle there was one employee working the desk, with quite a long line to even talk to a worker. Once I got inside the employee asked for my ID and credit card. I was then told the car I requested had not been available for about a year. He then tried to offer me a SUV priced at $412 compared to the $249 I was quoted. I had to leave the building to consult with my party only to have to wait about another 20 mins outside . Once I get to the counter for the second time the clerk then informed me of the under 25 clause and then it was going to be another $114 on top of the $412. I believe this to be highly unprofessional and requested a refund for the insurance. The employee said he could do that. I then called Priceline who I did my insurance through and was laughed at and hung up on. I called back and was told that I could expect a refund in 3-7 business days for the $88 I paid for for the insurance due to the car not being available. It’s been 7 days however and I still have not received the $88. This rental was felt with extremely unprofessionally. I’m highly disappointed.2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Pros:
Not much. Staff was extremely slow, and they had an extra $17 per day hidden fee.2.0 Poor
Apr 2021
Cons:
They actually advertise that their cars must not leave San Diego County. And, the rep could have cared less that she left me hanging with no rental to get my group to Las Vegas.Dollar
6.1
Okay
505 reviews2 locations in San Diego
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2.0 Poor
Jun 2021
Cons:
I took over 70 minutes waiting in line to pick up the car. Ridiculous. Never again.2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
A hertz employee ended up helping us because the line was so longCons:
Horrible experience. Will never rent from dollar again.8.0 Very Good
Apr 2021
Pros:
Car was comfortable, clean and drove easily - lousy mileage, but we got the sense that Californians dont care much, given the number of gas guzzlers we saw on the road at over $4.00/gal in most service stations - mixed in with Tesla's and Prius's. Odd contrast.Cons:
All good with exception of Drop-Off. Unclear directions in the final stretch of the exercise (needed to turn up a lane in the garage that was hidden behind other cars). No staff present and when a fellow eventually showed up, he did not check the car, just told us to leave the keys in the car and all else would be dealt with - whatever that means - if there is any disagreement on gas (we filled up), damage (there was none), etc., how would one verify it after the fact?4.0 Mediocre
Apr 2021
Pros:
The staff was helpful and friendly.Cons:
I reserved a Nissan Pathfinder only to show up and get a Kia Sorrento. 6 people with luggage will not fit in a Kia. We had to pay a lot extra to get a Ford Expedition because they didn't have a Nissan or any SUV similar. The guy was really nice and gave us a discount for having to upgrade. I don't appreciate paying for one vehicle on this site only to show up having to pay hundreds more for a vehicle that will actually work. I will never book through here again.10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Cons:
It was perfect4.0 Mediocre
Mar 2021
Cons:
Hard to find the car rental. Another family was lost at the airport rental site. The car had been smoked in.Sixt
6.1
Okay
283 reviews2 locations in San Diego
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10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
Sep 2022
6.0 Okay
Aug 2022
Thrifty
6.1
Okay
466 reviews2 locations in San Diego
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4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
The staff was helpful and courteous, but the process was too long.Cons:
More staff, better communication4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
The vehicle was excellent. Brand new. Returning the car was very fast with not problems.Cons:
Have more notifications to take a CREDIT CARD. Small print on some customer agreement page is worthless. This was even more critical in San Diego, "Sorry, sir, We're so close to the border." If you wanted to use a debit card you need to have a flight... if not ... sorry too bad. I had to drive back and forth to get my credit card (my fault for not having it). When I was standing in line I saw about 12/18 people have an issue with CREDIT CARD / Debit Card. Update your policies modernize to use other payment methods. The people at the counter had no solutions for me and pointed me to curb to get an UBER. I cant imagine being out of town and being told that.4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
Dealt with one Staff member in pick up, she was very helpfulCons:
Car “clean sticker” was broken. Found trash and a hair in the seat when we opened it. LOTS of damage to the car, dents, tears in the seat that Took us about 30 minutes to document, so that was a time constraint I wasn’t expecting. We rented a convertible on the top could not function on our way out and so we had to go back, it took for employees to figure out why it wouldn’t work. We laying our trip another 45 minutes. It took us almost 2 hours to rent a car not because of the checkout people but because of the vehicle itself being poorly maintained.4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Cons:
Time to stand in line for pickup was an hour. Unacceptable, care smelled like cigarettes8.0 Very Good
Apr 2021
Pros:
The staff was helpful great customer service. Drop off was easy.Cons:
They could have cleaned the inside of the car, made sure there was no left overs from the previous drivers.4.0 Mediocre
Apr 2021
Cons:
Car was poorly maintained...too many hidden costsAlamo
6.1
Okay
570 reviewsOne location in San Diego
from $120/day
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10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
I was able to pick up the car the night before and saved money10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2020
Pros:
Great service, fast easy courteous. employees seemed happy. rental car employees not usually that way.10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
The staff were great. They showed us how to work some of the new features on the car. The car was in excellent condition; it was brand new!Cons:
Nothing9.6 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
Alamo was great. But it was my second choice, after my first choice -- some no name rental agency called Mex, selected initially via Kayak, which routed me through Rentcars.com -- was a friggin disaster. I landed at 6 pm, the time of my reservation, only to discover that the rental office was already closed. There was no one to help me, no number to call, no customer service from anyone in that chain, including Kayak. It was a friday evening at 6. I tried 4 other rental agencies; they were either out of cars or were asking insane amounts of $$ for them. I had to get a ride from the airport, and come back the next morning to rent from Alamo. (Which was great.)Cons:
Alamo was great. Avoid Mex Rent a Car and Rentcars.com at all costs. No one picks up the phone at Mex and you can't leave a voicemail. The number for Rentcars doesn't work, and the email responses are all in Portuguese. I'm not kidding. Why Kayak continues to use these vendors is a mystery to me. Makes me reconsider my choice in travel apps.7.6 Good
Oct 2020
Pros:
Staff was helpful in securing a gas discount for me when the car I reserved wasn’t available.Cons:
Don’t oversell cars! If I book a pickup, giving me a dodge caravan minivan because you oversold pickup trucks isn’t providing excellent service.5.6 Fair
Sep 2020
Pros:
Drop off was greatCons:
Have the selected class or better available. I don’t consider an infinity to be the same class as an EscaladeFox
6.1
Okay
484 reviewsOne location in San Diego