Car rental at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car hire at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport (CLD)

Small car
Small
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Medium car
Medium
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Large car
Large
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Luxury car
Luxury
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Van car
Van
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SUV car
SUV
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Commercial car
Commercial
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Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
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Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport?

You should book your rental car in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport around 3 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular rental car in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport?

Hires in the Small category (Kia Soul or similar) are the most popular option in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport, costing $102/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $53/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport?

The cheapest month to hire a car in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport is April at an average cost of $73/day. August is the most expensive month to hire a car in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport when prices are $89/day on average, which tends to be 8% above the yearly average hire price for San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport.

Which car hire company in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport has the most locations?

Avis, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Hertz each operate 2 locations in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport, more than any other car hire company.

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San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport car rental price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right rental car in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

$65 - $130

All Car Types

$95 - $138

How much does it cost to hire a small car in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport?

How much does it cost to hire a van in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport?

Small car hire in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport typically costs around $92 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $65 per day, which is about 30% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 23% cheaper than the average car hire in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport typically costs around $89 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $59 per day, which is about 34% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 25% cheaper than the average car hire in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport typically costs around $149 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $73 per day, which is about 52% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 21% more expensive than the average car hire in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport but offer more comfort for longer trips.

SUV hire in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport typically costs around $127 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average $89 per day, which is about 30% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 8% more expensive than the average car hire in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport typically costs around $148 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average $42 per day, which is about 72% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 21% more expensive than the average car hire in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Good to know

Most popular car type

Small

Top tips for hiring a car at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar airport

  • Car rentals at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport (CLD) make it possible for travelers to access some areas that are inaccessible by public means. For instance, if you are a hiking enthusiast, Hidden Valley Trail Palomar Airport Road Trailhead is one of the places you may consider visiting with your rented car from CLD and have an exciting hiking experience. Apart from being able to access areas that are inaccessible using public means, the cost of renting a car is lower than the cumulative cost of using taxis.
  • Hiring a car at CLD is simple as most car hire agencies allow booking through their online portal. When you reserve your car in advance via KAYAK, all that you need to do is to present your documents at the car rentals desk and collect the keys to your vehicle. All the San Diego car rentals, including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise, have on-site counters.
  • Returning your rentals car at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport is easier, with most of the car rentals at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar here having flexible return policies. For example, Enterprise and Budget allow drivers to return their cars outside working hours. In such cases, drivers simply park the car, lock its doors, and leave the keys in the agency’s drop box. However, the companies’ usual drop-off hours usually run from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
  • You will experience considerable difficulties if you are to pick up or drop off your car at CLD on a weekend or public holiday like Labor Day, marked on September 5. On such days, the airport records a significant rise in the number of people arriving or leaving. This high number reflects at the various car rentals counters. Consequently, you are likely to take longer before getting the keys to your car.
  • Book your car hire at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price

FAQs about renting a car at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar airport

  • What do you require to rent a car at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport?

    You have to be 21 years and above for you to be able to rent a car from any of the car rentals at CLB. While at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport car rentals counter, you have to present two documents. The first document is a valid driver’s license, which has to be valid for the entire rentals period. The second document is a credit card or debit card, which should bear the name of the renter.

  • Where are the car rentals companies at CLD located?

    CLD car rentals is located at 2198 Palomar Airport Rd, which is a short drive from the airport’s terminals. Budget, Avis, Enterprise, and all the major car rentals at the airport avail courtesy shuttles to ferry travelers from the airport to the respective car rental pick-up locations. The courtesy shuttles are located adjacent to the baggage claim area, making it easier for travelers to access them once they have obtained their luggage. The shuttle takes about 10 minutes to arrive at the car rentals facility from the airport. Additionally, if you book Budget or Enterprise at CLD, you will have the privilege of getting a car model of your choice, subject to availability.

  • What amenities are offered at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport rentals car center?

    Special amenities for drivers with reduced mobility, winter car services, and child seats are some of the things you can enjoy at the rentals car center at CLD. Drivers with reduced mobility can access adaptive driving devices such as hand controls and pedal extenders at no extra cost. If you are renting your car during winter, you will have your car fixed with winter tires by the company’s mechanics free of charge. Lastly, all the car rentals at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport can include child seats, infant seats, and booster seats for those who are driving with their kids. These, however, attract a daily fee.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar airport?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar airport to off-airport locations include Avis, Budget, and Hertz.

San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport car rental reviews and directory

 

Hertz

5.5

Fair

Cleanliness

6.5

Comfort

6.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.6

Value for money

5.8

2 locations in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

Locations in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

2100 Palomar Airport Rd

+1 760 930 0123

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 16:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00
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6030 Avenida Encinas, Ste E

+1 760 579 0072

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
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No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.4

Good

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.3

Value for money

7.1

2 locations in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

Locations in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

5245 Car Country Dr

+1 760 931 1111

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday
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6050 Avenida Encinas

+1 760 918 0883

Opening times not available

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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Brian, Mar 2024

Premium SUV

KAYAK
Great car. Fast efficient friendly service both pick up and drop off.

1 out of 1

Budget

7.5

Good
Best rated

Cleanliness

7.7

Comfort

7.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.5

Value for money

7.7

One location in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

Locations in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

2198 Palomar Airport Road

+1 760 931 2469

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 14:00
Sunday09:00 - 14:00
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Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Todd, Apr 2026

Intermediate

KAYAK
Streamlined/ efficient service. Couldn’t be happier. I will definitely be using them again!

10.0 Wonderful

Matthew, Mar 2026

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
Excellent service from Cindy! I will be renting here again.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2026

Intermediate

KAYAK
Loved that we got an upgrade because what we requested was not available so that’s always a perk. Drop off at the airport was super easy.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2022

KAYAK
We reserved the car with kayak and the company didn’t have cars available. I think kayak could’ve done a better job in this transaction. Kayak allowed us to make a reservation with the car company without cars available. Very poor communication and costumer service. The car company was nice to make a phone call to us to tell us they didn’t have cars at their location and couldn’t understand why kayak would allow this.

1 out of 3

Avis

4.6

Mediocre

Cleanliness

6.4

Comfort

6.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.2

Value for money

5.3

2 locations in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

Locations in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

1859 West Vista Way

+1 760 945 4527

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00
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2198 Palomar Airport Road

+1 760 931 1393

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 14:00
Sunday09:00 - 14:00
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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2025

Intermediate

KAYAK
Drop off in Butte Montana Avis office was horrible. Staff was rude and unprofessional.

1 out of 3

Easirent

4.5

Mediocre

Cleanliness

5.2

Comfort

5.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

4.5

Value for money

5.1

One location in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

Locations in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

McClellan–Palomar Airport

Opening times not available

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No reviews available

EZ Van

No score available yet

One location in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

Locations in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

6511 Avenida Encinas

+1 866 735 8267

Opening times not available

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No reviews available

Zeeba Rent-A-Van

No score available yet

One location in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

Locations in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport

4901 El Camino Real Carlsbad, Ca ,charleston,sc,us

+1 800 761 8913

Opening times not available

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No reviews available

545 travellers who rented a car in San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.8

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