Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
San Salvador
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
San Salvador
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
San Salvador
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
San Salvador
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, offers a blend of urban attractions and natural beauty. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions like the Boquerón Volcano, Lake Ilopango, and the beaches along the Pacific coast.
Convenience and Comfort. A rental car provides convenience, especially when travelling with family or carrying luggage. You can avoid the hassle of public transport and travel comfortably.
Time-Saving. Renting a car saves time by allowing you to travel directly to your destinations without waiting for buses or taxis. This is particularly useful for business travellers with tight schedules.
Before renting a car in San Salvador, be aware of the following terms and conditions, including minimum age requirements, licence regulations, insurance policies, and potential additional fees.
Area
Approximately 72.25 square kilometres (27.9 square miles)
Population
Approximately 542,000 residents
Time Zone
Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6
Ideal for
Exploring the city and nearby regions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during peak hours, from 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in San Salvador is typically 21 or 25, depending on the rental company. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-Spanish speakers.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is required and will be refunded upon the car's return, provided there is no damage.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others restricting it. Fuel policies also differ, so check whether you need to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, airport pick-up, and optional extras like GPS navigation or child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
Automatic:
from £18 / $23 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (December to April): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to November): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a rental car in San Salvador involves comparing prices, choosing a suitable vehicle, reviewing rental terms, booking early, and collecting the car with the required documents.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals for your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring rougher terrain.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
San Salvador, a vibrant capital city, provides a blend of cultural and natural attractions. Renting a car makes exploring easier, but familiarity with traffic regulations and parking is crucial.
San Salvador is the bustling capital of El Salvador, known for its historical sites, vibrant markets, and access to stunning natural landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car offers the flexibility to explore beyond the city limits, including volcanoes, beaches, and coffee plantations. Driving in San Salvador can be challenging due to traffic and narrow streets, so it’s essential to be aware of local traffic laws, fuel station locations, and parking options to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Metropolitan Cathedral
The city's main cathedral, located in the heart of downtown.
National Palace
A historical building that once housed government offices.
Boquerón Volcano
A stunning volcanic crater offering panoramic views.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in shopping centres and commercial areas.
On-Street Parking
Limited metered parking spaces are available in the city centre.
Hotel Parking
Many hotels offer free parking for guests.
Gas Stations in San Salvador
Texaco
Commonly found throughout the city.
Puma
Another major fuel brand.
Uno
Offers various grades of gasoline and diesel.
Useful Tips for Visiting San Salvador
Plan for Traffic Delays
Expect heavy traffic during rush hours.
Drive Defensively
Be aware of other drivers and pedestrians.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight
To prevent theft, keep valuables hidden or in a secure location.
Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
Knowing some Spanish can be helpful for navigating the city.
Major Bus Stations
Terminal de Occidente
Serves routes to western El Salvador.
Terminal del Oriente
Connects to eastern parts of the country.
Airports
Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL)
The main international airport serving San Salvador.
To rent a car in San Salvador, you’ll need a valid driver’s licence, meet the minimum age requirement, have a credit or debit card, and provide proof of identity.
A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-Spanish speakers.
The minimum age to rent a car is typically 21 or 25, depending on the rental company.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as San Salvador as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, tbh
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 12.04.2025
San Salvador was amazing! Having a car made exploring so much easier, especially meeting up with friends. We saw so much in a short time.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 23.05.2025
Summer in San Salvador was incredible! Having a car made it so convenient to explore everything at our own pace. The beaches were stunning.
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 22.02.2025
San Salvador exceeded expectations! Getting around with a car was a breeze, allowing me to easily connect with friends and explore the city's vibrant culture. Highly recommend!
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 24.06.2025
Short trip, long on fun! Getting around with a car was super convenient, especially seeing friends.
Evelyn Hernandez
Reviewed: 27.08.2024
Sun-drenched beaches and easy driving made my San Salvador trip perfect. So relaxing!
Brian Wilson
Reviewed: 16.09.2024
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Exploring San Salvador with a rental car was fantastic! So easy to get around and discover hidden gems. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 15.02.2025