Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
La Mesa
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
La Mesa
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
La Mesa
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
La Mesa
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.
La Mesa offers attractions spread across the region. Renting a car offers the freedom to explore these sites and enjoy the local scenery. Public transportation is available, but a car will make your travels more efficient and enjoyable.
Explore Local Attractions Easily. A rental car lets you visit popular spots without relying on public transport schedules. You can go directly to your destination without delays.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling with family or luggage is easier with a car. You can store your belongings safely and travel comfortably.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families, renting a car can be cheaper than buying multiple public transport tickets or using ride-sharing services.
Travel at Your Own Pace. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own speed. Stop at interesting spots along the way and create your own itinerary.
Before booking a rental car in La Mesa, understand the rental terms. Ensure you meet the minimum age, have a valid licence, and understand the insurance and deposit policies.
Area
9.1 square miles (24 square kilometres)
Population
Approximately 60,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (GMT-8)
Ideal for
Exploring the surrounding area
Rush Hours
Expect traffic delays 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in La Mesa require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Younger drivers may face additional fees.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsRentals typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually required via a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary, but returning the car with a full tank is common.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, or late returns. Add-ons like GPS or child seats may also incur fees.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): 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.
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on 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 longer trips.
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.
La Mesa is a vibrant city known for its community and local attractions. Exploring the area by car allows you to visit various sites and enjoy the scenic routes easily.
La Mesa offers a range of activities, from outdoor adventures to local shopping and dining. Having a car can enhance your experience by providing the flexibility to explore beyond the city centre. Understanding local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access is important for a smooth visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Lake Murray
A beautiful lake for fishing, boating, and hiking.
Mount Helix Park
Offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Downtown La Mesa Village
A charming area with shops, restaurants, and local events.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Check for public parking garages in the downtown area for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display bays are available but often time-limited, especially in popular areas.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride options if available, to access central La Mesa via public transport.
Gas Stations in La Mesa
Major Brands Available
Look for Chevron, Shell, and other major fuel brands in La Mesa.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting La Mesa
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (07:00–09:00 / 16:00–18:00) when roads are often congested.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the downtown area.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise navigation apps for real-time traffic updates and directions.
Bus Stations
La Mesa Transit Center
Serves as a hub for multiple bus routes connecting La Mesa to the wider San Diego area.
Railway Stations
La Mesa Boulevard Station
Serviced by the Orange Line of the San Diego Trolley, offering access to downtown San Diego and beyond.
Airports
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Located approximately 15 miles from La Mesa, serving numerous domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in the United States is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from the United States, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for up to 12 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 La Mesa 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.
La Mesa was great! Easy to get around with my rental, and catching up with friends was perfect.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 10.12.2024
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! La Mesa was charming, easy to explore with my car. Highly recommend!
Emily Garcia
Reviewed: 24.04.2025
Such a fun, last-minute trip! Getting around La Mesa was a breeze, and I saw so much.
Jessica Davis
Reviewed: 06.05.2025
Family vacation in La Mesa was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so easy and convenient. Highly recommend!
Ava Miller
Reviewed: 09.06.2025
Exploring La Mesa was effortless; having a car made everything so convenient and fun!
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 01.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall
Chloe Wilson
Reviewed: 02.06.2025
Renting a car in La Mesa was a lifesaver. It made getting around so much easier, although the local coffee shop was a bit underwhelming.
David Lee
Reviewed: 21.01.2025
Low-key enjoyable
Brian Lee
Reviewed: 12.06.2025
La Mesa was a delightful surprise! Getting around was easy, and I loved exploring the area at my own pace.
Katherine Brown
Reviewed: 05.04.2025
Quick business trip to La Mesa, and it was surprisingly enjoyable! Having a car made getting around so efficient. I'd definitely go back.
Kevin Peterson
Reviewed: 09.07.2025
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Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 05.11.2024