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Car rental in La Mesa - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

Pick-up location

Pick-up date

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4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

Excellent

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in La Mesa

La Mesa

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

La Mesa

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

La Mesa

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

La Mesa

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

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.

Why Rent a Car in La Mesa?

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.

Rental Terms and Conditions in La Mesa

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.

Car Rental Prices in La Mesa – How Much Does It Cost?

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

Seasonal Trends

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.

How to Book a Car in La Mesa?

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.

General Information About La Mesa

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.

Key Transportation Hubs in La Mesa

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.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in La Mesa?

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

Our Content Quality

This content was written

This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

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.

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Our Customer Reviews

Our clients rate such place as La Mesa as

4.7

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

MJ

Mike Jones

Reviewed: 05.11.2024

La Mesa was great! Easy to get around with my rental, and catching up with friends was perfect.

SC

Sarah Chen

Reviewed: 10.12.2024

Wonderful spontaneous weekend! La Mesa was charming, easy to explore with my car. Highly recommend!

EG

Emily Garcia

Reviewed: 24.04.2025

Such a fun, last-minute trip! Getting around La Mesa was a breeze, and I saw so much.

JD

Jessica Davis

Reviewed: 06.05.2025

Family vacation in La Mesa was fantastic! Having a car made exploring so easy and convenient. Highly recommend!

AM

Ava Miller

Reviewed: 09.06.2025

Exploring La Mesa was effortless; having a car made everything so convenient and fun!

OR

Olivia Rodriguez

Reviewed: 01.12.2024

Pretty relaxed, overall

CW

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.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 21.01.2025

Low-key enjoyable

BL

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.

KB

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.

KP

Kevin Peterson

Reviewed: 09.07.2025

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