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Car rental in Poway - Search, Compare, and Save

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No Hidden Fees

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4.67/5

Based on 1,300+ reviews

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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Poway

Poway

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Poway

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Poway

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Poway

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 Poway?

Poway, California, known as the “City in the Country,” offers a unique blend of rural charm and urban amenities. While Poway has local transportation options, renting a car provides the most convenient way to explore this diverse region and its surroundings.

Explore Natural Attractions. Poway is home to numerous parks, trails, and natural landmarks, like Lake Poway and Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. A rental car allows you to easily access these outdoor destinations and enjoy hiking, fishing, and scenic views.

Visit Nearby Attractions. With a rental car, you can easily visit attractions in nearby San Diego, such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace and make the most of your trip.

Convenience for Families. If you're travelling with family, especially with kids and lots of gear, a rental car makes getting around Poway and its surrounding areas much easier. You won't have to rely on public transport or rideshares, providing a more comfortable and stress-free experience.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Poway

Before booking a rental car in Poway, it's crucial to understand the terms and conditions. These include age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other policies that could affect your rental experience.

Area

40 square miles (104 square kilometres)

Population

Approximately 50,000 residents

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST)

Ideal for

Exploring local attractions and day trips

Rush Hours

Expect heavier traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Poway require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, some may charge additional fees for drivers under 25.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required for all rentals. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.

3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) are available. A security deposit is usually held on the renter’s credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals come with unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies vary; many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Poway – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £35 / $44 / €42

Electric:

from £17 / $21 / €20

Classic:

from £9 / $11 / €10

Executive:

from £26 / $33 / €31

7 Seater:

from £29 / $37 / €35

Automatic:

from £17 / $21 / €20

SUV:

from £9 / $12 / €11

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): 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 Poway?

Follow these steps to book a car in Poway, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.

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 outdoor adventures.

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 license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.

General Information About Poway

Poway, California, offers a blend of suburban and rural environments. Knowing local traffic rules, parking, and fuel access is key, especially when renting a car.

Poway, located in San Diego County, is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor recreational opportunities. It provides an escape from the urban hustle while remaining close to San Diego's amenities. Although Poway is more suburban than metropolitan, renting a car is a practical choice for getting around. Driving in Poway is generally easy, but understanding traffic laws and parking regulations ensures a smooth experience.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Lake Poway

    A beautiful lake offering fishing, boating, and hiking trails.

  • Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

    A nature reserve with diverse wildlife and hiking paths.

  • Old Poway Park

    A historic park featuring a railroad museum and heritage events.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    Limited public garages are available, mostly in commercial areas.

  • On-Street Parking

    On-street parking is generally available and free, but be aware of time limits in certain areas.

  • Park & Ride

    Limited park-and-ride options exist; check local transit websites for locations.

Gas Stations in Poway

  • Availability

    Gas stations are readily available throughout Poway.

  • Major Brands

    Look for Chevron, Shell, and other major brands.

  • Navigation Apps

    Use Google Maps or similar apps to locate nearby gas stations.

Useful Tips for Visiting Poway

  • Watch for Speed Limits

    Adhere to posted speed limits, especially in residential areas and near schools.

  • Plan for Traffic

    Avoid peak traffic hours if possible.

  • Carry Cash

    Some smaller establishments may prefer cash payments.

  • Respect Wildlife

    When hiking, be respectful of local wildlife and stay on marked trails.

Key Transportation Hubs in Poway

Major Bus Stations

Poway Transit Center

A central hub for local bus routes.

Railway Stations

Coaster Stations (nearby)

The Coaster commuter rail provides service to downtown San Diego from stations in nearby communities like Sorrento Valley.

Airports

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Located approximately 25 miles (40 kilometres) from Poway, it is the closest major airport.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Poway?

Renting a car in Poway 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 license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license 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 Poway as

4.2

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.

Poway was even better than I remembered! So easy getting around with a rental car, and the scenery was breathtaking. Glad I came back after all these years!

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 02.06.2025

Poway was fantastic for our family vacation! Having a car made exploring so convenient and enjoyable.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 24.01.2025

Pretty chill vibe

EC

Emily Carter

Reviewed: 31.12.2024

Exploring Poway was a breeze with a rental; the Old Poway Park was lovely, though the gift shop was a bit underwhelming.

JG

Jessica Garcia

Reviewed: 10.05.2025

I'd heard great things about Poway, and they were right! Having a car made it easy to get around and explore everything. So much to see!

AJ

Amelia Jones

Reviewed: 15.04.2025

Poway was pleasant; catching up with friends was great. The local coffee shop selection felt a bit limited.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 06.12.2024

Poway was relaxing; beaches nearby were great, but the food scene felt limited.

KB

Kevin Brown

Reviewed: 21.11.2024

Loved exploring Poway! So convenient having a car, and the views were stunning.

AW

Ashley Wilson

Reviewed: 16.10.2024

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