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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in San Diego
San Diego
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
San Diego
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
San Diego
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
San Diego
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.
Why Rent a Car in San Diego?
San Diego offers a diverse range of attractions, from its beautiful beaches to its vibrant downtown area. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to explore everything this Southern California gem has to offer.
Explore Beyond Downtown. Many of San Diego's highlights, such as Balboa Park, La Jolla, and the Safari Park, are easily accessible with a rental car.
Beach Hopping Made Easy. San Diego boasts numerous stunning beaches. A car allows you to easily hop from Coronado to Pacific Beach, enjoying the sun and surf at your own pace.
Day Trips to Nearby Attractions. With a rental car, you can take day trips to attractions like Temecula wine country or the historic town of Julian.
Rental Terms and Conditions in San Diego
Before booking a rental car in San Diego, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions. This includes age requirements, licensing, insurance, and other important details.
Area
372.4 square miles
Population
Approximately 1.4 million residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring beaches and attractions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in San Diego require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability insurance (SLI) are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; unlimited mileage is often available. Fuel policies also vary—some require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like additional drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, and airport surcharges.
Car Rental Prices in San Diego – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £37 / $47 / €44
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24
Classic:
from £10 / $13 / €12
Executive:
from £28 / $35 / €33
7 Seater:
from £32 / $40 / €38
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €24
SUV:
from £11 / $14 / €13
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes 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 San Diego?
Booking a rental car in San Diego is easy if you follow these steps. By comparing prices, choosing the right car, and understanding the rental terms, you can ensure a smooth and affordable experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and features.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and other conditions.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Have your driver's license, credit card, and any other required documents ready when you pick up your rental.
General Information About San Diego
San Diego is a vibrant city known for its beautiful weather, stunning beaches, and numerous attractions. Navigating the city by car is a popular option for tourists, offering flexibility and convenience.
San Diego is a city located on the Pacific coast of California, known for its beautiful beaches, parks, and warm climate. It is a major centre for healthcare, biotechnology, research, and manufacturing. As a popular tourist destination, San Diego offers a diverse range of activities and attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car can enhance your ability to explore the greater San Diego area, including its many beaches and nearby attractions.
Top Attractions to Discover
Balboa Park
Home to numerous museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo.
Gaslamp Quarter
A historic neighbourhood with Victorian architecture, shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
La Jolla
Known for its beaches, coves, and sea caves.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Downtown San Diego has numerous parking garages offering hourly and daily rates.
On-Street Parking
Metered street parking is available in many areas, but can be limited.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities and public transportation to access downtown areas.
Gas Stations in San Diego
Major Brands Available
You can find major fuel brands like Chevron, Shell, and Arco throughout the city.
Plan Ahead
Fuel stations are readily available, but it's a good idea to fill up before heading to more remote areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting San Diego
Use Contactless Payment
Most businesses in San Diego accept contactless payments.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in tourist areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Traffic can be heavy during rush hours, especially on major freeways.
Check for Special Events
Check for local events that may impact traffic and parking.
Key Transportation Hubs in San Diego
Railway Stations
Santa Fe Depot
Serves Amtrak and Coaster trains.
Airports
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
The primary airport serving the San Diego area.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in San Diego?
Renting a car in San Diego requires a few essential items to ensure a smooth process. Here’s what you typically need
A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card is necessary for the security deposit and rental payment.
A passport or government-issued ID may be required, especially for international renters.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as San Diego 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.
Soaking up the San Diego sun was pure bliss! Cruising the coast was incredibly convenient.
David Lee
Reviewed: 29.05.2025
Absolutely loved San Diego! First time visiting, and exploring with a car was perfect. Gorgeous beaches and charming neighborhoods – a fantastic trip!
Jessica Clark
Reviewed: 09.02.2025
Pretty chill, overall.
Kevin Garcia
Reviewed: 26.09.2024
Pretty laid-back vibe.
Ashley Brown
Reviewed: 14.05.2025
San Diego was a breeze! Getting around with a rental car was so helpful for my quick business trip. Beautiful city.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 04.03.2025
San Diego was efficient! My business trip ran smoothly, exploring easily with a car.
Brian Wilson
Reviewed: 19.04.2025
I'd heard great things about San Diego, and they were all true! Exploring with a car was perfect; Balboa Park and the beaches were highlights.
Christopher Evans
Reviewed: 05.10.2024
San Diego sunshine and catching up with friends was perfect! Exploring by car was so convenient.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 09.05.2025
Beautiful beaches, perfect weather; exploring was a dream!
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 29.03.2025
San Diego was amazing! Having a car made exploring the coast so easy. Relaxing beach days and stunning scenery – perfect getaway!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 06.01.2025