Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
San Juan Capistrano
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
San Juan Capistrano
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
San Juan Capistrano
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
San Juan Capistrano
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 Juan Capistrano is a beautiful city known for its historic mission and charming surroundings. While walking and local transport are options, renting a car offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.
Explore the Mission San Juan Capistrano. A car provides easy access to this landmark and its surroundings, allowing you to soak in the rich history and culture.
Discover the Beaches. San Juan Capistrano is close to stunning beaches like Doheny State Beach and Capistrano Beach, ideal for a day of sun, sand, and surf. A rental car makes beach trips hassle-free.
Venture to Nearby Towns. With a car, you can easily visit neighbouring towns like Dana Point and Laguna Beach, known for their unique attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Before renting a car in San Juan Capistrano, be aware of age requirements, licence stipulations, insurance options, deposit policies, mileage limits, and potential extra fees.
Area
14.3 square miles
Population
Approximately 36,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring Southern California
Rush Hours
Expect increased traffic during morning and evening commutes on weekdays.
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional young driver fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is essential. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability protection (SLI) are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; unlimited mileage is common but not guaranteed. Fuel policies often require you to return the car with the same fuel level as when you picked it up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for optional extras like GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers.
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 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (June to August): Demand surges, with prices increasing by 20-30%.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are frequently available.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a rental car in San Juan Capistrano, compare rates, select a vehicle, scrutinise the rental conditions, book ahead of time, and collect your car with all necessary documentation.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison tools to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a car that fits your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Read the fine print to understand mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserving early often leads to better rates and vehicle availability, particularly during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Present your driver's licence, credit card, and identification at the rental counter to collect your vehicle.
San Juan Capistrano blends history, culture, and outdoor beauty. Exploring the city and its surroundings by car requires awareness of local traffic norms, parking options, and fuel availability.
San Juan Capistrano is a city celebrated for its rich history and scenic beauty, offering a unique blend of cultural landmarks and natural attractions. Renting a car is highly recommended to explore beyond the immediate city centre and fully appreciate the region's offerings.
Top Attractions to Discover
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Explore the historic mission, known as the 'Jewel of the California Missions'.
Los Rios Historic District
Wander through California's oldest residential neighbourhood.
Zoomars at River Street Ranch
A petting zoo and interactive farm, perfect for families.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilise city-operated parking structures for convenient and secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on certain streets, but time limits and rates vary.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the central areas and using ride-sharing services or public transport to reach your final destination.
Gas Stations in San Juan Capistrano
Major Brands Available
Find familiar gas stations such as Chevron, Shell, and ARCO along main roads.
Plan Ahead
Gas stations are readily accessible, but be mindful of locations if venturing into more remote areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Navigation apps can help locate nearby gas stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting San Juan Capistrano
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of commute times and potential delays, especially during weekdays.
Respect Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits to ensure safety and avoid traffic citations.
Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially if exploring outdoor attractions during warmer months.
Check Event Schedules
Be aware of local events that may impact traffic and parking.
Train Stations
San Juan Capistrano Station
Serves as a stop for Amtrak and Metrolink trains, connecting the city to regional destinations.
Airports
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Located approximately 20 miles northwest of San Juan Capistrano, serving domestic flights.
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Located approximately 50 miles north of San Juan Capistrano, offering domestic flights.
To rent a car in San Juan Capistrano, you’ll need a valid driver's licence, meet the minimum age requirement, possess a credit or debit card, and provide proof of identity.
A current, valid driver's licence 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 drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit and rental fees.
A passport or other form of government-issued identification may be requested.
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 Juan Capistrano 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.
First trip to San Juan Capistrano, and I loved it! Exploring was easy with my car, so much to see.
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 28.10.2024
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 24.12.2024
Charming town, great friends, easy exploring with my rental car!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 25.02.2025
Peaceful coastal escape! Getting around was a breeze, and San Juan Capistrano charmed me.
David Lee
Reviewed: 19.03.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 21.01.2025
Loved my quick San Juan Capistrano getaway! Catching up with friends was perfect, exploring the town was easy.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 01.10.2024
San Juan Capistrano was peaceful; the beach was lovely, but the Mission gift shop was a bit overpriced. Having a car made exploring easy.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 15.04.2025
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San Juan Capistrano was even better than I remembered! So much to explore, and having a car made it easy.
Brenda Garcia
Reviewed: 12.04.2025