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Car rental in San Juan Capistrano - 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 San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

San Juan Capistrano

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

San Juan Capistrano

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

San Juan Capistrano

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 San Juan Capistrano?

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.

Rental Terms and Conditions in San Juan Capistrano

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.

Car Rental Prices in San Juan Capistrano – 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 / $11 / €10 per day

Seasonal Trends

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.

How to Book a Car in San Juan Capistrano?

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.

General Information About San Juan Capistrano

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.

Key Transportation Hubs in San Juan Capistrano

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.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in San Juan Capistrano?

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.

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 San Juan Capistrano as

4.6

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.

San Juan Capistrano was even better than I remembered! So much to explore, and having a car made it easy.

BG

Brenda Garcia

Reviewed: 12.04.2025

First trip to San Juan Capistrano, and I loved it! Exploring was easy with my car, so much to see.

JM

Jessica Miller

Reviewed: 28.10.2024

Pretty chill, tbh

MS

Mike Smith

Reviewed: 24.12.2024

Charming town, great friends, easy exploring with my rental car!

SJ

Sarah Jones

Reviewed: 25.02.2025

Peaceful coastal escape! Getting around was a breeze, and San Juan Capistrano charmed me.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 19.03.2025

Relaxing, low-key vibe.

CD

Chloe Davis

Reviewed: 21.01.2025

Loved my quick San Juan Capistrano getaway! Catching up with friends was perfect, exploring the town was easy.

AH

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.

ER

Evelyn Reed

Reviewed: 15.04.2025

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