Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
El Cajon
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
El Cajon
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
El Cajon
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
El Cajon
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
El Cajon, California, offers a unique blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. While public transportation options exist, renting a car provides the flexibility to fully explore this vibrant city and its surrounding attractions.
Explore Regional Parks: El Cajon is a gateway to numerous regional parks and outdoor recreation areas. With a rental car, you can easily access places like Mission Trails Regional Park and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park for hiking, camping, and scenic drives.
Visit Local Attractions: El Cajon boasts various local attractions, including the Sycuan Casino, Parkway Plaza, and numerous breweries and restaurants. A rental car makes it convenient to visit these places without relying on public transportation or ride-sharing services.
Day Trips to San Diego and Beyond: El Cajon's central location makes it an ideal base for day trips to San Diego, the coast, and other Southern California destinations. With a rental car, you can easily explore Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the beaches of La Jolla.
Before booking a rental car in El Cajon, make sure you meet the minimum age, have a valid driver's license, and understand the rental company's policies.
Area
14.5 square miles
Population
Approximately 105,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Weekend Getaways
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in El Cajon require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters 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) if their license is not in English. A passport may also be required.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies also vary, with many requiring the car to be returned with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons like GPS and child seats.
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
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.
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 license, 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 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.
El Cajon, California, offers a mix of suburban and urban environments, making it ideal for sightseeing and day trips. Renting a car provides the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace.
El Cajon is a vibrant city in San Diego County, known for its cultural diversity and numerous attractions. While public transportation is available, a rental car offers greater convenience for exploring the region. Driving in El Cajon is generally straightforward, but it’s important to be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
Sycuan Casino
A popular casino offering a variety of gaming options, dining, and entertainment.
Parkway Plaza
A large shopping mall with a wide selection of stores and restaurants.
Water Conservation Garden
A beautiful garden showcasing water-wise landscaping and conservation techniques.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in downtown El Cajon.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available in many areas, but it can be limited during peak hours.
Shopping Centers
Large shopping centers like Parkway Plaza offer ample free parking.
Gas Stations in El Cajon
Major Brands
Gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and ARCO are readily available throughout El Cajon.
Convenient Locations
Many gas stations are located along major thoroughfares like Main Street and Fletcher Parkway.
24-Hour Stations
Some gas stations offer 24-hour service for added convenience.
Useful Tips for Visiting El Cajon
Watch for Pedestrians
Be aware of pedestrians, especially in downtown areas and near shopping centers.
Observe Speed Limits
Adhere to posted speed limits, as traffic enforcement is common.
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra time for travel during rush hours, especially on weekdays.
Use GPS
Use a GPS navigation system to find the best routes and avoid getting lost.
Major Bus Stations
El Cajon Transit Center
Serves as a hub for multiple bus routes operated by the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS).
Railway Stations
El Cajon Station (SDTI)
Serving the Orange Line of the San Diego Trolley, connecting El Cajon to downtown San Diego and other key destinations.
Airports
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Located approximately 20 miles west of El Cajon, serving numerous domestic and international flights.
Renting a car in El Cajon is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road.
If you're from the United States, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for a limited time, 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.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as El Cajon as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty relaxed vibe
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 22.03.2025
Quick business trip, but El Cajon was surprisingly convenient. Having a car made everything so easy!
Jessica Brown
Reviewed: 07.06.2025
Low-key, pretty chill
Chris Evans
Reviewed: 31.08.2024
Meh, kinda bland.
Ashley Garcia
Reviewed: 06.02.2025
Pretty laid-back, really
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 15.11.2024
El Cajon was fine for a weekend getaway. The selection at the farmers market was a bit limited, though.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 25.09.2024
El Cajon was great! Easy to get around with my rental car, and catching up with friends was perfect.
David Lee
Reviewed: 02.05.2025
Loved my El Cajon weekend! Exploring with a rental car was so convenient.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 12.06.2025
Back in El Cajon after ages! It's grown, but the coffee scene is still lacking. Getting around was easy, though.
Thomas Miller
Reviewed: 24.05.2025
Pretty chill town
Brian Davis
Reviewed: 14.11.2024
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Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 18.08.2025