Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Escondido
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Escondido
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Escondido
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Escondido
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
Escondido, California, offers a blend of urban attractions and natural beauty. While public transportation exists, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace. Discover hidden gems, scenic drives, and nearby attractions without the constraints of schedules.
Explore Hidden Gems. Uncover Escondido's local favorites, from unique eateries to off-the-beaten-path hiking trails, all easily accessible with your own vehicle.
Scenic Drives. Enjoy the stunning landscapes surrounding Escondido, like Lake Hodges or the rolling hills of the San Pasqual Valley, perfect for a leisurely drive.
Convenient Day Trips. Venture to nearby attractions such as the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, the beaches of Carlsbad, or the wineries of Temecula, all just a short drive away.
Before renting a car in Escondido, be aware of the specific requirements and conditions to ensure a smooth rental experience. Understanding age restrictions, license requirements, insurance options, and potential fees is crucial.
Area
37 square miles (96 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 150,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring North County San Diego
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Escondido require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to additional young driver fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance, but additional coverage options such as collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually 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 often require returning the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for options such as GPS navigation, child seats, additional drivers, or one-way rentals. Be sure to inquire about these fees when booking.
Car rental prices in Escondido fluctuate based on vehicle type, availability, and season. Booking in advance and comparing rates from different providers can help secure the best deal.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Classic:
from £16 / $20 / €18 per day
Executive:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
7 Seater:
from £36 / $45 / €41 per day
Automatic:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to summer tourism.
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts and lower demand.
Car rental prices in Escondido vary throughout the year. Peak seasons see higher demand and prices, while off-season rentals can offer significant savings.
Booking a car in Escondido involves a few straightforward steps. Start by comparing prices and selecting a suitable vehicle, then review the rental terms and book in advance to secure the best rates.
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 fits your needs and budget, considering factors like size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure better rates and availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when you collect your rental car.
Escondido is a vibrant city in San Diego County, offering a mix of urban amenities and natural attractions. Renting a car allows you to explore the city and its surroundings conveniently.
Driving in Escondido is generally straightforward, but it's essential to be aware of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel availability to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
A world-renowned wildlife park featuring a vast array of animals in natural habitats.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
A popular destination for craft beer enthusiasts, offering a unique dining and brewery experience.
Queen Califia's Magical Circle
A unique sculpture garden created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle, featuring colorful and whimsical artwork.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in downtown Escondido, offering convenient and secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available throughout the city, but time limits and payment requirements should be observed.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located near public transportation hubs to avoid downtown traffic and parking challenges.
Gas Stations in Escondido
Major Brands Available
Major fuel brands such as Chevron, Shell, and ARCO are readily available throughout Escondido.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are conveniently located along major roadways and intersections, making refueling easy and accessible.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby gas stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Escondido
Plan for Traffic Delays
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening rush hours, particularly on major thoroughfares.
Use Navigation Apps
Use GPS navigation apps to avoid traffic congestion and find the most efficient routes.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially when visiting in summer.
Check Event Schedules
Check event calendars for potential street closures.
Major Bus Stations
Escondido Transit Center
Serves as a central hub for bus and Sprinter light rail services in North County San Diego.
Railway Stations
Escondido Transit Center (Sprinter)
Provides access to the Sprinter light rail line, connecting Escondido to Oceanside and other North County destinations.
Airports
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Located approximately 30 miles south of Escondido, serving both domestic and international flights.
To rent a car in Escondido, you'll need to meet certain requirements, including having a valid driver's license, meeting the minimum age requirement, and providing proof of insurance.
A valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, although some may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
A major credit or debit card in the renter's name is typically required for the security deposit.
You'll need to provide proof of insurance or purchase coverage from the rental company.
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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 Escondido 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.
Meh. Kinda pricey.
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 16.08.2024
Escondido was fantastic! Having a car made exploring with the family so easy. Beautiful scenery and great places to eat.
Brenda Miller
Reviewed: 02.10.2024
Loved exploring Escondido this summer! Getting around with a rental car was a breeze. So much to see.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 13.11.2024
Pretty chill vibe.
Ashley Garcia
Reviewed: 24.03.2025
Escondido was a great summer getaway! Having a car made it easy to see everything. The crowds at the Grape Day Festival were a bit overwhelming, though. Otherwise, a fantastic trip.
David Lee
Reviewed: 13.11.2024
Wonderful weekend getaway! Getting around was easy, and Escondido's charm exceeded expectations.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe.
Kevin Nguyen
Reviewed: 27.07.2025
Escondido charmed us! So easy to get around.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Escondido was even better than I remembered! So glad I rented a car; it made exploring so much easier after all these years.
Sophia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 30.04.2025
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Low-key, pretty chill.
Chris Evans
Reviewed: 31.07.2025