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4.67/5
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in National City
National City
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
National City
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
National City
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
National City
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
Why Rent a Car in National City?
National City is a vibrant city with numerous attractions and destinations to explore. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom and flexibility to see everything at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Limits. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby attractions such as the beach, parks, and other destinations outside of National City.
Convenience and Comfort. A rental car offers convenience and comfort, especially if you're traveling with family, luggage, or equipment. You can travel directly to your destinations without waiting for public transport or rideshares.
Time-Saving. Renting a car saves valuable time, allowing you to maximize your visit to National City. You can create your own itinerary and visit multiple locations in a single day.
Rental Terms and Conditions in National City
Before renting a car in National City, be aware of the terms and conditions, including age requirements, licensing, insurance, and potential fees.
Area
Approximately 9.1 square miles (23.6 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 60,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Short trips and exploring the region
Rush Hours
Expect moderate traffic during morning and evening commutes
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in National City is typically 21 years old. Some rental companies may charge additional fees for drivers under 25.
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.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements usually include basic insurance. A security deposit is often required and will be refunded upon the car's safe return.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy for any restrictions. Ensure you understand the fuel policy, whether it's full-to-full or another arrangement.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges can apply for additional drivers, optional equipment (like GPS), or late returns. Always clarify these fees before booking.
Car Rental Prices in National City – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the off-season.
*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 National City?
Follow these steps to book a car in National City.
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, whether it's an economy car or an SUV.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Book your rental car in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification to pick up your rental.
General Information About National City
National City is a diverse community with a range of attractions and convenient access to the greater San Diego area.
National City benefits from its location near San Diego, offering easy access to major attractions. Navigating by car is straightforward, but being aware of parking options and local traffic patterns is useful.
Top Attractions to Discover
Kimball Park
A large park with sports fields and recreational facilities.
Sweetwater Town Center
Shopping and dining options in the heart of National City.
Paradise Valley Hospital
A significant medical facility serving the community.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Available in the downtown area and near major shopping centers.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but read the signs carefully.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities to access downtown San Diego.
Gas Stations in National City
Major Brands Available
Find Chevron, Shell, and other major fuel brands throughout the city.
Easy Access
Gas stations are conveniently located along major roads and intersections.
Check Prices
Fuel prices can vary, so compare prices at different stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting National City
Plan for Traffic
Allow extra time during peak commute hours.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the best routes and avoid traffic.
Stay Aware of Street Signs
Pay attention to parking restrictions and street closures.
Respect Local Regulations
Follow all traffic laws and speed limits.
Key Transportation Hubs in National City
Major Bus Stations
National City Transit Center
Serves as a hub for local bus routes.
Railway Stations
Coaster and Trolley Stations
Provides access to regional rail and trolley lines.
Airports
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Located a short drive from National City.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in National City?
To rent a car in National City, you will need to meet certain requirements.
A valid driver’s license is required, and international visitors may need an IDP.
The minimum age is typically 21, with potential surcharges for younger drivers.
A credit or debit card in the renter’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as National City 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 chill, really
David Lee
Reviewed: 11.05.2025
Family vacation in National City was fun! Having a rental car was a lifesaver. The Sweetwater Marsh was beautiful, but the beach was a bit underwhelming.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 24.02.2025
Pretty laid-back, really
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 01.08.2025
National City in summer was hot! Having a car was convenient, but the beach was surprisingly crowded.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 01.11.2024
Peaceful coastal getaway! Getting around was a breeze, and I loved exploring the local area at my own pace. So relaxing.
Kevin Brown
Reviewed: 07.04.2025
Relaxing coastal escape! Having a car was a plus, though the local bakery's selection was limited. Otherwise, a great trip.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 29.07.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Ashley Martinez
Reviewed: 07.10.2024
Low-key cool place
Olivia Hernandez
Reviewed: 16.06.2025
Perfect coastal escape! So relaxing, and having a car was ideal for exploring.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 08.07.2025
Great stop on our road trip! National City was charming, and having a car made exploring so easy. We'll definitely remember this.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 20.08.2024