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Car hires in San Diego, California

Are you looking for cheap car hire deals in San Diego, California? Search right here!

San Diego, CA, United States
5 Apr — 12 Apr
San Diego, CA, United States
Fri 5/4
Noon
Fri 12/4
Noon
Driver's age:

Deals from hire companies in 70,000+ locations.

Voted the Winner of Europe's Best Travel App 2023

Car hire insight and trends in San Diego

Useful insights to help you book the perfect car hire in San Diego

What is the cheapest car hire agency in San Diego?

The cheapest car hire in San Diego are generally found through Ace. When booking with Ace, you may be able to find car hire prices for as low as €22/day. The average price to hire a car in San Diego is €22/day.

What car hire company in San Diego has the most locations?

Hertz has the most locations of any car hire company in San Diego, with 14 locations.

What car do most people hire in San Diego?

For an average of €67/day (and as low as €32/day), Toyota RAV4 hire in San Diego is the most popular car among our users. Hiring the Chevrolet Tahoe in San Diego for €89/day on average (€49/day for a cheap deal) is another popular choice.

Best deals found for San Diego, California car hire

Find great deals below on a variety of popular rental car types in San Diego, California
Economy€33/day
Compact€33/day
Intermediate€33/day
Standard€35/day
Full-size€38/day
People carrier€55/day
Full-size SUV€50/day
Luxury€47/day
Intermediate SUV€35/day
Compact SUV€43/day
Standard SUV€52/day
Best rates found by momondo users in the past 48 hours.

Important information about San Diego car hire

San Diego is extensively recognised for its parks, warm climate, and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. An overwhelming majority of tourists worldwide prefer booking a cheap car rental in San Diego to explore the significant attraction sights, such as the star of India, Petco Park, and others. You can never experience a dull day in San Diego since the city has magnificent weather that allows you to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year. With an electric car rental in San Diego, you can explore the city's natural beauty and in a comfortable way.  Keep in mind that traffic gets congested during rush hour within the major roads, such as Highways 15, 56, and 805. However, there is ample parking in San Diego. Getting hired cars in San Diego is also easy as there are more than 10 car hire locations in the city.

While visiting is it worthwhile to get a rental car in San Diego?

Getting a San Diego car rentals will be determined by the kind of activities and the distance between one visiting destination to the other. There are numerous attraction sights in San Diego that, while they can be navigated by public transport, are so much more convenient to get to by car. Consider getting a luxury car rental in San Diego to explore other beautiful sceneries and outdoor activities in nearby towns, such as Oceanside. Oceanside has numerous outdoor activities, such as skydiving, whale watching tours, private vacation photography sessions, and others. You can also visit the top attraction sights in Oceanside, such as the Oceanside Pier, the California Surf Museum, and several others. Since these destinations are not walkable, you need a cheap car rental or a people carrier rental to get there. There is adequate parking in San Diego, which is affordable and secure for your hired cars in San Diego.

What driving laws should I keep in mind while driving in San Diego?

If you plan a visit to San Diego, ensure you are familiar with the driving rules. When you are driving on a highway, stay in the right-hand lane, as the left-hand lane should only be used when passing other vehicles. If you are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, you are allowed to make a left-hand turn on a red light. Every time that you turn on your windshield wipers, you are also required to turn on your headlights. You may make a U-turn, even if it is over a double yellow line, as long as it is safe to do so. California law prohibits the use of handheld mobile phones while operating a motor vehicle unless it’s an emergency. It is mandatory to wear your seat belts while driving. Young children should use a booster seat. Ensure you observe the recommended speed limit for highways, interstate, and two-lane undivided roads. Also, use moderate speed while driving near a safety zone, such as a school or construction zone. If you are looking for rental cars in San Diego, it is good to check with the city's Department of Motor Vehicles for recent law changes.

Can I drive to Mexico with a rental car from San Diego?

Due to the area’s close proximity to the border, many visitors enjoy using hired cars in San Diego to travel to nearby cities in Mexico. Most rental car companies will typically allow you to drive to neighbouring countries, but it’s always best to verify that this is allowed with your contract before embarking on your journey. To enter Mexico with a San Diego car rental, all travelers are legally obligated to have Mexican automobile liability insurance. Normally, you will be able to obtain this directly through your rental car company of choice. Beyond insurance, you will also need to have a government-issued driving license, as well as either a passport or passport card. Keep in mind that passport cards can only be used to travel to other countries by land.

Can you hire a car in San Diego without a credit card?

When booking hired cars in San Diego, even cheap hired cars in San Diego, most companies will ask that you pay with a credit card. However, lacking a credit card will not prevent you from renting a car in San Diego. Quite a few companies accept alternative payment methods, including cash, checks, and debit cards. However, if you use a form of payment other than a credit card, you may need to provide additional documentation, like proof of insurance or address. You may also be asked to put down a deposit, which will likely be in cash. As different companies have different rules regarding payment methods, we recommend contacting your San Diego car rental company ahead of time in order to verify what is accepted and to determine what the payment process will be.

What documents does an international traveler need to rent a car in San Diego?

Even if you do not have a driving license from the United States, you can still rent a car in San Diego under certain circumstances. For example, almost all rental companies will accept a valid international driving license; just make sure that the expiration date falls after your rental period. Many companies will also allow you to use a foreign driving license, but it should always be in an alphabet based in Latin. If it is in a different alphabet, you may be able to use an official translation in place of the document, but it is best to verify this with the rental company. You will always want to have your physical passport on hand, as the company will typically need to verify your identity with this, as well as take a photocopy in order to keep it on record with your file. In California, customers must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. Renters under the age of 25 may be required to pay an extra fee.


San Diego, California car hire deals found on momondo

Find the car hire in San Diego that's right for you

Small cars

€34 - €57

All Car Types

€42 - €87

The average price of a small car hire in San Diego, the United States is €46. The cheapest time to hire a small car in San Diego, the United States is in May. The price is 27% lower than the rest of the year at just €34 per day. A small car rental is typically 17% less expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a car hire in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for San Diego small car hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a medium car hire in San Diego, the United States is €56. The cheapest time to hire a medium car in San Diego, the United States is in December. The price is 27% lower than the rest of the year at just €41 per day. A medium car rental is typically 2% more expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a car hire in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for San Diego medium car hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a large car hire in San Diego, the United States is €61. The cheapest time to hire a large car in San Diego, the United States is in December. The price is 41% lower than the rest of the year at just €36 per day. A large car rental is typically 10% more expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a car hire in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for San Diego large car hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a SUV hire in San Diego, the United States is €55. The cheapest time to hire a SUV in San Diego, the United States is in January. The price is 40% lower than the rest of the year at just €34 per day. A SUV rental is typically 2% more expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a car hire in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for San Diego SUV hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a van hire in San Diego, the United States is €34. The cheapest time to hire a van in San Diego, the United States is in September. The price is 26% lower than the rest of the year at just €43 per day. A van rental is typically 39% less expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a car hire in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire. Below are the best prices for San Diego van hire found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a convertible hire in San Diego, the United States is €65. The cheapest time to hire a convertible in San Diego, the United States is in May. The price is 20% lower than the rest of the year at just €52 per day. A convertible rental is typically 16% more expensive than the average rental car in San Diego. The average price of a car hire in San Diego can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your car hire.

Ford Focus
or similar Compact
Up to 4 passengers

€33/day

27 May - 5 Jun
Ford Focus
Renault Zoe
or similar Economy
Up to 2 passengers

€33/day

27 May - 5 Jun
Renault Zoe
Ford Focus
or similar Compact
Up to 4 passengers

€35/day

14 May - 18 Jun
Ford Focus

San Diego car hire directory

All major car hire suppliers in San Diego, California

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.8
Good
335 reviews14 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

8.1

Overall

7.7

Pick-up/drop-off

7.7

Value

7.7

Dollar

6.7
Okay
223 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.8

Comfort

7.5

Overall

6.6

Pick-up/drop-off

6.7

Value

6.8

Budget

6.6
Okay
179 reviews11 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.4

Overall

6.6

Pick-up/drop-off

6.6

Value

6.6

Avis

6.5
Okay
299 reviews11 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.2

Comfort

7.3

Overall

6.4

Pick-up/drop-off

6.6

Value

6.5

Hertz

5.9
Fair
725 reviews13 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.7

Comfort

6.6

Overall

5.9

Pick-up/drop-off

5.9

Value

6.0

Economy Rent a Car

5.8
Fair
120 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.8

Comfort

6.6

Overall

5.6

Pick-up/drop-off

5.4

Value

6.0

Ace

4.4
Mediocre
155 reviews3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

5.0

Comfort

4.9

Overall

4.2

Pick-up/drop-off

4.2

Value

4.6

MEXRENTACAR

3.9
Poor
242 reviews4 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

4.6

Comfort

4.5

Overall

3.8

Pick-up/drop-off

3.7

Value

4.1

Quick facts about car hire in San Diego

Get the overview on great hire deals, popular car hire companies, and best car types for your visit in San Diego

Most Popular Agency

Dollar

Popular Car Types

Intermediate, SUV, Standard

Cheapest Hire Car

€36

Most Popular Model

Toyota RAV4
The most popular San Diego car hire agency found on momondo this month is Dollar. Other top choices for car hire companies are Budget and Hertz
The following car types were offered at car hire companies in San Diego in the past 72 hours: Intermediate, SUV, Standard.
The lowest price for a car hire in San Diego is €36/day. For this area, you can expect average prices starting from €47/day.
The most popular car model to hire in San Diego in the past 7 days is the Toyota RAV4. Our users also prefer the Chevrolet Tahoe as an alternative.

Find popular attractions close to your car hire pick-up

Visit these must-see attractions near popular car hire locations in San Diego

Nearby attractions:

Gaslamp Quarter4.2 km
San Diego Convention Center4.4 km
PETCO Park4.7 km
Mission Beach6.8 km
Pacific Beach Park8.8 km

Nearby attractions:

Pacific Beach Park113.2 km
Mission Beach115.5 km
Gaslamp Quarter125.8 km
San Diego Convention Center126.2 km
PETCO Park126.3 km

Nearby attractions:

Pacific Beach Park143.3 km
Mission Beach146.1 km
Gaslamp Quarter154.9 km
PETCO Park155.4 km
San Diego Convention Center155.4 km

Hire a car near one of these popular hotels in San Diego

Below are the most popular hotels in San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

1 Market Place, San Diego, CA, United States

1.2 km from city centre

Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Hilton San Diego Bayfront

1 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA, United States

1.2 km from city centre

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

1404 Vacation Road, San Diego, CA, United States

10.1 km from city centre

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa And Marina

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa And Marina

1441 Quivira Road, San Diego, CA, United States

9.6 km from city centre

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

Wyndham San Diego Bayside

1355 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, United States

1.5 km from city centre

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

207 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA, United States

0.9 km from city centre

Ramada Suites by Wyndham San Diego

Ramada Suites by Wyndham San Diego

631 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA, United States

5.3 km from city centre

Hyatt Regency La Jolla

Hyatt Regency La Jolla

3777 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, United States

18.4 km from city centre

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

543 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA, United States

5.1 km from city centre

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA, United States

4.0 km from city centre

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA, United States

1.0 km from city centre

Omni San Diego Hotel

Omni San Diego Hotel

675 L Street, San Diego, CA, United States

0.9 km from city centre

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA, United States

8.6 km from city centre

Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

509 9th Avenue, San Diego, CA, United States

0.5 km from city centre

Best Western Seven Seas

Best Western Seven Seas

411 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA, United States

5.1 km from city centre

Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

Hilton San Diego Mission Valley

901 Camino del Rio South, San Diego, CA, United States

5.4 km from city centre

Pendry San Diego

Pendry San Diego

550 J Street, San Diego, CA, United States

0.7 km from city centre

Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort

Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort

1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA, United States

7.0 km from city centre


Driving with a car hire in San Diego - FAQs

Learn everything there is to know about hiring a car in San Diego so you can be properly prepared for your next trip

Is there a fee to cancel my San Diego, California car hire?

In most cases, there is no fee when you cancel your San Diego car hire. You can check to see whether or not your preferred car hire company in San Diego offers free cancellation when booking with momondo.

What is the best type of car to hire in San Diego during April?

During the month of April in San Diego, temperatures hover around 18 °C - which is perfect for renting a convertible. With precipitation only averaging 3 mm during April in San Diego, a convertible will allow you to truly enjoy the sites while cruising down the streets. Keep in mind that you may want to check the weather before your trip, just in case. Hiring a Convertible in San Diego will cost you €49/day on average.

What is the speed limit in San Diego, California?

Travellers who hire a car in San Diego should be aware that the city’s speed limit is 40 km/h. Suburban speed limits around San Diego are generally 120 km/h, whereas speed limits on motorways are 120 km/h. Keep in mind that speeds may change depending on what road you’re travelling on, so be on the lookout for posted signage.

What car hire company has the Jeep Compass in San Diego?

What is the weather like in San Diego, CA in March?

Those looking for a hire car in San Diego during the month of March should expect temperatures to be around 15 °C and should expect around 46 mm of precipitation. This information can be helpful when choosing which car you’d like to rent.

Is the weather in San Diego similar to the rest of California?

If you’re looking for a San Diego hire car for a road trip to the surrounding areas during the month of March it’s important to know that the rest of California typically has a temperature of 14 °C and will usually expect 66.8 mm of precipitation.

When did momondo last update prices for cars in San Diego?

Prices for cars in San Diego are updated daily.

How many operators does momondo search for cars in San Diego?

How old do you have to be to hire a car in San Diego?

The minimum age for drivers varies by country, including San Diego. In numerous EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. To hire a car overseas, you'll generally need to be at least 21, and if you're under 25, a young driver surcharge may be applied. We advise that you read the policy of your chosen hire company before making a reservation.

What documentation or ID do you need to hire a car in San Diego?

All drivers must have a valid full driving license when hiring a car in San Diego. If the license is written in a different language from the country of hire, an International Driving Permit may be required to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you're hiring a car overseas, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. It is always advisable to check with the individual hire company you're booking with.


Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to book a car hire in San Diego?

You should book a car hire in San Diego using momondo because it is quick, free and easy to use and could save you money. momondo does the hard work of finding the car hire prices and policies, all you need to do is compare and choose what works best for your trip.

How does momondo help me find the best car hire deal in San Diego?

By the use of filters, momondo makes finding a great car hire in San Diego easier. Whether it is price, car type, amenities or policies, momondo allows you to refine your search with these and more filters to find the best deal for you.

Does momondo show car hire deals in San Diego with free cancellation?

Yes momondo does have a filter to only highlight car hire deals which offer free cancellation. This filter is available for all car hire searches on momondo including those for cars in San Diego.

Can I hire a car with a fair fuel policy in San Diego on momondo?

Yes, fair fuel policies are a specific filter offered on momondo for all car hire locations including San Diego.

Can I find a car hire in San Diego which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?

You certainly can. momondo has a dedicated filter for enhanced cleaning services for all car hire locations including San Diego.

Can I search for car hire in San Diego with unlimited mileage on momondo?

Absolutely. You can specifically filter for car hire deals in San Diego with unlimited mileage on momondo.


An easier way to manage your San Diego trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

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Popular car hire types in San Diego


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