Carlsbad car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Useful Info
Recommended by KAYAK

Cheap car hire in Carlsbad

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
People carrier car
People carrier
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
M
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a car hire in Carlsbad

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Carlsbad

  • Carlsbad is a relatively remote city with distant attractions, such as the Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Renting cheap car rentals in Carlsbad provides a convenient and flexible mode of transport, allowing you to easily access these destinations on your schedule. Carlsbad car rentals also tend to offer a cost-effective method of transportation as opposed to using taxis, ridesharing services, or public transport.
  • Hobbs Lea County Airport (HOB) is the closest airport to Carlsbad, New Mexico. The airport is located approximately 60 miles southeast of Carlsbad. The rental car offices are located inside the airport terminal building, making it easy for visitors to them pick up and drop them off. The distance from Roswell International Air Center (ROW) is approximately 70 miles from Carlsbad. The rental car offices at ROW are conveniently located at the airport terminal, so visitors can easily pick up and drop off their vehicles. Visitors can access the rental car offices from the airport terminal on foot.
  • Driving in Carlsbad, New Mexico is relatively easy but there are some aspects you should be aware of when using cheap car rentals in Carlsbad. Large trucks and SUVs are prevalent in the Carlsbad area. Be mindful of their size, and keep a safe distance while driving, especially when traveling highways or at higher speeds. Bicycles and other slow-moving vehicles are also commonly seen on smaller roads outside the Carlsbad city limits. Be sure to give them plenty of space when passing safely.
  • Carlsbad experiences rush hour traffic during the morning and evening commutes. This usually occurs between 7:30 am to 9:30 am and 4 pm to 6 pm. Traffic tends to be heavier on weekdays, particularly on major thoroughfares such as Canal Street and Pierce Street. Another challenge visitors may face when driving cheap car rentals in Carlsbad is navigating the rural and desert terrain outside the city limits. Visitors should be aware that some areas may be difficult to access, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when roads can become muddy and slick.

FAQs about hiring a car in Carlsbad

  • How much is the price of fuel in Carlsbad?

    The average price of fuel in Carlsbad is R63,22 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R759 and R1 011, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Carlsbad?

    Standard (Nissan Rogue or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Carlsbad.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Carlsbad?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Standard car hire cost in Carlsbad?

    A Standard car hire in Carlsbad costs R1 655 per day, on average.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Carlsbad?

    An intermediate SUV is recommended for driving in Carlsbad as it provides the best balance between size and fuel economy, making it a good option for exploring the city and its surroundings. The roads in and around Carlsbad are generally well-maintained, but some areas can be hilly and rough, so an intermediate SUV is better suited for these conditions than a smaller car.

  • What’s the speed limit in Carlsbad?

    The speed limit in Carlsbad varies based on the type of road and the zone it falls under. In residential areas, the speed limit is typically 25 mph, and in school zones, it's usually 15 to 20 mph. For rural or suburban areas outside the city, the speed limit is typically around 45 to 55 mph. Major highways and interstates within the city usually have a speed limit of around 65 mph, while rural highways outside of town may have speed limits of up to 75 mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in Carlsbad?

    Most of the attractions in Carlsbad offer free parking, and street parking is typically available throughout downtown. The city also has several parking lots that are free to use, including one located near the Pecos River. There are some parking meters in the downtown area, but the rates are generally low, with most metered parking costing around $0.50 per hour. It is important to note that parking regulations are enforced in Carlsbad, NM, so be sure to follow all posted signs and laws to avoid receiving a ticket.  

Carlsbad car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car hire booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

4.6

Comfort

2.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.6

Value for money

4.0

2 locations in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1710 S Canal St

+1 575 234 1177

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

6601 W Carlsbad Hwy

+1 575 397 1033

Monday19:00 - 21:0013:00 - 15:00
Tuesday19:00 - 21:00
Wednesday19:00 - 21:00
Thursday19:00 - 21:00
Friday13:00 - 15:0019:00 - 21:00
Saturday19:00 - 21:00
Sunday19:00 - 21:0013:00 - 15:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
The vehicle I had reserved was not available; since it was an hour pas my pick up time ; I needed to have a vehicle; took what was offered. It was dirty ; the driver’s seat was stained, the interior had been rushed to be cleaned and it showed. The plastic skid plate underneath the driver’s side of the car was hanging down and dragged and skipped along the roadway the entire time. No one that was being processed with me got the vehicle they reserved. Now let’s get to the facility itself. The restroom was an absolute disaster. The toilet was physically falling through the floor!!! I wasn’t sure where the water was going??? The trash can was overflowing. Just awful, absolutely disgusting. They didn’t appear to be under staffed, there was 3 agents working the counter. Now , for the return of the vehicle to the Enterprise lot at the Midland airport I had to simply figure it out on my own; as did everyone else returning a vehicle there. No directions or outside staff whatsoever.

4,0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Compact

KAYAK
To pick up the car I had to wait over 3 hours and I didn’t even get the car that I wanted. I got one with a crack on the windshield

1 out of 1

National

10,0

Wonderful

One location in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

6601 W Carlsbad Hwy

+1 575 397 1033

Monday13:00 - 15:0019:00 - 21:00
Tuesday19:00 - 21:00
Wednesday19:00 - 21:00
Thursday19:00 - 21:00
Friday19:00 - 21:0013:00 - 15:00
Saturday19:00 - 21:00
Sunday13:00 - 15:0019:00 - 21:00

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4,6

Mediocre

2 locations in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

Hobbs Airport

Opening times not available

Roswell Industrial Air Center Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

2 locations in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1 Jerry Smith Cir

Opening times not available

6601 W Carlsbad Hwy

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

No score available yet

One location in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1 Jerry Smith Circle

+1 575 347 2500

Monday19:30 - 20:3010:45 - 16:30
Tuesday10:45 - 16:3019:30 - 20:30
Wednesday10:45 - 16:3019:30 - 20:30
Thursday23:00 - 23:4510:45 - 16:30
Friday19:30 - 20:3010:45 - 16:30
Saturday10:45 - 16:30
Sunday10:45 - 16:30

Filters

No reviews available

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1 Jerry Smith Circle

+1 575 347 4920

Monday10:45 - 16:3019:30 - 20:30
Tuesday10:45 - 16:3019:30 - 20:30
Wednesday10:45 - 16:3019:30 - 20:30
Thursday10:45 - 16:3023:00 - 23:45
Friday19:30 - 20:3010:45 - 16:30
Saturday10:45 - 16:30
Sunday10:45 - 16:30

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2022

KAYAK
The Budget employee who initially rented our car to us in Roswell, NM was extremely organized, efficient, and friendly. And, the return in Denver could not have gone more smoothly. The car we rented did not appear to have been cleaned from at least the previous renter. An old receipt was in the center storage, and the inside of the windshield was extremely foggy. However, no one had smoked in it, which I always consider a plus.

1 out of 1

Hertz

No score available yet

One location in Carlsbad

Locations in Carlsbad

1 Jerry Smith Circle #7

+1 575 347 2211

Monday22:30 - 23:3008:00 - 17:00
Tuesday19:00 - 21:0008:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:0019:00 - 21:00
Thursday22:30 - 23:3008:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:0022:30 - 23:30
Sunday16:30 - 17:0011:30 - 12:00

Filters

No reviews available

3 travellers who hired a car in Carlsbad gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.6

Car hire locations in or near Carlsbad

Carlsbad car hire information

Pick-up locationCarlsbad
Car types
Hire locations1
Airport locations0

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