San Diego car hire
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San Diego car hire information
| Pick-up location | San Diego |
|---|---|
| Car types | Full-size, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, People carrier, Standard SUV |
| Hire locations | 134 |
| Airport locations | 62 |
| Popular agencies | Europcar, Sixt |
Cheap car hire in San Diego
| Intermediate | R828/day |
| Full-size | R861/day |
| People carrier | R1 156/day |
| Intermediate SUV | R929/day |
| Standard SUV | R1 070/day |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in San Diego
- Driving around San Diego is the most convenient and comfortable way of getting to know all corners of the region, as the freeway system is fairly easy to navigate and traffic is manageable (aside from during rush hour). Because public transportation services are unreliable in the city, staying mobile by renting a car is the best option. It is also ideal for travelers looking to explore other destinations outside the city, such as the wine country of nearby Temecula, or those who want to embark on a road trip along the California coast.
- All the big car hire agencies can be found in the San Diego International Airport (SAN), at the Consolidated hire Car Center just outside the airport. The hire Car Center is accessible via free shuttle bus services that stop at all terminals.
- Although the freeway system isn't generally complicated, always have a map or a GPS on hand to help you. When driving downtown, beware of tourists or other reckless drivers who may be too used to driving in the city. If you’re interested in hopping across the border to Mexico, make sure you talk to your hire agency, as they may need to provide specific documentation, such as car insurance that is also valid in the neighboring country. But if your plan includes a day trip to Tijuana, it's easier to just park your car on the U.S. side of the border and walk across.
- Although traffic is manageable, roads are usually fairly busy throughout San Diego, so avoid rush hours both in the morning (between 6:30 and 10 a.m.) and afternoon (between 3:30 and 6:30 pm) if you don't want to be stuck in traffic for longer than needed. Freeways along the coast also get pretty packed on weekends, especially the I-5.
- 25% of our users found a car hire in San Diego for R847 or less
- Book your car hire in San Diego at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Supplier choice car hire in San Diego are around 47% cheaper than other car types, on average
San Diego car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about hiring a car in San Diego
What type of car is recommended for driving in San Diego?
An automatic lower car, such as a Ford Mustang, is the best option when navigating both the city and the coastal roads. A convertible is a great option to enjoy the scenic rides along the coast when the weather allows it.
What’s the speed limit in San Diego?
The speed limit in the city is 25 miles per hour, but on urban highways it is set at 55 mph, and on rural highways it is between 65 and 70 mph. Generally, the speed limit on multi-lane freeways is 65 mph.
Where are the best places to park in San Diego?
Street parking in downtown San Diego is usually available, but it tends to be quite pricey, costing around $3 for one hour, and between $10 and $30 for 24 hours. Parking laws are strictly enforced throughout the whole city, so make sure you always pay for parking. Parking in beach areas is tougher to find, but pay lots are an option.
How much does it cost to hire a car in San Diego?
On average a car hire in San Diego costs R847 per day.
What is the best car hire company in San Diego?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in San Diego are Alamo (8,9, 169 reviews), Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7,9, 244 reviews), and Sixt (7,1, 202 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in San Diego?
The average price of fuel in San Diego is R66,87 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R802 and R1 070, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in San Diego?
Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in San Diego.
Which car hire agencies are at San Diego airport (SAN)?
The only car hire company onsite at San Diego airport is Alamo.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at San Diego airport (SAN)?
The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from San Diego airport to off-airport locations is Alamo.
How can I find car hires near me in San Diego?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Special car hire cost in San Diego?
A Special car hire in San Diego costs R618 per day, on average.
How much does a Compact car hire cost in San Diego?
A Compact car hire in San Diego costs R792 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in San Diego?
An Intermediate car hire in San Diego costs R829 per day, on average.
What is the most popular car hire location in San Diego?
In San Diego, cars are most frequently hired at Avis 3355 Admiral Boland Way (3 km from city centre ).
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in San Diego?
On average a car hire in San Diego costs R5 931 per week (R847 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in San Diego?
On average a car hire in San Diego costs R25 420 per month (R847 per day).
San Diego car rental reviews and directory
Hertz
5,9
Fair
1111 reviewsCleanliness
6.7
Comfort
6.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.8
Value for money
6.0
13 locations in San Diego
Locations in San Diego
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
2,0 Poor
Sep 2023
8,0 Very Good
Sep 2023
2,0 Poor
Nov 2022
Payless
4,6
Mediocre
1427 reviewsCleanliness
5.3
Comfort
5.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.3
Value for money
4.5
One location in San Diego
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
4,0 Mediocre
Dec 2023
2,0 Poor
Dec 2023
2,0 Poor
Nov 2023
2,0 Poor
Nov 2023
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
4,0 Mediocre
Oct 2023
Alamo
8,8
Very Good
577 reviewsCleanliness
9.0
Comfort
8.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.0
Value for money
8.5
One location in San Diego
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
I was able to pick up the car the night before and saved money10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2020
Pros:
Great service, fast easy courteous. employees seemed happy. rental car employees not usually that way.10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
The staff were great. They showed us how to work some of the new features on the car. The car was in excellent condition; it was brand new!Cons:
Nothing9,6 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
Alamo was great. But it was my second choice, after my first choice -- some no name rental agency called Mex, selected initially via Kayak, which routed me through Rentcars.com -- was a friggin disaster. I landed at 6 pm, the time of my reservation, only to discover that the rental office was already closed. There was no one to help me, no number to call, no customer service from anyone in that chain, including Kayak. It was a friday evening at 6. I tried 4 other rental agencies; they were either out of cars or were asking insane amounts of $$ for them. I had to get a ride from the airport, and come back the next morning to rent from Alamo. (Which was great.)Cons:
Alamo was great. Avoid Mex Rent a Car and Rentcars.com at all costs. No one picks up the phone at Mex and you can't leave a voicemail. The number for Rentcars doesn't work, and the email responses are all in Portuguese. I'm not kidding. Why Kayak continues to use these vendors is a mystery to me. Makes me reconsider my choice in travel apps.7,6 Good
Oct 2020
Pros:
Staff was helpful in securing a gas discount for me when the car I reserved wasn’t available.Cons:
Don’t oversell cars! If I book a pickup, giving me a dodge caravan minivan because you oversold pickup trucks isn’t providing excellent service.5,6 Fair
Sep 2020
Pros:
Drop off was greatCons:
Have the selected class or better available. I don’t consider an infinity to be the same class as an EscaladeEnterprise Rent-A-Car
7,9
Good
666 reviewsCleanliness
8.1
Comfort
8.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.7
Value for money
7.8
14 locations in San Diego
Locations in San Diego
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Nov 2023
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
May 2021
Cons:
Everything was super easy, picking up and dropping off.10,0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
YesCons:
All fine8,0 Very Good
Apr 2021
Pros:
Nice carCons:
I had to stand in line for 90 minutes (no exaggeration) to get my rental.8,0 Very Good
Apr 2021
Cons:
Not the car i reserved no choice but to get itSixt
7,1
Good
287 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.1
Value for money
6.9
2 locations in San Diego
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2022
2,0 Poor
Sep 2022
6,0 Okay
Aug 2022
Dollar
6,8
Okay
508 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.7
Value for money
6.8
2 locations in San Diego
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Jun 2021
Cons:
I took over 70 minutes waiting in line to pick up the car. Ridiculous. Never again.2,0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
A hertz employee ended up helping us because the line was so longCons:
Horrible experience. Will never rent from dollar again.8,0 Very Good
Apr 2021
Pros:
Car was comfortable, clean and drove easily - lousy mileage, but we got the sense that Californians dont care much, given the number of gas guzzlers we saw on the road at over $4.00/gal in most service stations - mixed in with Tesla's and Prius's. Odd contrast.Cons:
All good with exception of Drop-Off. Unclear directions in the final stretch of the exercise (needed to turn up a lane in the garage that was hidden behind other cars). No staff present and when a fellow eventually showed up, he did not check the car, just told us to leave the keys in the car and all else would be dealt with - whatever that means - if there is any disagreement on gas (we filled up), damage (there was none), etc., how would one verify it after the fact?4,0 Mediocre
Apr 2021
Pros:
The staff was helpful and friendly.Cons:
I reserved a Nissan Pathfinder only to show up and get a Kia Sorrento. 6 people with luggage will not fit in a Kia. We had to pay a lot extra to get a Ford Expedition because they didn't have a Nissan or any SUV similar. The guy was really nice and gave us a discount for having to upgrade. I don't appreciate paying for one vehicle on this site only to show up having to pay hundreds more for a vehicle that will actually work. I will never book through here again.10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Cons:
It was perfect4,0 Mediocre
Mar 2021
Cons:
Hard to find the car rental. Another family was lost at the airport rental site. The car had been smoked in.Budget
6,6
Okay
334 reviewsCleanliness
7.2
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.6
Value for money
6.6
11 locations in San Diego
Locations in San Diego
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Nov 2023
2,0 Poor
Oct 2022
10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2022
2,0 Poor
Sep 2022
2,0 Poor
Sep 2022
2,0 Poor
Sep 2022
Thrifty
6,6
Okay
476 reviewsCleanliness
7.5
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.6
Value for money
6.7
2 locations in San Diego
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Dec 2023
8,0 Very Good
Nov 2023
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
2,0 Poor
Oct 2023
2,0 Poor
Sep 2023
4,0 Mediocre
May 2021
Pros:
The staff was helpful and courteous, but the process was too long.Cons:
More staff, better communicationAvis
6,5
Okay
546 reviewsCleanliness
7.2
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.6
Value for money
6.6
11 locations in San Diego
Locations in San Diego
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2023
2,0 Poor
Nov 2023
4,0 Mediocre
Oct 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
2,0 Poor
Jun 2023
2,0 Poor
Sep 2022
Fox
6,3
Okay
484 reviewsCleanliness
6.8
Comfort
6.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.3
Value for money
6.2
One location in San Diego
Filters
Reviews
6,0 Okay
Aug 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendlyCons:
My vehicle was not ready on time so I had to return later. When I returned I was given the wrong vehicle, much less than I had paid for. The manager was not able to give discount because the rental was purchased thru Kayak. Will most likely never use Kayak or Fox again.5,2 Fair
Jan 2020
Pros:
Drop off and pick up was very easyCons:
We had our rental car broke into and staff that I called laughed at me saying my claim number was wrong. They also told me that if we needed to be picked up they couldn’t do it because we had a family of 5 and they could only take up to 4 people. So stayed that we had to find a ride to the airport ourselves or just drive it back in the condition it was in. They also told me that even though we had a bad situation happen if our car was not back on time we would get charged for it being late and entire extra day. We also we supposed to get a gull size car and we did not get that. Very disappointed and will not rent from them again!!!!6,0 Okay
Jan 2020
Pros:
friendly staffCons:
took awhile to get through the line at the counter for pick-up. And, when I needed to change the credit card I initially used, I couldn't do it at drop-off. it took quite a process to get it switched.2,8 Poor
Jan 2020
Cons:
Fox refused to honor the price agreed upon through Kayak. They were going to charge me $65 more per day. I will never rent with Fox and may never use Kayak again.4,4 Mediocre
Jan 2020
Pros:
staff was ok, but far from friendly. pickup guy failed to note the car was smashed in the side and repaired (evidenced by the non factory two tone paint work) and the return guy barely looked up from his device...Cons:
it sure would have been nice to get the car i reserved (Toyota RAV4) or Better instead of the POS Mitsubishi Outlander (Sport(!) no less!!) i got for my family of four. poor comfort, lousy handling, acceleration, fit AND finish. an otherwise outstanding two week trip ended up be a series of non stop jokes over what a lousy vehicle we had.6,4 Okay
Dec 2020
Cons:
No children's car seats, had to purchase one myself. The rental agent lied to me about local gas prices to get me to purchase gas through Fox.Economy Rent a Car
6,0
Okay
156 reviewsCleanliness
6.8
Comfort
6.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.7
Value for money
6.2
2 locations in San Diego
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Nov 2023
2,0 Poor
Nov 2023