Search
Deals
Tips
FAQs
Agencies
Locations
When to book

San Marcos car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

Search hundreds of hire car sites at once for hire car deals in San Marcos

Here is why travellers choose KAYAK

Save up to 38%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees

Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Cheap car hire in San Marcos

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates
Choose your dates
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

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in San Marcos

  • You can travel at your own pace while discovering San Marcos and its surroundings when you opt for car hire in San Marcos. You are free of public transport schedules when planning to visit different attractions. Using a San Marcos car hire is convenient, especially when you land at the airport. Among the locations you can choose to visit in your hire car is the San Elijo Hills, located 7 km (4 miles) from San Marcos, a journey that will take about 10 minutes to complete.
  • Most hire car agencies have offices at significant airports, making it simple to pick up your vehicle upon arrival and return it before your departure. The airports serving San Marcos include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) located 193 km (120 miles) away, San Diego International Airport (SAN) located 70 km (44 miles) away, John Wayne Airport (SNA) located 106 km (66 miles) away, Ontario International Airport (ONT) located 129 km (80 miles), Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) located 175 km (109 miles) away, and McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) located 13 km (8 miles) away are a few of the airports that serve the San Marco area. You can find the San Marcos car hire facilities in the airport's Arrivals area.
  • It is strictly forbidden to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol when choosing a car hire in San Marcos. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers is 0.08% for those over 21 years, and 0.01% for those under 21 years. In California, unless otherwise stated, you are permitted to turn right after stopping at a red light, as long as there is no oncoming traffic or pedestrians. As a result of San Marcos' proximity to natural areas, particularly at dawn and dusk, you might see wildlife near the roads. Keep an eye out for animals to prevent collisions.
  • In San Marcos, morning and evening rush hours are from 07:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 18:00, respectively. Highway 78, which passes through San Marcos, is among the roads that experience some traffic snarl-up during peak hours. It is especially true near exits leading to residential areas and shopping malls. San Marcos Boulevard may also experience heavier traffic, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up periods. Twin Oaks Valley Road is another significant road that might experience congestion during peak hours, especially in the area close to Cal State San Marcos.
  • Book your car hire in San Marcos at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Intermediate hire cars in San Marcos are around 70% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in San Marcos

  • How much is the price of fuel in San Marcos?

    The average price of fuel in San Marcos is R62,13 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R746 and R994, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in San Marcos?

    Standard (Ford Transit or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in San Marcos.

  • Which car hire agencies are at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    The only car hire company onsite at Los Angeles airport is Budget.

  • Which car hire companies will pick you up at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Los Angeles airport to off-airport locations include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo and Budget.

  • How can I find car hires near me in San Marcos?

    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 San Marcos?

    A Standard car hire in San Marcos costs R3 892 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Special car hire cost in San Marcos?

    A Special car hire in San Marcos costs R935 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in San Marcos?

    An Intermediate car hire in San Marcos costs R815 per day, on average.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in San Marcos?

    A fuel-efficient vehicle, such as a compact car or a hybrid, can help you save money on fuel. If you opt for car hire in San Marcos, anticipate doing a lot of driving. A mid-size sedan or SUV may be more comfortable, if you travel with a family or a large group of friends, because they have room for passengers and luggage. Think about the terrain you'll be driving on. An SUV or a hire car with more ground clearance may be preferable if you explore nearby mountainous areas or off-road trails.

  • What's the speed limit in San Marcos?  

    Most neighbourhoods and residential areas have a standard speed limit of 40 km/h (25 mph). It is typical practise in San Marcos to ensure residents' and pedestrians' safety. Depending on the road and traffic conditions, the speed limits on larger roads can get to 72 km/h (45 mph). According to the regulations governing San Marcos, the speed limit on motorways and highways passing through or close to San Marcos is ordinarily 104 km/h (65 mph).

  • Where are the best places to park in San Marcos?  

    San Marcos has many shopping centres that offer plenty of parking for visitors. Most of the time, these car parks are uncharged. Additionally, visitors can frequently park for free in San Marcos at city parks and recreation centres. There is street parking in many parts of San Marcos, especially in the city's business and residential areas. There may be metered parking in some places and free parking in others. Depending on the location and time of day, the metered parking costs about $1 (£0.76) per hour. 

San Marcos 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

9,8

Best rated

Cleanliness

9.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

2 locations in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

175 W. Washington

+1 760 480 6998

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

260 S Las Posas Rd

+1 760 591 4120

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing. The staff was rude. They did not have a car fir me

9,6 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Daniel at the San Marcos location was so helpful and personable. If everyone at Enterprise is like him, I will continue to use them when I need to rent a car in the future.

Cons:

Nothing. Great experience.

1 out of 1

Dollar

5,9

Fair

One location in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

665 Metcalf St

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

No score available yet

3 locations in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

1545 La Mirada Drive

+1 760 471 1419

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

1700 Auto Parkplace

+1 760 206 7752

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

665 Metcalf St

+1 760 747 1612

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

4,0 Mediocre

Allen, Nov 2022

KAYAK
Their choice of cars is minimal. I reserved a "mid-size SUV such as a Nissan Rogue". I got a Ford EcoSport, which is tiny. Hardly an SUV. I rented this vehicle because I had stuff to haul to an event. It barely fit. Not happy, but blaming myself because it was last minute.

4,0 Mediocre

Kimberly, Jun 2022

KAYAK
We reserved a Mid size SUV and they gave us a Buick Concord. They said it was as big as a sheep Cherokee and it is clearly Smaller. We were traveling cross country and were very cramped for Space. Even had to leave things behind to be shipped later. Looking up the Jeep, it’s 10.5 to 11 inches longer, 2 inches wider and 1 inch taller.

10,0 Wonderful

Sirous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The van was amazing. The service was excellent and timely. The office is very clean. Hardly any wait.

Cons:

Hard to find a street parking returning the van. Some assigned parking would help.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Helpful staff

Cons:

More parking at the pick up/ drop off location.

3,6 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

I was directed to the wrong pick up location which was difficult to find and was closed. Upon calling Hertz for information and waiting for 20 minutes the individual I spoke with had poor command of the English language and gave me incorrect information. I found the alternate pick up location and was charged approximately $38 more than the quoted amount for the rental. Have yet to be refunded my security deposit. Wondering if all this is due to Hertz bankruptcy.

10,0 Wonderful

Benson, Feb 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff very friendly and never felt pushed for add ons

Cons:

Parking is terrible. Had to park 2 blocks away to return rental.

1 out of 4

Avis

No score available yet

One location in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

2040 Auto Park Way

+1 760 432 2019

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Oscar, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Great price and the car was great for the long trip

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was excellent

Cons:

Nothing

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2023

Compact

KAYAK
I was charged $50 twice after cancelling a reservation

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2022

KAYAK
You need more staff at that location. When I picked up the car there were 3 people in front of me and only one person in the office to process the paperwork, explain the options and deliver the cars. Your employee was very efficient and professional but he was doing the job of at least 3 people.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2022

KAYAK
Very nice attendant.

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sept 2021

KAYAK
Our Van was perfect! Michael, at the Avis rental car in Escondido was professional and efficient. He explained how all of the options in the van worked and was very gracious with his time. Avis/Busget is lucky to have him as an employee.

1 out of 3

Budget

No score available yet

One location in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

2040 Auto Park Way

+1 760 480 7406

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

8,0 Very Good

Emma, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Make my reservation at earlier time

10,0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff, drop off easy

2,0 Poor

Trayce, Jun 2022

KAYAK
Maybe check their inventory and make sure they have the car I'm asking for before confirming my booking. Duh

2,0 Poor

Trayce, May 2022

KAYAK
Couldn't get the car because apparently the original reservation had the wrong date on it. It allowed me to reserve again on the correct date even tho they didn't have the level of car I was trying to reserve. They also wouldn't upgrade me to something else suitable for the same price. When I tried to cancel the reservation, the web site wouldn't allow it so I rented elsewhere since they can't charge me anyway.

1 out of 2

A Plus Car & Truck

No score available yet

One location in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

2517 S. Santa Fe Ave. Ste. #1

760-633-3552

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Rent-4-Less

No score available yet

One location in San Marcos

Locations in San Marcos

1830 Hacienda Drive

(760) 940 9120

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

45 travellers who hired a car in San Marcos gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.9

Car hire locations in or near San Marcos

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a car hire in San Marcos

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

San Marcos car hire information

Pick-up locationSan Marcos
Car types
Hire locations2
Airport locations0