San Marcos car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Car Rental Deals

Cheap car hire in San Marcos

Discover the best prices and deals for your travel.
Economy car
Economy
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Compact car
Compact
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Economy car
Economy
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Compact car
Compact
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* These are the best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours and may change
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

KAYAK’s insights & trends for San Marcos car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in San Marcos with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in San Marcos?

You should book your car hire in San Marcos around 88 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the best car hire company in San Marcos?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in San Marcos are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.8), Dollar (5.6), and Thrifty (5.6).
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Rated 7.8/10
Dollar
Dollar
Rated 5.6/10
Thrifty
Thrifty
Rated 5.6/10

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

SUV cars (Chevrolet Tahoe or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to hire in San Marcos. SUV cars in San Marcos cost R1 144/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as R892/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in San Marcos?

The cheapest month to hire a car in San Marcos is January at an average cost of R692/day. July is the most expensive month to hire a car in San Marcos when prices are R1 012/day on average, which tends to be 1 963% above the yearly average hire price for San Marcos.

Which car hire company in San Marcos has the most locations?

Hertz operates 3 locations in San Marcos, more than any other car hire company.

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.
  • Intermediate hire cars in San Marcos are around 38% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in San Marcos

  • 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 R4 006 per day, on average.

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

    A Special car hire in San Marcos costs R725 per day, on average.

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

    A Mini car hire in San Marcos costs R1 476 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

7,8

Good

One location in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

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

No reviews available

Dollar

5,6

Fair

One location in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

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

No reviews available

Thrifty

5,6

Fair

One location in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

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

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

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2025

Compact

KAYAK
They gave me the car with 75% fuel and some damages and then they charged me 500$ for that even though I had got insurance but they didn’t communicate with me to make a claim with insurance company. I don’t recommend them. for my return I got car from enterprise and they were very far better than Hertz.

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.

1 out of 4

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

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

8,0 Very Good

Peter, Nov 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Short hours at the car depot not so good. I am still awaiting the final email of costs. Has not arrived after 5 days. Car was good.

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

1 out of 3

Budget

No score available yet

One location in San Marcos

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

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

Car hire locations in or near San Marcos

San Marcos car hire information

Pick-up locationSan Marcos
Car types
Hire locations2
Airport locations0

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