San Diego Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Compare rent a car rates in San Diego from popular car rental companies

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Compare from 25 agencies

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Enjoy maximum flexibility with penalty-free cancellation on most car rentals.

Explore San Diego with Cheap Car Rentals and Car Hire Deals

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Lowest prices found within the past 7 hours. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Car rental prices in San Diego

Want to book your next getaway? Roll around in style with Expedia! Car hire in San Diego starts at around AU$83 per day and with rates like this, it's a cinch to find the perfect fit for you. The total cost is determined by the car model, rental duration and the specific season. You may see a spike in prices during the high season, from June to August. If you’re a budget traveller, aim to visit in the spring, autumn or fall and enjoy more budget-friendly prices on car rentals in San Diego.

Finding some of the best deals for cheap car rentals in San Diego

Nabbing a deal is a breeze with Expedia. Select your preferred ride, sprinkle in some details and get your comparison today! Choose from wallet-friendly prices and big-name suppliers. If you're searching for budget car hire in San Diego, opt for the "Great deal" filter to narrow down the results. With this handy feature, you can score the lowest prices for San Diego rental cars. Take your Californian vacation to the next level by creating a personalised holiday package. Add flights, hotels, activities and tours for the ultimate luxury of convenience. The more you bundle with our San Diego car rental deals, the more you’ll save!

Best car rental companies in San Diego

Cruising down the leafy streets, ticking off bucket list attractions, savouring mouth-watering cuisine… Enjoy all that and more with Expedia! Vehicle hire in San Diego is fuss-free, especially with our all-in-one platform. With an abundance of reliable car providers available, you find the right fit for you. Compare our offers from 25 car rental companies and kickstart your San Diego adventure!

Best places to rent a car in San Diego

After you’ve disembarked the plane and picked up your luggage at San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), head straight to the Rental Car Centre. You can find rental cars in San Diego from Nu Car Rental, Airport Van Home, Mex Rent A Car, Green Motion or Silvercar. Booking a car directly from the airport enhances your travel experience.

San Diego car rental types

Searching for car rental deals in San Diego? With full-size vehicles, compact rides, spacious SUVs and more, hopping behind the wheel is easier than ever! In San Diego, economy is the most in-demand car. Getting around is easy, parking is hassle-free and you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank.

Advice on car rental in San Diego

Want to hire a car in San Diego? You’ll need a valid driver's license and credit card that are under the same name. The minimum age requirement to rent a car in San Diego is 21 years old and if you’re a young driver (under 25), there’s generally a surcharge applied. Before booking, read out about the full terms, policies and conditions of San Diego car hire on Expedia. If you’re travelling from overseas, you may need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Be sure to research ahead of time and organise it while you’re still in your home country.

Benefits of booking a car rental in San Diego with Expedia

With over 25 suppliers to choose from, there’s no shortage of options. There are many reasons to book with Expedia, and we can help you land the best deals. Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget car hire in San Diego, our member prices and exclusive offers have got you covered. Score even bigger savings by adding more to a holiday package! Bundle your rental car, airfare and hotels into one San Diego vacation package and see more for less! And with all those savings, you can spend more money on fun activities like the San Diego Zoo or Balboa Park!

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in San Diego?
The most affordable daily rate in San Diego was AU$83 based on prices within the last seven days. Have a look at our terrific range of options, from budget vehicles to luxurious rides.
Can I rent a car from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)?
You certainly can. After you've picked up your bags at San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), you'll locate the rental outlets at the Rental Car Centre. Book the right ride with Nu Car Rental, Pacific or ZipCar. Hertz and EZ are other suppliers worth looking at.
What happens if I need to cancel my San Diego car reservation?
Good news! You should be given a full refund if you let us know a minimum of six hours ahead of the arranged pickup time. Your itinerary contains details about this, as does our Customer Service Portal. Not all bookings qualify for a refund though, so it's a good idea to go over your car's rental agreement.
Where can I go on a road trip from San Diego?
There are so many adventures to be had in San Diego, but venture further afield and you'll find even more magic. Arrange a set of wheels and you can wander around the surrounding area at your own pace. Add these fantastic destinations to your travel plan:

  • Los Angeles is 177 kilometres from San Diego. Renowned attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood deserve to be at the top of your list here.
  • Situated 129 kilometres away, Santa Ana is also popular with wanderers. Make sure you experience Santa Ana Zoo while you're here. It's one of the reasons people love visiting this thriving city.
  • Make your way to Channel Islands National Park to feel grounded in nature. Take a picnic to enjoy or just sit and unwind. From San Diego, it's around 290 kilometres away.

How do I find the best car rental deals in San Diego with Expedia?
Expedia makes it quick and easy to compare fees, offers and rental companies, and to check customer ratings. Bundle your San Diego car rental with hotel or flight bookings to make even bigger savings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in San Diego?
You have to be at least 21. But there are a handful of age-related requirements you should bear in mind before locking in your wheels in San Diego. If you're a younger driver, most rental suppliers will charge an additional fee and limit the sorts of cars you can rent. The amount of the surcharge, and which ages it applies to, varies between companies. It's always a good idea to compare the requirements.
What do you need to rent a car in San Diego?
A current driver's licence and a credit card in the same name are two essentials. Opting out of the company's insurance plan? Then there's a good chance you'll also need proof of other coverage. Requirements can differ between rental companies, so read your policy thoroughly.
What is the cheapest car rental in San Diego?
Based on prices within the past seven days, you could've taken the wheel of a rental car for just AU$83 a day. The second lowest daily price offered in San Diego was AU$89. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in San Diego?
Expedia makes it a breeze to book a long-term car rental in San Diego. Just click through to our long-term car rental deals page, enter your information and browse the possibilities.
Where can I find a San Diego car rental if I am younger than 25?
If you're a younger driver looking to rent a car in San Diego, we recommend reading the policies of the various rental companies you're interested in. Some may rent to drivers under 25, some may not. Surcharges may apply if you're aged between 21 and 24. To avoid any surprises on pickup, make sure you know what those charges are if they apply to you.
Can I drive in San Diego with my current driver's license?
If you don't have a driver's license from the United States, then you might need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your country of residence before starting the home process. If you find that an IDP is part of the requirements to drive in the U.S, be aware that you'll also have to show your valid driver's license and your passport or other forms of identification. Lastly, the credit card that was used to rent the vehicle must also match the name on your driver's license and passport in order to confirm your home. Other things you should know about rental cars in the U.S. Are:

  • Age restrictions: You need to be 25 or older in many states in order to rent a car, although in some areas, 21 years and older is allowed. We recommend checking local regulations, as well as the car rental website before you travel to understand all the terms and conditions.
  • Driving limitations: Read the fine print before you slide behind the wheel so you can avoid any unnecessary fees. When renting a car in the United States, it's usually prohibited to cross country borders into Mexico or Canada, use car ferries or go off-roading with your home vehicle. We recommend reading all the rules and regulations before booking!

Information on Car Rentals

 
Popular Car Rental Types:
Hire a SUV, Economy, Luxury, Full Size
 
Car Rental Suppliers Available:
25
 
Today's Best Car Rental Offer:
AU$83
 
Second Best Car Rental Deal:
AU$89
 
Third Best Car Rental Deal:
AU$97
 
Airport to hotel transportation:
Airport Transportation