San Diego Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

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

Featured car rental suppliers

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

Fri., 28 Jun. - Sat., 29 Jun.

Midsize

Toyota Corolla or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Toyota Corolla

AU$126

total
found 11 days ago
Midsize Toyota Corolla
Mon., 1 Jul. - Tue., 2 Jul.

Midsize Elite

POLESTAR 2 or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
POLESTAR 2

AU$160

total
found 18 hours ago
Midsize Elite POLESTAR 2
Sat., 29 Jun. - Sun., 30 Jun.

Mini Van

Chrysler Pacifica or similar
  • 7 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Chrysler Pacifica

AU$234

total
found 14 hours ago
Mini Van Chrysler Pacifica
Fri., 28 Jun. - Sat., 29 Jun.

Compact Elite

Mercedes CLA250, Audi A3 or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Mercedes CLA250, Audi A3

AU$1,523

total
found 18 hours ago
Compact Elite Mercedes CLA250, Audi A3

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* Price found within the past 60 days. Click for updated prices.

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$126 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?
Chart your own course in San Diego, with car rental prices as low as AU$126 a day. That’s based on prices found within the past seven days. With rates like this, it’ll be a cinch to find a ride that meets your needs.
Can I rent a car from San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)?
You sure can. After you’ve picked up your bags at San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), you’ll locate the home outlets at the Rental Car Centre. Select from Airport Van Home, Green Motion or Silvercar. Nu Car Rental and Mex Rent A Car are other suppliers worth looking into.
What happens if I need to cancel my San Diego car reservation?
Read over the cancellation policy to be certain, but almost all bookings will receive a total refund if you notify us a minimum of six hours ahead of picking up the car. There are some exceptions though. Your confirmation will have more information, or just jump onto our Customer Service Portal.
What types of cars can I rent in San Diego?
Full-size rides, compact cars, powerful SUVs … Hop behind the wheel of whatever you prefer! Economy is the most in-demand rental car category in San Diego. Zippy, with good mileage and a breeze to park, these wheels make driving around busy city streets effortless. The best part? They’re easy on the purse strings. That means you’ll have more money to spend on other things, like exploring as much of this awesome destination as possible.
Where can I go on a road trip from San Diego?
Once you’ve covered all the great sights in San Diego, there’s loads more to see in the region. Collect the keys to a rental car, stow your bags in the trunk and take to the open road. Here are some drives you’re sure to love:

  • Head off to Anaheim for a fun-filled sightseeing adventure. Roughly 145 kilometres from San Diego, it has tons of great sights like Disneyland® Resort.
  • Why not see the best of Los Angeles too? Notable attractions in this happening city include Universal Studios Hollywood. Los Angeles is 177 kilometres from San Diego.
  • Lotusland is situated 306 kilometres from San Diego and is one of the region’s most spectacular nature spots. Go for a wander around and enjoy the fresh air.

Why should I rent a San Diego car with Expedia?
There are so many reasons to book your ride with Expedia. We have 25 suppliers to select from in San Diego, and we’ll help you land the best deal with our member prices and exclusive offers. Want even bigger savings? Bundle your rental car, flights and hotels into a package. The more you book and travel with Expedia, the more benefits you get!
How do I find the best car rental deals in San Diego with Expedia?
Scoring an amazing deal on your San Diego rental car is a breeze with Expedia. Choose your preferred ride, add some details and compare prices across big-name suppliers. Why not add hotels and flights to your booking? You’ll score even bigger savings when you combine your bookings into a package.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in San Diego?
Drivers need to be at least 21. But there are several age-related requirements you should bear in mind before you reserve your San Diego wheels. If you’re a younger motorist, most home providers will charge an additional daily fee and limit the sorts of cars you can rent. This size of the surcharge, and which ages it applies to, differs between companies. It’s a good idea to compare the rules.
What do you need to rent a car in San Diego?
While terms and conditions may differ between rental car outlets, the two main things you’ll need are your driver’s license and a credit card. You don’t need to take out insurance with your home company. However, proof of alternative coverage may be required.
What is the cheapest car rental in San Diego?
San Diego has had some very happy car rental customers lately. Daily prices within the past seven days dropped as low as AU$126 and AU$160. These rates were available on Expedia, with a holiday home 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?
Whether you plan to stay in San Diego or journey beyond, it’s easy to reserve a long-term holiday home with Expedia. Enter your trip information and pick-up/drop-off locations and we’ll help you find affordable long-term car rental deals.
Where can I find a San Diego car rental if I am younger than 25?
If you’re a younger driver looking for a car rental in San Diego, it’d be wise to check the policies of the various car rental companies you’re interested in. Some may rent to drivers under 25 some may not. There may be surcharges if you’re between 21 and 24 years of age. To escape any surprises on pickup, make sure you know what to expect.
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$126
 
Second Best Car Rental Deal:
AU$160
 
Third Best Car Rental Deal:
AU$234
 
Airport to hotel transportation:
Airport Transportation