San Diego Airport Car Rental Deals

Renting a car is often the most convenient way to explore all that San Diego has to offer. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about booking, picking up, driving, and returning a rental car during your San Diego trip.

Introduction to Renting a Car in San Diego

With endless beaches, parks, attractions, and neighborhoods to discover, having your own set of wheels makes getting around San Diego easy.

Major Rental Car Companies in San Diego

All the major national rental brands operate locations across San Diego:

  • Airport locations - Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty
  • Downtown locations - Ace, Advantage, E-Z Rent-A-Car, Fox, Midway Car Rental

You'll find competitive rental rates and car availability. Airport locations offer shuttle service to the terminals.

Booking Your San Diego Rental Car

Booking early online gets you the best fares and selection.

Comparing Rental Car Rates

Use comparison sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Costco Travel to find the lowest price across providers for your dates and car type. Rates range from $30-$100 per day.

Consider package deals bundling rental car, hotel, and flights. Check rates for picking up downtown vs at the airport.

Airport Shuttles to Rental Facility

Shuttles run 24/7 between the airport terminals and the consolidated rental car facility located just off airport property. Shuttles depart every 5-10 minutes.

Choosing Car Size and Features

Select the right rental car for your needs:

  • Compact or mid-size - Best for 1-2 people with minimal luggage. More budget-friendly.
  • Full-size - Comfortable for 3-4 people and lots of luggage.
  • SUV or minivan - For families or groups. Maximum space.
  • Convertible - For scenic drives up the coast. Limited availability.
  • Luxury - High-end brands like BMW, Mercedes, etc. require added fees.

Consider amenities like satellite radio, navigation, car seats. Reserve these when booking to ensure availability.

Rental Car Costs in San Diego

Base rental rate, taxes, and fees add up quickly. Be aware of all charges included in your total cost.

Average Rental Car Rates in San Diego

Base daily rates average:

  • Compact: $30-$60
  • Mid-size: $40-$70
  • Full-size: $60-$90
  • Minivan: $80-$120
  • SUV: $80-$150

Weekly rentals offer lower per-day rates. Check for weekend or weekly deals.

Adding Insurance and Extras

Insurance and extras like GPS can double your rental cost:

  • Liability insurance - $10-$20 per day
  • Collision damage waiver - $15-$30 per day
  • Theft protection - $5-$10 per day
  • GPS - $10-$15 per day

Also factor in potential young driver fees, second driver fees, and one-way rental surcharges.

Getting the Best Rate With Discounts

Take advantage of discounts to save on rentals:

  • Corporate/membership rates - Check employers or clubs like AAA.
  • Advance booking - Reserve early for lowest base fares.
  • Prepaying - Pay at booking for best total price.
  • Weekly/monthly - Longer rentals get lower day rates.
  • Coupons - Check retailmenot.com for codes.

Picking Up Your Rental Car

Know what to expect and inspect when you collect your rental car.

Inspecting the Car for Damage

Do a thorough walkaround, taking photos of any existing dents, scratches, or windshield chips before driving off.

Check tires for adequate tread depth and proper inflation. Confirm all lights, signals, and wipers function properly.

Confirming Reservation Details

Verify your reservation's vehicle class, rate and total cost at pickup. Inspect the rental agreement closely before signing. Decline unnecessary addons you don't want.

Ask about grace periods for late returns to avoid surprise overage fees.

Understanding Fuel and Mileage Policies

Most San Diego rentals come with a full tank but require returning full to avoid refueling charges. Mileage is unlimited for most standard rates. Ask about restrictions.

Review policy for accidents - most require immediately notifying the rental company.

Driving Your Rental Car in San Diego

Explore all corners of San Diego comfortably and safely in your rental car.

Navigating San Diego's Roads and Highways

Use GPS or Google Maps to navigate San Diego's extensive freeway system and tangled surface streets in different neighborhoods and coastal cities.

Pay to use toll "FasTrak" lanes on I-15 for faster airport access. Other major highways are I-5, I-8, and I-805.

Finding Parking at Tourist Spots

Bring quarters for parking meters in downtown, Balboa Park, and beach communities. Valet parking is offered at some hotels and restaurants.

Beach parking fills up early in summer. Use parking apps to find and prepay for spots.

Avoiding Traffic Issues

Allow extra time during rush hour from 7-9am and 4-6pm. Worst congestion is on I-5, I-15, and I-8.

Avoid downtown and beach areas on weekends if possible. Use back road shortcuts when you can.

Returning Your San Diego Car Rental

Follow these guidelines when returning your rental car to avoid extra charges.

Understanding Refueling Policies and Fees

Most rentals require returning with a full tank to avoid refueling service fees of $10-$15 per gallon.

If you prepaid for a full tank, you can return empty without filling up again.

Checking for Damage

Do a thorough walkaround looking for any new dents, scratches, or windshield chips before turning in the car. Photograph the car.

Getting a receipt from the rental agent noting "no new damage" provides proof if any issues arise later.

Dropping Off During Office Hours

Try to return your car during the rental location's normal office hours. Out-of-hours drop-offs often incur additional "after hours" fees.

Avoid airport returns during peak arrival periods when shuttle waits are long.

Alternative San Diego Rental Car Options

Beyond the traditional major rental companies, consider these alternatives for your rental car needs:

Renting From Individual Owners Through Turo

The "Airbnb for cars" app Turo allows locals to rent out their personal vehicles. Often lower rates than big agency rentals. Drawbacks include limited parking locations.

Rental Car Delivery Services

Some rental providers like Hertz offer convenient delivery of rental cars right to your home, hotel, or airport terminal for a fee. No need to visit a physical counter. Availability may be limited.

Renting a car opens the door to easy exploration in San Diego. Booking the right rental for your travel plans ensures comfort, convenience and value during your California stay.

FAQs

What is the cheapest car rental company at San Diego airport?

The cheapest car rental company at San Diego airport can vary depending on factors such as the dates of your rental and availability. However, some affordable options include Avis, Enterprise, and Alamo.

What size rental car do I need when visiting San Diego?

The size of the rental car you need when visiting San Diego depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're traveling alone or with a small group, a compact or midsize car should suffice. However, if you have a larger group or need more space for luggage, you may opt for a larger vehicle such as an SUV or minivan.

What insurance should I get when renting a car in San Diego?

When renting a car in San Diego, it's important to have insurance coverage to protect yourself and the vehicle. Most rental car companies offer optional insurance coverage, including collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability protection (SLP). It's advisable to check with your own insurance provider to see if your personal auto insurance policy covers rental cars, as this may help you avoid purchasing duplicate coverage.

Are there any extra fees when renting a car at SAN airport?

When renting a car at San Diego International Airport (SAN), there may be additional fees such as airport concession fees, facility charges, and taxes. These fees are typically included in the total price quoted by the rental car company. It's recommended to review the terms and conditions of your rental agreement to understand any potential extra fees.

Can I take a rental car from San Diego into Mexico?

Yes, it is generally possible to take a rental car from San Diego into Mexico. However, it's important to check with the rental car company beforehand, as some companies may have specific restrictions or requirements for traveling to Mexico. Additionally, it's advisable to purchase Mexican auto insurance, as your regular rental car insurance may not provide coverage in Mexico.

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