Car Rental San Diego International Airport

Looking for a rental car on San Diego International Airport (SAN)? With the right car rental service, you can explore United States with ease and flexibility for the right price! Super simple booking process. Check it out now.

Looking to hire a car at San Diego International Airport?

Renting a car from San Diego International Airport is a fantastic choice for travelers eager to explore the vibrant city and its stunning surroundings. With seamless access to beautiful beaches, picturesque coastal drives, and attractions like Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, a rental car grants you the freedom to create your own itinerary. Enjoy the convenience of personalized travel while uncovering the unique charm of Southern California’s sunny landscapes.


Car rental San Diego International Airport

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Rental cars San Diego International Airport

Find the perfect rental car with ease. Enjoy free cancellations on most bookings, choose from 60,000+ locations worldwide including San Diego International Airport in United States, and get support in 30+ languages.

Hire car San Diego International Airport

Rent a Car San Diego Airport

Exploring San Diego and United States at your own pace begins with finding the perfect rental vehicle. Hiring a car in United States is simple, with a broad selection of options to meet every traveler’s needs. Whether you’re looking for a economy car for city driving, a family-sized vehicle for road trips, or a luxury vehicle for a more stylish experience, United States provides plenty of options. Getting a rental car gives you the flexibility to build your own itinerary, take spontaneous detours, and discover hidden gems off the usual tourist spots.

Tip! With a American eSIM, you’ll have uninterrupted access to local navigation apps without worrying about running out of data.

Save valuable time!

Grabbing a rental car directly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) is extremely convenient and hassle-free. Once you arrive, you can skip the need for other transport plans and go directly to your rental car. The efficient and quick pick-up process preserves valuable time, whether you’re on a leisure trip or a professional journey, ensuring you get on the road. No matter if your flight is on time or your flight is delayed, you’ll still want to make the best of your trip. Instead of standing around for cabs or navigating public transit, you’ll be on your way in no time, fully enjoying every minute of your trip. Airport pick-ups provide the ultimate ease and freedom!

Book a Car Rental at San Diego International Airport

Booking your car rental early helps make sure you get the best deals and vehicle availability. On this page, be sure to use the filter or click the button to select the best rental option for your needs. It’s a straightforward process, and later you can choose optional features like navigation systems, child seats, or co-drivers to elevate your road trip experience.

Cheap Rental Cars at San Diego International Airport

On a budget? United States offers a variety of affordable car rental options. Budget-friendly cars are perfect for city driving and short trips, offering both affordability and convenience. Check for seasonal deals and promotions from well-known rental companies like Hertz, Sixt, and Europcar for great value rentals.

Premium Rental Cars at San Diego International Airport

If you’re hoping to tour United States in style, there are premium car rental options to choose from. Whether you’re dreaming of a sporty vehicle, a premium saloon, or an feature-packed SUV, luxury car rentals offer you a comfortable and high-class ride. Ideal for celebrations, road trips through stunning landscapes, or business trips.

Local tips from San Diego Airport

  • City of the airport: San Diego
  • Local attractions: San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, USS Midway Museum
  • Tips local cuisine: Fish Tacos & California Burrito
  • Local currency: United States Dollar (USD)

Visiting San Diego with a rental car from San Diego International Airport offers a seamless opportunity to explore the city’s diverse attractions and beautiful surroundings. Upon departing the airport, you can easily navigate to iconic locations such as the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where vibrant nightlife and charming boutiques coexist, or head to Balboa Park, home to numerous museums, gardens, and the renowned San Diego Zoo. With a rental car, you can venture beyond the city limits to discover scenic coastal drives along the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping at picturesque beaches like La Jolla Cove, where you can enjoy sunbathing or even spot sea lions basking on the shores. Alternatively, a short drive east will take you to the charming desert landscapes of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, ideal for hiking and witnessing stunning wildflower blooms in the spring. The flexibility of having your vehicle allows you to explore the culinary delights of the region, from fresh seafood at Point Loma to authentic Mexican cuisine in Old Town. Adventurous travelers might find the nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park alluring for mountain trails and panoramic views. Additionally, the convenience of parking makes it easy to explore each neighborhood’s unique character, whether it be the artistic vibe of North Park or the family-friendly atmosphere of Coronado Island. With a rental car, your San Diego holiday can be as varied and exciting as the city itself.

FAQ Airport Car Rental

How do I find the rental counter?

Your voucher will display the rental company’s address and provide directions to the counter.

At airports, look for signs featuring a car with a key above it. They may also indicate ‘Rent a car’ or ‘Car rental’.

How do I drop the car off at the end of my rental?

Simply ask the counter staff when you pick up your car.

If no one is available when you need to return the car, such as during late hours, there may be a ‘drop box’ for the key. Confirm this with the counter staff at pick-up.

It’s always advisable to keep any paperwork provided to you.

What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If you have provided your flight details during booking, the rental company may track your flight and hold your car for a grace period in case of delays or cancellations, though this is not guaranteed.

Details about any grace period can be found under ‘Important information’ and then ‘Grace period’ in your rental terms.

If your flight is delayed or cancelled, notify the rental company as soon as possible using the phone number on your rental voucher.

Flight delays and cancellations are beyond our control, and we cannot be held responsible for any related issues or costs.

How do I pay for my car?

When booking your car, you can use most credit or debit cards for payment (accepted cards will be specified).

However, few rental companies accept debit cards for the security deposit at the rental counter. Therefore, the main driver typically needs to present a credit card in their own name when picking up the car. It does not need to be the same card used for the booking.

What do I need to take to pick the car up?

The main driver must bring:

  1. A credit card in their own name with sufficient funds for the deposit (some rental companies may accept debit cards).
  2. A valid driving license held for at least two years (some companies may require longer).
  3. Your voucher.

Additional documents may be required in some cases, and always will be communicated beforehand by your local car rental company before you arrive at the airport.

If other drivers will be using the car, they must also present their driving licenses.

Important: Without all necessary documents, the counter staff will not release the car. Please review the rental terms under ‘What you need at pick-up’.

How can I rent a car if I’m under 30?

When searching for a car, deselect the option that specifies the driver is between 30-65 years old and enter your age.

The system will display cars available for your age group.

Please note:

  1. Very few companies rent cars to individuals under 21.
  2. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver fee.
  3. Most rental companies require a valid driving license held for at least two years (some may require longer).