San Diego International Airport car hire

Compare car hire deals at San Diego International Airport from across the web

Find the best car hire price, fuel policy and more from hundreds of providers

Book with flexibility. Look for cars with free cancellation in case your plans change.

Find cheap car hire in San Diego International Airport

These are the lowest San Diego International Airport car hire prices we found across the web, over the next 30 days. These prices are subject to change.

Car hire near San Diego International Airport

If it's easier for you, there are lots of car hire pickup locations in San Diego from ر.ق.‏ 112.

The most popular car rental companies in San Diego International Airport

San Diego International Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily priceر.ق.‏ 671
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price foundر.ق.‏ 179
Cheapest month to rentAugust
Providers at San Diego International Airport19
Most popular providerAvis
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to get the best car hire deal in San Diego International Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in San Diego International Airport. 

How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Diego International Airport (SAN)

  • Whether you need a compact for zipping through the city streets or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap San Diego International Airport rental car. Choose from options averaging ر.ق.‏ 671 a day and go where you want for less.

  • Kick high costs to the curb by reserving your ride in August. With average daily rates of ر.ق.‏ 196, it's the cheapest month to rent a car in SAN.

  • Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap SAN rental car. Book around two weeks before your departure date to score the best price.

  • Thrifty, Dollar and Budget are some popular providers at San Diego International Airport.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your San Diego International Airport car hire policy, whether with Thrifty or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Discover the best available rates for a car for rent in SAN by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Avoid any surprise charges by choosing a car hire in San Diego International Airport with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Begin and end your trip with a full tank, paying only for what you use.

  • Hit every stop on your wish list by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you like without paying more.

  • After you've grabbed the keys to your SAN car hire, it's time to map out your journey. Central San Diego is about 5 kilometres south-east and a drive of roughly 10 minutes if that's where your trip starts.

  • Don't need a set of wheels right away? Think about grabbing a car hire in San Diego instead of at the airport. That way, you won't pay for days you don't use.

Compare car hire types from San Diego International Airport (SAN)

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap San Diego International Airport rental car puts you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are great for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in cities and roomy enough for longer drives, they're well-suited to most travel needs.

  • Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this SAN car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When adventure's on your mind, an SUV's made for the moment. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.

  • Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in San Diego International Airport that can handle the heavy stuff. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, baggage or large groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If your ride is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different SAN car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in San Diego International Airport by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in the United States, you usually have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may offer rentals to younger drivers for an extra fee, so always go over the policies before securing your wheels.

  • Add a car seat to your SAN car hire booking if you're bringing the kids. Requirements change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, age and weight is always the safest way to go.

Hit the road: Where to drive from San Diego International Airport (SAN)

  • Before you move on, enjoy a bit of sightseeing around San Diego first. Well-known attractions like San Diego Zoo and San Diego Balboa Park make an excellent first impression.

  • Oceanside has to be on your itinerary if you'd like to visit Beach by the ocean and Oceanside Strand. This city is around 56 kilometres north of SAN.

  • Alternatively, jump into your San Diego International Airport car hire and travel roughly 40 kilometres north to Escondido. Featuring Stone Brewing and California Centre for the Arts, its attractions are worth the drive.

  • Still got fuel in the tank? Cruise on over to Anaheim, around 137 kilometres north-west of SAN. From Disneyland Park to Disney California Adventure Park, it's the perfect finale to your trip.

Hiring a car at San Diego International Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from San Diego International Airport is around ر.ق.‏ 669 per day.
No. It's a little higher than United States's average daily car rental price, which is around ر.ق.‏ 343.
There are lots of car hire companies to choose from at San Diego International Airport - including Alamo, Fox - Rent A Car, Thrifty, Enterprise, car rental cafe, U-Save, Economy, NU Car Rentals, and Hertz.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at San Diego International Airport we found is ر.ق.‏ 179. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from ر.ق.‏ 112. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to San Diego International Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from San Diego International Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.
Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in San Diego International Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from San Diego International Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from San Diego International Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals in and around San Diego. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in San Diego International Airport.
When you rent a car near San Diego International Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.
You can book car hire at San Diego International Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.
The documents you need to rent a car at San Diego International Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.
Finding the best car hire deal at San Diego International Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.