How to find a cheap car hire deal in San Diego International (SAN)
Whether you need a small car for zipping through the city streets or an SUV built for road trips, we'll help you find a cheap San Diego International rental car. Choose from options averaging R 2,346 a day and travel your way for less.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at San Diego International is R 600.
Staying on in San Diego for a while? Book a weekly rental from R 4,191 and pack more sights into your itinerary.
Here's your clue on when to book. Two weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a SAN car hire.
Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Dollar or Budget, some of the most reliable providers at San Diego International.
Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your San Diego International car hire policy, whether you go with Thrifty or another supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.
Booking one-way could snag you a bargain on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in SAN.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in San Diego International with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Want to explore more without worrying about the number of miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming out on top for value is this company, with prices averaging R 2,590 a day.
Offering daily rates of around R 1,898, this provider lands in second place.
The third option also stays competitive on price. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly R 2,986 a day.
The Compact rental category is a solid choice if you can't decide what sort of ride you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other at SAN.
Compare car hire types from San Diego International (SAN)
Small: Whether you're navigating busy cities or taking a quick trip, this cheap San Diego International rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to great mileage and easy handling.
Medium: A top choice when you need something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category includes compact and intermediate models that come with a bit of extra space compared to smaller options.
Large: Offering a more comfortable ride and improved tech features, this SAN car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and transport everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and advanced safety features.
Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in San Diego International that can handle the big jobs. Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can save you from paying an expensive excess fee. Different SAN car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the terms before booking.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These add-ons can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in San Diego International.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some providers may offer rentals to younger drivers for a surcharge, so always check the terms before confirming your booking.
If you're travelling with kids, check if you need to add a child car seat to your SAN car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.
Come prepared and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll typically need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) plus another photo ID. Also keep a credit card handy to cover the required excess. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in the United States might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stay on the right side of the road.
Make sure you follow the local speed limits. In general that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless signs say otherwise.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you intend to drink, hand the keys to someone else or choose another way to travel.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for all your purchases and expenses here. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cards and cash so you're covered for every situation.
Drive smarter from the start
Once you've collected the keys to your SAN car hire, it's time to create your own itinerary. Central San Diego is about 5 kilometres southeast and a drive of around 15 minutes if that's your first stop.
Allow roughly 30 minutes to drive from San Diego International to the city centre during rush hours.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a faster run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
Don't need a set of wheels immediately? Consider picking up a car hire in San Diego instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Car hire is also offered at other airports serving San Diego. For even more variety, browse the car hire options at McClellan-Palomar.
Hit the road: Where to drive from San Diego International (SAN)
Before you move on, do some sightseeing around San Diego first. Top attractions like San Diego Zoo and San Diego Balboa Park set the tone for your whole journey.
Oceanside should be on your itinerary if you're eager to see Beach by the ocean and Oceanside Strand. This city is about 56 kilometres north of SAN.
Or jump behind the wheel of your San Diego International car hire and take off to Escondido. About 40 kilometres north of the airport, Roynon Museum of Earth Science and Palaeontology and Dixon Lake are popular attractions that make the extra drive worth it.
Take things a bit further and road-trip it to Anaheim, roughly 137 kilometres northwest of SAN. First, swing past Disneyland Park, then take your time exploring Disney California Adventure Park.
