Cheap car rentals in San Diego
Compare every major rental brand in San Diego — economy, midsize, SUV, and minivan — with all-in pricing and no hidden fees.
Skip the search — let a CheapoTrav expert do it for you.
Phone-only fares for San Diego, 24/7.
Call 1 (815) 473-8090Key facts
- All major brands serve San Diego including Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Alamo
- Airport pickup typically costs 15–25% more than off-airport but saves a shuttle
- Free cancellation on most reservations up to pickup time
- Phone-only corporate rate codes can save 10–20% if you ask
- Insurance options explained on every CheapoTrav quote
Renting a car in San Diego? CheapoTrav compares Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, Budget, Avis, Sixt, and consolidator inventory in one search. Beaches, Balboa Park, and famously perfect weather.
Rental prices in San Diego change by the hour based on fleet availability, so it's worth checking a few times — and worth knowing the airport vs. downtown rate difference, which can be 20–30%.
Use the search below for live rates, or call the travel desk if you want help picking the right car class and a no-surprises out-the-door price.
In this guide
- Where to pick up your rental in San Diego
- Average rental rates
- Hidden fees to watch for
- Insurance options
Frequently asked questions
- What's the cheapest car rental company in San Diego?
- It changes weekly. Enterprise, Alamo, and Budget are usually the most aggressive on economy rates in San Diego, but Sixt and consolidators can win on luxury and SUV classes.
- Is it cheaper to rent a car at SAN or downtown?
- Off-airport pickup is typically 15–30% cheaper, but you'll spend on a rideshare or shuttle to get there. We can price both options on the phone. Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
- Do I need to buy the rental company's insurance?
- Not usually — most US credit cards include collision damage waiver as a perk, and personal auto insurance may extend to rentals. Confirm with your card and insurer before declining the rental company's CDW.
- What is the minimum age to rent a car in San Diego?
- 21 at most agencies in San Diego, with a young-driver surcharge of $20–$30/day until age 25. A few brands rent to 18+ in select states. Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
- Can I drop the car off in a different city?
- Yes, but expect a one-way drop fee of $50–$300 depending on distance and destination. Within a single region you can sometimes get it waived.
- Should I prepay for fuel?
- Almost never. Prepaid-fuel rates assume you return the car empty, which is hard to time. Refilling at the closest gas station is usually $10–$25 cheaper. Call 1 (815) 473-8090 for phone-only fares
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