Small
Toyota Yaris
Europcar- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 4 seats
from €282/7 days
See offer →
San Diego Airport Car Rental (SAN)
Check live prices from 18 providers at the terminal. Pick up your keys and hit the road - no queues, no stress.
LocationAirport
Providers18
Price tipBook ~7 days ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
Quick answer: At San Diego Airport you can compare rental cars from 18 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceOur price data: booking about 7 days ahead was cheapest here over the last 30 days.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in San Diego Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 4 Dec. Prices collected 4 Nov.
EuropcarMid-size
Kia Soul
Budget- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €256/7 days
See offer →SUV
Nissan Rogue
Alamo- Free cancellation up to 24 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €229/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in San Diego Airport: sorted by rating
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alamo | (46) | By shuttle bus | €229 |
 Enterprise | (6) | By shuttle bus | €242 |
 SIXT | (13) | By shuttle bus | €366 |
 National | (4) | By shuttle bus | €249 |
 Dollar | (36) | Inside the terminal | €273 |
| Budget | (7) | €243 | |
 Hertz | (5) | €360 | |
 Thrifty | (41) | Inside the terminal | €279 |
 FOX | (103) | €379 | |
| Europcar | (9) | By shuttle bus | €282 |
 Avis | (9) | €258 | |
 U-Save | (26) | By shuttle bus | €640 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 4 Nov, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 from customer reviews. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at San Diego Airport
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is California's second busiest airport and has 18 car rental agencies concentrated in a dedicated Rental Car Center, accessed via free shuttle from the terminals. The airport is just 5 km from Gaslamp Quarter and 3 km from Balboa Park, making it the region's most complete pickup location. With 18 operators, you're guaranteed competitive prices and a wide fleet.
SAN is unusually central for a major airport - the runway stretches along San Diego Bay with views toward Coronado. The Rental Car Center is reached in 5-8 minutes by shuttle from Terminal 1 and 2, and from there it's a straight shot onto I-5 or Harbor Drive to your chosen destination. Pick up your car via Rental Car Center and drive directly south on Harbor Drive to avoid airport traffic chaos.
Book at least 2 weeks in advance during summer - SAN is extremely popular and cars sell out. Check if your credit card covers rental car insurance to avoid expensive add-on insurance. How do I get from SAN's terminal to the rental cars?
Free shuttles depart from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 every 5-10 minutes and drive to the Consolidated Rental Car Center; the journey takes about 5-8 minutes. Which car rental companies are at San Diego airport? We compare 18 rental agencies in total, covering all major operators including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, National, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty and others.
Can I return the car at the airport if I rented it elsewhere in San Diego? Yes, but check for any drop-off fee when you book, as this varies between rental agencies.
We compare prices from all major providers at San Diego Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
Renting at San Diego Airport - The Short Version
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of California (USA). Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at San Diego Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at San Diego Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At San Diego Airport you can compare rentals from 18 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Our price data: booking about 7 days ahead was cheapest here over the last 30 days.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in California (USA) ▼
In California (USA) you drive on the right side.
- Urban speed limit: 40-56 km/h
- Rural roads: 89-105 km/h
- Motorway: 105-129 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0.8 per mille
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking can be expensive in cities, always check signs for fees.
Road tolls: Check if your rental car has a transponder for easy payment.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at San Diego Airport
Which rental companies are available at San Diego Airport?▼
You can compare 18 rental companies at San Diego Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in California (USA)?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at San Diego Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in California (USA) is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in California (USA)?▼
In California (USA) you drive on the right side. Speed limits: 40-56 km/h in urban areas, 89-105 km/h on rural roads and 105-129 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at San Diego Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at San Diego Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at San Diego Airport?▼
Our price data: over the last 30 days, booking about 7 days ahead was cheapest at San Diego Airport. A mid-week pickup and avoiding peak season also help.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for San Diego Airport
Other Rental Locations Near San Diego Airport
Rent a Car Near San Diego Airport
Other pickup points within driving distance.
2 km
San Diego PortPort · 2 rental companies
2 km
San Diego India StreetCity Center · 2 rental companies
2 km
San Diego CenterCity Center · 6 rental companies
3 km
San Diego Old TownCity Center · 2 rental companies
4 km
San Diego East VillageCity Center · 2 rental companies
5 km
Coronado CenterCity Center · 2 rental companies
Most Popular Pickup Points in California (USA)
Explore California (USA) & North America
Found your car yet?
18 rental companies at San Diego Airport. Enter your dates and find the right car.
Compare and book in 2 minutes
San Diego Airport
18 providers
Find cars