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Car Hire San Diego Mini Guide

Whether you are in San Diego on business or pleasure, car hire San Diego can cater to your needs. While there are many-lane highways and interstates, there are also scenic coastal roads and city streets to explore. Here's some information about driving in San Diego and the nearest airports:

Driving in San Diego:

Roads: San Diego has a well-maintained road network, including multi-lane motorways (interstates) like I-5, I-8, and I-15. These highways connect San Diego to various parts of Southern California. In the city, you'll find a mix of multi-lane roads and city streets, so it's essential to pay attention to road signs and directions.

Traffic: San Diego experiences varying levels of traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Traffic conditions can be busier in the downtown area, near major attractions, and during special events. The use of navigation apps can help you navigate through traffic.

Scenic Drives: San Diego offers some stunning coastal drives, including routes along the Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1) and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the ocean.

Parking: Parking in San Diego can sometimes be challenging in popular tourist areas and downtown. Be prepared to pay for parking in many parts of the city. Look for parking garages, lots, and metered street parking.

Nearest Airports:

San Diego is served by San Diego International Airport (SAN), which is the primary airport for travelers visiting the city. The airport is conveniently located near downtown San Diego, making it easily accessible from the city center. SAN offers domestic and international flights, making it a popular choice for travelers.   The airport is conveniently accessible via major roads and highways, including Harbor Drive and North Harbor Drive, without any toll booths.

If you're considering other nearby airports for specific travel needs, you can also explore:

Tijuana International Airport (TIJ): Located just across the border in Tijuana, Mexico, this airport may be an option for travelers exploring both San Diego and Baja California, Mexico. It's approximately a 20-30 minute drive from downtown San Diego.

John Wayne Airport (SNA): Located in Orange County, California, SNA is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive north of San Diego. It serves the Southern California region with domestic flights.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): While LAX is not in San Diego, it is one of the largest airports in Southern California. It's about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive north of San Diego and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.

Overall, driving in San Diego is manageable, and it's a great way to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Whether you're driving along the coast, visiting popular attractions like Balboa Park or the San Diego Zoo, or enjoying the vibrant neighborhoods, San Diego has a lot to offer to travelers.
 

Current Rental Rates in San Diego

Kia Soul

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 39.85 EUR/day
Kia Soul

7 Days rental at 278.97 EUR from 22/04/2024

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Toyota Corolla

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 40.36 EUR/day
Toyota Corolla

7 Days rental at 282.56 EUR from 22/04/2024

  4 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Kia Soul

5 Adults, 4 Doors

From 43.77 EUR/day
Kia Soul

7 Days rental at 306.41 EUR from 22/04/2024

  3 |
  Automatic |
  Yes

Key Highlights for Car Hire at San Diego: Making the Most of Your Journey.

  • Explore the City: With car hire in San Diego, you can easily explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the trendy beaches of La Jolla and Pacific Beach.

  • Visit Iconic Attractions: Drive to iconic attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, USS Midway Museum, and the historic Old Town, all conveniently accessible with your rental car.

  • Scenic Drives: Enjoy scenic drives along the picturesque coastline of California, including routes such as the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) and the Cabrillo Scenic Drive, offering stunning ocean views and opportunities to stop at charming beach towns along the way.

  • Day Trips: Take advantage of your rental car to embark on day trips to nearby attractions like the beautiful Coronado Island, the vineyards of Temecula Valley Wine Country, or the desert landscapes of Anza-Borrego State Park.

  • Outdoor Adventures: Explore San Diego's outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking trails in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, water sports at Mission Bay, or kayaking in La Jolla Cove.

  • Convenience and Flexibility: With your own vehicle, you have the flexibility to travel on your own schedule, avoiding crowded public transportation and reaching off-the-beaten-path destinations with ease.

  • Family-Friendly Activities: Plan family-friendly outings to attractions such as SeaWorld San Diego, LEGOLAND California, or the Birch Aquarium, all easily accessible by car.

  • Shopping: Explore shopping destinations like Fashion Valley Mall, Westfield UTC, or the upscale boutiques of La Jolla for a day of retail therapy.

  • Peace of Mind: Enjoy peace of mind with 24/7 roadside assistance and support from the car rental company, ensuring a stress-free journey throughout your exploration of San Diego and its surroundings.

 

San Diego - Popular Destinations

  • Los Angeles: Approximately 120 miles (193 kilometers)
  • Las Vegas: Approximately 330 miles (531 kilometers)
  • Disneyland Resort (Anaheim): Approximately 90 miles (145 kilometers)
  • Palm Springs: Approximately 135 miles (217 kilometers)
  • Tijuana, Mexico: Approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers)

Best car rental companies in San Diego

8.1
No.1: BUDGET,
based on 4234 reviews
82
82
79
80
86
15 min (average wait time)
6.6
No.2: AVIS,
based on 1211 reviews
60
60
60
60
70
15 min (average wait time)

San Diego car hire information

  • 8.2/10
    Best Rated Agent:
    Budget US Corporate
  • € 278.95
    Average price:
    (per week)
  • € 39.85
    Best Price:
    Per Week
  • 4
    Most Popular Type:
    Fullsize
  • 2
    Most popular model:
    Ford Edge
  • 18
    Total Cars Available
     

Average prices per day in San Diego

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ItemPercent
January€ 51
February€ 58
March€ 68
April€ 59
May€ 70
June€ 64
July€ 65
August€ 58
September€ 51
October€ 48
November€ 80
December€ 56
ItemPercent
January€ 52
February€ 62
March€ 69
April€ 60
May€ 70
June€ 64
July€ 65
August€ 58
September€ 51
October€ 48
November€ 80
December€ 56
ItemPercent
January€ 73
February€ 77
March€ 88
April€ 75
May€ 79
June€ 89
July€ 95
August€ 84
September€ 77
October€ 65
November€ 88
December€ 79
ItemPercent
January€ 55
February€ 61
March€ 71
April€ 63
May€ 74
June€ 68
July€ 70
August€ 67
September€ 55
October€ 50
November€ 84
December€ 62
ItemPercent
January€ 94
February€ 108
March€ 130
April
May
June€ 100
July€ 162
August€ 224
September€ 92
October€ 79
November€ 163
December
ItemPercent
January€ 66
February€ 76
March€ 83
April€ 69
May€ 80
June€ 78
July€ 80
August€ 74
September€ 71
October€ 60
November€ 97
December€ 76
ItemPercent
January€ 88
February€ 123
March
April
May
June€ 65
July
August
September
October€ 60
November€ 61
December
ItemPercent
*average daily rates based on 7 day rental, search for today's best prices
FAQs - How can we help?

There are always some points on which you are not sure when hiring a car, so we have done our best to answer the frequently asked questions. Just click this link and you will find the questions are sorted by category for easy navigation.


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Jan€ 42
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Aug€ 68
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Nov€ 45
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