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Finding a car rental in Costa Mesa is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers across Orange County with no reservation fees. Pick up your car at John Wayne Airport or city spots on Harbor or Bristol, then reach Newport Beach or South Coast Plaza in minutes. Use our filters to quickly find low prices on everything from economy cars to convertibles for Pacific Coast Highway drives.
| Location | Details | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| John Wayne Airport (SNA) | • Closest airport to Costa Mesa (5 miles/8 km) • On-site rental counters between Terminals A/B • Major companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Sixt |
• Most convenient option if flying in • No shuttle needed at SNA - walk to counters • Open approximately 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| LAX Airport | • Larger selection of vehicles • More rental companies • 40 miles (64 km) from Costa Mesa |
• Requires 45-90 minute drive (depends on traffic) • Long shuttle rides to rental centers |
| Costa Mesa City Locations | • Various locations along Harbor Blvd, Bristol St • Enterprise, Hertz, Budget and others |
• Often closed Sundays and have limited Saturday hours • Some offer pick-up service from hotels |
On average, car rentals in Costa Mesa cost around $59 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $25 per day.
Compare airport vs city pick-ups: Toggle our search between John Wayne Airport and Harbor Blvd/Bristol St spots. Off-airport counters skip the 11.11 % concession fee and $10/day facility charge, often trimming 10-15 % off the bill (just mind their shorter weekend hours).
Book early for peak weeks only: Summer beach season and major holidays see prices jump fast. For March or October trips you can wait and watch rates.
Look at weekly pricing: Staying 5 days or more? A weekly rate usually beats stacking daily rates and can save an extra 20-30 USD.
Dodge toll mark-ups: Tell your GPS to avoid SR-73 or pay that toll online within 5 days. Skips the rental company's pricey admin fee.
Refuel away from SNA: Stations on Harbor Blvd are roughly $1/gal cheaper than the pumps right outside the airport.
Size matters: Compact or economy cars are not just easier in South Coast Plaza garages, they are also the cheapest class in almost every search.
| Location | Where to Park | Additional Points |
|---|---|---|
| South Coast Plaza | Structured parking available | Large parking structures surrounding the mall |
| The Camp/The Lab | Parking lots on-site | Trendy shopping centers with adequate space |
| Segerstrom Center | Paid parking for performances | |
| Triangle Square | Validated parking available | Entertainment and dining complex |
| Newport Beach | Metered street parking and paid lots | Rates vary |
| Residential Areas | Street parking usually restricted | Watch for permit-only signs |
| John Wayne Airport | Short-term and long-term parking structures | Multiple structures available |
Cell phone use while driving requires hands-free operation
SR-73 toll road runs along the southern edge of Costa Mesa
Get a car to easily:
Newport Beach – coastline, Balboa Peninsula
Huntington Beach – surf town, Pacific City
Disneyland Resort – Anaheim theme parks
Laguna Beach – scenic coves, art district
South Coast Plaza – expansive shopping center
John Wayne Airport (SNA) – swift 10-minute transfer
What's the best way to get a rental car if I'm flying into John Wayne Airport (SNA)?
The easiest way is to rent your car right at SNA. You'll find the rental counters between Terminals A and B. You can walk from your gate to the counter and then to your car, so you won't need a shuttle. The drive to Costa Mesa only takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Is it better to rent from John Wayne Airport or find a location in Costa Mesa?
Renting at John Wayne Airport is convenient and gives you the most cars to choose from, but you'll pay extra airport fees. Places in Costa Mesa can be cheaper, saving you about 10 to 15%, but they might not be open as late and could have fewer cars. If you're staying in Costa Mesa, renting in the city could be worth it to save money.
Do I need to pay for toll roads in Costa Mesa?
The main toll road near Costa Mesa is SR-73. You can take free roads like I-405 or other local streets instead. SR-73 can save you time if you're going to Laguna Beach or South Orange County. If you use the toll roads, you pay for them electronically. You can pay online at TheTollRoads.com up to 5 days before or after your drive. This will help you avoid extra fees from the rental company.
What type of vehicle is best for exploring Costa Mesa and Orange County?
A midsize car works well for most visitors. It gives you enough room for shopping bags or beach gear and is easy to park in mall garages. If you plan to do a lot of shopping at South Coast Plaza or other malls, you might want an SUV to hold bigger items.
How is parking at South Coast Plaza and other shopping areas?
You'll find lots of free parking at South Coast Plaza in the garages around the mall. The Camp and The Lab, two other shopping spots, also have free parking. Most stores in Costa Mesa have plenty of free parking, so driving is a good choice.
Can I easily drive to Disneyland from Costa Mesa?
Yes, you can easily get to Disneyland from Costa Mesa. The park is about 15 miles (24 km) north, and you can take I-5 or SR-55 to SR-22. The drive is usually 20 to 30 minutes when traffic is light. Costa Mesa is a good place to stay for Disney visitors who prefer not to be in the busy Anaheim area.
What's the fastest route to the beach from Costa Mesa?
To get to the beach quickly, take Newport Boulevard (SR-55) south to Newport Beach. The drive takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also get to Huntington Beach by taking Beach Boulevard or Brookhurst Street, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Is there free parking at the beaches near Costa Mesa?
At most beaches, you'll need to pay for parking at street meters or in lots. In Newport Beach, meters cost about $2 to $3 an hour and lots cost $20 to $30 for the whole day. You might find free parking on neighborhood streets a few blocks from the ocean, but read the signs carefully since many areas are for residents only.
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