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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in National City, California. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Simple. Pick up a low priced ride from neighborhood counters on National City Boulevard or from San Diego International Airport just eight miles (13 km) north, then hit I-5 for quick trips to downtown San Diego, Coronado beaches or the Tijuana border.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| National City Local Agencies | • No airport fees • Multiple options along National City Blvd • Competitive rates for longer rentals |
• Limited hours (often 8AM-6PM weekdays) • Smaller selection of vehicles • Limited after-hours service |
| San Diego International Airport (SAN, 8 miles / 13 km) | • Convenient for arriving flights • All major rental companies available • 24-hour service for late arrivals |
• Higher rates due to airport fees • Potential for longer wait times during peak travel • Traffic congestion possible when leaving airport |
| Cross Border Xpress (CBX, 16 miles / 26 km) | • Access for those flying into Tijuana Airport • Alternative for international travelers |
• Limited rental car options • Requires border crossing • Transportation needed to rental locations |
On average, car rentals in National City cost around $88 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Compare pick-up spots: National City storefronts skip airport surcharges and often beat SAN rates by 10-15%. Grab a quick rideshare or trolley from the airport, but check their 8 AM-6 PM hours.
Aim for off-peak months or midweek pickups: January and September plus Tue-Thu starts usually come in cheaper than summer weekends in San Diego County.
Price out a weekly rate even for 4-5 days: Many agencies in the area drop the per-day cost once you hit the "weekly" threshold.
Check military or membership discounts: Bases nearby mean lots of agencies quietly post military, AAA and warehouse-club rates—easy 5-10 % off.
Parking in National City:
San Diego Area Parking:
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car so you can get to:
Downtown San Diego – Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park
Coronado – beach, Hotel del Coronado
La Jolla – Cove, sea lions
Anza-Borrego Desert – state park, stargazing
Can I take my rental car into Mexico?
Most rental companies don't let you drive their cars into Mexico. Some companies will give you special permission if you buy extra Mexican insurance coverage, but you have to arrange it beforehand. Many visitors find it easier to park at the border and walk across or use transportation in Mexico.
Is there a fee for crossing the Coronado Bridge?
No, crossing the Coronado Bridge is free in both directions. There used to be a toll, but they removed it years ago.
What's the best way to handle parking for downtown San Diego visits?
Parking in downtown San Diego can be expensive, around $15-25 a day in garages. We suggest you take public transit from National City to downtown. The trolley system is a great option, as it has stations in National City that connect you to downtown.
Do I need a special pass for carpool lanes?
No, you don't need a special pass for carpool lanes in San Diego County as long as you have two or more people in your car. They mark these lanes with diamond symbols and "HOV 2+" signs.
What's the parking situation at beaches?
Popular beaches like Coronado, La Jolla and Mission Beach offer a mix of free street parking and paid lots ($10-20/day). The free street parking is limited and fills up early. On weekends, you should arrive before 10 AM to get a better parking spot.
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