EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find lower car rental prices in San Antonio with Road Genius. Check rates for SUVs, compact cars, passenger vans and reserve with no reservation fees. Compare deals from 14 companies at San Antonio International Airport and downtown branches, then hit the River Walk or Hill Country whenever you like.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport (CONRAC) | • Direct skybridge connection from Terminal B • 14 companies in one facility • No shuttle needed • Extended hours (some 24/7) • Convenient for arriving flights |
• Higher rates due to airport fees • Can be busy during peak flight times • May have longer wait times midday and evenings |
| Downtown Locations | • Lower rates (about 18% less) • Less crowded than airport • Good for those staying downtown first |
• Limited operating hours (most 8 a.m.–6 p.m.) • Requires transportation from airport • Fewer vehicle options available |
| Off-Airport Branches | • Lowest rates • Some offer airport shuttles |
• Limited hours • Wait time for shuttles • May have smaller fleets |
On average, car rentals in San Antonio cost around $58 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $16 per day.
Pick up downtown, not at the airport – off-airport branches in San Antonio average about 18 % cheaper. Grab a short rideshare from SAT and avoid the built-in airport fees.
Lock in early for peak weeks, then keep watching – for Fiesta (April) or summer holidays book now, but re-check prices a week or two before; you can often rebook the same car for less with no penalty.
Compare pickup days – shifting your rental to Tuesday–Thursday instead of a weekend start can shave dollars because midweek demand is lower.
Skip paid extras – bring your own phone for GPS and pack a portable booster/child seat; those add-ons can run $10-15 per day.
Finding a spot to park in San Antonio is pretty straightforward compared to many major cities, though knowing local rules will help you avoid tickets.
| Area | Options | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown/Riverwalk | • Metered street spaces • Public garages • Hotel valet |
• Street meters: rates vary • Garages near Rivercenter Mall: hourly rates apply • Free at meters on Sundays and holidays |
| The Alamo | • Nearby public lots • Street spaces |
• Can be busy; consider going a few blocks away • Alamo Plaza fills quickly in peak season |
| Pearl District | • Free garage and surface lots | • Popular area; arrive early on weekends |
| Theme Parks (Six Flags, SeaWorld) |
• On-site lots | • Fees apply; arrive early during summer season |
Local Driving Rules:
Important Texas Laws:
Get a car so you can easily:
The Alamo and River Walk – downtown icons
Natural Bridge Caverns – caverns 30 minutes north
Texas Hill Country wineries – Fredericksburg tasting rooms 1.5 hours away
Six Flags Fiesta Texas – theme park in northwest suburbs
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park – four UNESCO sites along Mission Parkway
New Braunfels & Gruene – Guadalupe River tubing 40 minutes northeast
Do I need a special license to rent a car in San Antonio?
You just need a valid driver's license from your home country or state. If you're visiting from another country, you should bring your original license and an International Driving Permit if your license isn't in English.
Are there toll roads in San Antonio?
San Antonio itself has no toll roads, unlike Austin, Houston and parts of Dallas–Fort Worth. If you plan to drive to those cities, the rental company will usually charge a daily fee for using their toll pass, around $3.95 to $5.95 a day, on top of the actual toll costs.
What's the estimated cost of renting a car in San Antonio?
In 2024, you can expect to pay about $35–55 per day for an economy car, $45–65 for a midsize sedan and $60–90 for an SUV, not including taxes and fees. Prices go up during busy seasons and for special events.
Is it difficult to drive in San Antonio?
Most drivers find San Antonio easy to get around in because it has a good highway loop system. The downtown area has some one-way streets, but a GPS makes it simple to navigate. Traffic is usually lighter than in bigger Texas cities like Houston or Dallas.
What type of car is best for visiting San Antonio?
For most travelers, a compact or midsize car works well for driving in the city. Families or groups might want an SUV or minivan for the extra space, especially for day trips to Hill Country wineries, state parks or theme parks.
Can I pick up a rental car in San Antonio and drop it off in another city?
Yes. You can easily rent a car one-way, but it usually costs extra. Companies often charge less if you drop the car off inside Texas, like in Austin or Houston, compared to dropping it off in another state.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support