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| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mira Mesa Local Agencies | • No airport fees • Convenient for business travelers in the area • Enterprise and Hertz have locations on Mira Mesa Blvd |
• Limited hours (most open 8AM-6PM weekdays) • Reduced weekend hours • Possibly smaller vehicle selection |
| Carlsbad (McClellan-Palomar Airport area, 17 miles/27 km) | • Less crowded than SAN • Multiple rental agencies • Possibly shorter lines |
• Limited hours compared to SAN • Smaller selection of vehicles • May have higher rates for one-way rentals |
| San Diego International Airport (SAN, 15 miles/24 km) | • All major rental companies available • Wider selection of vehicles • 24-hour service for late arrivals |
• Airport fees add approximately 10-15% to rates • 20-30 minute drive to Mira Mesa • Potential for longer wait times during peak travel |
On average, car rentals in San Diego - Mira Mesa cost around $74 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $22 per day.
Compare Mira Mesa neighborhood pick-ups vs. SAN Airport Skipping the 10-15 % airport surcharge and long lines often outweighs the $25–30 rideshare from the terminal to Mira Mesa—just watch the 8 AM-6 PM office hours.
Shift your dates to shoulder season Rates in Jan–Feb and Sep–Oct are typically $15-20/day lower than summer. Even moving your pick-up from Friday to Wednesday can shave a few bucks.
Go for a weekly deal if staying 5 + days In San Diego a 7-day rate is often cheaper than five separate daily rates, especially on economy or midsize cars.
Lock in a free-cancellation booking, then re-shop Prices here can dip as the pick-up date nears when fleets sit idle. Modify the reservation online in seconds and pocket the difference.
Parking in Mira Mesa:
San Diego Area Parking:
Local Driving Rules:
Rent a car so you can easily:
Downtown San Diego – Gaslamp Quarter, harbor
La Jolla beaches – La Jolla Cove, shops
Torrey Pines State Reserve – cliffs, coastline
San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park – zoo, museums

Is Mira Mesa convenient for visiting San Diego attractions?
Yes, Mira Mesa is a good central spot for visiting San Diego attractions. You can drive to most major sites in 15–30 minutes. From here, you can easily get to coastal areas (La Jolla, Torrey Pines) and inland attractions like the Safari Park and wineries.
How does traffic compare to other parts of San Diego?
Mira Mesa has normal suburban traffic. You will find a lot of cars on main roads like Mira Mesa Blvd and Miramar Rd during rush hour. The I-15 also gets very crowded during commute times, especially going south in the morning and north in the evening.
Are there toll roads around Mira Mesa?
The I-15 Express Lanes between SR-163 and SR-78 are carpool lanes during busy hours. If you're driving alone, you need a FasTrak pass to pay a toll to use them. The South Bay Expressway (CA-125) in eastern San Diego is another toll road, but people don't usually use it to get around the Mira Mesa area.
What's the best time to visit San Diego beaches from Mira Mesa?
You'll find good weather and easier parking on weekday mornings. During summer weekends, you should try to get to the beach before 10 AM to find a parking spot. September has great beach weather and fewer crowds once school resumes.
Is it necessary to have a car in Mira Mesa?
Yes, we highly recommend you have a car. The area has limited public transportation. Because everything is spread out, you can't really walk to most places. Driving is the easiest way to reach major attractions throughout San Diego County.