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Finding a rental car at San Diego International Airport is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers across California with no reservation fees. A shuttle ride drops you at the airport's Rental Car Center, where you can grab everything from a compact for downtown runs to an SUV for coastal road trips.
San Diego International Airport offers several options for renting vehicles upon arrival.
| Rental Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| SAN Rental Car Center | • Consolidated facility housing multiple companies • Frequent shuttle service from terminals • Wide selection of vehicles |
• Airport fees added to rental rates • Can experience long wait times during peak periods • Higher rates than off-airport locations |
| Off-Airport Locations (nearby) | • Lower rates without airport fees • Often less crowded • May offer pickup service |
• Requires transportation from airport • Limited operating hours • Shuttle or taxi needed to reach location |
| Downtown San Diego | • Good option if staying downtown first • Lower rates possible • Walking distance to hotels |
• Requires transport from airport • Limited operating hours • More limited vehicle selection |
| Hotel Delivery | • Some companies offer delivery to hotels • Convenient if not needing car immediately • Skip airport pickup process |
• Limited to certain companies • May involve delivery fees • Requires advance reservation |
SAN Rental Car Center: Free shuttle buses run approximately every 5 minutes from all terminals to the Rental Car Center
Off-Airport Locations: Some offer complimentary pickup shuttles (call upon arrival)
Downtown San Diego: Multiple options including:
On average, car rentals at San Diego Airport cost around $67 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $15 per day.
Check airport vs off-airport quotes: SAN's Rental Car Center adds an 11% concession fee. A $12 rideshare to a nearby lot or downtown branch can wipe that out and still leave you ahead on multi-day rentals.
Play with pickup days: shifting your booking to a Tue–Thu start (outside summer/Comic-Con) often drops the rate by $10-20 a day. A quick date toggle in the search box can reveal the sweet spot.
Look for weekly pricing: At SAN a 6- or 7-day "weekly" rate frequently beats four separate daily charges. If you're close to a week, extend instead of paying extra daily.
Rent only when you'll drive: Downtown, Little Italy and the waterfront are walkable and hotel parking runs $30-50/night. Grab the car only for the days you plan on beach hops, zoo runs or wine-country day trips.
Downtown San Diego: Mix of metered street spaces and garages
Beach Areas: Limited free spots at most beaches; arrive early on weekends
Major Attractions: Fees apply at attractions such as San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND and Safari Park
Hotel Parking: Downtown hotels often charge for spaces
| Rule Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Basic Rules | • Drive on the right side of the road • Right turn on red is legal after a complete stop (unless signed otherwise) • Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks • Seat belts mandatory for all occupants |
| Speed Limits | • City streets: 25-35 mph (40-55 km/h) • Residential areas: 25 mph (40 km/h) • Highways (I-5, I-8, I-15): 65 mph (105 km/h) • School zones: 25 mph when children present |
| Enforcement | • California Highway Patrol monitors highways • Local police patrol city streets • Red light cameras at some intersections • Strict DUI enforcement (0.08% blood alcohol limit) |
| Beach Areas | • Lower speed limits in beach communities • Watch for pedestrians and cyclists • Residential permits required in some areas • Limited spots during summer months |
| Toll Road | Description | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|
| South Bay Expressway (SR-125) | Runs north-south in eastern San Diego County | • FasTrak transponder • One-time payment online • Toll-by-plate billing |
| I-15 Express Lanes | HOV/toll lanes between SR-163 and SR-78 | • Free for carpools (2+ people) • FasTrak required for solo drivers • Dynamic pricing based on congestion |
Book a rental to drive to:
La Jolla – Cove, Torrey Pines Reserve
Coronado – beach, Hotel del Coronado
Balboa Park & San Diego Zoo – museums, gardens, zoo
Carlsbad – LEGOLAND California, Flower Fields
Temecula Valley – wineries, Old Town
Julian – gold mining town, apple pie shops
What documents do I need to rent a car at San Diego Airport?
You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. If you're visiting from another country, you'll also need a passport. Some companies may ask for an International Driving Permit on top of your regular license.
How long does it take to pick up a rental car at SAN?
You should plan for about 30-45 minutes during busy times (11 am-2 pm and 6-8 pm). This includes the shuttle ride to the Rental Car Center and the time it takes to get your paperwork done. During less busy hours, it might only take you 15-20 minutes in total.
Can I take a rental car to Mexico?
Most major rental companies don't let you drive their cars into Mexico. For the few that do, you'll have to buy extra Mexico insurance, which costs about $30-50 per day. You might want to park at the border and walk across instead.
Is it worth getting a car if I'm only staying in downtown San Diego?
If you're only planning to visit downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy and the harbor area, you probably don't need a car. You can easily walk around these places or use public transit and rideshare services. But if you want to go to the beaches, La Jolla or attractions like the Zoo, SeaWorld or Coronado, renting a car gives you a lot more freedom.
What's the best time to avoid traffic when traveling from the airport?
Try not to leave the airport between 3:30-6:30 pm on weekdays if you're driving north on I-5, because that's the busiest rush hour. If you're driving south, you'll hit morning rush hour traffic between 7-9 am. On weekends, there are fewer commuters, but you'll see more cars heading to the beaches and tourist spots, especially in the middle of the day.
How early should I return my car before my flight?
You should return your car about 2.5 hours before a domestic flight and 3.5 hours before an international flight. This schedule leaves you enough time for the return inspection (10-15 minutes), the shuttle ride to the terminal (up to 15 minutes) and your airline check-in and security screening.
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