$37 Car Rental National City, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around National City

Renting a car in National City offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for families, as a rental vehicle provides ample space for luggage and gear while keeping everyone together. National City is conveniently located near several key attractions, making a car rental a practical choice. You can easily visit Balboa Park, located 5 miles away, for a delightful outdoor experience. Seaport Village, also 5 miles away, invites adventure with its marina atmosphere, while the modern San Diego-Coronado Bridge, just 3 miles from National City, adds a unique city experience to your itinerary.

Additionally, with a rental car, you can explore neighboring areas such as San Diego, 4 miles away, featuring Mission Bay and Mission Beach, or Chula Vista, 3 miles away, which offers Chula Vista Bayside Park and Coronado Beach. Even the nearby neighborhood of Shelltown, less than 1 mile away, provides access to Balboa Park and Seaport Village. Having a car ensures you can create flexible travel plans, making your visit to National City and its surroundings enjoyable and stress-free.

Most popular car rentals in National City

• Mini Van: The Mini Van is a highly popular choice for those traveling in larger groups or with family. This vehicle accommodates up to 8 travelers and can handle up to 6 large suitcases, making it ideal for family trips or group outings. With ample space and comfort, the Mini Van allows you to explore National City and its surroundings at your own pace while keeping everyone and their luggage organized.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is another favored option, perfect for families, couples, or small groups. It comfortably accommodates 5 travelers and has space for up to 3 large suitcases. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for those looking to navigate the roads of National City while enjoying the comfort of a spacious vehicle. Whether you're heading out for a day trip or a longer adventure, this SUV provides the flexibility you need.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize vehicle is well-suited for families or groups as it accommodates 5 travelers and can hold either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option balances space and comfort, giving you plenty of room for both passengers and luggage. Renting a Fullsize car allows you to explore National City with ease, making it a reliable choice for various travel needs.

Top rated car suppliers in National City

• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in the National City area, Enterprise is a popular choice for travelers seeking flexibility and convenience. This supplier boasts an overall rating of 8 out of 10 and is known for its friendly service and easy-to-reach locations. The most booked vehicles with Enterprise are Midsize and Fullsize cars, making it a great option for those looking for reliable transportation to explore the region.
• Hertz: Hertz provides a single rental location in National City, making it easily accessible for tourists. Known for its strong selection of vehicles, the most popular rentals here include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize options. Hertz is a trusted name in the car rental industry, offering quality service and a range of vehicles to meet your travel needs.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Also located in National City, Thrifty Car Rental offers a convenient option for visitors. With a focus on value and customer satisfaction, this supplier features Midsize and Fullsize cars as the most booked choices. Thrifty is well-regarded for providing a straightforward rental experience, allowing you to enjoy your trip without hassle.

Where to stay around National City

• San Diego: Located 4 miles from National City, San Diego offers a vibrant atmosphere ideal for family and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore highlights like Mission Bay, perfect for scenic views and beach activities, and Mission Beach for a quintessential beach vacation. Don't miss Balboa Park, a beautiful private garden that enhances the area's charm. With numerous restaurants and wineries, San Diego is a great spot to unwind after a day of exploration.
• Chula Vista: Just 3 miles away from National City, Chula Vista is a fantastic destination for families and those seeking entertainment. With attractions like Chula Vista Bayside Park, an urban park ideal for outdoor activities, and the nearby theme parks and family beaches, there's something for everyone. Visitors can also enjoy local dining options and wineries, making it a convenient area for a relaxing stay.
• Coronado: Situated 5 miles from National City, Coronado is known for its beautiful beach and family-friendly environment. Coronado Beach offers stunning views and a perfect setting for a beach vacation. Additionally, the USS Midway Museum provides a cultural experience for those interested in maritime history. Seaport Village adds to the outdoor adventure with its marina atmosphere, making Coronado a wonderful place to stay for both relaxation and exploration.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around National City

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you’re looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your travel dates. By booking early, you’re likely to secure lower rates and better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars tend to be more affordable to rent and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other policies might include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can also work, but ensure you return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience it offers may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Rental car insurance can protect you from unexpected costs and provide peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, search for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra fees.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around National City

The best time to rent a car in and around National City is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. January also offers good value, making it a quiet period for rentals. Following these months, March sees a rise in prices and demand. While April and May maintain average levels, November tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand and prices. December also remains pricier, reflecting the busy holiday season.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	57.9°F (14.4°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	57.6°F (14.2°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	63.5°F (17.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	67.6°F (19.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	71.8°F (22.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	73.6°F (23.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
September	73.2°F (22.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
October	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
December	57.9°F (14.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in National City

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter National City into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in National City and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in National City

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in National City. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in National City

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $37.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals