$33 Car Rental National City, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around National City

Renting a car in National City provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace, making it a popular choice for beachgoers, family explorers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and adapt your travel plans as needed. National City is conveniently located near key attractions such as the San Diego Convention Center, just 4 miles away, and Balboa Park, located 5 miles from the city. Additionally, Seaport Village, which is also 5 miles away, offers a marina perfect for outdoor adventures and beach experiences.

A rental car makes it simple to visit nearby cities like San Diego, 4 miles away, featuring Mission Bay and Mission Beach, or Chula Vista, only 3 miles from National City, where you can explore Chula Vista Bayside Park. For those interested in cultural experiences, Bonita is 4 miles away and offers access to the San Ysidro Border Crossing and Balboa Park. Whether you are traveling with family or seeking a city-related experience, having a rental car ensures that you can make the most of your time in and around National City.

Most popular car rentals in National City

• Midsize SUV: A popular choice among travelers, the midsize SUV comfortably fits 5 travelers and accommodates up to 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore National City and its stunning beaches, providing ample space for everyone and their luggage. With the flexibility to navigate both city streets and outdoor adventures, a midsize SUV ensures you can enjoy your trip at your own pace.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option also fits 5 travelers and offers generous luggage capacity, accommodating up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium ones. This makes it an ideal choice for families and larger groups wanting to experience the attractions around National City. With its spacious interior and versatility, a fullsize car allows you to travel comfortably while enjoying the freedom of exploring the region without the hassle of public transportation.
• Compact: For those seeking a more economical option, the compact car fits 5 travelers and can handle up to 3 medium suitcases. This type is particularly well-suited for solo travelers, couples, or small families looking for a budget-friendly way to navigate National City. Its smaller size offers easy maneuverability in urban areas while still providing enough space for luggage, making it a practical choice for your rental needs.

Top rated car suppliers in National City

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a favored choice among travelers in National City, boasting 2 rental locations in the area. Known for its friendly service, this supplier has an overall rating of 7 out of 10, making it a reliable option for those seeking a pleasant rental experience. The most booked vehicles with Enterprise include Midsize and Fullsize cars, catering to a variety of needs for both solo travelers and families.
• Hertz: Hertz operates 1 rental location in National City and is well-regarded for its selection of vehicles. Popular options include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, making it suitable for travelers looking for spacious options. With a focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Hertz is a solid choice for those wanting to explore the area comfortably.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental also has 1 location in National City, offering a convenient option for travelers. Known for its competitive pricing, Thrifty caters to various preferences with popular choices in Midsize and Fullsize vehicles. This supplier is a great option for those looking for reliable cars without compromising on quality or service.

Where to go in and around National City

• San Diego: Located 4 miles from National City, San Diego offers a vibrant city experience with a variety of attractions. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beaches, such as Mission Beach, perfect for a beach vacation, and Mission Bay, ideal for outdoor fun. The San Diego Convention Center serves as a key venue for business travelers, while families can explore the local theme parks and engaging outdoor activities. San Diego sees peak visitor numbers from March to April and July, making it an excellent choice during these months for a lively atmosphere.
• Chula Vista: Situated 3 miles away, Chula Vista is a family-friendly destination that boasts a range of entertainment options. Visitors can explore the Chula Vista Bayside Park for outdoor activities or enjoy the nearby San Diego Bay for its beautiful scenery. The city features shopping centers and a water park, providing a variety of leisure options for travelers. Peak visitor seasons occur in April and June to July, making it a great time for families to enjoy the numerous attractions and outdoor experiences available.
• Bonita: Just 4 miles from National City, Bonita offers a charming blend of outdoor and family experiences. The area is known for its picturesque landscapes, including family beaches and bays perfect for relaxation. Visitors can engage in educational outings, visit local shopping centers, or enjoy a round of golf. Bonita sees increased visitor numbers in March and July to August, making it a suitable spot for those looking to explore its outdoor offerings during these lively periods.

10 tips to save on your National City car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to secure lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies may require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Other companies might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable, but ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides added peace of mind if unexpected issues arise during your trip. It's simple to include car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you intend to embark on long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around National City

The best value period to rent a car in and around National City is September, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. The months of February and July also offer reasonable rates, with February seeing slightly low prices and average demand, while July has slightly low prices but high demand. However, November is the most expensive month with slightly high prices and average demand, and December follows as a busy month with high prices and high demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	57.9°F (14.4°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
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	Average
April	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
May	63.5°F (17.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
June	67.6°F (19.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	71.8°F (22.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
August	73.6°F (23.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
September	73.2°F (22.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	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 $33.

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