San Diego County Car Rentals

I have a discount code

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car suppliers logo

  • protection illustration

    Change your mind

    Penalty-free cancellation on many/select car rentals
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save 10% or more on over 1 million car rentals
    Learn about One Key
  • package illustration

    Shop smart

    Compare car suppliers and package your flight, hotel, and car to save

Top destinations to rent a car in San Diego County

A coastal area with buildings on a hillside overlooking the ocean.
CarsCars

San Diego

San Diego

What you need to know for your San Diego County car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in San Diego County

Renting a car in San Diego County offers the freedom to explore the area's many attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans that suit your needs. This is especially beneficial for families and those seeking outdoor and beach-related experiences. You can easily visit popular destinations such as LEGOLAND® California in Escondido, which is a great spot for family fun, or enjoy the scenic beauty of Mission Bay and Mission Beach, which are perfect for beach outings and outdoor activities. Additionally, having a car allows you to explore the vibrant city of San Diego and its attractions like Balboa Park. You can also venture to Carlsbad for its beautiful beaches and more family entertainment at LEGOLAND® California. The ease of having your own transportation makes it simpler to experience the diverse offerings of San Diego County, whether you are planning a beach day or a visit to the arts and culture in Escondido. Overall, renting a car enhances your travel experience in this beautiful coastal region.

Most popular car rentals in San Diego County

  • Midsize SUV: This vehicle type is highly popular for travelers in San Diego County, accommodating up to 5 travelers and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases. It’s an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups who need a balance of space and comfort while exploring the region.
  • Standard SUV: The standard SUV is also a favored option, fitting 5 travelers with room for 2 medium suitcases. It’s perfect for couples, families, or groups looking for a vehicle that combines practicality with the capability to navigate both city streets and more rugged terrains.
  • Fullsize: Ideal for families or groups, the fullsize car option accommodates up to 5 travelers and can hold either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This flexibility makes it a top choice for those who require extra space for luggage while enjoying the freedom to explore San Diego County comfortably.

Where to stay in San Diego County

  • San Diego: Enjoy a vibrant beach experience in San Diego, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor activities. With attractions like Mission Bay, perfect for scenic views and relaxation, and the popular Mission Beach for sun-soaked days, this city offers a delightful getaway. Explore Balboa Park, a stunning private garden, and indulge in various dining options nearby, including restaurants and wineries. San Diego is particularly enjoyable during the warmer months when outdoor activities are at their peak.
  • Carlsbad: Carlsbad is a fantastic choice for families seeking entertainment and outdoor fun. Home to LEGOLAND® California, a must-visit theme park for family vacations, Carlsbad also boasts beautiful beaches like Oceanside Beach and Carlsbad State Beach, ideal for beach lovers. The area features numerous resorts and recreation parks, making it perfect for relaxation and adventure. Visit during the spring or summer for the best beach weather and vibrant local events.
  • Escondido: Discover Escondido, a city that offers a blend of family experiences and cultural attractions. With the California Center For The Arts showcasing local talent and the historic San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, there is plenty to explore. Families can also enjoy LEGOLAND® California, located nearby, while the pleasant surroundings provide a relaxing atmosphere. Escondido is best visited in spring or fall, when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities.

10 tips to save on your car rental in San Diego County

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for more space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect fit for your journey.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to find lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance 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. Always verify age requirements before making your reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be acceptable—just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
  7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case something goes wrong during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking through Expedia is a straightforward process.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in San Diego County

The best time to rent a car in San Diego County is January and February, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This period offers excellent value for those looking to explore the area. March through May sees average prices and demand, which can also be a reasonable choice for rentals. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand for rentals as the summer peak arrives. June through August also experience increased prices and busy periods.

Find San Diego County Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next San Diego County car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in San Diego County, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in San Diego County offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your San Diego County car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in San Diego County to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our San Diego County airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many San Diego County rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your San Diego County airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in San Diego County?
You can find cheap car rentals in San Diego County from $10 a day with Fox Rental Cars's economy 2/4 door. The cheapest car rentals for exploring San Diego County start from around $11 a day, picked up at the region's main gateway, Los Angeles Airport (LAX). For pickups within San Diego County, rates can start from $10 a day in Carlsbad and Oceanside. Suppliers such as Sixt, Enterprise, and Thrifty Car Rental operate across the region. Rates shift by vehicle type and dates, so compare a few pickup points and dates on Expedia to find a rate that suits your trip. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in San Diego County.
What are the best car rentals in San Diego County?
Car rentals across San Diego County offer a full range of vehicle types from providers like Sixt, Enterprise, and Thrifty Car Rental, broadly available in the region's main cities – San Diego, Oceanside, and Carlsbad. The most common car classes include:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door
  • Midsize SUV
  • Standard 2 or 4 door
  • Fullsize 2 or 4 door
  • Standard elite SUV
These options cater to various travel needs, whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family exploring the region. Choose based on passenger count, luggage, and whether you're driving in the city or exploring the wider region. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in San Diego County.

What are the best car rental companies in San Diego County?
For car rentals across San Diego County, well-rated providers like Sixt, Enterprise, Thrifty Car Rental, and Alamo Rent A Car offer a strong mix of vehicles and competitive rates, with wide availability in the region's main cities – San Diego, Oceanside, and Carlsbad. Compare suppliers and pickup points on Expedia to find a great rate and the right vehicle for your trip.
Can I rent a car from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) for exploring San Diego County?
Yes – you can pick up a rental car right at Los Angeles Airport (LAX) for exploring San Diego County. Providers including Sixt, Enterprise, and Thrifty Car Rental operate at the airport, with rates from around $11 a day. LAX is the region's main gateway and a convenient base for reaching cities across the area, from San Diego to Oceanside and Carlsbad.
Can I rent a car one-way in San Diego County?
Yes, one-way car rentals work well across San Diego County – pick up in one city, such as San Diego, and drop-off in another, like Oceanside, which is ideal for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $10 a day. Providers like Sixt and Enterprise offer flexible one-way options. A one-way drop-off fee may apply, so confirm it when booking on Expedia.
Are there electric or hybrid car rental companies in San Diego County?
Electric and hybrid car rentals are available across San Diego County, including in San Diego, Oceanside, and Carlsbad. Sixt offers hybrid vehicles from $11 a day and electric options from $13 a day. Other providers like Enterprise, Thrifty Car Rental, and Dollar Rent A Car also offer hybrid vehicles from $11 a day. EVs and hybrids can help keep fuel costs low, and charging infrastructure is growing along major routes. Book a few weeks ahead as demand is high, and plan charging stops for longer regional drives.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in San Diego County?
For luxury car rentals across San Diego County, Enterprise offers a premium elite SUV from $37 a day (and a luxury elite SUV from $51 a day), while Alamo Rent A Car provides a premium pickup regular cab from $19 a day (and a premium elite SUV from $35 a day). Sixt also offers fullsize elite 2 or 4 door cars from $16 a day. These high-end vehicles offer extra comfort and space for exploring the region in style. You'll find them in the region's main cities like San Diego, Oceanside, and Carlsbad. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare rates before you book. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in San Diego County.
What are the best car rentals in San Diego County for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring San Diego County, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage – available across the region's cities, from San Diego to Oceanside and Carlsbad:
  • Sixt: midsize SUV from $12 a day – seats up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases
  • Alamo Rent A Car: fullsize SUV from $33 a day – seats up to 6 people with room for 3 large or 5 medium suitcases
  • Enterprise: mini passenger van from $30 a day – seats up to 8 people with room for 6 large suitcases
These keep everyone comfortable for both city driving and longer trips into the surrounding area. Book a few weeks ahead, as the larger vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in San Diego County.

What are the best car rentals in San Diego County for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in San Diego County for solo travelers are economy and compact classes – small, easy to park, and fuel-efficient for one person exploring the region at their own pace, available across cities like San Diego, Oceanside, and Carlsbad:
  • Economy 2 or 4 door car, from $12 a day – fits up to 5 people with room for 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets
  • Compact SUV, from $11 a day – fits up to 5 people with room for 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for getting around the region. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in San Diego County.

What are the best car rentals in San Diego County for couples?
The best car rentals in San Diego County for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two, available across the region's cities like San Diego, Oceanside, and Carlsbad:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door car, from $11 a day – fits up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, from $11 a day – fits up to 5 people with room for 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for regional day trips
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in San Diego County.

What are the closest airports to San Diego County for car rental pick-up?
Several airports offer car rental pick-up for San Diego County, giving you flexible options close to your arrival point:
  • Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
  • San Diego International Airport (SAN)
  • John Wayne Airport (SNA)
These airports provide convenient access to the region, allowing you to pick up your rental car and easily reach cities like San Diego, Oceanside, and Carlsbad. Compare rental rates at each airport on Expedia to find a rate that fits your trip.

What are the best road trip destinations from San Diego County by rental car?
From San Diego County, a rental car opens up plenty of nearby sights and road trips. Easy drives from the San Diego hub include:
  • The Village, Big Bear Lake, approximately 1 mile away
  • Big Bear Lake, approximately 1 mile away
  • Snow Summit, Big Bear Lake, approximately 2 miles away
  • Balboa Beach, Newport Beach, approximately 2 miles away
These destinations offer diverse experiences, from mountain recreation to coastal relaxation. You could time your trip around events like the Rose Parade or add activities such as Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets. With cities like Oceanside and Carlsbad also within reach, having your own car makes exploring the wider region simple and flexible. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in San Diego County.

Which side of the road do you drive on in San Diego County?
In San Diego County, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. This applies to all cities in the region, including San Diego, Oceanside, and Carlsbad. If you're used to driving on the other side, give yourself a little time to adjust – take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, which flow in the opposite direction. Keeping to local speed limits and traffic laws can help ensure a safe, easy drive while exploring the region's cities and the roads between them.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in San Diego County?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in San Diego County. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in San Diego County?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in San Diego County?
Budget car rental in San Diego County can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in San Diego County?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in San Diego County. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your San Diego County car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in San Diego County?
To rent a car in San Diego County, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my San Diego County car rental?
If you need to cancel your San Diego County car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation