$5 Car Rental San Diego

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Top Car Deals in San Diego

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Mini

Chevrolet Beat Sedan
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
RIO SEGUNDO, CRI
Chevrolet Beat Sedan

$5

includes taxes & fees
$4 per day
found 1 day ago
Mini Chevrolet Beat Sedan

Standard

Hyundai Accent
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
RIO SEGUNDO, CRI
Hyundai Accent

$8

includes taxes & fees
$7 per day
found 1 day ago
Standard Hyundai Accent

Midsize

Chevrolet Aveo
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
RIO SEGUNDO, CRI
Chevrolet Aveo

$8

includes taxes & fees
$7 per day
found 1 day ago
Midsize Chevrolet Aveo

Compact

Hyundai Verna, Chevrolet Cavalier
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
RIO SEGUNDO, CRI
Hyundai Verna, Chevrolet Cavalier

$8

includes taxes & fees
$7 per day
found 1 day ago
Compact Hyundai Verna, Chevrolet Cavalier

Economy SUV

Ford Ecosport
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
RIO SEGUNDO, CRI
Ford Ecosport

$8

includes taxes & fees
$7 per day
found 1 day ago
Economy SUV Ford Ecosport

Special Van

Nissan Urvan
  • 12 people
  • Unlimited mileage
SAN JOSE, CRI
Nissan Urvan

$134

includes taxes & fees
$100 per day
found 1 day ago
Special Van Nissan Urvan

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What you need to know for your San Diego car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around San Diego

Renting a car in San Diego provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. This option is ideal for families, business travelers, and anyone seeking a city-themed experience. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Central Park, located 6 miles away, and the National Museum of Costa Rica, which is also 6 miles from San Diego. If you’re interested in art, the Museum of Costa Rican Art, situated 8 miles away, is another must-see. The convenience of having a car allows you to manage luggage effortlessly and adjust your travel plans as needed. Additionally, you can explore nearby destinations like Tres Rios, just 1 mile away, which features its own Central Park and the National Museum. Río Azul, only 2 miles from San Diego, offers Sabana Park and more cultural sites. Whether you're on a family vacation or a business trip, renting a car simplifies your journey and enhances your experience in and around San Diego.

Where to stay around San Diego

  • Guadalupe: Located 3 miles from San Diego, Guadalupe is a vibrant city perfect for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts. Enjoy a variety of attractions such as the National Museum of Costa Rica, which focuses on the region's rich culture. For those looking for leisure, Morazan Park offers an urban escape suitable for families and outdoor activities. Visitors can also explore the nearby volcanoes and mountains, making Guadalupe an excellent spot for those seeking scenic views.
  • Quebradilla: Just 3 miles away from San Diego, Quebradilla is another delightful city known for its outdoor experiences and stunning scenery. With access to beautiful beaches and national state parks, it’s an ideal choice for adventure seekers. Key attractions include Central Park, an urban park perfect for family outings, and the National Museum of Costa Rica, highlighting local culture. The lookout points in Quebradilla provide breathtaking views that shouldn't be missed.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around San Diego

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to identify 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 trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is often the best option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable as well; 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 it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies primarily accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in San Diego

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in San Diego

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in San Diego. 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 San Diego

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $5.

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.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available
Our best deal of the day
$5
Our second best deal of the day
$8
Our third best deal of the day
$134
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

Frequently asked questions

What are the best cheap car rental companies in San Diego?
You can find cheap car rentals in San Diego from $10 a day with Budget's fullsize suv. Enterprise and Alamo Rent A Car offer midsize SUV cars starting from $11 a day and compact open air all terrain cars starting from $11 a day. ACE Rent A Car also offers competitive rates, with midsize SUV options starting from $10 a day. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find a cheap car rental in San Diego that fits your budget. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in San Diego.
What are the best luxury car companies in San Diego?
For luxury car rentals in San Diego, you can find premium options through providers on Expedia like Enterprise and Alamo Rent A Car. Enterprise offers premium SUV vehicles starting from $18 a day, while Alamo Rent A Car provides premium SUV options starting from $15 a day. Budget also features premium elite SUV vehicles starting from $50 a day. These luxury rentals often include enhanced comfort and features, making your trip around San Diego more enjoyable. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in San Diego.
Can I rent a car one-way in San Diego?
A one-way car rental in San Diego is an excellent option for regional road trips, with prices starting from around $10 a day. Providers like Enterprise and Alamo Rent A Car may have flexible one-way policies, allowing you to pick up your vehicle in San Diego and drop it off at a different location. These are good options for one-way car rental in San Diego, offering convenience for travelers with varied itineraries. For more options, explore Standard Car Rentals in San Diego.
Can I rent a car round-trip in San Diego?
San Diego is well suited to round-trip rentals, with round-trip rentals starting from $10 a day. Picking up and dropping off at the same location generally avoids one-way drop-off fees, which can make it the most cost-effective option for exploring the area and returning to the same spot. Providers like Enterprise and Alamo Rent A Car offer wide round-trip availability, making it easy to plan your travels. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in San Diego.
What are the best car rentals in San Diego?
Car rentals in San Diego offer extensive vehicle variety to suit different travel needs. The most popular car classes available include:
  • Midsize SUV
  • Compact open air all terrain
  • Standard SUV
  • Compact SUV
  • Economy SUV
Most vehicles come with automatic transmissions, which are widely available. Families often prefer SUVs or minivans for space and comfort, while couples and solo travelers might find economy or compact cars more suitable for city navigation and fuel efficiency. Choose your vehicle based on passenger count, luggage needs, and your budget. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in San Diego.
What are the best car rentals in San Diego for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in San Diego for solo travelers are economy and compact classes—small, easy to park, and efficient to run for one person exploring at their own pace:
  • Economy SUV, starting from $12 a day — fits up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on city streets and simple to slot into small parking spaces
  • Compact SUV, starting from $11 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage while staying fuel-efficient
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. These options provide great value and ease of use for navigating San Diego. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in San Diego.
What are the best car rentals in San Diego for couples?
The best car rentals in San Diego for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two:
  • Midsize SUV, starting from $11 a day — seats up to 5 with room for 3 large suitcases, offering smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, starting from $11 a day — seats up to 5 with room for 3 medium suitcases, providing a higher ride for day trips around the region
Both options give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park, making them ideal for exploring San Diego together. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in San Diego.
What are the best car rentals in San Diego for families?
The best car rentals in San Diego for families are the ones with room for everyone and their gear. Thrifty Car Rental is popular with families, offering vehicles that cater to their needs. Consider these options:
  • Midsize SUV, starting from $11 a day — seats up to 5 with room for 3 large suitcases and space for a car seat
  • Fullsize passenger van, starting from $36 a day — seats up to 10 with room for 6 large suitcases, ideal for larger families with strollers and full luggage
SUVs and passenger vans provide ample space for the whole family, car seats, strollers, and luggage, making them the most comfortable fit for trips around San Diego. Book 4+ weeks ahead, as family-sized vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in San Diego.
Are there any car rental companies that provide electric cars in San Diego?
San Diego has electric and hybrid vehicle options available from several providers. Enterprise offers electric vehicles starting from $10 a day, and Alamo Rent A Car also provides electric options starting from $10 a day. Budget and Thrifty Car Rental also carry electric vehicles, with Thrifty additionally offering hybrid options starting from $12 a day. These eco-friendly choices are widely available on Expedia, allowing you to save on fuel costs during your trip.
What is the best time to book a car in San Diego?
From October, prices in San Diego are typically lower—rentals can start from as little as $10 a day during this period. December tends to be the busiest month, when high demand can lead to higher prices. March also sees increased demand. During major holidays and special events, rates may also fluctuate. Booking 3-4 weeks ahead can help with availability and pricing. Many bookings allow free cancellation 24+ hours before pickup—book early and rebook if rates drop.
What are the best car companies in San Diego?
Car rentals in San Diego are available from providers like Enterprise, Alamo Rent A Car, and ACE Rent A Car, offering vehicles suited to local roads and conditions. Enterprise has midsize SUV and compact open air all terrain options that are easy to park and fuel-efficient for city streets, while Alamo Rent A Car offers midsize SUV and compact SUV vehicles with more space and stability for highways. ACE Rent A Car rounds out the choices with midsize SUV and standard SUV vehicles. For varied terrain, consider a vehicle with all-wheel drive, which is available from several providers. For more options, explore Premium Car Rentals in San Diego.
What are good day trip destinations from San Diego by rental car?
Exploring the region around San Diego, Costa Rica, by rental car offers a variety of engaging day trip options for families, couples, and solo travelers.
  • A popular full-day excursion is the Poas Volcano and Coffee Plantation Experience. This trip combines stunning natural beauty with cultural insights into coffee production, making it ideal for those seeking adventure and learning.
  • For a relaxing urban escape, Sabana Park in San José is just 10 miles away, with a driving time of approximately 20 minutes. This park offers green spaces for recreation and relaxation, suitable for families and couples.
  • The vibrant city of San José itself provides numerous opportunities for exploration, including highly-rated experiences like the "Bites and Sights Walking Food Tour including Markets" and the "Walking Nature Tour with Sloths, Birds, and Trees." These tours are perfect for experiencing local culture and nature.
For these day trips, a comfortable vehicle is recommended. A midsize SUV or standard SUV, starting from $11 a day, offers ample space and comfort for families and luggage, especially for longer drives to natural attractions. For city driving and shorter distances, a compact SUV, also starting from $11 a day, provides good maneuverability and fuel efficiency. If traveling with a larger group, a fullsize passenger van, starting from $36 a day, ensures everyone travels together comfortably. Always remember to fuel up before heading out and bring water, especially for longer excursions. For more options, explore Convertible Car Rentals in San Diego.
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?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in San Diego. 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?
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?
Budget car rental in San Diego can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days from $5. 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?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in San Diego. 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 car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in San Diego?
To rent a car in San Diego, 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 car rental?
If you need to cancel your San Diego 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.
Why should I rent a car in San Diego with Expedia?
Booking your car rental on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of car rentals, you can compare prices, suppliers and deals all in one place, then bundle your car with a hotel which could help you save even more. Join our free One Key™ travel rewards program to instantly unlock additional savings.

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