Downtown San Diego Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

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Explore Downtown San Diego with Cheap Car Rentals and Car Hire Deals

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

Economy

Chevrolet Spark
  • 4 people
San Diego, California, USA
Chevrolet Spark
Economy Chevrolet Spark

Compact

Ford Focus
  • 4 people
San Diego, California, USA
Ford Focus
Compact Ford Focus

Midsize

Toyota Corolla
  • 5 people
San Diego, California, USA
Toyota Corolla
Midsize Toyota Corolla

SUV

Jeep Compass
  • 5 people
San Diego, California, USA
Jeep Compass
SUV Jeep Compass

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

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Downtown San Diego

Renting a car in Downtown San Diego provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans, making it an ideal choice for families and those seeking outdoor or city-themed experiences. You can visit key attractions such as the USS Midway Museum, an engaging maritime museum, or enjoy the lively atmosphere at Seaport Village, perfect for adventure and outdoor experiences. Waterfront Park offers a serene urban escape for family outings. Additionally, a car allows you to venture to nearby popular destinations. The Gaslamp Quarter is less than 1 km away, featuring attractions like Balboa Park, while Coronado, located 4 km from Downtown, boasts beautiful beaches and additional sites to explore. Whether you want to discover the beauty of Mission Bay, take a trip to Balboa Park, or enjoy a day at the beach, having a rental car ensures you have the convenience and space for a comfortable journey throughout San Diego and its surroundings.

Most popular car rentals in and around Downtown San Diego

  • Midsize: The Midsize car is a popular choice for those travelling in groups of up to 5. With ample space for up to 3 large suitcases, this option is perfect for couples and families seeking comfort during their journey. Its balanced size makes it easy to navigate through Downtown San Diego while providing enough room for all your belongings, ensuring a pleasant and stress-free travel experience.
  • Compact: For solo travellers or couples, the Compact car option is an excellent selection. Accommodating up to 5 travellers and fitting up to 3 medium suitcases, it offers a nimble and efficient driving experience. This car type is ideal for those looking to explore the vibrant streets of Downtown San Diego without the hassle of a larger vehicle, while still having enough space for essential luggage.
  • Fullsize: The Fullsize car is designed for families or groups needing a bit more room. Capable of holding up to 5 travellers, it provides space for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it a versatile choice. This option is perfect for those who want to travel comfortably while ensuring everyone has enough space for their belongings as they explore Downtown San Diego.

Top rated car suppliers in and around Downtown San Diego

  • Avis: Renowned for its reliable service, Avis has 2 rental locations conveniently situated in Downtown San Diego. This supplier is particularly popular among travellers, with the most booked cars being Compact and Standard SUVs. Whether you're navigating the city or heading to nearby attractions, Avis provides flexibility and convenience for your journey.
  • Budget: True to its name, Budget offers excellent value for car rentals with 2 easily accessible locations in Downtown San Diego. Many customers favour Midsize and Fullsize vehicles from this supplier, making it a great option for those seeking spacious and comfortable rides without breaking the bank. Enjoy the freedom of exploring San Diego at your own pace with Budget.
  • Enterprise: With 1 rental location located only 3 km away from Downtown San Diego, Enterprise is a solid choice for travellers. Known for its excellent customer service, the most popular vehicle offered is the Fullsize car, perfect for families or groups. With its proximity and reliable vehicles, Enterprise ensures a smooth rental experience for your San Diego adventure.

Where to stay around Downtown San Diego

  • Downtown San Diego: A vibrant urban centre, Downtown San Diego offers visitors an array of attractions including shopping centres and resorts. It's a prime location for families seeking outdoor experiences and beach holidays, with nearby access to the beautiful beaches and scenic spots. Key highlights include Balboa Park, perfect for a cultural outing, and Mission Bay, ideal for those wanting to soak up the sun and enjoy water activities.
  • Coronado: Located a mere 4 km from Downtown San Diego, Coronado is known for its charming beach atmosphere and family-friendly environment. Visitors can explore Coronado Beach, which is perfect for a beach holiday, or visit the historic USS Midway Museum for a cultural experience. With shopping centres and resorts close by, Coronado offers a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure.
  • Coronado Island: This picturesque island, also just 4 km away from Downtown San Diego, provides a serene escape with its stunning beaches and family-friendly activities. Attractions like Seaport Village offer a unique adventure experience, while Coronado Beach is ideal for those wanting to unwind by the ocean. Visitors can also explore local restaurants and wineries, enhancing their stay with delicious dining options.

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

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for budget-friendliness, utilise 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 secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a greater selection, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles tend to be more affordable to rent and are often easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years of age may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also be true for renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but this may be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and offers peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. It is straightforward to add car rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you are planning lengthy road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Downtown San Diego

The best value period to rent a car in and around Downtown San Diego is April, when both prices and demand are at their lowest. June can also be a good choice, with slightly lower prices and average demand. March is typically the most expensive month, with high prices and low demand. Additionally, January can be pricier, and October shows moderately high prices with steady demand.

 

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconDemandprice iconPricing
January57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
February56.8°F (13.8°C)Light RainSunnyLowSlightly Low
March58.1°F (14.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyLowSlightly High
April60.6°F (15.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyLowSlightly Low
May62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June66.4°F (19.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July70.5°F (21.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
August72.3°F (22.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
September72.0°F (22.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
October68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyHighAverage
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage

Information on Car Rentals

 
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Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Downtown San Diego?
Within the past seven days, the lowest daily price found for an affordable car rental in Downtown San Diego was .
What happens if I need to cancel my Downtown San Diego car reservation?
You should get a total refund on your prepaid booking if you advise us at least six hours before the scheduled collection time. Check your rental policy for all the details. Our Customer Service Portal may have what you need too.
What types of cars can I rent in Downtown San Diego?
Whatever suits your style! Go for a mid-size or full-size if you're travelling with the family, or level up to a premium for a top-of-the-range ride. Or, choose an economy vehicle — the most popular rental in Downtown San Diego. Affordable and with terrific mileage, they're perfect for singles, couples or anyone else who doesn't require a large amount of room. They're particularly suited to city exploring. Zipping into tight parking spots will be a snap!
Where can I go on a road trip from Downtown San Diego?
Downtown San Diego is full of fun adventures, but don't restrict yourself to one place. Organise a set of wheels and hit the open road to see what else awaits in the surrounding region. Here are a few places to choose from:

  • Los Angeles is approximately 177 kilometres from Downtown San Diego. Well-known tourist attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood should be high on your list while you're in town.
  • Next stop? Make it Santa Ana, which is around 129 kilometres away. Santa Ana Zoo is one local highlight you won't want to miss.
  • Channel Islands National Park is situated 290 kilometres from Downtown San Diego and is one of the region's most scenic nature spots. Stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air here.

How do I find the best car rental deals in Downtown San Diego with Expedia?
Check out customer reviews and ratings, choose your preferred ride and compare offers from top providers. Expedia makes it a cinch to find the best deal on your rental wheels. Bundle your Downtown San Diego car rental with flight or hotel bookings and cruise off with even more in your wallet.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Downtown San Diego?
You'll need to be at least 21 to grab the keys to a rental car in Downtown San Diego. Bear in mind that young drivers may only be able to rent from a few car classes, such as compact, economy and medium size. Higher age limits generally apply for premium and specialty vehicles. Most suppliers will also charge a fee for young renters. Look up the rules before clicking the book button and factor any extra fees into your budget.
What do you need to rent a car in Downtown San Diego?
The main things are a valid driver's licence and a credit card in the same name. Many car rental companies will offer you insurance, which is optional. But you may be asked to provide proof of alternative coverage if you prefer to opt out. Be sure to check your policy terms and conditions to avoid any issues.
What is the cheapest car rental in Downtown San Diego?
The two cheapest daily prices offered in Downtown San Diego within the past seven days were and . Now that's what we'd call a fantastic deal! These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Downtown San Diego?
Whether you plan to stop in Downtown San Diego or venture beyond, it's easy to book a long-term rental with Expedia. Enter your trip information and pick-up/drop-off locations and we'll help you find excellent long-term car rental deals.
Where can I find a Downtown San Diego car rental if I am younger than 25?
You'll need to look up the age policy of the Downtown San Diego rental suppliers you're considering. If you're under 25 years old, some companies will charge extra fees. It's better to know this before collecting the vehicle so you can plan your budget accordingly. Each rental car company has its own rules for younger drivers, so be sure to do your research.
Can I drive in Downtown San Diego with my current driver's license?
If you don't have a driver's license from the U.S, then you might need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country before starting the home process. If you find that an IDP is required, note that you'll also need to show your current driver's license and your passport or other forms of ID. Lastly, the credit card that was used to rent the vehicle must also match the name on your driver's license and passport in order to confirm your home. Other things you should know about rental cars in the U.S. Are:

  • Age restrictions: You must be at least 25 in many states in order to rent a car, although in some places the minimum age is 21. We recommend checking local regulations, and with the car rental company before you travel to understand all the terms and conditions.
  • Driving limitations: Make sure you read the fine print before you leave the lot to avoid unnecessary fees. When renting a car in the United States, you usually can't cross country borders into Mexico or Canada, drive on ferries or traverse off-road areas with your home. We recommend reading all the rules and regulations before booking!

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