Traveling in a new city like San Diego can be a real hassle. You have to take time out of your busy schedule to sort out how you’re going to see as much of the city as possible in a limited amount of time. Renting a car in San Diego is an easy and convenient way to explore the city.
No time to read the full post? The best car rental in California is Discover Cars. You’ll find the cheapest prices with no hidden fees and free cancellation. There are 26 car suppliers with 1,956 cars available in California so you are bound to find the best car for you.
Living in California, we can’t imagine living here without a car. While there is public transport, it takes longer and it limits your flexibility to travel.
Through this post, you’ll learn all you need to know about renting a car in San Diego including the cheapest month to rent, top car rental tips, and common car rental scams.
Do You Need A Car In San Diego?
Yes, it’s recommended to rent a car in San Diego if you want the freedom to explore the area and surrounding towns without having to depend on public transportation, Uber/Lyft, or taxis.
You can get away without a rental car if you plan to just stay in one place or downtown. If you’re looking for a rental car, Discover Cars has the best rental prices in town. You’ll find some of the best deals here.
You get convenient access to vehicles of all types. You can cancel your reservation for free, no questions asked. So if your plans change, no problem at all. Renting your car with Discover Cars will make your trip easier and more enjoyable!
🚗 Book your rental car at Discover Cars. 🚗
Is It Safe To Rent A Car In San Diego?
Yes, it is safe to rent a car in San Diego. The city has trustworthy rental agencies that offer vehicles of all types.
You should take the necessary precautions for personal safety and read reviews about car rental companies before booking a vehicle.
You can read reviews for Discover Cars here. Before renting a car, check the rental insurance policy to make sure you are adequately covered.
Is It Safe To Drive A Car In San Diego?
Yes, it is safe to drive a car in San Diego. The city has reliable roads and extensive traffic laws to ensure drivers stay safe on the road.
Keep in mind to follow all local laws while driving in California. If you need a refresher, here are the driving laws from the California Driver’s Handbook.
Renting from a reliable rental agency like Discover Cars can give drivers peace of mind when exploring the city behind the wheel.
How Are The Roads In San Diego?
The roads in San Diego are generally well-maintained and safe. The city has a comprehensive network of both highways and surface streets, making it easy to get around the area.
Most locals take pride in their roadways and highways, ensuring that they are regularly cleared of debris and properly maintained for safety.
Be aware of changing weather conditions or construction zones when driving on certain roads.
Is There Uber In San Diego?
Yes, there is Uber in San Diego. Uber and Lyft are available throughout the city and surrounding areas. Cost per trip depends on when you plan to ride – expect higher costs during rush hour.
🚗 Check if rental car prices are higher than Uber at Discover Cars. 🚗
Is There Public Transit In San Diego?
Yes, there is public transit in San Diego. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) operates buses and trolleys primarily within San Diego County. You can find more information about schedules, routes, fares, and passes on MTS’s website.
Best Way To Get Around San Diego
If you’re staying downtown, you can get away with public transit and the occasional Uber. Otherwise, the best way to get around San Diego is to rent a car.
Renting a car provides more convenience and is more time-efficient than relying on public transportation or ridesharing services.
If you love biking, you can also do a bike tour or rent a bike to ride around the city at:
One of the best ways to tour San Diego is through a segway tour. You’ll get to see more on a segway tour than a walking tour.
Best Place To Rent A Car In San Diego
The best place to rent a car in San Diego is at the San Diego International Airport (SAN). It can be challenging to get a rental car in an airport so you can also look for non-airport options and get unbeatable deals at your convenience with Discover Cars.
Best Car Rental In San Diego
With low prices, no hidden fees, and free cancellation— to name just a few of its benefits — Discover Cars is the #1 choice in online car rentals.
Within Discover Cars, the highest-rated car rental is Alamo at 9.19/10 and the lowest-rated car rental is Ace Rent A Car at 6.12/10.
🚗 Book your rental car today at Discover Cars. 🚗
Discover Cars Reviews
Here are some reviews that might help you decide whether renting a car with Discover Cars is for you:
“I actually love this website sooo much. Have used it across 10-15 countries, including my home country of the US. Almost always finds me cheaper rates than elsewhere. Thank you Discover Cars!” – Victoria Anthony
“Excellent in providing affordable Car Rental. Also quick and efficient if circumstances change and need to cancel and receive a full refund. Would recommend and I will definitely be utilizing Discovercars.com in the future.” – Glen Kim
“During the rental, the car was spotted by a small rock and the frontal glass was damaged. Fortunately, I had contracted Full Coverage Insurance. One day after I claimed DiscoverCars, the refund was approved. Very simple, fast, and effective service!” – Nome Brasil
Cost Of Renting A Car In San Diego
The average cost to rent a car in San Diego is $84.98. The lowest cost is $26.47.
Best Cheap Car Rental In San Diego
If you’re looking for a convenient car rental and won’t break the bank, Discover Cars has you covered!
With coverage across 145 countries (including 413 offers on locations throughout California!), there’s something available for everyone – including the cheapest rates.
What Do You Need To Rent A Car In San Diego
So you’ve decided to rent a car with Discover Cars and you’re wondering what you need. Here’s what you need to bring with you when renting a car:
1️⃣ Driver’s License: Make sure you have a driver’s license with the name of the driver. It should be valid for at least a year.
In some locations, you might also need an International Driving Permit. You can get more info on that in the Rental Conditions section when you select a car.
2️⃣ Identification: A driver’s license, passport, or any other form of identification. Make sure to have the original identification; copies aren’t accepted.
3️⃣ Credit Card: Make sure it’s in the name of the driver and has enough funds. While most rental companies only require credit cards, some places might accept deposit or debit cards. You can get that info here.
4️⃣ Voucher: You can either print it or show your e-Voucher. You can find your voucher either in your confirmation email or in the My Booking section in Discover Cars.
How To Save Money When Renting A Car In San Diego
Here are the 5 best ways to save money when renting a car:
💸 Book your rental car ahead of time using Discover Cars
💸 Plan your trip ahead of time to optimize costs
💸 Sort by Price in Discover Cars to find the cheapest deals from various car providers
💸 Understand your fuel and mileage limits
💸 Choose to visit when rental car prices are the cheapest.
🚗 Check for cheap prices at Discover Cars. 🚗
Cheapest Month To Rent A Car In San Diego
The cheapest month to rent a car in San Diego is October when prices start at $25.17. After October, the next cheapest month is December at $25.39.
The priciest month to rent in San Diego is February at $53 and the next priciest month is July at $51.
Average Rental Length In San Diego
The lowest average rental length is 4 days in May and the highest average rental length is 10 days in December.
Most Popular Month To Rent A Car In San Diego
The most popular month to rent a car in San Diego is July and the least popular month is September.
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers In San Diego
Here are the most popular car models of rental suppliers in San Diego:
- Mex Rent A Car – Kia Rio
- Mex Rent A Car – Volkswagen Vento
- Mex Rent A Car – Hyundai Tucson
- Mex Rent A Car – Nissan Kicks
- Mex Rent A Car – Nissan Versa
- Mex Rent A Car – Kia Forte
- Mex Rent A Car- Volkswagen Jetta
- Mex Rent A Car – Kia Sedona
- Mex Rent A Car – Hyundai Tucson
- Ace Rent A Car – Hyundai Accent
🚗 Look for your favorite car models at Discover Cars. 🚗
Top Tips For Renting A Car In San Diego
By following these tips and staying vigilant when renting a car, you will have an enjoyable experience free from worry and hidden fees.
🚘 Research rental car policies and prices ahead of time to ensure a good deal.
🚘 Make sure the car is in good condition before starting your journey. Take photos and videos of the car before driving.
🚘 Pay attention to posted speed limits and avoid tailgating other vehicles to navigate safely.
🚘 Double-check that the quoted price from the rental company is all-inclusive with no hidden fees or taxes added after the completion of your trip. (No hidden fees with Discover Cars)
🚘 Read paperwork carefully to be aware of any bait-and-switch tactics used by car rental companies, such as free upgrades or discounts promised but not included in the contract agreement.
🚘 Understand what kind of damage is covered under the waiver offered by car rental companies before signing any contracts or agreements so you know how much protection you have when renting a car.
🚘 Keep track of toll roads taken during your travels so that there are no surprises when it comes to costs owed after returning your rental car.
🚘 Verify all promises made by a rental company with multiple sources before signing any contracts for peace of mind during your trip.
🚘 Be aware of potential unauthorized charges while using your rented car and pay close attention when completing paperwork at pick up.
🚘 Always read through terms and conditions carefully before agreeing to any rental agreement so that you can avoid any potential scams.
🚗 Check for the best deals at Discover Cars. 🚗
Common Scams When Renting A Car In San Diego
Renting a car can be a stress-free experience but it’s important to be aware of potential scams as they can cost you time and money if you’re not careful.
Knowing what kind of scams are out there is the best way to protect yourself when renting a car so that you have peace of mind during your travels!
❌ Hidden Fees: Always double-check that the price provided by a rental agency is all-inclusive, otherwise you may be hit with hidden fees or taxes after your trip is completed. (Discover Cars has no hidden fees!)
❌ Bait and Switch Tactics: Read all paperwork ahead of time to make sure you do not fall victim to bait and switch tactics designed to lure you into renting more expensive cars than what was originally promised.
❌ False Promises: Verify with multiple sources any promises made by a rental company, such as discounts or free upgrades, before signing any contracts and agreements.
❌ Unauthorized Charges:- Pay close attention when completing the required paperwork at pick-up so that you’re aware of any additional charges you might be accruing while using the rental car, including fuel costs or late return penalties.
❌ Damage Waiver Scams: Understand exactly what kind of damage is covered under the waiver offered by car rental companies as it can differ from one agency to another.
❌ Toll Road Overcharging: Some shady car rental agencies will charge customers for toll roads even if those roads were not used, so it’s important to keep track of all toll roads taken during the rental period.
⭐ Do your research ahead of time, stay alert while signing paperwork at pick up, and read through all terms and conditions before agreeing to any rental agreement so that you can have a safe and worry-free trip! ⭐
🚗 Book with Discover Cars for a worry-free trip. 🚗
Why Should You Rent A Car In California?
😍 Visit faraway attractions
For starters, renting a car allows you to drive long distances and visit faraway attractions in California without having to worry or rely on public transit.
Countless places in California can’t be reached by public transit but are easily accessible with a rental car (like beaches, desert landscapes, and redwood tree attractions)
If you travel out of major cities such as Los Angeles or San Diego, it can be incredibly helpful to have your own mode of transportation that will get you where you need to go.
😍 Not restricted to public transit schedules
Renting a car will give you the freedom to explore different areas without feeling restricted by schedules and timetables. With your car, you’ll be able to go wherever you’d like at whatever time works best for your plans.
😍 No waiting – travel whenever you want
Having your car also helps reduce the stress of traveling by allowing you the flexibility of exploring.
You don’t have to wait around for buses or taxis; instead, you can make spontaneous detours when something catches your eye during your drive. And trust me, that happens A LOT when you’re road-tripping around California! 😉
😍 Save money
Renting a car in California also saves money in the long run. California can be a pretty expensive place to live in and travel around. And public transportation can be expensive if you plan on traveling beyond your city limits
Ridesharing services can be cost-prohibitive too if you’re planning on sightseeing for extended periods.
By renting a car instead, you can save much more money as well as have access to more attractions than what’s available through public transit or ridesharing services.
😍 Access beautiful locations
For those looking for an adventure in the great outdoors, renting a car will come in handy when exploring some of California’s best National parks such as Yosemite National Park or Death Valley National Park.
These breathtakingly beautiful locations often require hours of driving along winding roads that may not be accessible by public transportation. But with a rented car, you’ll have full access to these stunning areas with ease.
😍 Avoid extensive planning
California has so much to offer– from world-famous sites like Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles to Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco – but accessing many of these attractions requires either an extensive amount of planning or a reliable form of transportation available at your fingertips.
This is why renting a car is essential for you to make the most out of your visit without spending too much money on expensive public transit tickets or time-consuming research for suitable routes.
🚗 Go the extra mile with Discover Cars. 🚗
Driving Tips For Renting A Car In San Diego
🚦 Follow all state laws and local traffic regulations. Make sure to follow all relevant laws and safety guidelines while driving in the city.
🚦 Wear your seat belt at all times while driving.
🚦 Make sure to have a valid driver’s license with you when you drive in California, as well as auto insurance documents that show proof of coverage.
🚦 Always use your headlights when visibility is low or during the nighttime hours, even if it’s not required by law in your particular area of California yet.
🚦 Don’t text or talk on the phone while behind the wheel, either hand-held or hands-free devices aren’t allowed and can result in fines if you’re pulled over.
🚦 Look into road conditions ahead of time before setting out on any trips, especially during winter months when snowfall creates hazardous driving conditions for anyone unfamiliar with them. Check if it snows in your area.
🚦 Be aware of other cars and pedestrians around you at all times; practice defensive driving techniques to help ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
🚦 Obey speed limits throughout California; speed limits vary from place to place so pay attention to signs indicating changes.
🚦 Avoid tailgating other cars as this reduces reaction time if an emergency suddenly arises ahead.
🚦 Make sure that your rental car is in good condition and all safety measures are properly observed before starting any journey.
🚗 Book your rental car at Discover Cars. 🚗
Tips In Case Of Emergency When Renting A Car In San Diego
🔔 Have an Emergency Contact: Have a trusted friend or family member that you can contact in case of emergency while on the road.
🔔 Keep Important Documents Handy: Keep important documents, such as your driver’s license and rental agreement, close by in case there’s a need to refer it during your trip.
🔔 Review Insurance Policy: Understand what type of insurance coverage is required when renting a car so that you’re aware of any potential costs associated with any damages incurred before signing any contract.
🔔 Be Prepared For Roadside Assistance: Renting companies sometimes offer roadside assistance packages at reasonable rates which will protect you from unexpected issues like flat tires or engine failure.
🔔 Know Your Rights: Be familiar with your rights when it comes to renting cars and how to best handle scenarios if something goes wrong during the duration of your trip.
🔔 Understand Your Rental Contract: Read through all details included in the contract so you know exactly what kind of situation might arise while using the car and how much financial responsibility you may have if something does happen on your trip.
🚗 Check prices at Discover Cars. 🚗
FAQs: Renting A Car In San Diego
How much does it cost to rent a car in San Diego?
The average cost to rent a car in San Diego is $84.98. The lowest cost is $26.47.
What are the requirements to rent a car in California?
Your driver’s license, identification, credit card, and voucher that has your rental car information.
Is it cheaper to rent a car for a week or by the day?
It’s cheaper to rent a car for a week rather than on a day-to-day basis.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in San Diego?
This depends on the rental car’s policy which you’ll find in the Rental Conditions section on the Discover Cars website. Drivers are usually between 30-65 years old.
If you are below or above that age range, make sure to check your rental car agreement if you are eligible to rent the car.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in San Diego?
Most rental companies only allow you to rent for a month and you might have to make another booking to rent it after a month. But check the rental policy or Rental Conditions for Discover Cars to find out if you can rent it for longer than a month.
What’s the average car rental price in California?
In California, the average car rental price is $52.92 per day for Discover Cars.
What’s the average car rental length in California?
In California, the average car rental length is 2 days for Discover Cars.
What are the common scams when renting a car?
Common scams include hidden fees, bait-and-switch tactics, and false promises from rental companies. Make sure to read the contract or agreement before signing it.
Are the cars on Discover Cars automatic transmission or manual?
You can choose either. If you prefer automatic, you can filter the results to display automatic cars.
How big are the cars on Discover Cars?
You can choose cars with up to 6+ seats to accommodate your family and friends.
Where can you NOT rent a car in California?
While mainland California is car-friendly, there is a part of California where you can’t rent cars. Catalina Island doesn’t allow cars and doesn’t have Uber or Lyft either. Renting a golf cart is the best option to travel around the island.
Final Thoughts: Renting A Car In San Diego
While there are plenty of transportation options available to travel safely and comfortably, renting a car with Discover Cars allows for flexibility when it comes to exploring all that the city has to offer.
Discover Cars also offers discounts and deals on car rentals so that you can enjoy your trip while still staying within your budget. So if you’re looking for an affordable way to experience everything that San Diego has to offer – rent a car!
Renting A Car Somewhere Else?
Interested in renting a car elsewhere? Check out the other guides below:
