10 BEST CAR RENTAL COMPANIES IN SAN DIEGO (2024)

In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the top car rental companies in San Diego, providing essential details to ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. Discover the best options for affordable and reliable rental cars, ensuring your visit to America’s Finest City is a smooth and memorable ride.

  1. Enterprise Rent-A-Car:
    • Year Established: 1957
    • Owners: Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    • Locations: Multiple locations in San Diego
    • Contact: Visit Enterprise website for location-specific contact information
    • Services: Offers a range of vehicles for rent, including cars, trucks, and vans.
  2. Hertz Car Rental:
    • Year Established: 1918
    • Owners: Hertz Global Holdings, Inc.
    • Locations: Several locations in San Diego
    • Contact: Visit Hertz website for location-specific contact information
    • Services: Provides a variety of rental options, including standard cars and luxury vehicles.
  3. Avis Car Rental:
    • Year Established: 1946
    • Owners: Avis Budget Group
    • Locations: Multiple locations in San Diego
    • Contact: Visit Avis website for location-specific contact information
    • Services: Offers rental cars for business and leisure travelers.
  4. Budget Car Rental:
    • Year Established: 1958
    • Owners: Avis Budget Group
    • Locations: Several locations in San Diego
    • Contact: Visit Budget website for location-specific contact information
    • Services: Provides affordable car rental options.
  5. National Car Rental:
    • Year Established: 1947
    • Owners: Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    • Locations: Multiple locations in San Diego
    • Contact: Visit National website for location-specific contact information
    • Services: Specializes in business car rental services.
  6. Alamo Car Rental:
    • Year Established: 1974
    • Owners: Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    • Locations: Multiple locations in San Diego
    • Contact: Visit Alamo website for location-specific contact information
    • Services: Offers self-service kiosks and online check-in for convenience.
  7. Sixt Rent a Car:
    • Year Established: 1912
    • Owners: Sixt SE
    • Locations: Multiple locations in San Diego
    • Contact: Visit Sixt website for location-specific contact information
    • Services: Provides a variety of premium rental vehicles.
  8. Dollar Rent A Car:
    • Year Established: 1965
    • Owners: The Hertz Corporation
    • Locations: Several locations in San Diego
    • Contact: Visit Dollar website for location-specific contact information
    • Services: Focuses on affordable car rental options.
  9. Thrifty Car Rental:
    • Year Established: 1958
    • Owners: The Hertz Corporation
    • Locations: Multiple locations in San Diego
    • Contact: Visit Thrifty website for location-specific contact information
    • Services: Offers value-oriented rental car services.
  10. Fox Rent A Car:
    • Year Established: 1989
    • Owners: Fox Holdings, Inc.
    • Locations: Multiple locations in San Diego
    • Contact: Visit Fox website for location-specific contact information
    • Services: Focuses on providing affordable and quality rental cars.

Tips for those arriving in San Diego via San Diego International Airport

  1. Arrival at the Airport: After arriving at San Diego International Airport, proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage.
  2. Shuttle to Rental Car Center: From the baggage claim area, take the rental car shuttle to the Rental Car Center. Shuttles operate regularly and are marked with the names of the rental car companies.
  3. Rental Car Center: Once at the Rental Car Center, you’ll find counters for various rental car companies. These include major brands such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, National, and others.
  4. Pick Up Your Vehicle: After completing the necessary paperwork at the rental car company’s counter, you’ll be directed to the parking area where you can pick up your rental vehicle.