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California dreaming with a San Diego car rental

Jump in your San Diego car rental and explore the best of sunny Southern California. Soak up the rays at its many beautiful beaches and parks, or enjoy its urban art galleries, museums and shops. From Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo to its incredible harbor and whale watching opportunities, there’s something for everyone in this part of SoCal!

Picking up your car rental from San Diego Airport

San Diego International Airport (SAN) was previously known as Lindbergh Field. It has a number of features including shops and restaurants. There is also a visual and performing arts programme that showcases local talent and culture.

Picking up your car rental at San Diego Airport is straightforward and easy. All pick ups and drop offs take place at the Consolidated Rental Car Center. There are various suppliers on-site including top car rental companies such as Alamo, Avis, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget, and National Car Rental. To get there, free dedicated consolidated bus service/shuttle runs continually between the airport terminals and the Rental Car Center at 3355 Admiral Boland Way.

Getting around in your San Diego rental car

Take note of these driving tips before you hit the road in San Diego!

• San Diego International Airport is just a short drive of a few miles to the downtown area.

• If you are travelling in or out of the city on the I-5, which is a common long-haul freight route, be aware of large trucks sharing the road with you.

• There is one toll road in San Diego, the South Bay Expressway, also known as State Route 125. You can pay with cash (you will need exact change) or a credit card at exits when travelling southbound and all entrances when travelling northbound, or you can make a payment online.

• You can park in downtown San Diego using metered street parking or a parking garage. Parking times are strictly enforced, so ensure you read the signs before leaving your rental vehicle.

Check out the highlights in your San Diego Airport car rental

Balboa Park

Wander 1,200 acres of parkland at Balboa Park. Not only is it full of gardens and green spaces, but it also boasts museums, theatres and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

Take an Old Town Trolley Tour

Trolleys can be a fun way to explore a district. Jump on a two-hour historic city tour aboard a fun themed trolley and learn about San Diego’s story.

La Jolla Cove Beach

San Diego has many beautiful beaches, but this small cove is particularly picturesque. It is part of a marine reserve, so is great for snorkellers and divers.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

If you love hiking and beautiful scenery, this coastal reserve is hard to beat. It’s home to wildlife including bobcats, skunks and coyotes, and, sometimes, even spouting whales can be spotted from the cliffs.

Top tips for San Diego car rentals

• If zooming down the California coast in a convertible has ever crossed your mind, this would be the time to do it. Several top car rental companies offer Ford Mustangs in their range, and you definitely don’t see that in every city.

• You can use the filters on our booking page to narrow down the kind of vehicle you’re after. Specify the type or size of vehicle, rental car company, transmission type and much more as you make your search. Or, if you want to see all the options, you can skip the filters and scroll through the whole range.

• Rental cars in San Diego are in high depend, particularly during holiday periods. Make your vehicle reservation in advance to secure the best cheap car rental deals. As soon as you know your travel dates, get booking!

• Take whatever flyers they hand out in the rental office, as these may contain discounts for local fuel prices aside from reminders on rental locations policies.

If you prefer to start your holiday in a different location, other popular options in California include car rentals in Los Angeles or San Jose. Get the best car rental deals when you book with Airport Rentals today.