Car Rental in San Diego

Yes, it’s recommended. Renting a car in San Diego is the best way to explore this large Southern California city, with its many neighborhoods, beaches, and parks. Downtown is walkable, but a car gives you more freedom to go further.

Why rent a car in San Diego?

• Explore the coast and diverse areas at your own pace: beaches, parks, museums, mountains, and charming towns are all spread out across the region.
   
• Easy access to top highlights:
  • La Jolla, Coronado, Ocean Beach, and Mission Bay
  • Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and Old Town
  • Scenic drives to Julian or Anza-Borrego Desert
  • Day trip to Tijuana (Mexico)
     
• Perfect for families, couples, or California road trips: enjoy comfort, flexibility, and the freedom to explore more.
   

Good to know: You can rent a car at San Diego International Airport (SAN) or in neighborhoods like Downtown or Mission Valley. A compact car is ideal for easy parking.

Planning a trip to the United States? Whether you're landing at the airport or starting from downtown, our online comparison tool lets you book the ideal rental car in just a few clicks, always at the best price guaranteed.

What’s included in our offers:

• Unlimited mileage so you can travel without limits
• Basic insurance and all applicable taxes included
• Optional $0 deductible for total peace of mind
• One-way rentals available between multiple cities

Book with confidence

Modify or cancel your reservation free of charge up to 24 hours before pick-up.

Our team is here to support you every step of the way for a stress-free start.

Best price guarantee

Found a better price elsewhere after booking on our site?

We’ll refund the difference minus 5% with our lowest price guarantee.

Why rent your car in the USA with Authentik?

• Fast, secure and easy online booking
• Access to exclusive rates from top agencies: Avis, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty…
• Local customer support based in North America

Plan your USA road trip with our local experts

Renting a car is the best way to explore the wide-open spaces of the U.S. at your own pace. Drive along the iconic Route 66, cross the national parks of the West or cruise down the California coast on your road trip in the USA.

Looking for even more freedom? Check out our RV rental in the USA, ideal for families or outdoor lovers.

Also heading north? Take a look at our car rental service in Canada, with the same benefits and quality of service.

Ready to hit the road?

Compare rental car deals in the USA and book now with total confidence.

Yes, you can cancel your car rental reservation for free up to 48 working hours before pick up. 

This cancellation protection is included with all car rental reservations made through Authentik USA's car rental platform.

Naturally, you can also make changes to your reservation (pick-up and return dates, type of car, etc.) at no extra charge, up to 48 working hours before pick up.

Bookings cannot be modified or cancelled less than 48 hours before pick up.

Many travellers ask whether they need to have an international driver's license for their road trip in California or elsewhere in the U.S.

The answer is simple: it is best to have an international license when driving in the U.S. if you want to avoid any hassles and rent a car without difficulties. However, it is not mandatory.

According to U.S. law, your ESTA travel authorization and a valid license from your country of residence should be enough to rent a car.

But in practice, more and more car rental companies require an international license to rent a car. For this reason, it is advisable to find out before your USA road trip which companies require an international license.

Note that your license must use the Latin alphabet.

Principal and additional drivers must have had their driver's license for at least 12 months.

These conditions are different for car rental in Canada.

Learn more

To rent a car in Las Vegas or elsewhere in the U.S., you must be at least 21 years of age and have a credit card in your name for the deposit.

In addition, please note that drivers from 21 to 24 years of age are required to pay an additional fee to cover the higher insurance cost. This fee is about $30 a day.

Note that the driver's license of the principal driver and the credit card used for the deposit MUST be in the same name.

For a Western USA road trip or elsewhere in the U.S., child car seats must meet NHTSA Federal Safety Standards.

If your seat meets these standards, bring it! It’s free to bring on the plane and your child will be as comfortable as at home.

Child car seats with an ISOFIX or LATCH system are authorised by car rental companies and the government.

If your seat does not have a LATCH/ISOFIX system or it is not certified FMVSS, you will not be covered by the rental company's basic insurance or additional insurance options .

In that case, you will need to rent a car seat with your vehicle. This option will be payable in advance or at the rental office, depending on the rental company.

Note that not all rental companies offer this option.

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When planning a Western USA road trip or elsewhere in the U.S., you need to have a gas budget. 

Be aware of fluctuating gas prices. Finding a balance between comfort and consumption when choosing your rental vehicle can help you save on gas.

Gas generally costs about half as much in the U.S. as in Europe. Many websites provide up-to-the-minute gas prices in the U.S. Find out more by clicking below...

Learn more

It's a good idea to learn about the American highway code before hitting the American roads.

And our blog article "Driving in the U.S." points out things you'll need to watch out for when driving in the U.S.

Check out our 100% customizable self-drive holidays for inspiration when planning your trip to the land of Uncle Sam.

Consult our Frequently Asked Questions to learn all about car rental in the United States.

Authentik also offers car rentals in Canada, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Iceland, and Norway.