Car rental San Diego, CA
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
- Car rental
- United States
- San-Diego
Extraordinary selection
From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget
Liability insurance included
Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans
Easy airport pickup
You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada
Rental cars in San Diego, CA
Average daily prices for a 3-day trip
Nissan Altima
2023
•5.0
(1)
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
2018
•5.0
(25)
Ford Bronco
2022
•5.0
(1)
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
2025
•5.0
(14)
Chevrolet Traverse
2026
•5.0
(9)
Toyota Sienna
2026
•5.0
(21)
Volkswagen Jetta
2025
•4.95
(48)
Kia Carnival
2024
•5.0
(42)
Ford Bronco
2024
•5.0
(34)
Rent a car in San Diego on Turo
With glittering beaches, an urban city center, and plenty of nearby nature and day trips to discover, San Diego is a Californian gem close to the US-Mexico border. The city’s scenic roads make a car rental in San Diego ideal, especially as this is the preferred mode of transportation for most locals.
Browse hundreds of reliable, flexible rental cars on Turo's marketplace for an enjoyable trip to ‘America’s Finest City’, whether you’re here for a vacation, work, or for a long-term stay.
San Diego car rental: How it works
On Turo, renting a car in San Diego is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across San Diego, California and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.
1. Find the perfect car
Enter a date and location in San Diego, CA (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.
2. Select a pickup location
Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.
3. Hit the road
Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of San Diego, CA! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.
Recent San Diego car rental reviews
First, I contemplated leaving a 4 star review for a few reasons. However, the prompt response to the issue with the original vehicle reserved, partly due to luck that someone happened to be onsite with the car, and the flexibility with returning the vehicle without requiring washing and vacuuming is deserving of some grace. The price for 5 day/4 night rental was fantastic, around $150 total. I certainly didn't expect a car in pristine shape for the cost. This car is a part of a Turo "rental company" fleet. It seems like a company that buys cheap, used cars to rent out. There are 12-15 cars parked behind a strip mall 8-10ish minutes from the airport in an area I was glad we were picking up and dropping off midday rather than the evening. The hybrid we originally reserved had stained seats and a lot of cosmetic wear. One tire looked like it was on a spare wheel and didn't have a lot of life left, honestly. A lot of the roads in San Diego aren't exactly in great shape, I was concerned about getting a flat. When we turned the car on to leave we immediately got check engine lights and a "pull over immediately" message. Fortunately, someone with the "rental company" was on site and qas able to quickly switched cars for us. It wasn't a hybrid, though. We didn't plan on a lot of driving, but originally opted for a hybrid to save money since we had two days of freeway driving. We definitely spent more on gas then originally planned. If there wasn't someone available onsite to help, it could have been a much longer ordeal which is a terrible way to start a vacation. Communication day of pick up felt slow with the owner. I didn't think to look back to the 2 month old message about how to find the car. I received a message from Turo saying we'd be sent details the day before the trip. I never got that confirmation text or measage the day before or day of pick up from the actual rental owner. When I first reached out to the rental company through the turo app to find the car at pick up time, I didn't get a response. I finally found a way to text someone about 20 minutes later. We did get a pretty quick response that way, but it's frustrating to be in a random parking lot messaging through an app and not get a response. The Honda interior is definitely cleaner than the hybrid we reserved, but the exterior, not so much. Its been side swiped and has a lot of sun damage. The TPMS light was on the whole time, but the actual tire pressure was fine. There was also a rattle and grinding noise when accelerating from a stop or on a hill, but it didn't cause an issue. The car drives fine for a 14-15 year old car, it's just a little noisy and you feel all the bumps on the road. I understand with the cheaper cost of renting through Turo amd choosing a 12-15 year old car, I'm not getting a newer car like I would with a standard rental company or paying more for a newer car. That said, with my last few Turo rentals, it feels a lot of these Turo "rental companies" aren't checking their cars or doing much more than standard maintenance as frequently as they should when they have over 150,000 miles on them. The confirmation message also suggested the cars are kept in great shape. These cars were not in great shape by any stretch of the imagination. No one wants to be on vacation and have their car break down or even be worried that the car they're driving is gonna get a flat or break down.
This was the very best rental of my Life!!!! Mr Howard was absolutely superb!!! I was so nervous but Howard reassured me. 3 of my family members want to rent the car. They also can’t believe that this is 2017 as its soooooo well maintained. I cant say enough about my experience, because if it weren’t for Howard’s customer care I would’ve just cancelled the reservation and lost my money. First time. EV Tesla Driver
Everything was very professional will use them from now on and stop using the big car rental companies.
Excellent experience from start to finish. The host was very responsive, professional, and easy to communicate with. Pickup and return were smooth, the car was clean and exactly as described, and everything went without any issues. I really appreciated how easy and stress-free the entire rental process was. I would definitely rent from this host again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable Turo experience.
Had a great experience. The host are very accommodating. I would definitely come back and rent a car from them.
The car has little cosmetic defects but everything works perfectly and you get the Mustang for basically the rent price of Corolla! Smooth communication and very good experience! Thank you!
Car was great and as advertised. Ben was responsive, thoughtful and helpful throughout. I'm not 100% sure about Turo these days -- it used to offer more convenience/value/options than the rental counter (it cost me $30 to get a car to go the 0.8 miles to pick the car up), and I'm not feeling that as much these days -- but people like Ben keep me thinking this is still a cool option. The Prius got great mileage and is in great shape. Would recommend.
I’ve rented a lot of Turos and this is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! I had a very late check in and was able to find the car easily and access it immediately. The host is incredibly fast with his responses. The car itself was in amazing condition. It was clean and smelled amazing. I had to make some changes to my reservation which the host did graciously. I’ll be sure to use SD Garage again moving forward.
The car was perfect for the price and Reed made it available to us after very short notice, saving a family trip while our own car was in the shop!
Car was great, being able to put the top down & enjoy the California sunshine is a lot of fun. Communication was great, very quick to reply. Overall a great experience. Would recommend to anyone looking to rent a car in the area. Thank you!
Rent a car and explore San Diego, CA
Things to do and places to see in San Diego, CA
Set along the stunning Pacific Coast, San Diego is a big city with a chilled-out vibe, known for its beautiful beaches, ample green spaces, and diverse neighborhoods. If you’re headed here on vacation, expect a busy trip with lots to see and do. From Sea World to the USS Midway Museum, San Diego’s attractions run the gamut from cultural to historical to pure family fun.
Rent the perfect car
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is world-renowned for its expansive, open-air exhibits and commitment to conservation. Located in Balboa Park, just north of downtown San Diego, it houses thousands of animals across diverse habitats, from anacondas to zebras and everything in between. Its setting and scale make it a memorable, must-see San Diego experience for visitors of all ages.
Balboa Park
Once you’re finished exploring the San Diego Zoo, take in the rest of beautiful Balboa Park, an iconic cultural hub that’s home to museums, gardens, and historic architecture. There are so many ways to spend the day here, from strolling along picturesque paths to taking in an open-air performance and discovering an immersive exhibition. Be sure to climb up the California Tower for beautiful city views.
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a coastal inlet known for its dramatic cliffs and sea lion population, located roughly 20 minutes north of the downtown San Diego area by car. It’s a popular spot for outdoor pursuits like snorkeling, swimming, and coastal walks. Many visitors head up here to take in breathtaking sunset views over the water, followed by drinks or dinner at an iconic local institution like Georges at the Cove.
Why Rent a car on Turo in San Diego, CA?
Cheap San Diego, CA car rental
Find deals on all kinds of drives in San Diego, CA and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Convenient San Diego car rental pick up options
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in San Diego, CA, like airports, train stations, and hotels.
Relax with support & damage protection
24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.
San Diego car rentals for any occasion
Vacation car rental
With your own vacation car rental on Turo, getting around San Diego is much easier, whether you’re travelling solo or with the whole family. Choose a compact SUV like the Chevrolet Trax for everyday driving, or opt for something sleek for beachside cruising, such as the Maserati Ghibli or BMW 3 Series.
Long-term car rental
People from all over the world flock to San Diego for its beautiful weather and laid-back, beachy lifestyle. If you’re spending months here or are relocating permanently, a long-term car rental on Turo can help you get your bearings before you drop cash on a new car. Economical options include fuel-efficient sedans like the Toyota Prius and Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid.
Work car rental
Planning a business trip to San Diego? You’ll need a professional, reliable rental vehicle for comfy commutes and to ensure you’re on time for all your obligations, whether you’re meeting clients or attending events. Sleek luxury cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and BMW i5 cut a striking figure, whereas larger options like the Chrysler Pacifica are well-equipped to fit gear or passengers.
Turo car rental vs. traditional rental
Turo Car rental
App-based experience
No waiting in line
1,600+ unique makes & models
Get the exact car you choose
Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations
Cars rented out by local small businesses
Vehicles and hosts rated by guests
Traditional rental
Standard rental counter experience
Waiting in line
Limited selection
Get a type of vehicle “or similar”
Pickup at retail locations
Owned by large corporations
No vehicle ratings
Rental car pickup locations throughout San Diego
Get your vehicle delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in San Diego, CA, including San Diego, CA airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular San Diego, CA pickup locations include:
San Diego International Airport
Don't waste time waiting at the airport rental car center — instead, rent on Turo to have a vehicle ready before you touch down at San Diego International Airport. Simply select the airport as your pickup and drop-off location when booking, then once you’ve found the perfect rental car, use the app to confirm all the details. At San Diego International Airport, vehicles on Turo must be collected off-airport grounds — options include local streets, airport hotels, and parking garages.
Old Town Station
If you’re taking the train into San Diego from a neighboring city, plan to pick up your rental car from Old Town Station. It’s located in the busy Washington Square area, just a 10-minute drive from both San Diego International Airport and downtown. After completing pickup, you’re free to hit the road and explore nearby beaches, scenic views, and local shopping and dining.
Hotels in San Diego
Pickup and drop-off are also available at a wide range of other locations across San Diego, including hotels, landmarks, and accommodation areas. Use the map when booking on Turo to find a spot that’s convenient for you — or, if you’re short on time, select the ‘Deliver to me’ option to see vehicles that offer delivery to your location.
Airport pickup made easy
Next time you fly, don’t wait in line and fill out forms — pick your car up at hundreds of popular airports.
Convenient pickup & return
Rather than hustling at the busy terminal curbside, take your time picking up the car at approved parking lots or garages. Check in, load up your luggage, and get comfortable with the car without a big rush.
No lines, no paperwork
Skip the rental car counter at hundreds of popular airports without waiting in line or filling out paperwork. Find and pick up the car with the app and hit the road in no time.
Free cancellation
Cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your trip starts, unless you opt to receive a non-refundable trip discount when you book. Because life happens and it helps to be flexible when it does.
Pickup near or at Airports
Car rental locations near San Diego, CA
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Top tips for renting a car in San Diego
With palm-lined roads and coastal views at every turn, San Diego is a gorgeous place to drive. Before you settle in behind the wheel, consider these driving tips for a stress-free California adventure.
What are the road rules and driving conditions in San Diego?
If you’ve driven in larger Californian cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, getting around San Diego by car should be an easy feat. San Diego follows typical state driving laws, including always sticking to the right-hand side of the road, observing road signage, wearing a seatbelt, and obeying local speed limits. These tend to be 25 miles per hour (mph) in residential areas, 35 to 45 mph on larger city roads, and up to 65 mph on freeways like the I-5 and I-805.
California, like many other US states, enforces hands-free phone use, with heavy penalties for distracted driving. The ‘Move Over Law’ is in effect in California, requiring drivers to pull over or slow down for emergency vehicles with flashing lights. It’s also frowned upon to drive too slowly in the left-hand lane — reserve this for passing only, and stay right at all other times.
San Diego is still a big city, so traffic here can pile up very easily, especially during rush hour and along coastal roads and freeway interchanges. Expect congestion if you’re traveling to the beach or into the downtown area on the weekends when tourists and locals alike are about.
The weather in San Diego tends to be mild in winter and hot in the summer, which makes driving year-round relatively effortless — no need for snow tires or chains. However, coastal fog can roll in and reduce early-morning visibility in colder months. Always use your headlights and keep a safe distance from other drivers to prevent accidents.
What is parking like in San Diego?
Parking in the San Diego city center is quite ample, with a mixture of parking garages, public car lots, and street parking available. If you’re looking to leave your car while you shop, dine, or explore downtown, try garages like the Horton Plaza Parking Garage (801 Fourth Avenue), the 225 Broadway Garage (808 Broadway Circuit), and the Gaslamp Quarter Parking (435 Fourth Avenue). Beach areas like Pacific Beach and La Jolla rely on metered street parking, which tends to fill up quickly — so always head down earlier in the morning if you want to guarantee a spot!
Are there toll roads in San Diego?
Though San Diego does have toll roads, these are limited to the I-15 Express Lanes (only during peak hours) and the SR-125 South Bay Expressway, which runs from Otay Mesa to Chula Vista. Toll payments are predominantly cashless in California, so confirm payment options before hitting the road in your rental car.
Are there gas stations and EV chargers in San Diego?
Gas stations are widely available throughout San Diego, whether you’re discovering downtown or spending time in the suburbs. For a convenient fuel-up near the city center, try the Shell at 1011 A Street, the Chevron at 1666 1st Avenue, or the Mobil at 2045 Pacific Highway. Stations are also easy to find along I-5, I-8, and I-805, making freeway travel convenient.
San Diego has one of the more developed electric vehicle (EV) charging networks in California, with chargers located throughout downtown San Diego and along coastal routes. You’ll find public charging at San Diego International Airport (3225 N Harbor Drive), Westfield UTC (4545 La Jolla Village Drive), and in several downtown parking garages. Tesla, EVgo, and ChargePoint stations are spread throughout the city, including close to Broadway Pier and near the San Diego Convention Center.
Do I need to rent a car in San Diego?
San Diego has trolleys and buses, but coverage is limited outside the downtown area, which makes renting a car here imperative. California is a driver-centric state, especially as attractions tend to be spread between the coast and the suburbs. Lock in a reliable, convenient rental car on Turo to easily explore beaches, neighborhoods, and day-trip destinations at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions about San Diego car rentals
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.
In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.
When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!
What kind of license do I need to rent a car on Turo?
Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver’s licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn’t accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner’s permit/instruction permits are not accepted.
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car on Turo?
To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.
How does car rental insurance work on Turo?
No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.
In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*
In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.
Can I get car rental discounts on Turo?
You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo.
On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals.
Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.
Learn how the loyalty bonus worksIs there long term car rental on Turo?
Yes there is - whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.
See more about promotions & discountsIs there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?
Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.
Can other people drive the car that I rented?
Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers with no fees or additional charges. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.
To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.
How much does it cost to rent a car in San Diego?
The cost of car rental in San Diego can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in San Diego, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.
What rental car types are there in San Diego?
When you browse rental cars in San Diego on the Turo marketplace, you’ll have your pick of plenty of options, including the latest makes and models. Vehicle classes include SUVs, traditional sedans, compact cars, sports cars, luxury vehicles, cargo vans, pickup trucks, and much more.
Cruise along the California coast in the head-turning Chevrolet Corvette, or travel in luxurious comfort with the Jeep Wagoneer S — the choice is all yours! Unlike other rental car companies, booking on Turo guarantees you always receive the exact car you selected at checkout, with no last-minute switch-ups or ‘similar vehicles’.
* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. In the US, liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.
For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.