SAN Diego International Airport Car Rentals
Landing in San Diego is a promise of great weather, cool ocean winds, and the liberty to roam. To get around and enjoy all the sites from the vibrant downtown Gaslamp to the picturesque coastal La Jolla, you will definitely require a suitable vehicle. Understanding and following the rental procedure without any problems is the key to starting your adventure in Southern California smoothly.
This ultimate guide will help you with all your car rentals at San Diego International Airport. We will give you a complete rundown of the rental car center’s location, transportation options to the center via the free shuttle, and help you select the right vehicle for your trip. Regardless of whether you are organizing a family holiday or a scenic coastal drive, knowing your SAN car rental options means you are ready to take the road head-on with confidence and no worries.
Car Rental Companies at SAN Airport
To simplify things upon your arrival in San Diego, here is a list of rental agencies at the San Diego International Airport (SAN) Rental Car Center. You can reach all of these agencies by using the free 24-hour airport shuttle service.
| Agency Name | Phone Number | Notable Features | Website Details |
| Alamo Rent a Car | 1-888-233-8749 | Great for families; self-service kiosks available. | https://www.alamo.com/ |
| Avis Rent a Car | 1-800-352-7900 | Preferred services for business travelers. | https://www.avis.com/ |
| Budget Rent a Car | 1-800-214-6094 | Reliable economy options and “Fastbreak” service. | https://www.budget.com/ |
| Dollar Car Rental | 1-800-800-5252 | Value-focused with simple pick-up procedures. | https://www.dollar.com/ |
| Enterprise Rent a Car | 1-855-266-9565 | Known for excellent customer service and a high-quality fleet. | https://www.enterprise.com/ |
| Fox Rent-A-Car | 1-855-701-3139 | Discount rates are often available for budget-conscious travelers. | https://www.foxrentacar.com/ |
| Hertz Rent A Car | 1-800-654-4173 | High-end fleet and “Gold Plus” rewards program. | https://www.hertz.com/ |
| National Car Rental | 1-844-393-9989 | Popular for “Emerald Aisle” speed and selection. | https://www.nationalcar.com/ |
| Payless Car Rental | 1-800-729-5377 | No-frills, low-cost rental options. | https://www.paylesscar.com/ |
| Sixt Rent a Car | 1-888-749-8227 | Premium European fleet and luxury convertibles. | https://www.sixt.com/ |
| Thrifty Car Rental | 1-800-847-4389 | Reliable and budget-friendly for long road trips. | https://www.thrifty.com/ |
| ZipCar | 1-866-494-7227 | Best for short-term, hourly car sharing. | https://www.zipcar.com/ |
Off-Site Rental Agencies
| Agency Name | Phone Number | Instructions | Contact Number |
| U-Save | +1-800-272-8728 | Requires a separate off-site shuttle; call for pickup. | https://usave.com/ |
Tips for Your Rental Car At SAN Airport
Here are some tips to keep in mind regarding SAN Airport’s rental car:
- Airport Ambassadors: If the agency you prefer is not there, find the Volunteer Airport Ambassadors (wearing green shirts or vests) near the baggage claim areas who can help you.
- Return Information: All rental vehicles must be returned to the Consolidated Rental Car Center at 3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101. When you get near the airport, follow the “Rental Car Return” signs.
- Shuttle Frequency: The blue airport shuttles are available every 10 to 15 minutes, 24 hours a day, so you don’t have to worry about waiting time when returning to your terminal.
Car Rental Locations at San Diego International Airport
If you are on the lookout for car rental locations at the SAN Airport, here is what you must note:
- At San Diego International Airport, car rental companies work with travelers at a single point of contact through the centralized Rental Car Center, instead of having separate counters in Terminal 1 or Terminal 2.
- Consequently, both pick-ups and drop-offs occur at the dedicated facility at 3355 Admiral Boland Way, near the airport.
- There are free shuttle buses that operate non-stop between the terminals and the Rental Car Center, carrying passengers and their luggage.
Other Transportation Options at SAN Airport
San Diego International Airport offers several ground transportation choices besides the car rentals that help you reach your destination smoothly.
- Courtesy Shuttles: SAN offers several free shuttle services for passengers. The Inter-Terminal Shuttle operates daily between Terminals 1 and 2, and the San Diego Flyer shuttle runs several times a day between the airport and the Old Town Transit Center. A Rental Car Center Shuttle serves the route 24/7 between the terminals and the car rental facility.
- Rideshare and Taxis: At both terminals, rideshare companies such as Lyft, Uber, Opoli, and Wingz that are authorized to operate are allowed to pick up passengers only at the designated curbside locations. Pick-up points for taxis are situated at the Transportation Plazas in front of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, from where you can take a taxi directly to the city center or nearby areas.
San Diego International Airport Taxi Directory
Below is the updated directory of major taxi dispatch services for 2026.
| Agency Name | Contact Phone Number | Address | Payment Options |
| Yellow Radio Service | (619) 444-4444 / (858) 444-4444 | 3473 Kurtz St., San Diego | All major credit cards accepted. |
| American Radio Service | (619) 234-1111 | 433 10th Ave., San Diego | Major credit cards accepted upon request. |
| Orange Radio Service | (619) 223-5555 | 3911 Pacific Hwy. #208, San Diego | Major credit cards accepted upon request. |
| San Diego Dispatch | (619) 226-8294 / (800) 368-2947 | 3485 Kurtz St., San Diego | Major credit cards accepted upon request. |
| USA Radio Dispatch | (619) 231-1144 | 2660 Imperial Ave., San Diego | All major cards accepted upon request. |
- Public Transportation: Public transportation around SAN can be utilized by taking the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS). The bus Route 992 provides very frequent service between the airport and downtown San Diego, as well as other transit hubs such as Santa Fe Depot, where you have access to Amtrak, COASTER, and trolley lines.
- Hotel & Off-Site Shuttles: Free shuttle buses to local hotels in the area that are part of the program run from the Ground Transportation Islands at Terminals 1 and 2. There are also off-site shuttle services available at the airport.
Conclusion
San Diego International Airport (SAN) car rentals provide great flexibility and convenience to travelers. A single Rental Car Center offers a free shuttle and several trusted providers. If you plan properly and know the procedures, you can easily have a relaxed experience throughout your journey.
FAQs
There are no car rental counters inside the terminals at San Diego International Airport. Instead, all car rental companies are situated at a separate Rental Car Center, which can be conveniently accessed by free shuttle buses running 24/7 from both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Budget Rent a Car at San Diego International Airport is located at the off-site Rental Car Center at 3355 Admiral Boland Way. Travelers can reach it via the free rental car shuttle, which operates 24/7 from both terminals.
After you land at San Diego International Airport, get your baggage and head to the Rental Car Shuttle as indicated. Next, take the complimentary shuttle to the Rental Car Center, drop by your rental company’s counter to check in, complete the paperwork, and pick up the car.
It is generally a good idea to book a rental car several weeks to a few months ahead of time. By booking early, you will often get better prices, have more options in terms of cars, and enjoy wider availability, particularly in peak travel seasons and holiday periods.
Terminal 1 at San Diego Airport has a great and easy pedestrian path that leads straight from the terminal to parking and local transportation. International flights account for the majority of operations at Terminal 2; therefore, it has been upgraded and expanded as the main hub for international and long-haul services.