Tips when renting a car at San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Note that prices rise during peak travel seasons, such as spring break, summer vacation, major sporting events like MLB baseball games and PGA golf tournaments, and large events like San Diego Pride and ComicCon. Book early!
- In California, you can drive with a valid driver’s license from your own country. If you plan on doing an extended stay in the United States and/or driving into other states, you may want to obtain an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Still, you will need to present your actual license alongside your IDP when asked for a valid driver’s license.
- You will find many rental car offices at and near the airport, especially at the official SAN Rental Car Center at Pacific Highway and Sassafras Street. Shuttle vans are generally available from Terminals 1 and 2 to the Rental Car Center.
- While you can find many more rental car offices across San Diego County, make sure you know where you’re going if you plan to pick up a rental car farther away from the airport. If in doubt, just pick it up at the airport. (See above.)
- Planning to drive out of the country and/or use any toll roads? Ask your rental agency how they handle fees.
- Pick the right car for your journey. Smaller cars will be more efficient on busy city streets, while SUVs or all-wheel-drive vehicles are more suitable for trips outside the city, especially if you’re planning road trips to rural areas like the mountains and deserts.
- Inspect the car and take photos at pickup and drop-off.
- Though winter snowfall almost never happens at the coast and low desert areas, tire chains may be required when driving into mountain areas with colder climates.
Why Rent a Car at San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Once off the plane (and past U.S. Customs), visitors can find various shuttles on the ground floor Transportation Plazas outside Terminals 1 and 2. This is where to go for rideshare and taxi cars, local MTS buses, and the aforementioned shuttles to the Rental Car Center. As noted earlier, unless you know for sure where you want to go to pick up a car away from the airport, you will likely have an easier time utilizing a SAN rental car shuttle to pick up your car nearby.
Since the airport is close to the I-5 freeway, you can stow your luggage in the trunk and start driving wherever you want to go. It’s ideal for travellers with children, on a tight schedule, or planning to visit multiple destinations. While San Diego has improved in recent years in expanding its mass transit system, service remains limited outside key areas like Downtown, Mission Valley, and La Jolla/UCSD. A car lets you reach more places with ease.
Driving from San Diego International Airport (SAN) – Getting Started
As noted above, SAN connects to I-5, which provides access to Southern California’s massive freeway network. Depending on traffic, you should be able to reach La Jolla in about 20-40 minutes, San Ysidro in about 30-60 minutes, and Carlsbad in about 50-90 minutes.
In addition, the Pacific Highway and Harbor Drive arterial roads run right by SAN, making it surprisingly easy to get from the airport to Downtown and the area’s famed beaches. Whichever route you take, budget yourself plenty of time to get there, as San Diego traffic can get very heavy at times.
Common routes include:
- Downtown – About 10-25 minutes via Harbor Drive south
- Mission Valley – About 10-25 minutes via I-5 north and I-8 east
- Ocean Beach/Mission Beach – 15-30 minutes via I-5 north and I-8 west
- San Ysidro/U.S.-Mexico Border – 30-60 minutes via I-5 south
- La Jolla – 20-40 minutes via I-5 north and SR 52 west
- Del Mar/Carmel Valley – 30-50 minutes via I-5 north
- Rancho Bernardo/Escondido – 35-60 minutes via I-5 north, I-8 east, SR 163 north, and I-15 north
- Carlsbad/Legoland – 50-90 minutes via I-5 north
- Julian – 1.5-2 hours via I-5 north, I-8 east, and SR 79 north
- Temecula – 1.5-2 hours via I-5 north, I-8 east, SR 163 north, and I-15 north
- Dana Point – 1.5-2 hours via I-5 north and Pacific Coast Highway north
Inclement weather and heavy traffic can affect travel times, so use GPS or your favorite navigation app for real-time updates and road conditions. In addition, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has its own QuickMap app available for download onto Apple and Android devices. If you’re driving into rural areas, cell service can be limited, so save and download directions before you start driving. And if you’re thinking of driving into Mexico, check with your rental car agency in advance for rules, restrictions, and additional charges (like special insurance coverage).
Explore San Diego (and More) from SAN
It’s incredibly hard to get bored while exploring San Diego. All around the city, there are vibrant multicultural neighbourhoods offering everything from delectable street tacos and poke bowls to vintage boutiques, art galleries, craft breweries, and so much more. And, of course, you will find many of Southern California’s legendary beaches, thrilling theme parks, and alluring mountain and desert landscapes within easy reach.
In and around San Diego:
- Downtown – Over the years, Downtown San Diego has evolved into the region’s central hub for exciting nightlife, cutting-edge cuisine, quirky boutiques, and major league sports
- Balboa Park – Just to the north of Downtown is San Diego’s central urban park, where you will find the world-famous San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Museum of Art, the Mingei International Museum, and The Old Globe theatre
- Hillcrest & North Park – Hillcrest is the vibrant, beating heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ+ community, while the adjacent neighbourhood of North Park is an uber-trendy hipster paradise with funky coffee houses, tasty restaurants, and satisfying craft breweries
- Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, & Pacific Beach – San Diego’s central cluster of beach communities offer the best of both worlds, wonderful beaches to enjoy alongside laid-back restaurants and surfer bars
- La Jolla – Long beloved for its illustrious beaches, La Jolla has also become the city’s prime destination for fine dining, swanky fashion boutiques, and luxury hotels
- Rancho Bernardo & Escondido – Come for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and stay to experience the area’s great golf courses and burgeoning craft beer and wine scene
- Carlsbad – Not only is this North County city home to the Legoland California theme park, but also the fun and fascinating Carlsbad Village downtown area, as well as many family-friendly beaches
Recommended day trips and scenic routes:
- Julian – This tiny town is your best chance to experience some authentic mountain life this close to San Diego, from house-made apple pies to verdant forests and tranquil alpine lakes
- San Clemente & Dana Point – These Orange County beach cities have phenomenal surfing beaches and pleasant small-town vibes
- Temecula – In recent years, this city just across the Riverside County line has grown a reputation for surprisingly good wines and nearby Native American tribal casinos
- Tijuana – Accessible via the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa border crossings, Tijuana is a Mexican city full of delectable restaurants, great discount shopping, and unique cultural offerings
