Car Rental at San Diego Airport

Airport travel guide

Known for its excellent beaches, surfer culture, and many family attractions, San Diego is one of the most famous destinations of the Golden State. In addition to being a great destination in its own right, the city can serve as a hub for exploring Southern California. These are three of the most interesting destinations in and around San Diego. If you only have a weekend, then make sure to check this sample San Diego itinerary for ideas of what to do with your time.

• La Jolla. Located right on the oceanfront, about a 20-minute drive from downtown, ‘The Jewel’ is one of the most popular areas of San Diego for locals and visitors alike. The main draw of La Jolla is its atmosphere, but there are also famous landmarks that include the monumental Museum of Contemporary Art, Birch Aquarium, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the unmistakable La Soledad cross that overlooks the neighborhood. 
• The Gaslamp Quarter. Located right at the heart of the city, the Gaslamp Quarter (or the District, as it is known among locals) is another popular area of San Diego. Listed as a historic district, it was primarily settled in the 1860s when it was known as New Town. Nowadays, it is home to a large number of heritage buildings like the William Heath Davis House, Old City Hall, and Broker’s Building.
• Balboa Park. This immense park is home to beautiful green spaces, gardens, museums, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Spend some time outdoors in the sun, or check out the Air & Space Museum, the Fleet Science Center, or the Museum of Art. 
• Temecula Valley. Located about an hour’s drive northeast, Temecula Valley is one of the greatest wine-growing areas in the United States — and consequently, one of the most popular day trips from San Diego. In addition to more than 30 wineries (that are fascinating to visit even if you are driving and cannot participate in tastings), the area is also home to a well-preserved old town and several interesting olive oil tours (this being another important industry of the area).

Top international routes

• San Francisco
• Las Vegas
• Phoenix
• Denver
• San Jose
• Sacramento
• Chicago
• Seattle
• Salt Lake City
• Oakland

Main airlines

Southwest Airlines is the main airline serving San Diego Airport, with more than a third of the airport’s total passengers. Its most popular destinations are San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, San Jose, Las Vegas, and Sacramento.

The three major domestic carriers all also serve the airport with each carrying a little over 10% of the airport’s traffic each. United’s busiest routes are to and from San Francisco and Denver, its West Coast and Rocky Region hubs. American’s busiest destinations from the airport are to Phoenix, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Chicago-O’Hare. Delta’s busiest routes include Seattle, its West Coast hub.

Alaska Airlines is the other major airline serving the airport. It flies to many destinations on the West Coast, to the Hawaiian Islands, and to Cabo in Mexico.

Terminals

There are two passenger terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Each is divided into two sections, East and West. There are shuttle buses and vans that can take you from one terminal to other.

Location

The airport is just 3 miles (4.8 km) north of downtown San Diego. Harbor Drive is the main street that connects San Diego Airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $44 per day
• Medium cars - from $45 per day
• Large cars - from $46 per day
• SUVs - from $48 per day
• Premium cars - from $84 per day
• Vans - from $77 per day

Car rental desks

Those rental companies with on-airport locations can be found in the Consolidated Rental Car Facility at 3355 Admiral Boland Way. A free shuttle runs at all hours between the terminals and the facility.

Mex, Nu, and Ace are not located in the facility. All of them are located just east of the airport off of Pacific Highway. Each provides a shuttle for its customers.

Services and facilities

You’ll find many bars and dining opportunities, shops and stores, lounges, relaxation services, a spa, and three lactation rooms for new mothers. There are also ATMs, a currency exchange, and a lost and found office. Luggage carts can be found on the upper level of Terminal 2, near entrance doors. San Diego Airport offers help to passengers with reduced mobility, but you should contact your airline in advance if this is needed. You can find more information on the airport's official website.

Nearest gas station

If returning to the airport from downtown along Pacific Highway, there is a Mobil station between Hawthorn Street and Grape Street. There is a Shell station a few blocks to the north which is closer to the airport; however, it’s prices are significantly higher.

For those returning cars to Nu, or Ace, then the same Mobil station is the best at which to fill up no matter which direction you are coming from.

If traveling to the rental car facility via I-5 from either direction, a Shell station at the corner of India and Vine Streets is very convenient. From the south take exit 18B and from the north, 18A. The rental car facility is just a block away from the station and Vine Street will lead you to Kettner Blvd. from which you can turn right to reach the facility.

Popular one-way rentals

• Los Angeles (121 miles / 195 km)
• Long Beach (113 miles / 182 km)
• Santa Ana (90 miles / 145 km)
• Anaheim (97 miles / 159 km)
• Oceanside (39 miles / 63 km)
• Escondido (33 miles / 53 km)