Home

San Diego Car Rental: Is a Car Worth It?

Disclosure: This site may contain affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Short answer: San Diego has good trolley and bus options for downtown, but its best beaches, neighborhoods and day trips are far apart. Most visitors who want to see more than downtown find a car easier.

A car makes sense if

• You plan to visit La Jolla, Coronado, Del Mar or Torrey Pines in the same trip
• You are staying outside downtown
• You want a day trip to a nearby town, the mountains or the desert

You can skip it if

• You are staying downtown and mostly visiting nearby attractions
• You will use trolley, rideshare or a guided tour for a few outings

Planning tips

1. Check hotel and beach parking costs before you book.
2. Compare airport pickup and off-airport locations.
3. Choose free cancellation and re-check prices before your trip.
4. Read the insurance and deposit rules.