One-Way Car Rental from San Diego to Palm Springs | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals San Diego to Palm Springs

Document required for international visitors

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).

Notes: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket.
Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay (if supported).
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20-99 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 25.00-38.67 per day depending on the rental provider.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted combinations include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is a translation and must be accompanied by the original licence); 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version with English translation on the back); 3) Original driving licence + Official embassy translation in English (authorized by the embassy). The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).

Notes: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket.
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay (if supported).
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20-99 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 25.00-38.67 per day depending on the rental provider.

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 48-84	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 142-253	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 56-56	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 171-245	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 53-82	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 152-244	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 47-136	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 140-253	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 82-121	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 230-945	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 186-209	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 555-614	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 72-76	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 202-233	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-way rental fee: Most rental companies charge a fee for picking up a car in one location and dropping it off at another. Be sure to ask about this fee when booking.
Navigation and routes: Plan your route in advance to make the most of your trip and to discover any road restrictions.
Rental period and schedules: Ensure the rental period fits your travel plans, especially if crossing time zones or planning for longer trips.
Fuel policy: Understand the fuel policy of your rental, e.g., full-to-full, to avoid extra fees or misunderstandings.
Documentation: Carry all required documentation, including your rental agreement and a valid driving license.

Smart Planning Tips:

Reserve early: Cars can become limited during peak seasons, so book in advance to secure your preferred vehicle.
Check the vehicle condition: Before leaving the rental location, inspect the car for any existing damages to avoid potential disputes.
Understand coverage options: Confirm what insurance coverage is provided and whether additional insurance might be required.
Factor in mileage limits: Ensure the deal includes favorable mileage terms, particularly for long-distance one-way rentals.
Pack smartly: Organize your luggage for easy handling during pick-up and drop-off.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Mobil - 3600 Ramon Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262, United States

Shell - 4875 Ramon Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to conserve fuel.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to improve mileage.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the car.

San Diego Parking

Consider using park-and-ride facilities to save costs.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Palm Springs Parking

Look for free parking areas in residential zones.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Critical advisory about toll behavior or charges

Smart tip to avoid issues

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Detailed Routes from San Diego to Palm Springs:

Scenic Coastal Drive

Leisure Drive 4 hours

Explore the stunning coastline and enjoy seaside attractions.

La Jolla , Dana Point , Laguna Beach

Desert Cultural Route

Cultural Experience 3.5 hours

Experience cultural and desert highlights along the way.

Temecula , Coachella , Palm Desert

Quick Express Highway

Fastest Route 3 hours

Opt for a quick and direct route to reach your destination.

Murrieta , Cabazon , Palm Springs

Notable Journey Suggestions Near the Area:

Palm Springs to Joshua Tree National Park

50 minutes

Discover unique desert flora and the famous Joshua trees.

Palm Springs Tramway Adventure

10 minutes

Enjoy the aerial tramway with breathtaking views.

Day Trip to Salton Sea

1 hour

Visit the largest lake in California and explore its natural beauty.

Historic Route to Route 66 Monuments

1.5 hours

Trace historic landmarks along famous Route 66.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Selection: Choose a vehicle adequate for the desert terrain, considering fuel efficiency and comfort.

Budgeting: Plan your spending to avoid surprises, accounting for tolls, fuel, and attractions.

Navigation: Use reliable navigation devices or apps, with maps saved offline for areas with no signal.

Weather Preparation: Pack essentials for hot desert conditions, including water, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Historical Exploration: Research historical sites en route to enrich the journey with cultural insights.

Fuel Stops: Identify fuel stops as they become scarce on certain stretches of the drive.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing a car rental company for a one-way trip from San Diego to Palm Springs requires considering factors like one-way fees, vehicle selection variety, and location availability.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Frequent discounts on one-way rentals , Wide selection of vehicles , Large network of locations in California
Enterprise	$$$	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	Reliable customer service , Option for long-term rentals , Affordable one-way fees
Budget	$	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐	Low-cost options , Excellent fuel-efficient vehicles , Flexible rental terms
Avis	$$	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Luxury fleet availability , Flexible return options , Great rewards system

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

San Diego Rental Car Center Information

Operating Hours:

Open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Location:

Located at the San Diego International Airport on 3355 Admiral Boland Way.

Shuttle Service:

Shuttles run every 15 minutes between the terminals and the rental car facility.

Vehicle Pickup and Return:

Designated areas for vehicle pickup and return are clearly marked within the rental center.

Book your one-way rental in advance to secure better rates and availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car in San Diego and drop it off in Palm Springs?

Yes, many car rental companies allow for one-way rentals between San Diego and Palm Springs. Be sure to confirm availability and any associated fees when making your reservation.

Are there any additional charges for a one-way car rental?

Some companies may charge a one-way fee, often referred to as a drop fee. The cost and policies vary by provider, so check with the rental agency for specific details.

What are the best routes to drive from San Diego to Palm Springs?

The most direct route is taking Interstate 15 North and then merging onto CA-60 East. However, you can also explore scenic routes like the Highway 74 through the Santa Rosa mountains.

Is it possible to rent a car at San Diego International Airport for this route?

Yes, car rental services are available at the San Diego International Airport. Most major rental companies operate there and offer competitive rates.

Are there any age restrictions for renting a car for this trip?

Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Additional fees or restrictions may apply for drivers under 25.

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Explore the Journey: San Diego to Palm Springs