Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Santa Ana to San Diego. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
Notes: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will be required to present a return airline ticket. Renters with a non-U.S. driver's license (written in Roman alphabet) may be required to present a valid passport or other government-issued ID as a second form of identification.
One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:
Starting from
US$ 37/dayStarting from
US$ 39/day| Vehicle Types | Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included) | One-way Fee | Total(3-day Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | US$ 37-US$ 168 | US$ 0 | US$ 110-US$ 333 | Solo travelers, couples |
| Medium | US$ 44-US$ 168 | US$ 0 | US$ 132-US$ 333 | Small families, light luggage |
| Large | US$ 42-US$ 233 | US$ 0 | US$ 125-US$ 448 | Families, comfort seeker |
| SUV | US$ 39-US$ 159 | US$ 0 | US$ 117-US$ 338 | Large groups, long drivers |
| Premium | US$ 67-US$ 233 | US$ 0 | US$ 201-US$ 448 | Families, comfort seeker |
| Van | US$ 146 | US$ 0 | US$ 420 | Large families, groups |
| Pickup Truck | US$ 65-US$ 82 | US$ 0 | US$ 198-US$ 240 | Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage |
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.
Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.
Refueling before returning the car is normally cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.
Always save the receipt as proof of refueling to avoid extra charges.
Ensure the fuel level matches the level noted at the time of pickup.
The estimated average fuel price in San Diego is $4.85 per gallon.
Maintain a steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration to conserve fuel.
Keep tires properly inflated to improve mileage.
Use air conditioning sparingly to reduce engine load.
Parking costs in Santa Ana average $2 per hour in city lots.
Street parking is available but may have time restrictions.
Consider using parking garages for overnight stays.
San Diego offers various parking options, with rates around $3 per hour in downtown areas.
Some areas provide free parking on Sundays and public holidays.
Utilize park-and-ride facilities to avoid downtown congestion.
SpotHero: Find and book parking in advance.
ParkMobile: Pay for parking directly from your phone.
Parking Panda: Reserve parking spots in popular areas.
Experience one of the world's best zoos offering diverse wildlife and activities.
Relax and enjoy water sports in this stunning coastal destination.
Discover museums, gardens, and cultural landmarks in this urban park.
Learn to surf or enjoy waves on the beautiful Pacific Coastline.
Car Rental Tips: Choose a vehicle suited for highway driving while considering rental fuel policies.
Budget Wisely: Compare fuel costs for different routes and ensure no hidden fees.
Have Alternating Routes: Research alternate routes incase of traffic or road work.
Gas Stations: Note important gas stations along the route to avoid running out of fuel.
Plan Scenic Stops: Make time for scenic detours to enrich the travel experience.
Safety Check: Inspect the rental car for safety features and condition before leaving.
Selecting a reliable car rental company is crucial for a comfortable and stress-free one-way road trip from Santa Ana to San Diego. Below are recommended companies that offer one-way rental services along with key features.
| Company | One-Way Fee | Fleet Variety | Location Coverage | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Rent-A-Car | $$ | High (Compact to SUVs) | Nationwide presence | Wide range of vehicle options , Frequent promotional discounts , Responsive customer support |
| Hertz | $$ | Wide-ranging (Luxury to Economy) | Extensive coverage in California | Multiple pickup and dropoff locations , Free miles included in standard rentals , User-friendly mobile app for reservations |
| Budget Rent A Car | $ | Moderate options | Available in major cities | Affordable one-way rental fares , Easy booking process , Flexible cancellation policies |
| Avis | $$$ | Extensive (Latest models available) | High market presence | Premium vehicle offerings , Exclusive membership perks , Convenient local offices |
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Rental centers usually operate from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Some locations near the airport offer 24-hour service.
In Santa Ana: John Wayne Airport Rental Car Center. In San Diego: San Diego International Airport Rental Car Center.
Complimentary shuttles connect the rental centers to the main airport terminals. Shuttle frequency is 15–20 minutes.
Both rental centers are well-connected by local highways for seamless pickup and dropoff.
For competitive pricing and smooth transactions, book your one-way rental in advance through customer-friendly platforms.
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