One-Way Car Rental from Santa Ana to San Diego | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Santa Ana to San Diego

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 1-2 years.

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 cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card types: XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20-99 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted licenses include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation; the original driving licence must also be presented), 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation on the back, 3) Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (such as English, French, German, etc.) without the need for an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets require an IDP.

Notes: 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.
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card types: XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20-99 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.

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$ 49-119	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 143-230	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 49-119	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 145-230	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 50-146	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 147-300	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 47-422	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 140-400	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 146-226	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 281-437	Families, comfort seeker
Pickup Truck	US$ 67-78	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 198-229	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Rental Fee: Most one-way car rentals include an additional fee for dropping off at a different location from pickup.
Mileage Restrictions: Check if there are any restrictions on mileage and whether unlimited mileage options are available.
Cross-Border Rules: Ensure you're aware of any restrictions or fees when crossing state boundaries.
Vehicle Availability: Specific vehicle types might not be available for one-way rentals.
Advance Booking: Book early to ensure availability and get the best rates for your one-way rental.

Smart Planning Tips:

Choose Your Rental Company Wisely: Opt for companies with multiple branches to increase your chances of finding one-way rental options.
Plan Your Route Ahead: Familiarize yourself with the route from Santa Ana to San Diego to ensure efficient trip planning.
Understand Insurance Policies: Verify what is covered under the rental agreement and consider additional coverage if necessary.
Estimate Gas Expenses: Check fuel policies and plan for any additional fuel costs during your trip.
Inspect Before Departure: Take note of the vehicle's condition along with any existing damages to avoid future disputes.
Prepare for Return Procedures: Know the process for dropping off your car at the San Diego location to ensure a seamless experience.

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.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
Easy online purchase before your trip

Learn More About QEEQ Insurance

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.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze

Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
Automatic rebooking when prices drop

Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

Shell - 2521 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

Chevron San Diego - 4180 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to save fuel.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the car.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for optimal performance.

Santa Ana Parking

Look for street parking options during non-peak hours.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

San Diego Parking

Use parking garages near downtown for better security.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have a FasTrak transponder if traveling on toll roads.

Plan your route to avoid toll roads if desired.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Exciting Santa Ana to San Diego Journeys:

Coastal Drive via I-5 South

Scenic route 1 hour 40 minutes

A picturesque drive along the Pacific Coast with stunning ocean views.

Dana Point , Oceanside , La Jolla

Inland Drive via I-15 South

Direct route 1 hour 55 minutes

A direct route through inland communities known for its convenience.

Corona , Temecula , Escondido

Historic Route via CA-1 South

Historic route 2 hours 10 minutes

A route steeped in history, highlighting notable landmarks.

Laguna Beach , San Clemente , Del Mar

Exploring Popular Destinations:

Santa Ana to San Diego Zoo

2 hours

Discover the world-famous zoo with an extensive variety of species.

Santa Ana to Balboa Park

2 hours 10 minutes

A cultural paradise with museums, gardens, and theaters.

Santa Ana to USS Midway Museum

2 hours 15 minutes

Engage with maritime history on a grand aircraft carrier.

Santa Ana to La Jolla Cove

2 hours 5 minutes

Pristine beaches and aquatic adventures await at La Jolla Cove.

Effective Travel Tips

Plan your route beforehand: Research and choose the best routes that match your interests and time frame.

Gas up ahead of time: Ensure your car is fueled to avoid unnecessary stops.

Budget for tolls: Some routes may include toll roads; plan accordingly.

Allow extra time: Factor in possible traffic or stops for sightseeing.

Familiarize with rental terms: Understand insurance coverage, mileage limits, and return policies of your car rental.

Explore key stops: Take opportunities to explore attractions along your route.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, focusing on those offering one-way rental services between Santa Ana and San Diego.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	$$	High	Wide	Offers a broad range of vehicles including economy, luxury, and SUVs , Reliable and well-maintained cars , Good availability in Santa Ana and San Diego locations
Hertz	$$$	Medium	Large	Has specific deals for one-way rentals , Convenient pick-up and drop-off locations , Excellent customer service
Budget	$	Medium	Moderate	Affordable pricing , Online check-in available for faster process , Good variety in budget vehicles
National Car Rental	$$	High	Wide	Great for business travelers with its loyalty program , Good selection of premium vehicles available , Efficient pick-up and drop-off processes

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

Best Rates

Compare across providers

24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals

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

Santa Ana and San Diego Car Rental Centers Information

Operating Hours:

Santa Ana car rental locations typically operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Location:

Main rental centers are situated near the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Hub and in downtown San Diego.

Shuttle Services:

Free shuttle service is provided to rental car locations at major terminals in Santa Ana.

Rental Rates Variation:

Weekend and seasonal rates might differ; booking in advance is recommended.

Convenience for One-Way Rentals:

Centralized drop-off locations in San Diego, making one-way rentals seamless.

Book in advance to ensure availability and potentially lower fees for one-way rental routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are additional fees applicable for a one-way car rental from Santa Ana to San Diego?

Yes, additional fees often apply for one-way rentals, as the vehicle must be moved back to its originating location. These fees vary by rental company, so it’s advisable to confirm the details with them prior to booking.

What types of vehicles are available for a one-way rental between these locations?

Rental agencies typically offer a wide range of vehicles for one-way rentals, including economy cars, SUVs, and luxury models. Availability can vary based on the rental location and inventory.

How long does the drive from Santa Ana to San Diego take?

The drive between Santa Ana and San Diego generally takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the route taken.

Can I pick up the rental car at one location and return it outside of normal business hours?

Many rental companies allow after-hours drop-offs. Confirm the specific policies and procedures with the rental agency beforehand, such as secure key drop arrangements.

Is there a mileage restriction on one-way rentals for this route?

Most companies offer unlimited mileage on rentals to encourage flexibility, but there can be restrictions for some types of vehicles or promotional rentals. Verify with the rental provider during reservation.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Search Rental Cars Try $1 Booking

Discover Flexibility with Our One-Way Rentals