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Discover One-Way Car Rental from Santa Monica to San Diego

Explore the scenic route with flexibility and convenience tailored to your needs.

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.

    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, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported card types include XpCard and DcCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 will 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 and must be presented with the original driving licence); 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version, with English translation on the back); 3) Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.) without the need for an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) must be accompanied by 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. 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, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card types include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 will incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.
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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 TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 47-1186US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 140-686Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 121-121US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 157-234Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 51-1413US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 162-910Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 47-1137US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 140-312Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 147-230US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 284-446Families, comfort seeker
Pickup TruckUS$ 1114-1115US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 213-606Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • Check One-Way Fee Policy: Ensure you understand the one-way rental fee that applies to dropping off the vehicle at a different location.
  • Cross-State or Cross-Border Restrictions: Be aware of any limitations on driving the rental car across state or country borders.
  • Return Timing Flexibility: Confirm the rental company's policies regarding returning the car at convenient times.
  • Understand Fuel Policies: Learn about fuel refill requirements and associated charges to plan accordingly.
  • Inspect Drop-Off Location Details: Familiarize yourself with the layout and address of the San Diego return site to save time.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Scenic Stops Along the Way: Choose picturesque locations to explore interesting attractions en route to San Diego.
  • Book Early During High Demand Periods: Reserve your car early to secure availability during peak seasons.
  • Compare Prices Across Companies: Evaluate quotes from different providers to find an offer that suits your budget.
  • Choose the Suitable Vehicle Type: Select a car model that aligns with your trip requirements and passenger capacity.
  • Inspect Insurance Options: Review coverage plans provided by the rental company to ensure you are sufficiently protected.
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 proper tire pressure to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid aggressive driving and sudden acceleration.

Use cruise control on highways to maintain a constant speed.

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Santa Monica Parking

Consider using parking apps to find the best rates and availability.

Parking in Santa Monica can be expensive, especially near the beach and downtown areas. Public parking structures offer hourly rates ranging from $1 to $2.

San Diego Parking

Look for early bird specials in parking garages for better rates.

San Diego offers numerous parking options, including metered street parking and public garages. Rates vary by location, with downtown areas being pricier.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz can help users find and reserve parking in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is registered with FasTrak if you plan to use toll roads.

Use the FasTrak transponder provided by your rental company to avoid fines.

Certain highways and express lanes in California require toll payments. The I-15 Express Lanes and SR-125 in San Diego are examples.

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Popular One-Way Routes

Available Route Choices:
Scenic Pacific Coast Hwy Route
Coastal Drive 3 hours, 30 minutes

Enjoy stunning ocean views and beach towns along your drive.

Santa Monica , Malibu , Santa Barbara , San Diego
Inland Valley Route
Cultural and Urban Drive 3 hours, 15 minutes

Explore vibrant cities and scenic farmlands in California's inland regions.

Los Angeles , Anaheim , Escondido , San Diego
California Desert Route
Offbeat Desert Drive 4 hours

Experience the unique landscapes of Southern California’s desert.

Palm Springs , Joshua Tree , Indio , San Diego
Recommended Travel and Rental Advice

Plan Route Stops: Research and identify safe and enjoyable stopping points on your route.

Fuel Up Efficiently: Know major gas station chains along your drive to avoid running out of fuel in remote areas.

Understand Rental Policies: Familiarize yourself with policies on vehicle return, rental extensions, and mileage limits.

Budget for Tolls: Calculate potential toll costs for your chosen routes to avoid budget surprises.

Insurance Coverage: Check your insurance coverage details or opt for rental insurance to handle unexpected events.

Emergency Preparation: Carry a road safety kit, including a flashlight, spare tire, and first-aid supplies, for emergencies.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to selecting a reliable car rental company for your one-way trip from Santa Monica to San Diego is essential for a smooth and convenient journey. The companies listed below provide one-way rental services.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$$ExcellentWide Extensive branch network including Santa Monica and San Diego. , Diverse vehicle selection, ranging from economy to luxury.
Hertz$$$ExcellentWide User-friendly experience with online and in-person support. , High quality and well-maintained car options.
Avis$$GoodWide Competitive pricing for one-way rentals. , Availability of GPS and mobile reservations.
Budget$GoodModerate Affordable options for economy and compact cars. , Frequent promotions and discounts.
QEEQ

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

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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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

Information About Rental Car Centers

Location of Rental Car Centers:

Rental centers in Santa Monica can be found on major commercial streets, whereas San Diego's rental car services are conveniently located near downtown and the airport.

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers operate between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM, with some offering 24-hour services.

Shuttle Services:

In San Diego, free shuttles connect rental centers to the airport terminals every 15 minutes.

Customer Support:

Dedicated customer support lines are available 24/7 for assistance during your rental.

Make your reservation early during peak travel seasons to secure your preferred vehicle at the best rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical prices for a one-way car rental from Santa Monica to San Diego?

Costs for one-way car rentals can vary based on the car type, rental company, and timing. Generally, prices range from $40 to $150 per day, with additional fees for one-way drop-offs.

Are there any additional fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, many car rental companies charge a drop-off fee for one-way rentals, which compensates for the vehicle not being returned to its original location. This fee is typically included in your total price when booking.

What documents do I need to rent a car for this route?

You need a valid driver’s license, a credit card in the name of the renter, and in some cases, an additional form of identification or proof of insurance.

Is there a mileage limit on rentals for this route?

Most companies offer unlimited mileage on one-way car rentals between Santa Monica and San Diego, but it’s always a good idea to confirm this when booking to avoid potential overage charges.

Which car rental companies operate on this route?

Major companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Alamo offer one-way rentals between Santa Monica and San Diego. Availability depends on the location and vehicle fleet.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes