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

Home One-way Car Rentals Seattle 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 year(s).
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 and Master.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00-27.00 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: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation, and the original licence must also be presented), or Original driving licence + Official embassy translation in English (authorized by the embassy). Original Driver's Licenses printed in Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German) are acceptable without an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese) 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.
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 UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, and AMEX.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00-27.00 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$ 590-1009	US$ 0.00-897.18	US$ 461-1101	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 1009-1009	US$ 897.18-897.18	US$ 536-1136	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 597-1051	US$ 0.00-897.18	US$ 470-1188	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 596-1030	US$ 0.00-897.18	US$ 464-1176	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 1051-1051	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 1188-1188	Families, comfort seeker
Pickup Truck	US$ 572-573	US$ 0.00-500.00	US$ 611-810	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

Understand One-Way Rental Fees: Most car rental companies charge a one-way rental fee. Confirm the exact cost during booking to avoid surprises.
Check Return Location Availability: Ensure your rental company has a branch in San Diego where you can drop off the vehicle.
Review Vehicle Type Restrictions: Some vehicle types, such as luxury or specialty cars, may not be available for one-way rentals.
Verify Cross-Border Regulations: If planning to pass through Canada or Mexico, check if the rental supports cross-border trips.
Plan for Extended Drive Times: Allow for additional time to enjoy scenic stops between Seattle and San Diego.

Smart Planning Tips:

Book Early for Best Options: Early bookings often have more vehicle choices and lower one-way fees.
Map Out Fuel Stops: Research fuel stations along the route to avoid running low in remote areas.
Schedule Flexibly: Avoid peak holiday times to benefit from better deals and less traffic.
Understand Cancellation Policies: Review the company’s policy on cancellations or date changes to avoid penalties.
Double-Check Insurance Coverage: Ensure your rental includes adequate insurance or confirm coverage via your own policy.

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

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 and avoid rapid acceleration.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to improve mileage.

Seattle Parking

Consider using public transportation to avoid high parking fees.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

San Diego Parking

Look for parking garages near downtown for better rates.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is equipped with a toll transponder if required.

Use cashless payment options to save time at toll booths.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Scenic and Practical Road Trip Routes from Seattle to San Diego:

Pacific Coast Highway

Scenic 20 hours (approx. 1,300 miles)

This route offers breathtaking ocean views along the California coastline, passing through charming towns and notable landmarks.

Portland, OR , Eureka, CA , San Francisco, CA , Monterey, CA

I-5 Direct Route

Direct 18 hours (approx. 1,200 miles)

The Interstate 5 is the fastest highway option, connecting major cities from Seattle to San Diego with minimal detours.

Portland, OR , Sacramento, CA , Los Angeles, CA

Cascade Mountain Route

Natural 22 hours (approx. 1,400 miles)

This route traverses the Cascade Mountains, providing stunning natural landscapes and a relaxed drive.

Mount St. Helens, WA , Crater Lake, OR , Redding, CA

Memorable Overnight Stays and Scenic Stops:

Washington to Portland

3 hours (180 miles)

Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Portland, famous for its coffee culture and food scene.

Portland to San Francisco

10 hours (650 miles)

This section offers a mix of urban and natural attractions, including Redwood National Park.

Monterey to Los Angeles

6 hours (350 miles)

Drive along the Big Sur coast, noted for its dramatic sea cliffs and iconic Bixby Bridge.

Los Angeles to San Diego

2 hours (120 miles)

A short but engaging stretch, passing through Orange County's beaches and notable landmarks.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choose the Right Vehicle: Select a comfortable car with ample cargo space for an extended one-way journey.

Plan Your Route: Research all potential roads and check for construction or closures in advance.

Know Gas Stations: Identify gas stations along your route to avoid running low in remote areas.

Make Advance Reservations: Book hotels or motels in advance, especially in tourist-heavy locations like Portland or San Francisco.

Pack Essentials: Bring snacks, plenty of water, and roadside emergency kits for unforeseen issues.

Budget for Costs: Account for fuel, tolls, meals, lodging, and any other possible expenses.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing a reliable car rental company is paramount for your Seattle to San Diego trip. Below are companies offering one-way rental services:

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	★★★★☆	★★★★★	Well-maintained vehicles , Wide range of car types , Multiple supportive locations along the route
Enterprise	$	★★★★★	★★★★★	Exceptional customer service , Affordable one-way fees , Varied fleet including economy and premium cars
Budget	$$	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	Competitive pricing , Convenient rental locations , Special discounts for online bookings
Avis	$$$	★★★★☆	★★★★★	Luxury vehicle rentals , Convenient booking process , Extensive support for road trips

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Exclusive Features

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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

Information About Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Rental centers at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport operate 24/7 for your convenience.

Location of Rental Car Center:

The rental car facility is located on the airport campus, accessible via a dedicated shuttle service.

Shuttle Frequency:

Free shuttles run every 5-10 minutes between the Seattle airport terminal and the rental center.

Return Policy:

One-way rented vehicles can be returned to the San Diego International Airport's designated car rental return area.

Confirm the one-way rental policies and any additional fees before booking your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to drive from Seattle to San Diego?

Driving from Seattle to San Diego usually takes around 20 to 22 hours, depending on your chosen stops and traffic conditions. It's common for travelers to take breaks and split the journey into two or three days for convenience and safety.

Are there any restrictions on where I can drop off the rental car in San Diego?

Most rental companies allow you to drop off the car at their San Diego locations, including those near the airport. However, it's always recommended to confirm this and note any additional fees for one-way rentals during your booking process.

What is the average cost of a one-way car rental for this route?

One-way rental costs can vary significantly depending on the rental company, vehicle type, and travel duration. Additional fees for one-way rentals are also a consideration. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $500 for this trip, excluding gas and tolls.

Do I need any additional insurance for a one-way trip?

While one-way trips do not particularly mandate extra insurance, we recommend verifying with the rental company if your existing coverage or their offered policies adequately cover long-distance travel scenarios, including out-of-state travel.

What are some recommended stops between Seattle and San Diego?

Popular stops include Portland for its vibrant culture and food scene, San Francisco for iconic sights, and Los Angeles for Hollywood attractions. Additionally, natural sites like Mount Shasta and the Oregon Dunes are also highly recommended scenic stops.

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Embark on an Epic Journey: Seattle to San Diego