Book Dollar hire cars in San Diego

• What are the best pickup locations for Dollar car rentals in San Diego?

  San Diego only has a single Dollar Car Rental location located at San Diego International Airport (SAN) at 3355 Admiral Boland Way. It’s a convenient location for anyone traveling to the city via flight, and it’s also the only option in-city for any other travelers. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, the other closest locations are located in Orange County at 4043 Birch St, in Newport Beach by Renaissance Hotel, and at John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana at 18601 Airport Way, Suite 71.

• What are the different car rental benefits or amenities offered by Dollar car rentals in San Diego?

  As a thrifty alternative for frugal customers, Dollar Car Rentals offers multiple discounts in addition to their already low prices. Members with AAA memberships can receive up to a 15% discount off the base rate of their rental, a 10% discount off prepaid gas, and a free additional driver and free unlimited mileage. Dollar Car Rentals also offers their own loyalty rewards program, Dollar Express, which gives you one point for every $1 spent on car rentals at participating locations. 500 points earns you a free rental for the entire weekend.

• Where are the best places to park Dollar car rentals in San Diego?

  As a city with many individual drivers, San Diego has many parking lots and garages open to the public, as well as metered spaces. MTS Old Town Transit Center offers free two-hour parking with 412 spots at 4009 Taylor St. Cheap parking options include ABM Parking Lot #1002 at 1418 2nd Ave, Cortez Hill, and 6th and K Parkade at 289 Sixth Ave. In addition, San Diego offers many metered spaces for street parking, which accept coins, credit cards, and Apple Pay.

• How much does it cost to hire a car from Dollar in San Diego?

  On average a car hire from Dollar in San Diego costs $52 per day.

• What is the most popular car hire from Dollar in San Diego?

  Small hire cars (Nissan Rogue or similar) are the most frequently booked hire car types from Dollar in San Diego.

• How many car hire locations does Dollar have in San Diego?

  Dollar has 11 hire locations in San Diego. Take a look at our Dollar hire location map to find the best car hire near you.

• Does Dollar have a car hire location at the airport: San Diego airport (SAN)?

  Yes

• Does Dollar offer shuttle or airport pick-up services from San Diego airport (SAN)?

  Yes

Reviews for Dollar in San Diego

Recent reviews

Traveller rating

Wonderful

8

Very Good

4

Good

0

Okay

2

Fair

0

Mediocre

0

Poor

27

2.0

Terrible. Waited in line 75 minutes to get the car. They gave me a huge minivan, which was the “manager special.” I filled the gas tank up before I returned it and they charged me $18 for 1 gallon of gas anyway. Never again will I rent from this company.Reviewed 15 Sept 2026

review from

2.0

awful, they did not have the van they said they would even though I called ahead to make sure and they said there was nothing they could do. I ended up spending hundreds of dollars more elsewhere - I will never use dollar or go through price line again.Reviewed 30 Aug 2026

review from

2.0

I will never do business with Kayak or Dollar again! This was a total disaster. My rental confirmation said SAN (off-airport shuttle) with an address in San Diego. What it did not say is the address was 20 miles away and there would be no shuttle transportation to or from the pickup and drop off destination!!! I was on my own both ways, and, as it turned out at an extra expense of $180!!! In addition when I did pick the car up I was charged an extra $66 for a 'transit fee' that was not listed on my confirmation. The ordeal cost me time and money, was a violation of the implied contract with Kayak and Dollar, and completely misleading in the terms of that contract. I have rented many cars in many cities. There have often been from off-airport locations with a shuttle provided. NEVER has the location been miles and miles away with no actual transportation provided from the airport to the pick-up location!Reviewed 27 July 2026

review from

4.0

I was told we would have a ford transit to fit my 6 individuals and all their luggage. I even called in advance with no answer. I was given a kia caravan and told it would fit us all. Obviously it did not. So I had to rent another vehicle but was asked ti return it to California. I couldn't do so because we we were flying out of Las Vegas. So not only did I pay extra for a 2nd vehicle I was charged nearly $230 for not returning it to California. Not happy at all and will be telling all my friends who travel often to not rent from you.Reviewed 13 July 2026

review from

2.0

I liked NOTHING. Dollar (or Kayak) completely ignored my request for a car to be picked up in the San Diego Airport area with access to me after I arrived from my flight. Instead, never clearly explained or otherwise made possible, Dollar (or Kayak) chose to rent me a car to be picked up in some alleged place in San Diego that serves some airport in Mexico. When I arrived and took the shuttle from the Airport to the Dollar location, I found a long line of customers and over the next 45 minutes in line watched and discovered that the Dollar agents were trying mercilessly to scam customers into purchasing different cars or pay for extras they did not need. The agents were few in number in low in abilities. No goodwill or effect to truly help customers (many who appeared to leave without a car, all of whom were upset with the service). One agent during the process mentally broke down and left. Others ran off for breaks. When my turn came, I was told they had no reservation for me, and no cars to give me, in any event. When I gave them the number of my reservation, they simply said that was in another office. I asked if there was anything they could do or recommend -- the answer was No. As I left, the agent serving me made a general announcement to the long line of customers that Dollay was not honoring any of the reservations made the day before (whatever that meant). I left with no car and had to take a taxi to my destination, at a cost of $100. Needless to say, I will not again attempt to rent any car from Dollar (or Thrifty) and I will not seek Kayak's assistance in renting cars, likely anything else. The worst service I have every received in my long life.Reviewed 8 July 2026

review from

10.0

Flawless. Line could have been shorter at pick up. 2 terminals put of many were open.Reviewed 1 July 2026

review from

2.0

Someone that could answer the line after 5pm.Reviewed 20 Mar 2026

review from

2.0

I rented with the understanding that I could pickup the car at the San Diego airport. It turned out the location to pick up the car was 22 miles away and a half hour drive. And there is no free transportation available. It’s on your dime to get there. This is insanity. You need to make it very clear that the location is 22 miles away from the airport. I seriously doubt you will have any takers.Reviewed 17 Mar 2026

review from

2.0

My experience was terrible I had to carry my dog and luggage each way from CBX after waiting for nearly 30 minutes ( way slow) to be assisted by someone that was not customer service oriented didn’t speak English fluently to be told they could take my debit card!!! Never again will I rent car from this placeReviewed 17 Feb 2026

review from

2.0

I did not rent from dollar I rented from priceless ! It was the worst experience I’ve had and will never trust them or kayak again for the hidden fees and misinformation you guys should be ashamed to steal from people this wayReviewed 8 Oct 2025

review from

2.0

Not satisfied with service, was charged more then double the original price after returning the Car….Reviewed 1 Oct 2025

review from

4.0

I canceled because I was not notified in advance about the high deducible of $500.Reviewed 23 July 2025

review from

More