Search
Deals
Tips
FAQs
Agencies
Locations
When to book

National City car rentals from $23/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in National City with a pick-up date of 5/26 and drop-off date of 5/27. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Sun 5/12
Sun 5/19

Compare hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in National City, California

Here is why travelers choose KAYAK

Save up to 38%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Cheap car rentals in National City

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
Choose your dates
Intermediate$23/day
Standard$33/day
Minivan$39/day
Full-size SUV$78/day
Premium$41/day
Passenger van$58/day
Luxury$33/day
Pickup truck$30/day
Compact SUV$32/day
Intermediate SUV$32/day
Standard SUV$34/day
Supplier choice$34/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in National City

  • When visiting National City, you should rent a car. A National City car rental will allow you to explore the city thoroughly, as you will be able to drive directly from one attraction to the next. Some of the top local attractions you can easily drive to include the San Diego Bay, a harbor for dining, shopping, and recreation; Pepper Park, a park with a playground and a fishing pier; and the Living Coast Discovery Center, a marine exhibit showcasing stingrays, turtles, and sharks. You can also take a road trip to popular attractions in nearby cities, including Chula Vista, San Diego, Logan Heights, Coronado, Fruitdale, Bonita, Imperial Beach, and Tijuana.
  • San Diego International Airport is the closest commercial airport to National City. If you plan to fly into the city, this is where you will land. Here, you will find it both simple and convenient to rent a car. This is because the airport features a Consolidated Rental Car Center with popular car rentals including Hertz, Sixt, Thrifty, Alamo, Enterprise and Avis just a few yards away. The facility is accessible via complimentary shuttle bus services that stop at all terminals.
  • You should anticipate a pleasant driving experience when driving your car rental in National City. This is primarily because of the city's wide roads, proper signage, and pedestrian-designated paths. However, you should employ defensive driving techniques when driving in densely populated areas, as not all road users follow traffic rules. Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, concentrating on your driving, maintaining a low speed, and avoiding unnecessary lane changes are some of the techniques you should adopt.
  • Even though driving your rental car in National City is manageable, the city's roads are usually congested during rush hour. This is due in part to the fact that the vast majority of locals prefer to drive themselves. The rush hour peaks in the morning between 7 am and 9 am, when people are leaving for work, and in the evening, between 4:30 pm and 7 pm, when people are returning home. You should avoid the 5, 15, and 805 freeways during these hours to avoid getting stuck in traffic.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in National City for $28 or less
  • Book your rental car in National City at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard rental cars in National City are around 83% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in National City

  • How much does it cost to rent a car in National City?

    On average a rental car in National City costs $42 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in National City found in the last 2 weeks is $27.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in National City?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($34/day) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($51/day).

  • How much is gas price in National City?

    The average gas price in National City is $3.93 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $63, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in National City?

    Standard (Class Standard Car or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in National City.

  • Which car rental companies are at San Diego airport (SAN)?

    Car rental companies onsite at San Diego airport include Fox, Hertz, Payless, Budget, NU Car, Sixt, Alamo, Ace, Avis and Thrifty.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at San Diego airport (SAN)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from San Diego airport to off-airport locations include Fox, Hertz, Payless, Budget, Sixt, Alamo, Avis, Thrifty, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Economy Rent a Car.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in National City?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does a Standard car rental cost in National City?

    A Standard car rental in National City costs $12 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Economy car rental cost in National City?

    An Economy car rental in National City costs $15 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Premium car rental cost in National City?

    A Premium car rental in National City costs $25 per day, on average.

  • How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in National City?

    On average a rental car in National City costs $293 per week ($42 per day).

  • How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in National City?

    On average a rental car in National City costs $1,255 per month ($42 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in National City?

    Most car rental providers in National City offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in National City, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

  • How many car agencies are operating in National City?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 2 car rental agencies in National City.

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental in National City?

    Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).

  • Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in National City?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in National City so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in National City?

    Car rentals in National City feature an extensive selection of vehicles, including economy, intermediate, SUVs, passenger vans, luxury, and convertibles. Therefore, when selecting your car rental in National City, you should consider the number of passengers and the destinations you plan to visit. If you plan to travel alone or with a single companion, you should select an economy or compact rental. On the other hand, if you are traveling as a group, you should rent a passenger van. However, if you wish to enjoy scenic rides along the coast, you should opt for a convertible.

  • What is the speed limit in National City?

    Different roadways in National City have different speed limits. For instance, speed limits in the downtown area, residential areas, and school zones range from 20 to 25 mph. In contrast, urban highways have a speed limit of 55 mph, while rural highways have a speed limit of 65 to 70 mph. It is also important to note that the city's major intersections are equipped with traffic cameras, so always obey the traffic laws.

  • Where are the best places to park in National City?

    Finding a parking spot for your car rental in National City should not be daunting. This is because the city features several on-street parking options and parking garages in the downtown area. On-street parking is ideal for short-term parking as it is only permitted for a limited time. However, if you plan to park for an extended period, you should opt for a parking garage. Some of the popular garages include South Crest Park Plaza, Lion Parking, Ace Parking, San Diego Convention Center, and Allright Parking.

National City car rental reviews and directory

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

6.2

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

6.0

3 locations in National City

Show locations

Locations in National City

1 Park Blvd

+1 619 696 5000

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1145 National City Boulevard

+1 619 477 7699

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

3000 National City Blvd

+1 619 691 1191

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was amazing when I dropped off the vehicle rather than when I picked it up.

Cons:

Be more bubbly and courteous when helping customers out the whole process of picking up for me was awkward.

2.4 Poor

May 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was friendly, and courteous. But was extremely under staffed. The van I rented ran well For the long wait time (1 hr 15 min), and all the other foul ups, the Rep gave me a gas bonus.

Cons:

I already reserved online. So confirmation with the ID and credit card should all be that is needed, but it seems useless. As I had to register as if the online process is worthless. The minivan I rented, was dirty inside, & outside. It had stain marks on the seats, and carpet. The gas was not full

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

It has always been my experience that Enterprise offers the best "value priced" service. It has been many years since I have had a need to rent a vehicle but my car developed a mechanical issue just prior to a planned road trip. I am so glad that I went with Enterprise. The entire staff was friendly, courteous, and highly responsive. Enterprise has been and always will be my first stop for vehicle rentals.

8.4 Very good

Dec 2015

KAYAK

Pros:

I only rent from this location due to close proximity to where I work and live, or the Balboa Ave location. Both rock!

Cons:

I had a leaky tire due to a nail and was disappointed there was not a full size replacement. Not having one added a five hour travel delay. I coordinated services with Enterprise through my auto insurance carrier, Geico. They allowed a full service tow back to Las Vegas Airport where I received a replacement quickly! Drove back to state line, for my friends. Despite the delay we made it home safely. I also received an additional 10% off a great 5 day rental rate!

1 out of 2

Hertz

4.4

Mediocre

10 reviews
Cheapest deal
Most popular

Cleanliness

2.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.0

Value for money

8.0

2 locations in National City

Show locations

Locations in National City

2001 Sweetwater Road

+1 619 474 1057

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

3131 National City Blvd

+1 619 474 8245

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30

Filters

Reviews

4.4 Mediocre

Aug 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

They would not except my debit card. Car was not clean. Gas tank was not full. Did not have overnight drop off

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

We got a brend new Caravan for 10 days trip. Originally it was SUV for $511.00 but we had an offer to change it for a better car without any hesitation or extra pay. Exelent service. Rep by name Carlo even drove me home after I drop off the car at the office. 12 out of 10. Highly recommended.

Cons:

None

5.2 Fair

Apr 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

I like the location and access.

Cons:

I didn't like the choice of cars made available. Even though I called for a 10:00 pick up, I didn't leave site until 11:00!!. The upsale was a kill joy. You wanted me to upgrade but couldn't handle regular rental. Check out was a nitemare. Salespeople late and not helpful.

7.6 Good

Mar 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Convenient place to pick up the car which was small in US terms but perfectly acceptable for me. Cleanliness of the car was OK and the fuel consumption was excellent. So no complaints

Cons:

The pick up process is always longer and more complex than I would like - even though it was a quiet Saturday morning it still took over half an hour before I finally drove the car away. All car hire places are like this but it was better than the delays I have endured in airports.

8.8 Very good

Feb 2016

KAYAK

Cons:

I wish I didn't have to pay for the extra $40 to d/o my car at the other branch

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2016

KAYAK

Cons:

Kayak needs to update Hertz' Chula Vista address

1 out of 2

Budget

6.4

One location in National City

Show locations

Locations in National City

565 Broadway

+1 619 427 2404

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

6.4

Okay

No reviews available

Best rated

One location in National City

Show locations

Locations in National City

4000 Coronado Bay Road

+1 619 498 0783

Monday09:00 - 12:00
Tuesday09:00 - 12:00
Wednesday09:00 - 12:00
Thursday09:00 - 12:00
Friday09:00 - 12:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

No reviews available

EZ Van

No score available yet

One location in National City

Show locations

Locations in National City

745 H St

+1 866 735 8267

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Orange County Van Rental

No score available yet

One location in National City

Show locations

Locations in National City

225 North Harbor Drive

+1 888 452 8267

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

20 travelers who rented a car in National City gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.4

Car rental locations in or near National City

Good to know

Most popular agency

Hertz

Most popular car type

Standard

Average price

$42/day

Good deal

$28/day

When to book a rental car in National City

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches