Santee car rentals from $50/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 Santee with a pick-up date of 5/2 and drop-off date of 5/6. 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.
Fri 5/3
Fri 5/10

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Cheap car rentals in Santee

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
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Economy$50/day
Compact$57/day
Intermediate$52/day
Standard$63/day
Full-size$56/day
Minivan$90/day
Full-size SUV$103/day
Premium$62/day
Luxury$78/day
Pickup truck$57/day
Premium SUV$78/day
Compact SUV$54/day
Intermediate SUV$60/day
Standard SUV$66/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Santee

  • Car rentals in Santee offer convenience and freedom to explore the city without relying on public transportation options, which have fixed schedules and may have limited access to specific attraction locations. With a car rental in Santee, you can visit different attractions quickly and spend more time at an attraction, such as Fanita Ranch Trail, Santee Trolley Square, Santee Lake Regional Park, Santee Boulders, and Carlton Oaks Golf Course.
  • When visiting Santee, you can rent a car at San Diego International Airport (SAN), about 20 miles southwest of Santee, or San Diego Carlsbad-Palomar Airport (CLD), approximately 39 miles north of Santee. The car rentals in Santee at SAN are located in a separate facility, the Rental Car Center, a short distance from the terminals and accessible by shuttle services. The rental agencies in CLD are located inside the terminal building, near the baggage claim area. Ensure you have all the essential documents, including driver's license identification documents, and credit card, to complete the rental process with the Santee car rental companies.
  • Santee is bicycle-friendly, with recreational trails and bike lanes. Watch out for cyclists and motorcyclists when driving, ensuring you give them enough space when passing. You will encounter many pedestrians in some regions, including downtown. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, as they have the right of way, and watch out for some  pedestrians crossing the road in areas without crosswalks.
  • Santee experiences rush hour when people are going to and returning from work, between 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Some major roads, including Interstate 8, Mission Gorge Road, and Mast Boulevard Roads, may experience heavier traffic during rush hours; therefore, consider using alternative routes during peak hours or cycling to navigate the traffic easily. Santee has a mild climate throughout the year; however, sudden rain showers may make roads slippery and reduce visibility. Be cautious when driving in the city during the wet seasons.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Santee for $45 or less
  • Book your rental car in Santee at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Full-size rental cars in Santee are around 56% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Santee

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

    On average a rental car in Santee costs $50 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 Santee found in the last 2 weeks is $29.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in Santee?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($50/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car 8795 Cuyamaca St 92071-4253 (1 miles from city center).

  • How much is gas price in Santee?

    The average gas price in Santee is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Santee?

    Full-size (Dodge Durango or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Santee.

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

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

  • 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, Alamo, Sixt, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, Economy Rent a Car, and Thrifty.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Santee?

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

  • How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Santee?

    A Full Size car rental in Santee costs $28 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Mini car rental cost in Santee?

    A Mini car rental in Santee costs $72 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Santee?

    An Intermediate car rental in Santee costs $49 per day, on average.

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

    On average a rental car in Santee costs $348 per week ($50 per day).

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

    On average a rental car in Santee costs $1,491 per month ($50 per day).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Santee?

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

  • How many car agencies are operating in Santee?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 1 car rental agencies in Santee.

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

    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 Santee?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Santee 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 a car rental in Santee?

    When renting a car  rental in Santee, consider a versatile vehicle such as a compact or midsize Sedan. Santee experiences traffic congestion during rush hour; renting a compact or midsize Sedan will enable you to navigate through traffic and the city streets easily and find parking spaces in smaller and busier areas.

  • What's the speed limit when driving a car rental in Santee?

    The speed limits in Santee vary depending on the type of road you drive on in the city. The speed limit in the city is 25 mph for residential areas, school zones, and downtown areas, 35 mph to 45 mph on main roads, and 55 mph to 65 mph for highways and freeways. Some areas in the city, including recreational spots and scenic routes, may have lower speed limits. Therefore, check for speed limit signs along the roads when driving in Santee, as the speed limits may occasionally change on some roads. Ensure you also adhere to speed limits to avoid tickets and problems with the police.

  • Where are the best places to park a car rental in Santee?

    There are various parking spots in Santee that you can consider when looking for an ideal parking space in the city. Parking in Santee is charged at both an hourly and a daily rate.  However, ensure you check for the posted rates and signage on the parking facility before parking. You can either opt for free or metered parking options in the city. Some ideal parking spaces in the city include parks and recreational areas, downtown Santee, event parking, shopping centers, and retail areas. Shopping centers, parks, residential areas, and smaller businesses offer free parking in Santee. These parking lots have designated parking spots for persons with special needs.

Santee car rental reviews and directory

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

4.4

Mediocre

16 reviews
Best rated
Most popular

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

8.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.0

Value for money

2.0

3 locations in Santee

Show locations

Locations in Santee

451 North Magnolia Ave

+1 619 444 4744

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

8323 Hercules St.

+1 619 698 2505

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

8795 Cuyamaca St

+1 619 449 2077

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Everyone's nice and helpful!

Cons:

They already know what I was renting, they could’ve have it ready. I waited for over an hour, past my scheduled pick up time.

4.4 Mediocre

Dec 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

The car was not ready until 90 minutes after our confirmed reservation time.

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was friendly and efficient

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

This office is well-managed. Excellent customer service and good deals, this is my favorite Enterprise location

9.6 Wonderful

Jan 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was friendly an prompt. Car was a very good value and the overall rental experience was very good.

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

I liked the size, comfort, ease of putting the back seats down, handling in wind, quickness of heat. The Enterprise people were great- the pickup and drop-off of the car was quick and easy. They even offered us a free ride in town when we dropped off the car.

Cons:

There are no USB ports in the Jeep!

1 out of 4

CarWiz

3.3

Poor

No reviews available

One location in Santee

Show locations

Locations in Santee

6155 El Cajon Boulevard

+1 833 675 2070

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

No score available yet

Cheapest deal

3 locations in Santee

Show locations

Locations in Santee

7601 Alvarado Road

+1 619 469 1834

Monday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Thursday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:0013:30 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

761 Arnele Avenue Ste 5

+1 619 401 5980

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

8355 Hercules Dr

+1 619 469 1834

Monday07:30 - 18:00
Tuesday07:30 - 18:00
Wednesday07:30 - 18:00
Thursday07:30 - 18:00
Friday07:30 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jan 2022

KAYAK
truck was not clean or fueled when I picked it up.

10.0 Wonderful

Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was really friendly and helpful. They went above my expectations to make my experience memorable.

Cons:

They forgot to show me where the button was to open the gas tank. But I was able to find it after some digging. Not a problem at all.

7.6 Good

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Pickup and drop off was a little time consuming.

6.0 Okay

Mar 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

No place to park your car. In a dealership and really slow service. Our car was not ready when we arrived.

9.6 Wonderful

Aug 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

We rented a Toyota Camry and traveled well over 1000 miles. The rental process was smooth and the car was comfortable.

Cons:

The car wasn't vacuumed well when we picked it up. We had to send it back to be cleaned.

2.4 Poor

Jul 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Nothing about the company. The car got decent gas mileage. It was dinged up when I got it so I took pics to make sure they didn't try to say I did it. They just hand you the keys without any inspection.

Cons:

They are scam artists. Like used car salesmen, you come back and they tell you that you have to pay MORE! I paid for a full tank of gas when I already filled up the tank of gas when I returned it!!! And in CA, gas isn't cheap!

1 out of 5

Avis

No score available yet

One location in Santee

Show locations

Locations in Santee

163 Fletcher Parkway

+1 619 401 0732

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Nov 2023

KAYAK
Needed a truck for work and they gave me a nice Jeep Gladiator. It was terrific!

5.2 Fair

Aug 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

the car

Cons:

poor customer service. office was closed, owner wouldnt answer and the only employee there had no keys to the office.

8.0 Very good

Jun 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

Great gas mileage ran and drove great, comfortable

Cons:

Car not clean inside. I found trash under seats. Did not have windshield washer fluid. Sirus was preview only.

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2015

KAYAK

Pros:

Very nice vehicle. made a long drive pleasant. Car was ready on arrival, fast friendly service.

Cons:

everyhing was fine

8.0 Very good

Apr 2023

KAYAK
The young man who helped me (SDSU student) was very good at his job. He was quick and efficient and gave excellent customer service. The Toyota Corolla I was first assigned had been driven by a smoker. The cigarette smell inside the car was pungent and unacceptable. I returned to the office and the young man, without hesitation, gave me keys to another car. Biggest frustration is not being able to contact the car pick up/drop off locations directly with questions. I had no idea what their hours of operation were and BARELY made it to drop off before they closed. There is no optional late drop off, no way to leave keys, etc. If I had been 8 minutes later, they would have closed and I would have missed my flight trying to deal with the car situation.

1 out of 2

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Santee

Show locations

Locations in Santee

163 Fletcher Parkway

+1 619 401 0939

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Sep 2023

KAYAK
bad service. dirty car. low tire signal

10.0 Wonderful

May 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes, it was great! It was a convenient location.

6.8 Okay

Jan 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Agent at drop off location was quick and polite and very helpful.

2.4 Poor

Jan 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

The drop off location in Elk Grove, Ca. The sales woman tried her best to assist us and give us good information.

Cons:

The El Cajon pick up location. The sales woman we first spoke with was either very new or could not figure out how kayak worked with budget. My 275 dollar rental was turned into a 920 dollar rental and was charged to my credit card. Attempting to fix the mistake she charged me another 315 dollars trying to make a new reservation. In the end it seems to be corrected but my wife and I spent hours in the budget store and on the phone with budget customer service. In addition my credit card was unusable for the rest of our vacation due to over 1000.00 of erroneous charges.

1 out of 2

Rent-4-Less

No score available yet

One location in Santee

Show locations

Locations in Santee

1110 El Cajon Blvd

(619) 444-3944

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

51 travelers who rented a car in Santee gave the car agency they used an average rating of 3.3

Car rental locations in or near Santee

Good to know

Most popular agency

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Most popular car type

Full-size

Average price

$50/day

Good deal

$45/day

When to book a rental car in Santee

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