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Pick-up location | Carlsbad |
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Car types | Compact, Economy, Full-size, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Minivan, Pickup truck, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
Rental locations | 10 |
Airport locations | 5 |
Popular agencies | Turo, Avis, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Getaround |
Economy | $25/day |
Compact | $37/day |
Intermediate | $30/day |
Standard | $33/day |
Full-size | $31/day |
Minivan | $26/day |
Pickup truck | $46/day |
Intermediate SUV | $31/day |
Standard SUV | $35/day |
Supplier choice | $37/day |
On average a rental car in Carlsbad costs $75 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 Carlsbad found in the last 2 weeks is $25.
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Avis ($37/day) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($42/day).
The average gas price in Carlsbad 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.
Intermediate (BMW 2 Series Active Tourer or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Carlsbad.
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Los Angeles airport to off-airport locations include Midway, Airport Van, Priceless, Hertz, Sixt, Alamo, NU Car, Budget, Thrifty, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
An Intermediate car rental in Carlsbad costs $47 per day, on average.
A Luxury car rental in Carlsbad costs $177 per day, on average.
On average a rental car in Carlsbad costs $527 per week ($75 per day).
On average a rental car in Carlsbad costs $2,259 per month ($75 per day).
Most car rental providers in Carlsbad offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Carlsbad, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 6 car rental agencies in Carlsbad.
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!).
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Carlsbad so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Carlsbad has well-tarmacked roads that have wide lanes. If you are thinking of securing a rental car, consider getting a standard sedan. The vehicle is well equipped to be driven within most destinations in Carlsbad. The vehicle can easily fit in most parking lots, making it convenient for us within the city. Those who desire to access off-roads within the region can opt for SUVs. Some roads leading to residential places and parks can be unpaved, making them a problem for low-suspension vehicles. Therefore, with a standard sedan, you are good to go when it comes to accessing most parts of Carlsbad.
When driving through Carlsbad, it is good to keep in mind that Highway 5, also known as the San Diego Expressway, runs north-south through the city, so this is most likely the road you will use when driving to either San Diego or Los Angeles. Ronald-Packard Highway runs east-west, so if you are looking to go inland, this is what you will take. If you are heading toward the coast, Ronald-Packard Highway turns into Vista Way and leads you toward the beach.
When driving Carlsbad car rentals, it is essential to note the speed limit of the road you are cruising on. The maximum speed limit on Carlsbad main roads is 65 mph, with two-way lanes having a speed limit of 55 mph. Also, consider maintaining a speed of 15 mph in alleys and rail crossings and 25 mph in business districts and residential areas. In addition, consider being on the lookout for speed cameras on most of Carlsbad’s traffic signals to avoid being ticketed.
Those travelers picking up Carlsbad car rentals will need to show a valid driver’s license in good standing as well as a credit card in your name with sufficient funds. If you are renting a car in Carlsbad and you are not a US citizen, you will also need to show another form of ID, such as a valid passport. If your driver’s license from your native country is not in English, you will also need an International Driver’s Permit. In California, you need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car, but most agencies charge drivers under the age of 25 an extra Young Driver fee.
Finding a spot to park your vehicle in Carlsbad is not too difficult. There are multiple on-street parking and free public lots. Most of these parking lots have a 3-hour free parking policy which is ideal for most drivers in the city. You may park your vehicle in the following public lots: Coaster Station Parking Lot, Washington Parking Lot, South State Parking Lot, Roosevelt North Parking Lot, and Roosevelt South Parking Lot. The city has strict rules against those drivers that park their vehicles on handicapped spots despite not being disabled or close to fire hydrants. Therefore, when in your rental car, consider parking it only at designated spots that are favorable.
One location in Carlsbad
Locations in Carlsbad
2198 Palomar Airport Road
+1 760 931 2469
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
Rathe was $134 and was changed $35610.0 Wonderful
Nov 2019
Pros:
After trying several rental car companies directly without success, Kayak was able to get me several options for my trip. It seems that rental car companies are not overly excited to rent cars for one way, day trips. I needed to travel 200 miles, one way, to pick up my new car. Kayak was able to find cheap rentals with major companies that I just couldn't get directly. Thanks Kayak!Cons:
You should have been there earlier! Oh, wait, no that was my fault. Next time I know where I will check first.2.0 Poor
Apr 2018
Pros:
They did listen.Cons:
You would think that after all the hassle, I asked for a discount or to please find us something and honor the price I agreed to pay - no discount on the current issue, no discount on a future rental, etc., etc. They obviously don't need or want our business.6.8 Okay
Dec 2017
Pros:
NoneCons:
We returned car 330 pm and not one person was in return area. There was a sign for us to mark contract with the mileage and gas level and drop it in the drop box. I understand if car is returned after hours but this was in middle of work day in the afternoon. Did not leave me eith a comfortable feeling.7.6 Good
Sep 2017
Pros:
Agent very nice. Drove me to the area where I could get taxi/ride home because it was off site and too far to walk. Very kind, thank you!One location in Carlsbad
Locations in Carlsbad
2198 Palomar Airport Road
+1 760 931 1393
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
Easy pick up and drop off with free parking patrolled by security on site10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2019
Pros:
Great facility.Cons:
Nothing.2.0 Poor
Jul 2019
Cons:
When I booked I put in arrival at San Diego airport and you booked me out of Carlsbad which is an hour away from the airport! Avis was good enough to find a car for me but it was over $100 more than my booking price!!! That is why I booked online and ahead of time to get a decent rate.4.8 Mediocre
Jun 2019
Cons:
Main issue was that the price rose 200% when I went to pick up the car. Instead of about $250 the rental cost closer to $500. Very disappointed with the outrageous charges for changing pick up location. I expected a small variation but the resulting fees were astronomical.6.4 Okay
Jan 2019
Pros:
Hybrid comfy car. Clean on the inside. Accurate pricing upon drop off. Easy drop off and courteousCons:
It may be Kayak but they were closing at my reservation time so I had to rush, not did they want to give me the time of Day about upgrading or explaining where to get my car. It was obvious that they wanted to leave (it was Christmas Eve, but I was not told their closing time). They said I could upgrade at any location, which wasn’t true. No one would without charging me $1k+ on my total rental and restarting a new contract. The rental car also had writing in the window like it was just picked up from being impounded. That was kinda janky10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2018
Pros:
Quick3 locations in Carlsbad
Locations in Carlsbad
2100 Palomar Airport Rd
+1 760 930 0123
2198 Palomar Airport Rd
+1 760 603 8005
6030 Avenida Encinas, Ste E
+1 760 579 0072
Filters
Reviews
9.2 Wonderful
Feb 2020
Pros:
The staff was friendly but not very helpful.Cons:
I had to make a damage claim and the staff didn't seem to be prepared to handle the process properly.4.0 Mediocre
Aug 2018
Cons:
was not told that pre -paid gas purchase for for a empty tank. remote Key did not work. alarm went off every time I unlocked the car which I had to lock and unlock with the key. Sad!10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2018
Pros:
Not enough superlatives.9.2 Wonderful
Jun 2018
Pros:
Clean and late model. Good visibility and safety.Cons:
Noisy with windows rolled down; took it into the Sierras - pick up on the hills was sluggish.6.0 Okay
Jan 2018
Cons:
The rep helping me initially brought me a car that smelled horribly like a wet dog. I brought it to his attention, and he actually said “i don’t smell it”. Quite absurd as the stench was overpowering. He clearly was ‘testing’ to see if he could rent it without shampooing the smell out. I requested a different car and he accommodated me.9.6 Wonderful
Dec 2017
Pros:
Upgraded the car with no extra charge, comfortable and service is friendly and helpful.Cons:
Easy to find location and quick service.always meets your demand...2 locations in Carlsbad
Locations in Carlsbad
5245 Car Country Dr
+1 760 931 1111
6050 Avenida Encinas
+1 760 918 0883
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2019
Pros:
Brandon at this location was 100% committed in making customers like myself happy. I had a small issue with the windshield wiper blade and fluid and he went above and beyond to correct this issue. People like Brandon should be recognized for their efforts.9.6 Wonderful
Feb 2019
Cons:
a bit difficult to find the office, but everything worked out ok. nice to be offered a free upgrade. easy to work with. these folks.8.0 Very good
Jan 2019
Pros:
The car was great. Nissan Altima. Good gas mileage and very smooth ride.Cons:
Check in Friday night- at first the enterprise employee tried to put me in a mazda miata or an suv. That wasn't what I reserved. Fortunately they had a Nissan Altima which did work but I had to ask for it. And returning the keys on Tuesday morning the employee was late only by 6 minutes but still la10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2018
Pros:
customer service was great, everyone was friendly kind and knowledgeable.2.0 Poor
Oct 2016
Cons:
Never again!!!! Fooled me at The Carlsbad rental Station. Put some extra insurance on the receipt so it Looks like the Same Price with the different San Diego Airport drop off I had on my kayak reservation. At San Diego i was billed the Different drop off on top. Never again Enterprise2 locations in Carlsbad
Locations in Carlsbad
4901 El Camino Real Carlsbad, Ca ,charleston,sc,us
+1 800 761 8913
800 Grand Avenue
+1 800 940 9332
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Carlsbad
Locations in Carlsbad
6511 Avenida Encinas
+1 866 735 8267
Filters
No reviews available
Most popular agency | Enterprise Rent-A-Car |
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Most popular car type | Intermediate |
Average price | $75/day |
Good deal | $55/day |