Carlsbad car rentals

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Car Rental Deals
Useful Info
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car rentals in Carlsbad

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Economy car
Economy
Compact car
Compact
Intermediate car
Intermediate
Standard car
Standard
Full-size car
Full-size
Luxury car
Luxury
Minivan car
Minivan
Passenger van car
Passenger van
Commercial car
Commercial
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular agency

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Most popular car type

Economy

Average price

$99/day

Good deal

$90/day

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Carlsbad car rentals

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Carlsbad with confidence.

What is the best rental car company in Carlsbad?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Carlsbad are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2.6, 3 reviews), Easirent (4.6), and Sunnycars (0.0).
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Rated 2.6/10
Easirent
Easirent
Rated 4.6/10
Sunnycars
Sunnycars
Rated 0.0/10
Avis
Avis
Rated 0.0/10

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Carlsbad?

The cheapest month to rent a car in Carlsbad is September at an average cost of $66/day. May is the most expensive month to rent a car in Carlsbad when prices are $131/day on average, which tends to be 48% above the yearly average rental price for Carlsbad.

What rental car company in Carlsbad has the most locations?

Easirent, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Sunnycars each operate 2 locations in Carlsbad, more than any other rental company.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Carlsbad

  • Carlsbad is a relatively remote city with distant attractions, such as the Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Renting cheap car rentals in Carlsbad provides a convenient and flexible mode of transport, allowing you to easily access these destinations on your schedule. Carlsbad car rentals also tend to offer a cost-effective method of transportation as opposed to using taxis, ridesharing services, or public transport.
  • Hobbs Lea County Airport (HOB) is the closest airport to Carlsbad, New Mexico. The airport is located approximately 60 miles southeast of Carlsbad. The rental car offices are located inside the airport terminal building, making it easy for visitors to them pick up and drop them off. The distance from Roswell International Air Center (ROW) is approximately 70 miles from Carlsbad. The rental car offices at ROW are conveniently located at the airport terminal, so visitors can easily pick up and drop off their vehicles. Visitors can access the rental car offices from the airport terminal on foot.
  • Driving in Carlsbad, New Mexico is relatively easy but there are some aspects you should be aware of when using cheap car rentals in Carlsbad. Large trucks and SUVs are prevalent in the Carlsbad area. Be mindful of their size, and keep a safe distance while driving, especially when traveling highways or at higher speeds. Bicycles and other slow-moving vehicles are also commonly seen on smaller roads outside the Carlsbad city limits. Be sure to give them plenty of space when passing safely.
  • Carlsbad experiences rush hour traffic during the morning and evening commutes. This usually occurs between 7:30 am to 9:30 am and 4 pm to 6 pm. Traffic tends to be heavier on weekdays, particularly on major thoroughfares such as Canal Street and Pierce Street. Another challenge visitors may face when driving cheap car rentals in Carlsbad is navigating the rural and desert terrain outside the city limits. Visitors should be aware that some areas may be difficult to access, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall when roads can become muddy and slick.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Carlsbad for $90 or less

FAQs about renting a car in Carlsbad

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

    On average a rental car in Carlsbad costs $99 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 $82.

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

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

  • How much does an Economy car rental cost in Carlsbad?

    An Economy car rental in Carlsbad costs $74 per day, on average.

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

    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.

  • How many car agencies are operating in Carlsbad?

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

  • What do I need to know before booking a car rental 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!).

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

    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.

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Carlsbad?

    An intermediate SUV is recommended for driving in Carlsbad as it provides the best balance between size and fuel economy, making it a good option for exploring the city and its surroundings. The roads in and around Carlsbad are generally well-maintained, but some areas can be hilly and rough, so an intermediate SUV is better suited for these conditions than a smaller car.

  • What’s the speed limit in Carlsbad?

    The speed limit in Carlsbad varies based on the type of road and the zone it falls under. In residential areas, the speed limit is typically 25 mph, and in school zones, it's usually 15 to 20 mph. For rural or suburban areas outside the city, the speed limit is typically around 45 to 55 mph. Major highways and interstates within the city usually have a speed limit of around 65 mph, while rural highways outside of town may have speed limits of up to 75 mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in Carlsbad?

    Most of the attractions in Carlsbad offer free parking, and street parking is typically available throughout downtown. The city also has several parking lots that are free to use, including one located near the Pecos River. There are some parking meters in the downtown area, but the rates are generally low, with most metered parking costing around $0.50 per hour. It is important to note that parking regulations are enforced in Carlsbad, NM, so be sure to follow all posted signs and laws to avoid receiving a ticket.  

Carlsbad car rental reviews and directory

 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Cleanliness

4.6

Comfort

2.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

2.6

Value for money

4.0

2 locations in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1710 S Canal St

+1 575 234 1177

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

6601 W Carlsbad Hwy

+1 575 397 1033

Monday13:00 - 15:0019:00 - 21:00
Tuesday19:00 - 21:00
Wednesday19:00 - 21:00
Thursday19:00 - 21:00
Friday19:00 - 21:0013:00 - 15:00
Saturday19:00 - 21:00
Sunday19:00 - 21:0013:00 - 15:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
The vehicle I had reserved was not available; since it was an hour pas my pick up time ; I needed to have a vehicle; took what was offered. It was dirty ; the driver’s seat was stained, the interior had been rushed to be cleaned and it showed. The plastic skid plate underneath the driver’s side of the car was hanging down and dragged and skipped along the roadway the entire time. No one that was being processed with me got the vehicle they reserved. Now let’s get to the facility itself. The restroom was an absolute disaster. The toilet was physically falling through the floor!!! I wasn’t sure where the water was going??? The trash can was overflowing. Just awful, absolutely disgusting. They didn’t appear to be under staffed, there was 3 agents working the counter. Now , for the return of the vehicle to the Enterprise lot at the Midland airport I had to simply figure it out on my own; as did everyone else returning a vehicle there. No directions or outside staff whatsoever.

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Feb 2024

Compact

KAYAK
To pick up the car I had to wait over 3 hours and I didn’t even get the car that I wanted. I got one with a crack on the windshield

1 out of 1

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

2 locations in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

Hobbs Airport

Opening times not available

Roswell Industrial Air Center Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

2 locations in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1 Jerry Smith Cir

Opening times not available

6601 W Carlsbad Hwy

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

No score available yet

One location in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1 Jerry Smith Circle

+1 575 347 2500

Monday19:30 - 20:3010:45 - 16:30
Tuesday10:45 - 16:3019:30 - 20:30
Wednesday10:45 - 16:3019:30 - 20:30
Thursday10:45 - 16:3023:00 - 23:45
Friday10:45 - 16:3019:30 - 20:30
Saturday10:45 - 16:30
Sunday10:45 - 16:30

Filters

No reviews available

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1 Jerry Smith Circle

+1 575 347 4920

Monday19:30 - 20:3010:45 - 16:30
Tuesday19:30 - 20:3010:45 - 16:30
Wednesday10:45 - 16:3019:30 - 20:30
Thursday23:00 - 23:4510:45 - 16:30
Friday19:30 - 20:3010:45 - 16:30
Saturday10:45 - 16:30
Sunday10:45 - 16:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Sep 2022

KAYAK
The Budget employee who initially rented our car to us in Roswell, NM was extremely organized, efficient, and friendly. And, the return in Denver could not have gone more smoothly. The car we rented did not appear to have been cleaned from at least the previous renter. An old receipt was in the center storage, and the inside of the windshield was extremely foggy. However, no one had smoked in it, which I always consider a plus.

1 out of 1

Hertz

No score available yet

One location in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1 Jerry Smith Circle #7

+1 575 347 2211

Monday08:00 - 17:0022:30 - 23:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:0022:30 - 23:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:0022:30 - 23:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:0022:30 - 23:30
Friday08:00 - 17:0022:30 - 23:30
Sunday12:00 - 12:3023:00 - 23:45

Filters

No reviews available

National

No score available yet

One location in Carlsbad

Locations in Carlsbad

6601 W Carlsbad Hwy

+1 575 397 1033

Monday19:00 - 21:0013:00 - 15:00
Tuesday19:00 - 21:00
Wednesday19:00 - 21:00
Thursday19:00 - 21:00
Friday19:00 - 21:0013:00 - 15:00
Saturday19:00 - 21:00
Sunday13:00 - 15:0019:00 - 21:00

Filters

No reviews available

3 travelers who rented a car in Carlsbad gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.6

Car rental locations in or near Carlsbad

Traveling to a place near Carlsbad?

Rent a car at Carlsbad if you plan to visit one of these locations
Van Horn
Pecos

Carlsbad car rental information

Pick-up locationCarlsbad
Car types
Rental locations1
Airport locations0

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