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Encinitas 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 Encinitas with a pick-up date of 8/1 and drop-off date of 8/31. 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.
Thu 8/1
Thu 8/8

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Cheap car rentals in Encinitas

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
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Scion xB car
Scion xB
or similar SMALL
4
2
4-5
$23/day
Hyundai Elantra car
Hyundai Elantra
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
4-5
$30/day
Class Standard Car car
Class Standard Car
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
4-5
$32/day
Lexus NX car
Lexus NX
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
$50/day
Chevrolet Express car
Chevrolet Express
or similar VAN
5
2
4-5
$70/day
Chrysler 300 car
Chrysler 300
or similar LUXURY
5
5
4-5
$41/day
Toyota Tacoma car
Toyota Tacoma
or similar PICKUPTRUCK
5
3
2/4
$37/day
BMW X3 car
BMW X3
or similar SUV
5
5
4-5
$37/day
Ford Escape car
Ford Escape
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$31/day
Chevrolet Trax car
Chevrolet Trax
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
$33/day
Audi Q5 car
Audi Q5
or similar SUV
5
5
4-5
$37/day
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited car
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
or similar SUV
5
2
2/4
$62/day
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Encinitas

  • Rent a car for your Encinitas and experience the ultimate flexibility that allows you to explore this southern California’s beach city and its surroundings. Nestled approximately 25 miles north of San Diego, Encinitas is home to beautiful attractions like Moonlight State Beach and San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. By opting for car rentals in Encinitas, you can travel with ease to attractions like Lazy Acres Encinitas which is approximately 7 miles from the city center. With your rented car, you can conveniently reach this destination in under 4 minutes.
  • Encinitas is approximately 25 miles from San Diego International Airport. Pretty much all the major car rentals in Encinitas are located at the Consolidated Rental Car Center just outside the airport. You can access the Rental Car Center using the free shuttle that picks up travelers from all the terminals. These shuttles depart from the terminals every 10 minutes. Once you arrive at SAN, you can head to the lower level of the terminal and hop onto the waiting shuttle. Some of the car rentals in Encinitas include Payless, Alamo, Avis, Enterprise and Hertz among others.
  • Encinitas may not be as busy as most of California’s major cities. However, navigating yourself through the city’s multiple intersections can be a challenge, especially if you are a visitor. Encinitas pedestrians have a strange habit of jaywalking and cyclists barely take traffic rules seriously. In light of this, it helps to pay maximum attention to the road and look out for pedestrians walking their dogs or cyclists while driving your rented car. This is especially important when driving during early morning or late evening when most residents take their dogs out for a walk.
  • Encinitas, like any major city, tends to have its share of traffic snarls during rush hours. Traffic tends to be particularly heavy on I-5 between 6 am and 9 am and later afternoon between 5 pm and 7 pm. While California does not experience heavy snow during winter months, it helps to pay extreme attention during wet months when the roads tend to be considerably slippery.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Encinitas for $51 or less
  • Book your rental car in Encinitas at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard rental cars in Encinitas are around 27% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Encinitas

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

    On average a rental car in Encinitas costs $69 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 Encinitas found in the last 2 weeks is $29.

  • What is the cheapest car rental company in Encinitas?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($62/day).

  • How much is gas price in Encinitas?

    The average gas price in Encinitas is $3.82 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $46 and $61, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Encinitas?

    Standard (Nissan Rogue or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Encinitas.

  • Which car rental companies are at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Los Angeles airport include Kyte, Fox, Midway, Ace, Priceless, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, GREEN MOTION and Dollar.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Los Angeles airport to off-airport locations include Midway, Alamo, Priceless, Budget, Hertz, Sixt, Dollar, Thrifty, Airport Van, and NU Car.

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

    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 Encinitas?

    A Standard car rental in Encinitas costs $64 per day, on average.

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

    A Mini car rental in Encinitas costs $134 per day, on average.

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

    A Full Size car rental in Encinitas costs $170 per day, on average.

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

    On average a rental car in Encinitas costs $480 per week ($69 per day).

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

    On average a rental car in Encinitas costs $2,058 per month ($69 per day).

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

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

  • How many car agencies are operating in Encinitas?

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

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

    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 Encinitas?

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

  • Which type of car is recommended for driving in Encinitas?

    Encinitas is a laid-back city with plenty of cars but limited parking lots. As such, renting a compact car during your Encinitas visit makes absolutely perfect sense. Encinitas streets are also noticeably narrow in several spots. As such, opting for smaller, compact cars over bulky fuel guzzlers is bound to make your navigation around the city a lot easier. That said, if you are coming to Encinitas with a large family or on a group tour, then consider renting going for SUV or high-capacity Encinitas car rentals. With these you can be certain to move around in comfort.

  • What is the speed limit in Encinitas?

    If you are driving through the commercial, residential and school areas, then you will be required to observe the 20 mph speed limit. However, once you get out of the city into more free space, you can hit more gas and drive at up to 40mph. The speed limit is even higher when you are on highways where you can drive at 50mph. All roads have speed limit labels, so be sure to look out for this.

  • Where are the best places to park in Encinitas?

    Finding a parking lot in Encinitas can be pretty tricky, especially if you are a visitor to the city. That said, Encinitas has several paid parking garages like Lot 15 where you can park your rented car for as less as $10 per day. 2nd Street, Encinitas offers outdoor parking at around $240 per month. You can also find several parking lots outside the city center such as Parking Lot West of Train Station and Beach Parking.

Encinitas car rental reviews and directory

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.8

Very good

16 reviews
Best rated
Cheapest deal
Most popular

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.8

Value for money

8.8

3 locations in Encinitas

Show locations

Locations in Encinitas

165 S. El Camino Real, Suite B

+1 760 942 2626

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

6050 Avenida Encinas

+1 760 918 0883

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

617 S Highway 101

+1 858 350 1050

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

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

all good

2.0 Poor

Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Enterprise refused to offer my reservation.

Cons:

I did not get the vehicle I “reserved.” This has never happened with any of the other websites I use.

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Quick and friendly service; decent rates; convenient location.

Cons:

Nothing—great experience.

10.0 Wonderful

Oct 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was extremely friendly and made the process quick and easy. I will definitely book with them again!

10.0 Wonderful

Sep 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was super friendly and quick.

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Very helpful trading out to a different van

Cons:

Nothing, quick check in and drop off.

1 out of 3

National

7.8

Good

No reviews available

One location in Encinitas

Show locations

Locations in Encinitas

617 S Highway 101

+1 858 259 9500

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4.7

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Encinitas

Show locations

Locations in Encinitas

McClellan–Palomar Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

No score available yet

2 locations in Encinitas

Show locations

Locations in Encinitas

2100 Palomar Airport Rd

+1 760 930 0123

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

6030 Avenida Encinas, Ste E

+1 760 579 0072

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

Filters

Reviews

9.2 Wonderful

Feb 2020

KAYAK

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.

1 out of 1

Avis

No score available yet

One location in Encinitas

Show locations

Locations in Encinitas

2198 Palomar Airport Road

+1 760 931 1393

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

Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Easy pick up and drop off with free parking patrolled by security on site

10.0 Wonderful

Aug 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Great facility.

Cons:

Nothing.

2.0 Poor

Jul 2019

KAYAK

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.

2.0 Poor

Apr 2023

KAYAK
Avis gave me a reservation for 36 days of renting a car at a specific price. Some days after the car was returned, I realized they had split the 36 days into two separate rentals, with a total price increase of $69, about 7.5%, The rental office at McCellan Palomar airport in Carlsbad, CA, has not been helpful. Partly they do not recognize that their charges should simply be equal to their reservation. Partly they do not recognize that a limitation in their billing system (no rentals longer than 31 days) does not entitle Avis to increase its price. Lastly they claim that only Corpoate can adjust the second rental to make the total price equal to the reservation. So now I must chase at another place.

2.0 Poor

Oct 2022

KAYAK
I get there with my reservation and they said they had no car for me. You guys took $44 from me for no reason and I was left with no more options because everywhere else was closing. you guys are horrible

2.0 Poor

Mar 2022

KAYAK
No cars!!! I paid $45. for a cab from Cardiff to Palomar for my noon pickup of rental car. NO CARS!!!!!!!!!!! It was a nightmare to be stuck.

1 out of 4

Budget

No score available yet

One location in Encinitas

Show locations

Locations in Encinitas

2198 Palomar Airport Road

+1 760 931 2469

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

2.0 Poor

Oct 2022

KAYAK
We reserved the car with kayak and the company didn’t have cars available. I think kayak could’ve done a better job in this transaction. Kayak allowed us to make a reservation with the car company without cars available. Very poor communication and costumer service. The car company was nice to make a phone call to us to tell us they didn’t have cars at their location and couldn’t understand why kayak would allow this.

2.0 Poor

May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Rathe was $134 and was changed $356

10.0 Wonderful

Nov 2019

KAYAK

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.

10.0 Wonderful

Mar 2023

KAYAK
Loved the ease of pick and drop off. Really couldn’t be smoother!

2.0 Poor

Jun 2022

KAYAK
Tires were worn down Car needs alignment, was banking left. Unexplained 200 charges. Unhelpful agents on the counter Nobody ever picks up on Customer care

2.0 Poor

May 2022

KAYAK
Absolutely horrendous. I have never rented a car before and they gave me little to no information about the return process. When driving to return the car I called customer service for some clarity on what to do and it was awful. The guy didnt answer a single question I had which were pretty straight forward questions. Instead he kept saying “Mhm mhm good question” and rambled on about nothing I asked. I ended up hanging up because I was getting no where. They charged me $685 to rent the car for 2 days. $300 one way fee was tacked on during drop off because I dropped it off at the airport. I was never informed I couldn’t drop it off at another location. I thought it was a chain and they all shared cars. Terrible terrible terrible!! $685 DOLLARS is absolutely unacceptable for a 2 day rental. I would have dropped it off at the same location I got it had I known prior to returning that I had to, but I couldn’t go back once I arrived at the airport because I would have missed my flight back home! I feel completely taken advantage of.

1 out of 3

EZ Van

No score available yet

One location in Encinitas

Show locations

Locations in Encinitas

6511 Avenida Encinas

+1 866 735 8267

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

43 travelers who rented a car in Encinitas gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.9

Car rental locations in or near Encinitas

Good to know

Most popular agency

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Most popular car type

Standard

Average price

$69/day

Good deal

$51/day

When to book a rental car in Encinitas

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

Everything you need to know for your car rental in Encinitas