San Marcos car rentals from $31/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in San Marcos with a pick-up date of 7/29 and drop-off date of 8/4. 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.

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Car Rental Deals
Useful Info
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car rentals in San Marcos

Discover the best prices and deals for your travel.
Mitsubishi Mirage car
Mitsubishi Mirage
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
$40/day
Nissan Versa car
Nissan Versa
or similar Small
4
2
2/4
$40/day
Mitsubishi Mirage car
Mitsubishi Mirage
or similar Small
2
2
2/4
$40/day
Nissan Versa car
Nissan Versa
or similar Small
4
2
2/4
$40/day
* These are the best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours and may change
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular agency

Turo

Most popular car type

Full-size

Average price

$59/day

Good deal

$43/day

KAYAK’s insights & trends for San Marcos car rentals

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

How far in advance should you book a rental car in San Marcos?

You should book your rental car in San Marcos around 88 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the best rental car company in San Marcos?

Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in San Marcos are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (7.8), Dollar (5.6), and Thrifty (5.6).
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Rated 7.8/10
Dollar
Dollar
Rated 5.6/10
Thrifty
Thrifty
Rated 5.6/10

What is the most popular rental car in San Marcos?

SUV rentals (Chevrolet Tahoe or similar) are the most popular type of vehicle to rent in San Marcos. SUV rentals in San Marcos cost $61/day on average, though some users have found deals as low as $50/day.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in San Marcos?

The cheapest month to rent a car in San Marcos is January at an average cost of $39/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in San Marcos when prices are $57/day on average, which tends to be 16% above the yearly average rental price for San Marcos.

What rental car company in San Marcos has the most locations?

Hertz operates 3 locations in San Marcos, more than any other rental company.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in San Marcos

  • Commuter trains and buses offer reliable transportation in and out of San Marcos, CA. However, they operate on fixed routes and schedules; they have specific pick-up and drop-off points. If you are on vacation in the city, get yourself a car rental in San Marcos to avoid relying on third-party transportation providers. Not only can you visit several stunning natural gems, but you can also choose when to visit them if you have a San Marcos car rental. Places worth visiting include Lake San Marcos, Carlsbad State Beach, Encinitas Beach, the San Marcos Historical Society Museum, and Leo Carrillo Ranch Historical Park.
  • Many airports offer flights that will get you to San Marcos. Some of them are McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), 8 miles; San Diego International Airport (SAN), 37 miles; and Santa Ana John Wayne-Orange County Airport (SNA), 66 miles from the city center. Getting San Marcos car rentals at the airport is the best way to leap into adventure as soon as you land. If you land at CLD, the rental counters are in the baggage claim area. If you opt for SAN, the car rental counters are in the car rental center. Free shuttle buses operate between the airport and the car rental center. Rental desks at SNA are in the baggage claim area. You’ll find Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise.
  • Most roads in San Marcos are narrow. But driving in the city is manageable due to less-impatient drivers. You must remain attentive when driving your car rentals in San Marcos because it has its fair share of challenges. You'll encounter many roundabouts. Approach intersections and roundabouts cautiously. Allow enough space for visibility when negotiating corners, especially when navigating sharp corners. Many people travel the city on foot. While jaywalking is not generally a concern, drive carefully on built-up streets to keep pedestrians safe.
  • Many cities in California experience dense traffic during rush hours, and San Marcos is no exception. When driving car rentals in San Marcos, plan your routes well to avoid heavy traffic. The city experiences traffic snarl-ups during peak travel hours because many residents access the city with private vehicles, leading to bumper-to-bumper traffic. Usually, the city experiences heavy traffic from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Do not drive during rush hour unless necessary.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in San Marcos for $43 or less
  • Standard rental cars in San Marcos are around 50% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in San Marcos

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

    On average a rental car in San Marcos costs $59 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 San Marcos found in the last 2 weeks is $43.

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

    Car rental companies onsite at Los Angeles airport include Midway, MEXRENTACAR, Ace, Priceless, NextCar, Dollar, Economy Rent a Car, Payless, Yesaway and FlexWays.

  • 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, Priceless, Dollar, Economy Rent a Car, Payless, NU Car, Avis, Sixt, U-Save, and Thrifty.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in San Marcos?

    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 San Marcos?

    A Full Size car rental in San Marcos costs $241 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Special car rental cost in San Marcos?

    A Special car rental in San Marcos costs $41 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Premium car rental cost in San Marcos?

    A Premium car rental in San Marcos costs $64 per day, on average.

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in San Marcos?

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

  • How many car agencies are operating in San Marcos?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 2 car rental agencies in San Marcos.

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

    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 San Marcos?

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

    Driving a smaller car is a great idea for navigation. Roads in the city are narrow, with one-way streets. A smaller San Marcos car rental can navigate these streets easily. Also, check the vehicle's safety features, interior capacity, fuel efficiency, and suitability. A smaller car also wins out when you want to stick to your budget because it is fuel efficient. If you plan to explore off-road locations, an SUV is a good option.

  • What is the speed limit when driving a car rental in San Marcos?

    Observing the speed limit when driving car rentals in San Marcos is essential because, in addition to keeping you and other road users safe, it also saves you from trouble with the police. Unless posted otherwise, the speed limit in San Marcos is 25 mph in school zones, 30 mph in residential and business districts, 55 mph on two-lane highways, 65 mph on multi-lane highways, and 70 mph on interstates. Local speed limits are posted and are strictly enforced.

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

    Finding a parking lot when driving car rentals in San Marcos is a manageable task due to the many options. But the best places to park are in downtown San Marcos.  You can consider parking at the Pass ’N Go Smog Center, the Carlsbad Village Coaster Station, Jiffy Lube, Roadway Auto Towing, and Pep Boys. Parking charges vary from location to location. Free on-street parking is available, but be sure to check signs and understand parking terms before parking.

San Marcos 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

7.8

Good

One location in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

260 S Las Posas Rd

+1 760 591 4120

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

No reviews available

Dollar

5.6

Fair

One location in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

665 Metcalf St

+1 760 747 1612

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

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5.6

Fair

One location in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

665 Metcalf St

+1 760 747 1612

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

Filters

No reviews available

Hertz

No score available yet

3 locations in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

1545 La Mirada Drive

+1 760 471 1419

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

1700 Auto Parkplace

+1 760 206 7752

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

665 Metcalf St

+1 760 747 1612

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

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2025

Compact

KAYAK
They gave me the car with 75% fuel and some damages and then they charged me 500$ for that even though I had got insurance but they didn’t communicate with me to make a claim with insurance company. I don’t recommend them. for my return I got car from enterprise and they were very far better than Hertz.

4.0 Mediocre

Allen, Nov 2022

KAYAK
Their choice of cars is minimal. I reserved a "mid-size SUV such as a Nissan Rogue". I got a Ford EcoSport, which is tiny. Hardly an SUV. I rented this vehicle because I had stuff to haul to an event. It barely fit. Not happy, but blaming myself because it was last minute.

4.0 Mediocre

Kimberly, Jun 2022

KAYAK
We reserved a Mid size SUV and they gave us a Buick Concord. They said it was as big as a sheep Cherokee and it is clearly Smaller. We were traveling cross country and were very cramped for Space. Even had to leave things behind to be shipped later. Looking up the Jeep, it’s 10.5 to 11 inches longer, 2 inches wider and 1 inch taller.

10.0 Wonderful

Sirous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The van was amazing. The service was excellent and timely. The office is very clean. Hardly any wait.

Cons:

Hard to find a street parking returning the van. Some assigned parking would help.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Helpful staff

Cons:

More parking at the pick up/ drop off location.

1 out of 4

A Plus Car & Truck

No score available yet

One location in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

2517 S. Santa Fe Ave. Ste. #1

760-633-3552

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

No score available yet

One location in San Marcos

Show locations

Locations in San Marcos

2040 Auto Park Way

+1 760 432 2019

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

8.0 Very good

Peter, Nov 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Short hours at the car depot not so good. I am still awaiting the final email of costs. Has not arrived after 5 days. Car was good.

10.0 Wonderful

Oscar, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Great price and the car was great for the long trip

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was excellent

Cons:

Nothing

1 out of 3

Budget

No score available yet

One location in San Marcos

from$40/day

Locations in San Marcos

2040 Auto Park Way

+1 760 480 7406

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

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

8.0 Very good

Emma, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Make my reservation at earlier time

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Friendly staff, drop off easy

Rent-4-Less

No score available yet

One location in San Marcos

Locations in San Marcos

1830 Hacienda Drive

(760) 940 9120

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Car rental locations in or near San Marcos

San Marcos car rental information

Pick-up locationSan Marcos
Car typesCompact, Compact SUV, Convertible, Economy, Full-size, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Luxury SUV, Pickup truck, Premium, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice
Rental locations2
Airport locations0
Popular agenciesEnterprise Rent-A-Car, Turo

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