Carlsbad car hires from £37/day

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in Carlsbad with a pick-up date of 2/6 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 hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car hire in Carlsbad

Chevrolet Spark car
Chevrolet Spark
or similar Small
2
2
4-5
£44/day
View Deal
Kia Soul car
Kia Soul
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
£51/day
View Deal
Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar Medium
5
3
2/4
£37/day
View Deal
Volkswagen Jetta car
Volkswagen Jetta
or similar Medium
5
3
2/4
£37/day
View Deal
Toyota Camry car
Toyota Camry
or similar Large
5
2
2/4
£37/day
View Deal
Toyota RAV4 car
Toyota RAV4
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
£41/day
View Deal
Ford Edge car
Ford Edge
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
£53/day
View Deal
Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Carlsbad car hire

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

How far in advance should you book car hire in Carlsbad?

You should book your car hire in Carlsbad around 62 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular car to hire in Carlsbad?

Hires in the Small category (Nissan Versa or similar) are the most popular option in Carlsbad, costing £41/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as £20/day.

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

The cheapest month to hire a car in Carlsbad is September at an average cost of £34/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in Carlsbad when prices are £52/day on average, which tends to be 80% above the yearly average hire price for Carlsbad.

What car hire company in Carlsbad has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 3 locations in Carlsbad, more than any other car hire company.

Find deals

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Turo
Medium
£28/day
£22/day

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Carlsbad

  • Using car hire in Carlsbad allows you to fully experience the city popular for its sandy beaches, lagoons, and world-class sporting events. A hire car will provide convenience and comfort that public transportation cannot. They give you control over your travel experience. Drive your hire car and experience attractions such as LEGOLAND California, 4.8 km (3 miles away from Carlsbad), Joshua Tree National Park, 225 km (139.5 miles) away, and Museum of Making Music, 6.3 km (3.9 miles) away.
  • You will likely land at San Diego International Airport (SAN), about 55.2 km (34.3 miles) from Carlsbad. All car hire agencies at the airport have their pick-up points at the Consolidated Hire Car Centre. For convenience, free shuttle buses run continually to take passengers from the airport terminals to the hire car centre. Some available Carlsbad car hire companies include Dollar, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, SIXT, Hertz, Enterprise, Payless, and ZipCar. If you want cheaper deals, there are several off-site car hire agencies, such as Nur Car Hire.
  • When using car hire in Carlsbad, you will notice that roads can get congested, especially along the beaches, due to the tourist influx. California has a Freedom to Walk Act that allows passengers to cross roads in places with no crossings. Therefore, you should be alert when driving through Carlsbad to avoid hitting anyone. Generally, though, this city has well-maintained roads that can handle traffic flow, so you won’t find driving here difficult.
  • Major roads in Carlsbad can get congested, especially during morning and evening rush hour. The peak hours are usually between 07:30 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 18:30. Driving during these hours can be challenging and inconvenient, especially if you are in a hurry. Consider planning your trips to and avoiding major roads like Highway 101. To beat Carlsbad traffic, you can use alternative roads and backstreets or start your journey before peak hours.
  • 25% of our users found a car hire in Carlsbad for £22 or less
  • Medium hire cars in Carlsbad are around 61% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about car hire in Carlsbad

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

    On average a car hire in Carlsbad costs £28 per day.

  • Which car hire agencies are at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car hire companies onsite at Los Angeles airport include Ace, Europcar, EL8 Luxury Car Rental, Yesaway, Midway, Movly, Sixt, FlexWays, Routes Car & Truck Rentals and NU Car.

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

    Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Los Angeles airport to off-airport locations include Europcar, Midway, Sixt, NU Car, U-Save, Economy Rent a Car, Priceless and Avis.

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

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

  • How much does a Medium car hire cost in Carlsbad?

    A Medium car hire in Carlsbad costs £66 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Small car hire cost in Carlsbad?

    A Small car hire in Carlsbad costs £80 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Large car hire cost in Carlsbad?

    A Large car hire in Carlsbad costs £99 per day, on average.

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

    Most car hire 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 hire in Carlsbad, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.

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

    This depends on the weather, travel needs, and budget. However, a small car will help you easily navigate Carlsbad streets and park, even in tight spaces. Compact cars are also cheaper to hire and fuel-efficient, helping you to cover more distance. It is important to consider the number of people you are travelling with. Consider a large car for its space, traction, and reliability if you have a large group. It is also ideal if you are planning long trips.

  • What’s the speed limit in Carlsbad?

    The city of Carlsbad has set the speed limit of residential districts to 40.2 km/h (25 mph) unless stated otherwise by road signs to ensure the safety of pedestrians. The speed limit of most highways in the city is 105 km/h (65 mph), but on some, it is stated as 112 km/h (70 mph). In special areas like school zones, near children’s playgrounds or parks, the speed limit comes down to 40.2 km/h (25 mph) to ensure children’s safety. It is important to always adhere to these speed limits when using car hire in Carlsbad, to avoid getting into legal trouble.

  • Where are the best places to park in Carlsbad?

    Finding a car park in Carlsbad is easy, as there are several options with easy access. If you visit Carlsbad State Beach, you can park your car for free at the end of Tamarack Avenue and along Highway 101. From here, the beach is just a short walk away. Hyatt House - 5010 Avenida Encinas Parking charges $6 (£4.66) for three hours, and Cape Rey Hilton Resort charges $30 (£23.4) for overnight parking. If you park in car parks outside the city, you can get into the city by bus.

Carlsbad car hire reviews and directory

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

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.8

Very Good

Read 4 reviews

Cleanliness

9.1

Comfort

9.1

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.2

Value for money

8.5

3 locations in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

5245 Car Country Dr

+1 760 931 1111

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
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

875 S. Coast Highway

+1 760 966 9090

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

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Brian, Mar 2024

Premium SUV

KAYAK
Great car. Fast efficient friendly service both pick up and drop off.

1 out of 2

Budget

7.2

Good

Read 15 reviews

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.2

Value for money

7.4

2 locations in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1771 Oceanside Boulevard Ste B

+1 760 757 5799

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

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

10.0 Wonderful

Todd, Apr 2026

Intermediate

KAYAK
Streamlined/ efficient service. Couldn’t be happier. I will definitely be using them again!

10.0 Wonderful

Matthew, Mar 2026

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
Excellent service from Cindy! I will be renting here again.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2026

Intermediate

KAYAK
Loved that we got an upgrade because what we requested was not available so that’s always a perk. Drop off at the airport was super easy.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2025

Intermediate

KAYAK
Horrible experience. Horrible service. Car not available. Staff rude. Made promises than didn’t keep. Given incorrect information. Agent at counter called the corporate office “liars.”

10.0 Wonderful

Bill, Mar 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Car was reserved only 30 minutes in advance. I got a decent car that was ready for immediate pickup. Friendly staff person too.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, 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.

1 out of 5

Avis

5.2

Fair

Read 10 reviews

Cleanliness

6.9

Comfort

6.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.5

Value for money

5.9

2 locations in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1771 Oceanside Boulevard Ste B

+1 760 757 9929

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

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

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2025

Intermediate

KAYAK
Drop off in Butte Montana Avis office was horrible. Staff was rude and unprofessional.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2022

KAYAK
So many things went wrong with pickup. Including the employee leaving before we even saw the car. Locked the door. Gone. So we were stuck with a “luxury upgrade” with one bald tire and stinking of smoke. After the automated customer service loophole I contacted another Avis location who called the owner to meet us.

1 out of 4

Dollar

5.3

Fair

One location in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1816-c Oceanside Blvd

+1 760 722 7031

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

5.2

Fair

One location in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1816-c Oceanside Blvd

+1 760 722 7031

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 Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

1816-c Oceanside Blvd.

+1 760 722 7031

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

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

Filters

No reviews available

EZ Van

No score available yet

2 locations in Carlsbad

Locations in Carlsbad

235 South Tremont St

+1 866 735 8267

Opening times not available

6511 Avenida Encinas

+1 866 735 8267

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Zeeba Rent-A-Van

No score available yet

2 locations in Carlsbad

Locations in Carlsbad

4901 El Camino Real Carlsbad, Ca ,charleston,sc,us

+1 800 761 8913

Opening times not available

800 Grand Avenue

+1 800 940 9332

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

39 travellers who hired a car in Carlsbad gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.3

Car hire locations in or near Carlsbad

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Car hire insurance in Carlsbad

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver

Some Carlsbad car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend being aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Carlsbad.

See Collision Damage Waiver offersSee Theft Protection Waiver offers

Deductible

Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a non-deductible option to your Carlsbad car hire.

See deductible offers

Everything you need to know for your car hire in Carlsbad

Carlsbad car hire information

Pick-up locationCarlsbad
Car typesMedium, Large, SUV, Small
Hire locations9
Airport locations4
Popular agenciesAvis, Budget