San Marcos car hire

Driver's age: 26-65

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Useful Info
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Cheap car hire in San Marcos

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Mini car
Mini
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Economy car
Economy
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Compact car
Compact
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Intermediate car
Intermediate
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Standard car
Standard
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Full-size car
Full-size
M
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Luxury car
Luxury
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People carrier car
People carrier
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Passenger van car
Passenger van
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SUV car
SUV
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Commercial car
Commercial
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Pick-up truck car
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Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular car type

Full-size

When to book a car hire in San Marcos

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

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

  • You can travel at your own pace while discovering San Marcos and its surroundings when you opt for car hire in San Marcos. You are free of public transport schedules when planning to visit different attractions. Using a San Marcos car hire is convenient, especially when you land at the airport. Among the locations you can choose to visit in your hire car is the San Elijo Hills, located 7 km (4 miles) from San Marcos, a journey that will take about 10 minutes to complete.
  • Most hire car agencies have offices at significant airports, making it simple to pick up your vehicle upon arrival and return it before your departure. The airports serving San Marcos include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) located 193 km (120 miles) away, San Diego International Airport (SAN) located 70 km (44 miles) away, John Wayne Airport (SNA) located 106 km (66 miles) away, Ontario International Airport (ONT) located 129 km (80 miles), Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) located 175 km (109 miles) away, and McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) located 13 km (8 miles) away are a few of the airports that serve the San Marco area. You can find the San Marcos car hire facilities in the airport's Arrivals area.
  • It is strictly forbidden to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol when choosing a car hire in San Marcos. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers is 0.08% for those over 21 years, and 0.01% for those under 21 years. In California, unless otherwise stated, you are permitted to turn right after stopping at a red light, as long as there is no oncoming traffic or pedestrians. As a result of San Marcos' proximity to natural areas, particularly at dawn and dusk, you might see wildlife near the roads. Keep an eye out for animals to prevent collisions.
  • In San Marcos, morning and evening rush hours are from 07:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 18:00, respectively. Highway 78, which passes through San Marcos, is among the roads that experience some traffic snarl-up during peak hours. It is especially true near exits leading to residential areas and shopping malls. San Marcos Boulevard may also experience heavier traffic, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up periods. Twin Oaks Valley Road is another significant road that might experience congestion during peak hours, especially in the area close to Cal State San Marcos.
  • Book your car hire in San Marcos at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price

FAQs about car hire in San Marcos

  • How much is the price of fuel in San Marcos?

    The average price of fuel in San Marcos is £2.54 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £30 and £41, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in San Marcos?

    Full-size (Dodge Challenger or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in San Marcos.

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

    Car hire companies onsite at Los Angeles airport include Fox, Sixt, Europcar, EL8 Luxury Car Rental, Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, NextCar, Dollar, Movly and Midway.

  • 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 Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Dollar, Midway and National.

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

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

  • How much does a Full Size car hire cost in San Marcos?

    A Full Size car hire in San Marcos costs £26 per day, on average.

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

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

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in San Marcos?

    A fuel-efficient vehicle, such as a compact car or a hybrid, can help you save money on fuel. If you opt for car hire in San Marcos, anticipate doing a lot of driving. A mid-size sedan or SUV may be more comfortable, if you travel with a family or a large group of friends, because they have room for passengers and luggage. Think about the terrain you'll be driving on. An SUV or a hire car with more ground clearance may be preferable if you explore nearby mountainous areas or off-road trails.

  • What's the speed limit in San Marcos?  

    Most neighbourhoods and residential areas have a standard speed limit of 40 km/h (25 mph). It is typical practise in San Marcos to ensure residents' and pedestrians' safety. Depending on the road and traffic conditions, the speed limits on larger roads can get to 72 km/h (45 mph). According to the regulations governing San Marcos, the speed limit on motorways and highways passing through or close to San Marcos is ordinarily 104 km/h (65 mph).

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

    San Marcos has many shopping centres that offer plenty of parking for visitors. Most of the time, these car parks are uncharged. Additionally, visitors can frequently park for free in San Marcos at city parks and recreation centres. There is street parking in many parts of San Marcos, especially in the city's business and residential areas. There may be metered parking in some places and free parking in others. Depending on the location and time of day, the metered parking costs about $1 (£0.76) per hour. 

San Marcos 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

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

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

5.5

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

Show reviews that mention

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.

3.6 Poor

Anonymous, Jun 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

I was directed to the wrong pick up location which was difficult to find and was closed. Upon calling Hertz for information and waiting for 20 minutes the individual I spoke with had poor command of the English language and gave me incorrect information. I found the alternate pick up location and was charged approximately $38 more than the quoted amount for the rental. Have yet to be refunded my security deposit. Wondering if all this is due to Hertz bankruptcy.

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

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

One traveller who hired a car in San Marcos gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.5

Car hire locations in or near San Marcos

Go to map view

Car hire insurance in San Marcos

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver

Some San Marcos 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 San Marcos.

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 San Marcos car hire.

See deductible offers

Everything you need to know for your car hire in San Marcos

San Marcos car hire information

Pick-up locationSan Marcos
Car types
Hire locations2
Airport locations0

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