Search
Deals
Tips
FAQs
Agencies
Locations
When to book

Encinitas car rentals from $26/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 5/3 and drop-off date of 5/31. 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.
Sat 5/4
Sat 5/11

Compare hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in Encinitas, California

Here is why travelers choose KAYAK

Save up to 38%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.

Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.

Cheap car rentals in Encinitas

Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
Choose your dates
Economy$43/day
Intermediate$36/day
Standard$33/day
Full-size$46/day
Minivan$45/day
Full-size SUV$37/day
Premium$50/day
Passenger van$51/day
Luxury$45/day
Pickup truck$44/day
Compact SUV$26/day
Intermediate SUV$28/day
Standard SUV$40/day
Luxury SUV$54/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 $47 or less
  • Book your rental car in Encinitas at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Intermediate rental cars in Encinitas are around 9% 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 $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 Encinitas found in the last 2 weeks is $26.

  • 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 ($43/day).

  • How much is gas price in Encinitas?

    The average gas price in Encinitas is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Encinitas?

    Intermediate (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 Ace, Kyte, Midway, Airport Van, Fox, Priceless, Hertz, NextCar, Sixt and NU Car.

  • 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, Airport Van, Priceless, Hertz, Sixt, Alamo, NU Car, Budget, Thrifty, and Enterprise Rent-A-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 an Intermediate car rental cost in Encinitas?

    An Intermediate car rental in Encinitas costs $74 per day, on average.

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

    A Mini car rental in Encinitas costs $114 per day, on average.

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

    A Special car rental in Encinitas costs $57 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 $410 per week ($59 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 $1,756 per month ($59 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

8.3

Very good

34 reviews
Best rated
Cheapest deal
Most popular

Cleanliness

8.2

Comfort

8.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

8.4

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 6

National

8.0

Very good

1 review

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

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jul 2016

KAYAK

Pros:

I was in my car within 5 minutes of arriving at the Solana Beach office

1 out of 1

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

No reviews available

One location in Encinitas

Show locations

Locations in Encinitas

McClellan–Palomar Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

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.

4.8 Mediocre

Jun 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

Main issue was that the price rose 200% when I went to pick up the car. Instead of about $250 the rental cost closer to $500. Very disappointed with the outrageous charges for changing pick up location. I expected a small variation but the resulting fees were astronomical.

6.4 Okay

Jan 2019

KAYAK

Pros:

Hybrid comfy car. Clean on the inside. Accurate pricing upon drop off. Easy drop off and courteous

Cons:

It may be Kayak but they were closing at my reservation time so I had to rush, not did they want to give me the time of Day about upgrading or explaining where to get my car. It was obvious that they wanted to leave (it was Christmas Eve, but I was not told their closing time). They said I could upgrade at any location, which wasn’t true. No one would without charging me $1k+ on my total rental and restarting a new contract. The rental car also had writing in the window like it was just picked up from being impounded. That was kinda janky

10.0 Wonderful

Dec 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Quick

1 out of 8

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.

2.0 Poor

Apr 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

They did listen.

Cons:

You would think that after all the hassle, I asked for a discount or to please find us something and honor the price I agreed to pay - no discount on the current issue, no discount on a future rental, etc., etc. They obviously don't need or want our business.

6.8 Okay

Dec 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

None

Cons:

We returned car 330 pm and not one person was in return area. There was a sign for us to mark contract with the mileage and gas level and drop it in the drop box. I understand if car is returned after hours but this was in middle of work day in the afternoon. Did not leave me eith a comfortable feeling.

7.6 Good

Sep 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Agent very nice. Drove me to the area where I could get taxi/ride home because it was off site and too far to walk. Very kind, thank you!

1 out of 5

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.

4.0 Mediocre

Aug 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

was not told that pre -paid gas purchase for for a empty tank. remote Key did not work. alarm went off every time I unlocked the car which I had to lock and unlock with the key. Sad!

10.0 Wonderful

Jun 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Not enough superlatives.

9.2 Wonderful

Jun 2018

KAYAK

Pros:

Clean and late model. Good visibility and safety.

Cons:

Noisy with windows rolled down; took it into the Sierras - pick up on the hills was sluggish.

6.0 Okay

Jan 2018

KAYAK

Cons:

The rep helping me initially brought me a car that smelled horribly like a wet dog. I brought it to his attention, and he actually said “i don’t smell it”. Quite absurd as the stench was overpowering. He clearly was ‘testing’ to see if he could rent it without shampooing the smell out. I requested a different car and he accommodated me.

9.6 Wonderful

Dec 2017

KAYAK

Pros:

Upgraded the car with no extra charge, comfortable and service is friendly and helpful.

Cons:

Easy to find location and quick service.always meets your demand...

1 out of 5

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

145 travelers who rented a car in Encinitas gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.8

Car rental locations in or near Encinitas

Good to know

Most popular agency

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Most popular car type

Intermediate

Average price

$59/day

Good deal

$47/day

When to book a rental car in Encinitas

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