Carlsbad car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Carlsbad

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Economy car
Economy
Compact car
Compact
Intermediate car
Intermediate
Standard car
Standard
Full-size car
Full-size
Luxury car
Luxury
Minivan car
Minivan
Passenger Van car
Passenger Van
Commercial car
Commercial
Pick-up truck car
Pick-up truck
Useful Info

Good to know

Most popular car type

Standard

When to book a rental car in Carlsbad

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

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Carlsbad

  • Getting car rentals in Carlsbad is ideal as you will have the opportunity to explore most attractions in the city conveniently. For instance, you may visit the parks and museums in the city within a shorter time than the bus. In addition to exploring the city’s attractions, you can drive further to the nearby cities to marvel at what they offer. For example, the San Diego Zoo is about 33.9 miles from the Carlsbad city center and can be arrived at in about 36min using a rental car.
  • If you are heading to Carlsbad, California, and are looking for Carlsbad car rentals that are eco-friendly, you should consider getting an electric vehicle. Several car rental agencies in the area offer electric vehicles for rent. For example, Hertz offers the Chevrolet Spark and Enterprise offers the Hyundai Kona.
  • Those arriving at the Los Angeles International Airport can rent vehicles from the comfort of the airport. The airport has several car rental agencies located away from the terminals. These include Ace, Fox, Hertz, Midway, Avis, Budget, and NextCar. You can find them at the purple ‘Rent Car Shuttles’ sign on the Arrivals island next to the baggage claim area. Therefore, you can drive in any car rentals in Carlsbad and arrive at your destination on time.
  • If you need to pick up cheap car rentals in Carlsbad near the city center, you will be happy to find out that Getaround car rental agency has a branch a little less than 2 miles from the city center and Enterprise has a branch just over 2 miles from the city center on Car County Dr.
  • Carlsbad features one-way and two-way roads which traverse most parts of the city. These roads do not have regular crossing zones. Therefore, chances are you’ll meet pedestrians trying to cross the road at non-designated crossing points. When driving car rentals in Carlsbad, it is essential to have a keen eye on such occurrences to avoid encountering such pedestrians.
  • If you are looking for Carlsbad car rentals in order to explore the city and the neighboring areas, you are in luck. You can explore the beaches in Carlsbad to your heart’s desire with your car rental. You can also visit the nearby LEGOLAND, California. If you would like to explore more of this beautiful state, San Diego is just a 30-minute drive south of Carlsbad, and Los Angeles is about a 1-hour and 30-minute drive north.
  • Like many cities, Carlsbad experienced early morning and evening traffic. You’ll experience traffic from about 6.30 am to 8.30 am and 4 pm to 6.30 pm. It is advisable to avoid staying on the main streets at this time when driving your rental vehicle. Instead, consider using your GPS navigation system to help you identify less trafficked routes that will get you to your destination faster and more conveniently.
  • Book your rental car in Carlsbad at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard rental cars in Carlsbad are around 27% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Carlsbad

  • How much is gas price in Carlsbad?

    The average gas price in Carlsbad is C$ 4.71 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 57 and C$ 75, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Carlsbad?

    Standard (Ford Mustang Convertible or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Carlsbad.

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

    Car rental companies onsite at Los Angeles airport include Priceless, Ace, FlexWays, MEXRENTACAR, Budget, NextCar, Sixt, EL8 Luxury Car Rental, Yesaway and Europcar.

  • 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 Priceless, Budget, Sixt, Europcar, Economy Rent a Car, Alamo, Payless, Right Cars, Hertz and Dollar.

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

    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 Carlsbad?

    A Standard car rental in Carlsbad costs C$ 61 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car rental cost in Carlsbad?

    A Compact car rental in Carlsbad costs C$ 68 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Carlsbad?

    An Intermediate car rental in Carlsbad costs C$ 77 per day, on average.

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

    Carlsbad has well-tarmacked roads that have wide lanes. If you are thinking of securing a rental car, consider getting a standard sedan. The vehicle is well equipped to be driven within most destinations in Carlsbad. The vehicle can easily fit in most parking lots, making it convenient for us within the city. Those who desire to access off-roads within the region can opt for SUVs. Some roads leading to residential places and parks can be unpaved, making them a problem for low-suspension vehicles. Therefore, with a standard sedan, you are good to go when it comes to accessing most parts of Carlsbad.

  • What are the main roads I should know about when driving cheap car rentals in Carlsbad, California?

    When driving through Carlsbad, it is good to keep in mind that Highway 5, also known as the San Diego Expressway, runs north-south through the city, so this is most likely the road you will use when driving to either San Diego or Los Angeles. Ronald-Packard Highway runs east-west, so if you are looking to go inland, this is what you will take. If you are heading toward the coast, Ronald-Packard Highway turns into Vista Way and leads you toward the beach.

  • What’s the speed limit of Carlsbad?

    When driving Carlsbad car rentals, it is essential to note the speed limit of the road you are cruising on. The maximum speed limit on Carlsbad main roads is 65 mph, with two-way lanes having a speed limit of 55 mph. Also, consider maintaining a speed of 15 mph in alleys and rail crossings and 25 mph in business districts and residential areas. In addition, consider being on the lookout for speed cameras on most of Carlsbad’s traffic signals to avoid being ticketed.

  • What documents do I need in order to pick up my Carlsbad car rentals?

    Those travelers picking up Carlsbad car rentals will need to show a valid driver’s license in good standing as well as a credit card in your name with sufficient funds. If you are renting a car in Carlsbad and you are not a US citizen, you will also need to show another form of ID, such as a valid passport. If your driver’s license from your native country is not in English, you will also need an International Driver’s Permit. In California, you need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car, but most agencies charge drivers under the age of 25 an extra Young Driver fee.

  • Where are the best places to park in Carlsbad?

    Finding a spot to park your vehicle in Carlsbad is not too difficult. There are multiple on-street parking and free public lots. Most of these parking lots have a 3-hour free parking policy which is ideal for most drivers in the city. You may park your vehicle in the following public lots: Coaster Station Parking Lot, Washington Parking Lot, South State Parking Lot, Roosevelt North Parking Lot, and Roosevelt South Parking Lot. The city has strict rules against those drivers that park their vehicles on handicapped spots despite not being disabled or close to fire hydrants. Therefore, when in your rental car, consider parking it only at designated spots that are favorable.  

Carlsbad 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

8.6

Cleanliness

8.8

Comfort

8.8

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.2

Value for money

8.4

2 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

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 1

Budget

Cleanliness

7.0

Comfort

7.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.9

Value for money

6.8

One location in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

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

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.

2.0 Poor

Olga, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

Rathe was $134 and was changed $356

1 out of 2

Avis

Cleanliness

6.9

Comfort

6.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.5

Value for money

5.9

One location in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

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

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

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

1 out of 3

Hertz

6.0

Okay

3 locations in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

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

2198 Palomar Airport Rd

+1 760 603 8005

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
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

Zeeba Rent-A-Van

No score available yet

2 locations in Carlsbad

Show locations

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

EZ Van

No score available yet

One location in Carlsbad

Show locations

Locations in Carlsbad

6511 Avenida Encinas

+1 866 735 8267

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

39 travellers who rented a car in Carlsbad gave the car agency they used an average rating of 6.0

Car rental locations in or near Carlsbad

Carlsbad car rental information

Pick-up locationCarlsbad
Car types
Rental locations10
Airport locations5

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