National Car Hire
San Diego

All car hire companies at San Diego International Airport, including National, are located in a dedicated off-site Rental Car Centre (RCC). After collecting your luggage, leave the baggage reclaim area and look for overhead signs directing you to "Rental Car Shuttles". These signs will guide you to the designated shuttle bus stops on the transportation islands. The process is very streamlined, and the signage is clear and consistent throughout both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

The airport operates a free, dedicated shuttle fleet serving all car hire companies, running 24/7. In Terminal 1, the pick-up kerb is located across the skybridge and down the escalators. In Terminal 2, you will find the shuttle stop by crossing the road from baggage reclaim towards the transportation plaza. All shuttles are clearly marked "Rental Car Center", so you can board any of them to reach the National counter at the consolidated facility.

A convenient meeting point for a group is right at the baggage reclaim carousel for the last person’s arriving flight. This keeps everyone inside the terminal and avoids confusion. Alternatively, you can agree to meet outside at the Rental Car Center shuttle stop for a specific terminal. Once everyone has gathered, you can ride the shuttle together to the National location to pick up your vehicle.

The rental car shuttles at SAN operate 24 hours a day, so you can always get to the Rental Car Center. While the frequency may be slightly reduced during the very late hours, typically after midnight, you can still expect a shuttle every 15–20 minutes. The terminals and shuttle stop areas are well lit, and signage remains clear, making wayfinding straightforward even late at night.

On a typical weekday afternoon, it is sensible to allow around 60 to 90 minutes from when your plane lands to when you drive away in your hire car. This accounts for disembarking, walking to baggage reclaim, waiting for luggage, and taking the shuttle to the Rental Car Center. Collecting your vehicle at the National counter is usually efficient, but this overall timeframe provides a comfortable buffer for planning.

National’s rental process is designed for efficiency, especially for members of its loyalty programme. After completing the rental agreement at the counter, you will be directed to a specific zone or aisle in the garage that corresponds to the class of car you reserved. Signage within the garage is typically very clear, with rows marked by letters and numbers, making it easy to locate the designated area and choose your vehicle.

A great place to pull over safely after leaving the Rental Car Center is Spanish Landing Park, located just a minute or two away on North Harbor Drive. This waterfront park has plenty of parking and provides a calm setting to programme your sat nav, connect your phone to the car’s system, and adjust mirrors and seats. It is a much safer and less stressful option than trying to do so while merging onto a busy motorway.

The interchanges connecting I-5, I-8, and CA-163 can be challenging for newcomers due to quick splits and short merge lanes. The key is to have your navigation set before you start driving and to pay close attention to overhead signs. I-5 is the main north–south coastal artery, I-8 runs east–west, and CA-163 heads north through Balboa Park. To avoid last-minute lane changes, try to get into your target lane as soon as the signs indicate your upcoming exit.

For a low-stress drive to the Gaslamp Quarter, avoid the motorway initially. Simply take North Harbor Drive south-east along the waterfront directly from the airport area. This scenic surface-street route has traffic lights and lower speeds, allowing you to get used to the car. It takes you right to the edge of downtown, where you can then turn onto streets such as Market Street or Broadway to find your hotel or a car park.

The most straightforward route to Little Italy is to take North Harbor Drive from the airport area and turn left onto Grape Street or another cross street that leads directly into the neighbourhood. Many hotels in Little Italy have designated white-kerb loading zones out front. It is best to use these for a few minutes to unload your luggage and check in before going to find longer-term parking in a nearby garage or lot.

The drive to La Jolla is a relatively easy trip north on Interstate 5. From the airport, you will quickly merge onto I-5 North. The main thing to anticipate is about 10 miles into your drive, where you will need to be in one of the right-hand lanes to take the La Jolla Parkway exit. This exit takes you down a scenic hill directly into the village, so watch for the signs as you approach the UTC area.

To get to Coronado, you will take I-5 South for a very short distance and follow the signs for the Coronado Bridge (CA-75). The approach is well marked and curves high over the bay, offering fantastic views. Once on the island, the main road, Orange Avenue, has most of the shops and restaurants. Beach parking is primarily free on-street parking along Ocean Boulevard, but it fills up extremely quickly, so arriving early is essential.

For first-time visitors to Balboa Park, the most convenient and easy-to-find parking is in the large lot next to the Fleet Science Center or the adjacent lot behind the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. These lots are centrally located, free, and offer straightforward access to the park’s main attractions and museums. Entering the park from Park Boulevard provides the most direct route to these user-friendly parking areas.

The San Diego Zoo offers a very straightforward parking experience, which is a major benefit for visitors. The zoo has its own large, dedicated car park that is completely free of charge. On a weekend morning, the best plan is to arrive about 30 minutes before the zoo opens. This helps you secure a space closer to the main entrance, minimising your walk and getting your day started smoothly.

Visiting Old Town by car is quite simple. The area is located just off I-5 and I-8, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city. The best parking strategy is to head for the large, free public car parks on the outskirts of the historic park, particularly the one off Taylor Street. Once you park, the core of Old Town is compact and pedestrian friendly, so you can explore on foot.

Parking in Pacific Beach, especially near the pier and along the main boardwalk, calls for an early-bird strategy. To avoid endlessly circling, plan to arrive before 10am, particularly on a sunny weekend. This gives you the best chance of finding a free space on a residential side street or securing a spot in one of the small public lots. Arriving later almost guarantees a long and frustrating search for parking.

The most reliable parking for a visit to Ocean Beach is the large public car park right by the main pier, at the end of Interstate 8. This lot is free and provides direct access to the beach, the pier, and the main street, Newport Avenue. While it can get busy, it is large enough that you can usually find a space without too much trouble, making it the go-to choice for most visitors.

The best plan for Sunset Cliffs is simply to drive along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, which runs parallel to the coastline. The road has numerous small, designated dirt and paved pull-offs directly overlooking the ocean. These are ideal for short stops to take in the views and take photos. You can pull off, park for a few minutes, and continue on your way without a complicated parking search.

Parking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve can be challenging due to its popularity. There are two main paid lots: a lower lot by the beach and an upper lot near the trailheads. To make things smoother, plan to arrive before 9am at weekends or on a weekday afternoon. This improves your chances of getting a space in the upper lot, saving you a steep walk up the hill to the start of the trails.

The drive to SeaWorld from the airport area is very straightforward. Take I-5 North for a few miles to the Sea World Drive exit, and signs will guide you directly to the park entrance. Parking is well organised, with attendants directing you into a massive paid car park. You simply follow their instructions to the next available space, making arrival smooth and efficient even on busy days.

Getting to LEGOLAND from San Diego is a simple drive north on Interstate 5 for about 30 to 40 minutes. The exits for the park in Carlsbad are exceptionally well signposted with large, clear signs. You will exit at Cannon Road and follow the prominent theme-park signage through a couple of turns right into the main entrance and the large, organised parking area.

Driving north on I-5 offers some nice views of the coastal lagoons and hills, but for true ocean scenery you will want to leave the motorway. A great option is to exit in Del Mar or Solana Beach and take the historic Coast Highway 101. This route runs right by the ocean, passing through charming beach towns with plenty of on-street parking and designated viewpoints where you can easily pull over for photos.

The most direct route to the San Diego Safari Park is to take Interstate 15 North from the city for about 30–40 minutes. The exit for the park, Via Rancho Parkway, is clearly signposted. The park has a very large paid car park designed to handle big crowds. On busy days you may be directed to a more distant section, but the system is efficient and there is always space available.

A day trip to Julian involves a scenic drive on two-lane mountain roads such as CA-78 or CA-79. Be prepared for significant elevation changes, winding bends, and a slower pace than on the motorways. Once in the small historic town of Julian, parking is primarily free on-street parking along Main Street and the surrounding side streets. On popular autumn weekends, these spaces fill quickly, so arriving early is strongly recommended.

The drive to Temecula Valley wine country is remarkably simple. From San Diego, take Interstate 15 North for approximately 60 miles. The main exit for the wineries is Rancho California Road. Once you exit, this single road takes you east directly into the heart of wine country, with dozens of wineries located right off the main thoroughfare, making navigation very easy.

When planning a drive to Anza-Borrego, it is crucial to be prepared. Before you head into the desert, make sure the car has a full tank of fuel and pack plenty of water and snacks, as services are sparse. It is also wise to download offline maps for the area, as mobile reception can be unreliable. The drive itself is beautiful but remote, so being self-sufficient is key to a safe and enjoyable trip.

The most practical and stress-free plan is not to drive your hire car into Mexico. Instead, drive south on I-5 to the last US exit and park in one of the many secure, paid car parks in San Ysidro. From these car parks it is a short and easy walk across the border via the PedEast pedestrian crossing. This lets you enjoy Tijuana on foot or by using local ride-sharing services without worrying about international insurance or navigating unfamiliar streets.

San Diego’s weekday commuting has a significant impact on journey times, especially on I-5, I-805, and I-8. Traffic is heaviest heading into the city from 7:00am to 9:30am and outbound from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. For noticeably calmer motorways, plan major drives during the midday window between 10:00am and 2:00pm. Evenings after 7:00pm are also generally much lighter.

A common navigation mistake in San Diego involves the complex interchange between I-5 and I-8, where lanes split quickly with little warning. Another tricky area is downtown, where exits from CA-163 and I-5 have short off-ramps. Many visitors also get caught in exit-only lanes on I-5 and I-805. The best defence is to use a GPS navigation app and move into the required lane well in advance of your turn.

In popular neighbourhoods like North Park and Hillcrest, overnight parking is almost entirely on-street and can be very competitive, especially in the evenings. You must pay close attention to all posted signs. Watch for restrictions related to street-sweeping days, time limits, and residents-permit-only zones. Main thoroughfares such as University Avenue or El Cajon Boulevard often have stricter time limits than the surrounding residential streets.

Understanding San Diego’s parking rules is key to avoiding a ticket. A red kerb means no parking at any time, white is for brief loading, and green is for short-stay parking with the time limit posted. Always look for street-sweeping signs, which specify the day and time window when parking is prohibited. These rules are strictly enforced, so it is worth taking an extra moment to read all signs before leaving your car.

A compact or mid-size saloon is often the ideal choice for getting around San Diego. This size provides a comfortable, stable ride on the motorways while still being manoeuvrable on city streets. More importantly, it is much easier to park in the often tight spaces found in hotel car parks, downtown lots, and busy beach areas like La Jolla or Pacific Beach.

For travellers with surfboards or other bulky gear, a mid-size or full-size SUV is the most practical choice. Look for a model with integrated roof rails if you plan to use soft racks for your boards. Inside, a vehicle with fold-flat rear seats is essential, as this dramatically increases usable cargo space for cool boxes, beach chairs, and wetsuits, making beach trips far more convenient.

The most practical and safest place to fit child seats is in a designated parking bay right at the National rental facility. After you have selected your vehicle, pull into an available space in the garage and take your time. This controlled, low-traffic environment lets you focus on securing the seats properly without the pressure of being on a busy road or in a temporary loading zone.

When driving near the coast, be prepared for the morning marine layer, which can create dense fog and reduce visibility. Always use dipped headlights in these conditions. Conversely, in the late afternoon, travelling westbound on motorways such as I-8 can expose you to intense sun glare. Keeping a pair of sunglasses in the car is essential for clear vision and safe driving at those times.

When San Diego experiences heavy rain, certain areas are prone to slowdowns and slippery conditions. The I-5 and I-8 interchange can become particularly congested, and low-lying sections of I-5 through Mission Bay are known for water pooling. Rain can also make worn lane markings on older stretches of motorway difficult to see. It is crucial to reduce your speed and increase your following distance in these conditions.

You will find several conveniently located petrol stations for refuelling before your return. There are multiple options right on North Harbor Drive, the main road that runs along the airport waterfront. Additionally, Pacific Highway, which runs parallel to I-5 just west of the airport, has numerous stations that are easy to enter and exit. These locations allow you to top off the tank just minutes before arriving at the Rental Car Center.

As you get close to the airport, pay close attention to the large overhead motorway signs. There will be a specific exit and dedicated lanes clearly marked "Rental Car Return". It is important to follow these signs precisely, as they will guide you onto a separate roadway that bypasses the busy terminal loops for departures and arrivals. Staying in the designated lanes is the key to a smooth, direct route to the return facility.

The airport layout makes this sequence very easy. First, follow the signs for "All Terminals" or "Departures" and drop your passengers and their luggage at the appropriate airline kerb. Once they are on their way, simply continue along the airport’s main loop road. The "Rental Car Return" signs will appear again, directing you to circle back and enter the correct facility without having to leave the airport grounds.

The process is very convenient. After returning your vehicle at the Rental Car Center, proceed to the ground-level transportation plaza. There, board one of the complimentary shuttle buses that run frequently. These buses are clearly marked for the airport terminals and will drop you directly in front of the departures level of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, just steps from the airline check-in desks.