National Car Rental
San Diego

All car rental companies at San Diego International Airport, including National, are located in a dedicated Rental Car Center (RCC) off-site. After collecting your luggage, exit the baggage claim area and look for overhead signs directing you to "Rental Car Shuttles." These signs will guide you to the designated shuttle bus stops located 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 that serves all rental car companies, running 24/7. In Terminal 1, the pickup curb is located across the sky bridge and down the escalators. In Terminal 2, you'll find the shuttle stop by crossing the street from baggage claim toward 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 spot for a group is directly at the baggage claim carousel for the last person's arriving flight. This keeps everyone inside the terminal and avoids confusion. Alternatively, you can all 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, ensuring you can always get to the Rental Car Center. While the frequency may be slightly reduced during the latest hours, typically after midnight, you can still expect a shuttle to arrive every 15-20 minutes. The airport 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's wise to budget approximately 60 to 90 minutes from the time your plane lands to when you drive off in your rental car. This accounts for deplaning, walking to baggage claim, waiting for luggage, and taking the shuttle to the Rental Car Center. The final step of picking up your vehicle at the National counter is usually efficient, but this overall timeframe provides a comfortable buffer for your travel planning.

National's rental process is designed for efficiency, especially for members of their loyalty program. After completing the rental agreement at the counter, you will be directed to a specific zone or aisle in the garage corresponding to the car class 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 spot to safely pull over 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 ample parking and provides a calm environment to program your GPS, connect your phone to the car's system, and adjust your mirrors and seats. It's a much safer and less stressful option than trying to do so while merging onto a busy freeway.

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 pay close attention to the 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 freeway initially. Simply take North Harbor Drive southeast along the waterfront directly from the airport area. This scenic surface street route has traffic lights and lower speeds, allowing you to get acclimated to the car. It leads you right to the edge of downtown, where you can then turn onto streets like Market Street or Broadway to find your hotel or a parking garage.

The most straightforward route to Little Italy is to take North Harbor Drive from the airport area and make a left onto Grape Street or another cross street that leads directly into the neighborhood. Many hotels in Little Italy have designated white-curbed loading zones out front. It's best to use these for a few minutes to unload your luggage and check in before proceeding to find long-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'll quickly merge onto I-5 North. The main thing to anticipate is about 10 miles into your drive, where you'll need to be in one of the right-hand lanes to take the La Jolla Parkway exit. This exit leads 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'll 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 street parking along Ocean Boulevard, but it fills up extremely fast, 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 parking lot that is completely free of charge. On a weekend morning, the best plan is to arrive about 30 minutes before the zoo opens. This strategy helps you secure a spot closer to the main entrance, minimizing 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 parking lots located on the outskirts of the historic park, particularly the one off Taylor Street. Once you park, the entire core of Old Town is a compact and pedestrian-friendly area that you can explore on foot.

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

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

The best plan for Sunset Cliffs is to simply drive along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, which runs parallel to the coastline. The road features numerous small, designated dirt and paved pull-outs directly overlooking the ocean. These spots are perfect for short stops to take in the views and capture photos. You can easily pull off the road, park for a few minutes, and then 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 your visit smoother, plan to arrive before 9 a.m. on weekends or on a weekday afternoon. This increases your chances of getting a spot 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. You'll take I-5 North for a few miles to the Sea World Drive exit, and signs will guide you directly to the park entrance. The parking flow is well-organized, with attendants directing you into a massive paid parking lot. You simply follow their directions to the next available spot, making the arrival process smooth and efficient even on busy days.

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

Driving north on I-5 offers some nice views of the coastal lagoons and hills, but for true ocean scenery, you'll want to exit the freeway. A great option is to exit in Del Mar or Solana Beach and take the historic Coast Highway 101. This route runs right along the ocean, passing through charming beach towns with plenty of street parking and designated vista points 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 signed. The park has a very large paid parking lot designed to handle big crowds. On busy days, you may be directed to a more distant section, but the system is efficient and there's 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 curves, and a slower pace of driving compared to the freeways. Once in the small historic town of Julian, parking is primarily free street parking along Main Street and the surrounding side streets. On popular fall weekends, these spots fill up quickly, so arriving early is highly recommended.

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

When planning a drive to Anza-Borrego, it's crucial to be prepared. Before you head into the desert, make sure your car has a full tank of gas, and pack plenty of water and snacks, as services are sparse. It's also wise to download offline maps for the area, as cell phone 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 to not drive your rental car into Mexico. Instead, drive south on I-5 to the last U.S. exit and park in one of the many secure, paid parking lots in San Ysidro. From these lots, it is a short and easy walk across the border via the PedEast pedestrian crossing. This allows you to enjoy Tijuana on foot or by using local ride-sharing services without worrying about international insurance or navigating unfamiliar streets.

San Diego's weekday commute significantly impacts drive times, especially on I-5, I-805, and I-8. Traffic is heaviest heading into the city from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM and outbound from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. To experience noticeably calmer freeways, plan your major drives during the midday window between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Evenings after 7:00 PM 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 defense is to use a GPS navigation app and move into your required lane well in advance of your turn.

In popular neighborhoods like North Park and Hillcrest, overnight parking is almost entirely on the street and can be very competitive, especially in the evenings. You must pay close attention to all posted signs. Look out for restrictions related to street sweeping days, time limits, and residential permit-only zones. Main thoroughfares like 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 curb means no parking at any time, while white is for brief loading and green is for short-term parking, with the time limit posted. Always look for street sweeping signs, which indicate the specific day and time window when parking is prohibited. These regulations are strictly enforced, so it's worth taking an extra moment to read all signs before leaving your car.

A compact or mid-size sedan is often the ideal choice for navigating San Diego. This vehicle size provides a comfortable and stable ride on the freeways while being maneuverable enough for city streets. More importantly, it will be much easier to park in the often-tight spaces found in hotel parking garages, downtown lots, and crowded beach areas like La Jolla or Pacific Beach.

For travelers with surfboards or other bulky gear, a mid-size or full-size SUV is the most practical choice. Look for a model that has 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 feature dramatically increases the usable cargo space for coolers, beach chairs, and wetsuits, making your beach excursions much more convenient.

The most practical and safest place to install car seats is in a designated parking stall right at the National rental facility. After you've selected your vehicle, pull into an open spot in the garage to take your time. This controlled, low-traffic environment allows you to focus on securing the seats correctly without the pressure of being on a busy street 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 your low-beam headlights in these conditions. Conversely, in the late afternoon, driving westbound on freeways like I-8 can expose you to intense sun glare. Keeping a pair of sunglasses in the car is essential for maintaining clear vision and driving safely during these times.

When San Diego experiences heavy rain, certain areas are prone to slowdowns and slick 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. The rain can also make worn lane markings on older stretches of freeway difficult to see. It's crucial to reduce your speed and increase your following distance in these conditions.

You'll find several conveniently located gas stations for refueling 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 you arrive at the Rental Car Center.

As you get close to the airport, pay close attention to the large overhead freeway signs. There will be a specific exit and dedicated lanes clearly marked "Rental Car Return." It's 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 and direct path to the return facility.

The airport's 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's curbside. After they are safely on their way, simply continue following the airport's main loop road. The signs for "Rental Car Return" will reappear, directing you to circle back around and enter the correct facility without having to leave the airport grounds.

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