Quick Guide: Picking Up A Rental Car At San Diego International (SAN) Airport

Last updated: March 13, 2026

Planning to pick up a rental car at San Diego International Airport (SAN)? At SAN, all on-airport rental car pickups and drop-offs take place at the airport’s Rental Car Center, located at 3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101. After you collect your luggage, follow airport signs for the Rental Car Center shuttle, which runs between the terminals and the rental facility. This guide explains where to go, how the shuttle works, which rental companies operate at SAN, and what to know before you drive away. Since rental procedures and counter hours can vary by provider, it is always smart to confirm your rental company’s latest instructions before travel.

Quick Facts: Renting a Car at San Diego International Airport (SAN)

• Airport code: SAN

• Rental car pickup location: SAN Rental Car Center, 3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101

• Are rental cars picked up at the terminal? No. All on-airport rental pickups and drop-offs occur at the Rental Car Center

• How do you get there? Take the free Rental Car Center shuttle from the airport terminal area

• Do shuttles run all day? Yes. SAN says rental car shuttles operate 24/7

• Rental companies at the Rental Car Center: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, and Zipcar

• Best tip before pickup: Have your driver’s license, payment card, and reservation details ready before you reach the counter

Step 1: Arrival at San Diego International Airport

Proceed to Baggage Claim: After landing, follow signs to the baggage claim area in your respective terminal to collect your luggage.

Step 2: Accessing the Rental Car Center

San Diego International Airport’s Rental Car Center houses all on-airport rental car companies under one roof, which makes both pickup and drop-off more straightforward.

• Location: 3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101
• Shuttle service: Free dedicated shuttle buses operate between the airport terminals and the Rental Car Center
• Shuttle hours: 24/7

After collecting your luggage, follow airport signs for Rental Car Center or Ground Transportation and board the airport shuttle to the facility. Since terminal layouts can change over time, it is best to follow current airport signage when you arrive.

Step 3: Selecting Your Rental Car Company

TThe SAN Rental Car Center includes several major rental car agencies in one location, including:

• Alamo Rent a Car
• Avis Rent a Car
• Budget Rent a Car
• Dollar Car Rental
• Enterprise Rent a Car
• Fox Rent-A-Car
• Hertz Rent A Car
• National Car Rental
• Payless Car Rental
• Sixt Rent a Car
• Thrifty Car Rental
• Zipcar

If your preferred company is not listed, the official SAN website says you can check with the airport’s Volunteer Airport Ambassadors for additional assistance.

Step 4: Completing the Rental Process

Once you reach your rental company’s counter, be ready to show your valid driver’s license, payment card, and reservation confirmation. International travelers may also need additional documentation depending on the rental provider.

Before leaving the counter, review your paperwork carefully and make sure you understand:

• the final total
• the fuel policy
• the return time
• any optional extras added at pickup

A quick review now can help you avoid surprises later in your trip.

Step 5: Vehicle Inspection and Pick-Up

Before leaving the lot, inspect the car carefully for any existing scratches, dents, wheel damage, or interior issues, and make sure anything already on the vehicle is documented by the rental company.

It also helps to take a few quick photos and spend a minute getting familiar with the vehicle’s controls, mirrors, and features before you drive away.

Step 6: Navigating from the Rental Car Center

Exiting the Facility: Follow the on-site signage to exit the Rental Car Center.​

Accessing Major Highways:

• From Interstate 5 North:
  • Take the Sassafras Street exit.
  • Turn left onto Sassafras Street.
  • Continue straight through the signal at the Pacific Highway/Sassafras intersection and follow the signs to the Rental Car Center/Return.
• From Interstate 5 South:
  • Take the Sassafras Street exit.
  • Turn right onto Sassafras Street.
  • Continue straight through the signal at the Pacific Highway/Sassafras intersection and follow the signs to the Rental Car Center/Return.

Step 7: Returning the Rental Car

Return Location: Return the vehicle to the same Rental Car Center at 3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101.

Shuttle Back to Terminals: After returning your car, board the complimentary shuttle back to your departure terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions About SAN Airport Rental Cars

Conclusion and Additional Tips

Picking up a rental car at San Diego International Airport is usually straightforward once you know that all on-airport rentals are handled through the SAN Rental Car Center, not directly at the terminal. After baggage claim, follow signs to the rental car shuttle, ride to the facility, complete your paperwork, inspect your vehicle, and you will be ready to hit the road.

To make the process even smoother, confirm your rental company’s latest pickup instructions before your trip and allow a little extra time in case the shuttle takes a few minutes to arrive. A little preparation can make your SAN rental car pickup much easier.