Carlsbad car hires from €35
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car hire in Carlsbad with a pick-up date of 18/5 and drop-off date of 25/5. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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Carlsbad car hire information
| Pick-up location | Carlsbad |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, People carrier, Pick-up truck, Standard |
| Hire locations | 10 |
| Airport locations | 5 |
| Popular agencies | Budget, Avis |
Cheap car hire in Carlsbad
| Economy | €54/day |
| Compact | €35/day |
| Intermediate | €36/day |
| Standard | €42/day |
| Full-size | €46/day |
| People carrier | €66/day |
| Full-size SUV | €59/day |
| Pick-up truck | €70/day |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Carlsbad
- Using car hire in Carlsbad allows you to fully experience the city popular for its sandy beaches, lagoons, and world-class sporting events. A hire car will provide convenience and comfort that public transportation cannot. They give you control over your travel experience. Drive your hire car and experience attractions such as LEGOLAND California, 4.8 km (3 miles away from Carlsbad), Joshua Tree National Park, 225 km (139.5 miles) away, and Museum of Making Music, 6.3 km (3.9 miles) away.
- You will likely land at San Diego International Airport (SAN), about 55.2 km (34.3 miles) from Carlsbad. All car hire agencies at the airport have their pick-up points at the Consolidated Hire Car Centre. For convenience, free shuttle buses run continually to take passengers from the airport terminals to the hire car centre. Some available Carlsbad car hire companies include Dollar, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Thrifty, SIXT, Hertz, Enterprise, Payless, and ZipCar. If you want cheaper deals, there are several off-site car hire agencies, such as Nur Car Hire.
- When using car hire in Carlsbad, you will notice that roads can get congested, especially along the beaches, due to the tourist influx. California has a Freedom to Walk Act that allows passengers to cross roads in places with no crossings. Therefore, you should be alert when driving through Carlsbad to avoid hitting anyone. Generally, though, this city has well-maintained roads that can handle traffic flow, so you won’t find driving here difficult.
- Major roads in Carlsbad can get congested, especially during morning and evening rush hour. The peak hours are usually between 07:30 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 18:30. Driving during these hours can be challenging and inconvenient, especially if you are in a hurry. Consider planning your trips to and avoiding major roads like Highway 101. To beat Carlsbad traffic, you can use alternative roads and backstreets or start your journey before peak hours.
- Book your car hire in Carlsbad at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Intermediate car hire in Carlsbad are around -2% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Carlsbad
How much is the price of fuel in Carlsbad?
The average price of fuel in Carlsbad is €3.62 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between €43 and €58, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Carlsbad?
Intermediate (Toyota RAV4 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Carlsbad.
How can I find car hires near me in Carlsbad?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Carlsbad?
An Intermediate car hire in Carlsbad costs €51 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Carlsbad?
An Economy car hire in Carlsbad costs €54 per day, on average.
What type of car is recommended for driving in Carlsbad?
This depends on the weather, travel needs, and budget. However, a small car will help you easily navigate Carlsbad streets and park, even in tight spaces. Compact cars are also cheaper to hire and fuel-efficient, helping you to cover more distance. It is important to consider the number of people you are travelling with. Consider a large car for its space, traction, and reliability if you have a large group. It is also ideal if you are planning long trips.
What’s the speed limit in Carlsbad?
The city of Carlsbad has set the speed limit of residential districts to 40.2 km/h (25 mph) unless stated otherwise by road signs to ensure the safety of pedestrians. The speed limit of most highways in the city is 105 km/h (65 mph), but on some, it is stated as 112 km/h (70 mph). In special areas like school zones, near children’s playgrounds or parks, the speed limit comes down to 40.2 km/h (25 mph) to ensure children’s safety. It is important to always adhere to these speed limits when using car hire in Carlsbad, to avoid getting into legal trouble.
Where are the best places to park in Carlsbad?
Finding a car park in Carlsbad is easy, as there are several options with easy access. If you visit Carlsbad State Beach, you can park your car for free at the end of Tamarack Avenue and along Highway 101. From here, the beach is just a short walk away. Hyatt House - 5010 Avenida Encinas Parking charges $6 (£4.66) for three hours, and Cape Rey Hilton Resort charges $30 (£23.4) for overnight parking. If you park in car parks outside the city, you can get into the city by bus.
Carlsbad car rental reviews and directory
Budget
6.8
Okay
33 reviewsCleanliness
7.2
Comfort
7.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
6.9
One location in Carlsbad
Locations in Carlsbad
2198 Palomar Airport Road
+1 760 931 2469
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
Rathe was $134 and was changed $35610.0 Wonderful
Nov 2019
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
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
Pros:
NoneCons:
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
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!Avis
6.0
Okay
52 reviewsCleanliness
6.9
Comfort
6.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.2
Value for money
5.9
One location in Carlsbad
Locations in Carlsbad
2198 Palomar Airport Road
+1 760 931 1393
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
Easy pick up and drop off with free parking patrolled by security on site10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2019
Pros:
Great facility.Cons:
Nothing.2.0 Poor
Jul 2019
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
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
Pros:
Hybrid comfy car. Clean on the inside. Accurate pricing upon drop off. Easy drop off and courteousCons:
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 janky10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2018
Pros:
QuickHertz
9.2
Wonderful
27 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
10.0
3 locations in Carlsbad
Locations in Carlsbad
2100 Palomar Airport Rd
+1 760 930 0123
2198 Palomar Airport Rd
+1 760 603 8005
6030 Avenida Encinas, Ste E
+1 760 579 0072
Filters
Reviews
9.2 Wonderful
Feb 2020
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
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
Pros:
Not enough superlatives.9.2 Wonderful
Jun 2018
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
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
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...Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.7
Very Good
21 reviewsCleanliness
9.0
Comfort
9.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.3
Value for money
8.5
2 locations in Carlsbad
Locations in Carlsbad
5245 Car Country Dr
+1 760 931 1111
6050 Avenida Encinas
+1 760 918 0883
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2024
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2019
Pros:
Brandon at this location was 100% committed in making customers like myself happy. I had a small issue with the windshield wiper blade and fluid and he went above and beyond to correct this issue. People like Brandon should be recognized for their efforts.9.6 Wonderful
Feb 2019
Cons:
a bit difficult to find the office, but everything worked out ok. nice to be offered a free upgrade. easy to work with. these folks.8.0 Very Good
Jan 2019
Pros:
The car was great. Nissan Altima. Good gas mileage and very smooth ride.Cons:
Check in Friday night- at first the enterprise employee tried to put me in a mazda miata or an suv. That wasn't what I reserved. Fortunately they had a Nissan Altima which did work but I had to ask for it. And returning the keys on Tuesday morning the employee was late only by 6 minutes but still la10.0 Wonderful
Jul 2018
Pros:
customer service was great, everyone was friendly kind and knowledgeable.2.0 Poor
Oct 2016
Cons:
Never again!!!! Fooled me at The Carlsbad rental Station. Put some extra insurance on the receipt so it Looks like the Same Price with the different San Diego Airport drop off I had on my kayak reservation. At San Diego i was billed the Different drop off on top. Never again EnterpriseZeeba Rent-A-Van
No score available yet
2 locations in Carlsbad
Locations in Carlsbad
4901 El Camino Real Carlsbad, Ca ,charleston,sc,us
+1 800 761 8913
800 Grand Avenue
+1 800 940 9332
Filters
No reviews available
EZ Van
No score available yet
One location in Carlsbad
Locations in Carlsbad
6511 Avenida Encinas
+1 866 735 8267
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Carlsbad
Good to know
Most popular car type | Intermediate |
|---|
When to book a car hire in Carlsbad
Car hire insurance in Carlsbad
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver
Some Carlsbad car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend always be aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Carlsbad.
Deductible
Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a no-deductible option to your Carlsbad car hire.