Dollar Car Rental - San Diego International Airport Introduce
As a California local or inbound traveler utilizing the San Diego International Airport (SAN), securing reliable and affordable transportation is essential for exploring the sprawling Southern California region. **Dollar Car Rental - San Diego International Airport** is positioned to serve this need directly from the airport's consolidated facility. This agency aims to offer budget-conscious travelers a range of vehicles from economy models to SUVs, ensuring flexibility for a variety of trips, whether you’re heading to the beaches, exploring Balboa Park, or driving up the California coast.
It is important for users to be aware that Dollar operates alongside its sister company, Thrifty, and their combined operations are geared toward providing competitive rates. While the core mission is to provide affordable car rental, it is a business known for actively engaging in upselling additional services, such as insurance, upon arrival at the counter. Local users should maintain caution and be firm about their pre-booked reservations and existing insurance coverage to navigate the rental process smoothly. Customers have noted instances of strong sales tactics, including questioning the validity of personal insurance, so preparedness is key to a hassle-free experience.
On a positive note, the agency proudly identifies as a **women-owned business**, contributing to the diversity and strength of the San Diego business community. Furthermore, the availability of specialized discounts, particularly for military personnel, showcases a commitment to serving a vital part of the San Diego population.
Dollar Car Rental is conveniently located inside the modern Consolidated Rental Car Center at San Diego International Airport (SAN). This dedicated facility consolidates all airport rental agencies into one central hub, streamlining the pick-up and drop-off process for travelers and local users.
The official address for the facility is:
3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Accessing the Rental Car Center from the airport terminals is straightforward: customers must take the complimentary consolidated shuttle bus service from the terminal to the facility. This short ride connects all arriving passengers directly to their rental vehicle provider, including Dollar.
The location ensures high standards of accessibility for all patrons, featuring:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance for easy access to the rental counter.
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot within the facility for convenient vehicle return.
- On-site parking for quick pick-up and return procedures.
It is recommended that customers check the specific counter hours before arrival, though the Consolidated Rental Car Center facility itself typically offers 24/7 shuttle service.
As a major car rental agency operating from one of California's key transportation hubs, Dollar offers a comprehensive set of services and a diverse fleet to match varying travel needs across Southern California.
- **General Car Rental Services:** Providing vehicles for daily, weekly, and extended rentals, suitable for tourists and residents needing temporary transportation.
- **Diverse Fleet Availability:** The vehicle classes typically range from fuel-efficient Economy cars (such as a Toyota Corolla or Chevrolet Spark) for city driving, to Intermediate Sedans, SUVs (like the Nissan Rogue or Chevrolet Equinox) for family travel, and larger vehicles like Minivans.
- **Specialized Discounts:** Offering valuable **active military discounts** as a featured highlight, an essential benefit for the large military population in the San Diego region.
- **Payment Flexibility:** Accepting multiple convenient payment methods at the counter, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments, catering to both local and international renters.
- **Express Programs:** Enrollment in loyalty programs may allow for expedited check-in and faster pick-up, potentially bypassing long counter lines—a necessary feature given reports of slow service at the desk.
While the agency provides competitive rates, potential users should be fully informed about all aspects of the customer experience, using customer reviews to manage expectations.
- **Active Military Discounts:** A highly beneficial feature that provides savings and recognizes the service of military members and their families. This can offer a substantial reduction in the base rate.
- **Women-Owned Business:** The organization’s identity as a women-owned business is a distinguishing factor, supporting diversity in the local economy.
- **Competitive Pricing:** The primary draw for Dollar is often its initially low rental rates, which attract budget-conscious customers in the high-cost Southern California market.
- **Potential for Upselling:** Be prepared for aggressive sales efforts at the counter regarding insurance and vehicle upgrades. Customers report being told the reserved car is too small (e.g., claiming a Toyota Corolla won't fit four bags, which was proven false) or having their own insurance questioned.
- **Vehicle Cleanliness and Maintenance Concerns:** It is crucial to perform a thorough inspection of your vehicle before accepting it. Past customer complaints have included vehicles being "FILTHY," having bug stains, scuffs, and even more severe issues like insect infestations (e.g., ants). Documenting all exterior and interior conditions, including cleanliness, is highly recommended.
- **Inconsistent Customer Service:** While some agents may be polite, the overall customer service experience can be highly inconsistent. Reports include extremely slow counter service, rude employees refusing basic assistance like providing a hard copy receipt, and difficulties reaching a real person through customer service hotlines, especially when resolving issues like incorrect billing or unexpected charges.
For making a reservation, managing an existing booking, or coordinating travel to the San Diego International Airport location, please use the following contact details. Always reserve your car in advance, particularly during high-demand California travel seasons.
Address: 3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101, USA (Located within the Consolidated Rental Car Center)
Phone: (866) 434-2226
Mobile Phone: +1 866-434-2226
For users in the California region, especially those flying into San Diego, choosing Dollar Car Rental is a trade-off that balances cost savings with the potential for customer service complications. If your primary goal is to find the lowest possible base rate on a rental car at the airport, and you are willing and prepared to handle potential upselling and closely inspect the cleanliness and condition of your assigned vehicle, Dollar offers that budget-friendly entry point.
The existence of **active military discounts** is a considerable benefit for that community. However, based on user feedback, maximizing your experience with Dollar requires diligence: be absolutely firm with counter agents regarding your existing insurance and any additional products you do not want, and meticulously inspect the car for damage and cleanliness. Document everything, including the inside of the vehicle, as issues like a messy car or pest infestations have been reported. For anyone prioritizing a seamless, quick, and high-touch customer service experience, or for those who require immediate resolution of issues, alternative agencies at the San Diego Rental Car Center may be a better fit. When choosing Dollar, be prepared for a self-advocacy approach to secure the best outcome from your rental.
Dollar Car Rental - San Diego International Airport Details
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Highlights
- Active military discounts
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Parking
- On-site parking
Dollar Car Rental - San Diego International Airport Photos










Dollar Car Rental - San Diego International Airport Location
Dollar Car Rental - San Diego International Airport
3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Dollar Car Rental - San Diego International Airport Reviews
feesinsurancecheck inreceiptsan diego airportexpediaupselllinereservationone person
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Pickup was extremely slow, 2 agents at the counter.Tried a very hard sell (car i have will.only fit 2 suit cases in the trunk! LIE, fit all 4 travel bags, n 1 in the rear middle seat. Brought proof of my own insurance, tried to question if it was valid.Car was a Toyota Corolla. Comfortable interior, exterior was FILTHY, even though it was wet from an apparent wash (or should I say hosing)Bug stains on hood, scratches and scuffs all over parts of the body.After a horrible experience with Thrifty,tried Dollar, just as bad shaped vehicles. Of course, after booking realized they are Thrifty.
June 29 · James RusnakI rented a car and it was infested with ants. They were crawling all over me and biting me. A nest was found in the back seat. Upon returning the car, the employee was rude and refused to assist me. I needed a hard copy receipt. The employee told me to get my stuff out of the car, leave the keys on the dash and leave. He said a receipt would be e-mailed in 15 min. More than 24 hours later, still no receipt. Customer service was extremely hard to navigate and find a real person to talk to. HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE!
August 24 · miked904Update as of 5/5: the nightmare continues. Because of the rude service rep at the counter not giving us a refund, our account was never closed out so we are being charged $100 each day for not returning it, even though we dropped it off 2 days ago. No help whatsoever from customer service line. Still waiting on a call back from a supervisor who supposedly can help.Worst rental car experience ever!! (Long wait time, rude customer service and a broken car leaving us stranded on the side of the highway)We arrived at the dollar rental car center at the San Diego airport at 11pm on Thursday 5/1, hoping to quickly pick up our car. They had two people working at the counter and had to wait an hour and a half. We finally got up to the counter and I will say the person who helped us was polite and kind and quickly checked us in.However, 5 mins after driving out of the garage, the check engine light came on with a warning telling us “engine power is reduced”. Since it was midnight, we got to our hotel and didn’t drive it the next day. On our way back to the airport the following day (a 10 min drive) the car STOPPED WORKING on the SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. The roadside assistance was unhelpful and gave us a 1 hour wait. Since we had a flight to catch, we let the car cool down and restarted it to make our way to the airport. Unsafe, but they told us we would be liable for leaving the car even though a tow truck was on the way.Upon arriving back at drop off, the attendant heard what happened and wrote a note on our ticket that he did not close out the account so we can go to the dollar counter and get our money back.The person at the counter on 5/3 at 10am was the rudest, most condescending person ever. I wish I got his name because this person should never work in customer service. He told us that there was nothing he could do and that he “didn’t care” when we said we were stuck on the highway and when we said we could call and complain he replied multiple times that he “didn’t care because he gets paid anyway”.We will NEVER use dollar ever again and will make sure everyone we know never does either.
May 05 · Nicole LongoI came by to pickup a car for a day trip and it was super easy and the guy was super helpful. Pretty sure his name was Joey and he was the best, he even recommended us some good food spots and view places. 10/10 experience and I’ll definitely be booking here again next time. There was also another lady in there doing a great job with the biggest smile!!
October 14 · Jaida MillerThis is a legitimate review - Our experience was a very positive one. We booked our reservation in advance, received confirmations, completed our check in online prior to showing up, had a positive experience with the gentleman at the counter who was very friendly and helpful, and definitely not pushy about getting insurance, and received a very nice SUV that was super clean with low mileage. If you plan accordingly and pay attention to detail, the process goes much smoother. I will say that the only negative was that were fatigued from our flight and couldn’t find the Dollar counter at first, but that’s on us. Also, we did fly in on a Saturday afternoon and there was not a line. I’m sure individual experiences will vary vary based on your flight arrival times. TIP - complete your online check-in beforehand and it goes much quicker. Probably the best car rental experience that we’ve had so far and hopefully it won’t be the last. We won’t hesitate to use them again if the price is right. And we always go for the lowest smallest car nothing fancy.
April 27 · Becca
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