Hertz Car Rental Introduce
Planning a trip through the vibrant city of San Diego or embarking on a legendary Southern California road trip? Securing the right vehicle is paramount, and the Hertz Car Rental location situated just off the waterfront in the downtown area offers a convenient, neighborhood solution for your ground transportation needs. This branch, often referred to as a Hertz Local Edition (HLE), serves as a dedicated car rental agency, providing an alternative to the high-traffic airport rental center while maintaining the quality and fleet diversity for which Hertz is known globally.
This location is perfectly positioned for locals needing a rental due to vehicle maintenance or for travelers staying in the downtown, Little Italy, or Harbor areas who prefer not to deal with the logistics of the airport's consolidated rental car center. The fleet typically includes everything from fuel-efficient compact cars for navigating city traffic to comfortable, standard sedans and SUVs capable of handling a longer drive along California’s beautiful coastline. While this downtown location aims for professional and friendly service, as is common with any car rental business, customers should be aware that operational issues—such as reservation overbooking and unexpected weekend closures—can occasionally occur. Being proactive in confirming your reservation details and the specific branch hours of operation is highly recommended for a seamless experience.
A reliable rental car gives you the freedom to explore beyond San Diego’s immediate sights, opening up the entire state, from the wineries of Temecula to the mountain retreats near Julian. The ability to drive a high-quality, modern vehicle is a crucial part of the California lifestyle, and this Hertz location is dedicated to getting you on the road quickly and confidently.
The Hertz Car Rental downtown location is strategically placed to serve the central San Diego community and nearby travelers. Its address puts it in close proximity to major arteries and neighborhoods, making both pick-up and drop-off straightforward for those familiar with the area.
The specific location details are:
- Address: 3348 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA.
This Kettner Boulevard spot is situated near the San Diego Bay and the main airport, but unlike the primary airport branch, it operates as a smaller, community-focused hub. Its proximity to the airport makes it relatively accessible for a quick taxi or ride-share trip, avoiding the complexities of the airport shuttle system, but it is important to note that this is a separate neighborhood location with different operating hours and procedures than the main San Diego International Airport (SAN) facility.
Commitment to accessibility is a notable feature of this location, ensuring a comfortable experience for all customers:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance: The facility is designed to allow easy entry and exit for guests using mobility assistance devices.
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot: Designated accessible parking spaces are provided on-site, offering convenient access to the rental office and vehicles.
It is crucial for renters to verify the exact operating hours for weekends and holidays, as local branches like this one often have limited or no service on Sundays and extended weekend hours are not guaranteed, as demonstrated by previous customer experiences of unexpected closures.
As a professional car rental agency, the Hertz location on Kettner Boulevard provides a comprehensive suite of services centered on vehicle mobility and customer support. The offerings are tailored to provide a full-service rental experience, whether for a quick day rental or an extended stay in California.
- Diverse Car Rental Fleet: The local fleet is stocked with a variety of vehicles to match any travel requirement, including:
- Economy and Compact Sedans (e.g., Ford Focus, Mazda 3).
- Standard and Full-Size Sedans (e.g., Volkswagen Jetta, Chevrolet Malibu).
- SUVs and Crossovers (e.g., Nissan Rogue, Chevrolet Equinox).
- Specialty and higher-class vehicles, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and luxury models, which are part of Hertz’s broader offerings and may be available at this location through advance booking.
- Flexible Payment Options: To accommodate diverse customer needs, the agency accepts multiple forms of payment, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments. Note that while debit cards are accepted, there may be specific restrictions or hold requirements applied, which is standard policy across the industry.
- Hertz Gold Plus Rewards: This location typically services members of the award-winning loyalty program, offering potential benefits like faster service and vehicle choice, although the specific implementation may vary from the high-volume airport branch.
- Optional Protection and Add-Ons: Customers can purchase various protection products, such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Liability Insurance Supplement (LIS), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), and Personal Effects Coverage (PEC), along with optional equipment like GPS and child safety seats.
This Hertz location is distinguished by features that cater specifically to the non-airport traveler in the San Diego region.
- “Downtown” Neighborhood Convenience: Situated centrally, it is ideal for residents or those lodging near the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, or the waterfront, providing a straightforward alternative to the typically busy and complex airport rental hub.
- Diverse Vehicle Classes, Including EVs: Hertz maintains a focus on a comprehensive fleet, and vehicles like the Intermediate Electric Elite (e.g., Polestar 2) or other EVs are often available for rent, catering to the environmentally conscious California driver.
- Emphasis on Customer Interaction: As a smaller, local branch, the customer experience can often feel more personal and engaging than at a sprawling airport facility. Previous customers have specifically highlighted “delightful experiences” with staff who are making jokes and fostering a fun, low-pressure atmosphere.
- Accessibility for All Customers: The provision of both a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot ensures that all members of the public can utilize their services without barriers.
For making a reservation, confirming operating hours, or addressing any service-related questions prior to your rental, please use the following contact details for the Hertz Car Rental location at 3348 Kettner Blvd.
- Address: 3348 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
- Phone: (619) 324-4405
- Mobile Phone: +1 619-324-4405
Choosing the Hertz Car Rental branch on Kettner Boulevard is most beneficial for local San Diego residents and downtown visitors who value convenience and a potentially more personalized service experience over the frantic pace of an airport rental counter. Its distinct advantage is its location outside the main airport complex, reducing the logistical hassle of shuttles, high fees, and crowds, making it an excellent option for non-flying rentals. If your journey is starting directly from a downtown hotel, this is likely your fastest way to get on the road.
However, the critical factor for choosing this neighborhood location is its service consistency. While some customers report delightful and positive interactions that set a high standard for customer service, others have been severely impacted by apparent operational shortcomings, notably unexpected weekend closures and reservation overbooking that led to being stranded and having to pay more or accept a lesser vehicle.
Therefore, the decision to rent here should come with a highly proactive approach. It is strongly recommended to:
- Double-Check Operating Hours: Always call the local branch directly (using the number provided) the day before your planned pick-up, especially if renting on a Saturday or near a holiday, to confirm they will be open at your reserved time. The listed hours can be subject to change and may not include Sunday service.
- Confirm Vehicle Availability: If a specific car class is essential (e.g., a necessary size for a family, or an EV you specifically want), call ahead to ensure that the car is physically on the lot and not overbooked.
- Document Everything: Retain all email confirmations and documentation of your original prepaid reservation to clearly dispute any unauthorized charges or price increases at the counter.
By taking these preventative steps, you increase the likelihood of enjoying the excellent customer interactions and convenient downtown access that make this Hertz location a valuable asset for exploring the beauty of Southern California.
Hertz Car Rental Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Hertz Car Rental Photos





Hertz Car Rental Location
Hertz Car Rental
3348 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Hertz Car Rental Reviews
dealershipairportprice
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1We placed a rental car reservation to pick up a vehicle on Saturday at noon. After walking from the airport shuttle to this location, we learned they were closed. We spent an hour in the parking lot trying to contact corporate customer service to be told that they could not transfer our reservation. They also said we could cancel the prepaid reservation and fill out a form online to maybe receive our money back - not guaranteed. I then rented a car for the weekend from another location as this one was closed until Monday. I arrived at open on Monday morning to learn that they had overbooked and my car was not available. My options were to wait for 2 hours and hope another car was returned or pay an additional $40 a day. Luckily a smaller car was returned and I was able to take it after waiting 40 minutes for it to be cleaned. At no time were there any accommodations made or compensation for a lack of rental car for the weekend other than being given a smaller car so I would not have to wait hours or pay $40 more a day. The entire experience left my wife and two year old son stranded in the parking lot for an hour, an uber ride to our hotel, and no car for a weekend with no remedy offered. Very upsetting experience that could have easily been remedied by positive customer service.
October 13 · Kristofor BarthRating it this high because my brother and I had a delightful experience. We were the only ones in there and we were all making jokes, laughing it up, trying to catch each other off guard. Really enjoyed doing business here. If I make it back to San Diego, I'll hit you up.
September 09 · Aaron WilkinsonCar with a low tire pressure in Presidents Circle. Then roll into a 15 min line as they only have 1 of 6 checkout gates open on.Monday morning workday hours... Is this a major airport rental location? Hard to tell this from a countryside location
May 06 · B CollinsI got my car last week and I would love to say it was indeed the best experience I've had when buying a vehicle. The first ever dealership I went to for my first car wasn't as comfortable and amazing as this one. Robert Buell helped me find my car. Robert made me feel so at ease and was worried about finding a car that not only made financial sense for me but one that was the perfect fit for me . This was an amazing experience, didn't think I was gonna drive off the lot when I did and it's been great ever since thanks to Robert !
May 05 · J RI bought a very fancy car from Hertz at San Diego, the service was great and I definitely would like to recommend a visit if you need a car. The sales Steve Curry is very helpful and gives great suggestions and services for the car. It is a great team and a warm place to go.
March 04 · Xingxiu Pan
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