Car rental at the McClellan–Palomar Airport

An important tip right off the bat: Unlike a traditional British roundabout, Americans usually enter a roundabout by yielding to drivers already in it. Your adventure begins once you are on your own four wheels, but first, you need to get there. Don't worry, our well-connected airport is located only three miles southeast from the city center of Carlsbad.

Car Rental Stations

Several well-known car rental providers, like Hertz, Enterprise and Avis are available directly at the airport. The selection ranges from compact economy cars to high-end luxury vehicles. Always remember the left lane driving rule, as in the US, unlike in the UK, driving is on the right side of the road.

Currency

The local currency is the US Dollar ($). Most places accept credit cards but it's advisable to have some cash on-hand just in case. You can withdraw money at the airport's ATMs.

Getting Around

McClellan–Palomar Airport is conveniently located off Interstate 5, which will lead you straight to the heart of Carlsbad or other nearby cities like San Diego.

Petrol Stations

Several petrol stations are located close to the airport, including a Shell and Chevron. Fuel prices in California are higher than the national average, but still considerably lower compared to prices in the UK.

Climate

Carlsbad offers a Mediterranean climate, with cool rainy winters and warm dry summers. A fact to note for UK residents, California sees more sunshine throughout the year.

Surrounding Cities

Other than Carlsbad, San Diego is another city within proximity of McClellan–Palomar Airport. Known for its beautiful beaches, parks and art scene, San Diego makes for a great pit stop or extension to your trip.

Start your adventure now!

Armed with this useful information, we hope you are all set for your journey. So buckle up, enjoy the ride and let the stunning landscape of California steal your breath away!