How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santa Barbara
Whether you need a small car for scooting around town or a bigger ride for longer drives, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Santa Barbara. Pick from options averaging 93 € a day and go where you want for less.
39 € is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Santa Barbara.
Staying on a bit longer? Grab a weekly rental from 267 € and explore more than just the top attractions.
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. Around three weeks in advance gives you the best window to grab the best price on a Santa Barbara car hire.
Find your perfect ride with Dollar, Budget or Avis. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
The coverage Dollar or another company offers for your Santa Barbara car hire can vary, so remember to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to move cars between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start your journey with a full tank and return it the same, paying only for what you use.
Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with prices averaging 119 € a day.
Coming in next, this provider offers daily rates of around 129 €.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly 145 € a day.
If you're not sure which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Intermediate rental category. It's the most frequently booked vehicle type in Santa Barbara.
Flying to Santa Barbara? Think about an airport pick-up
Get a head start on your Santa Barbara trip by picking up a car hire at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. The city centre is about 6 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 10 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Santa Barbara
Small: These cheap rental cars in Santa Barbara may be small in size, but they pack a big punch. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're agile, fuel efficient, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the toys, the bags, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for longer drives, this Santa Barbara car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your perfect road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Santa Barbara that can handle the heavy stuff. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Santa Barbara car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or damage. Insurance policies aren't the same across all rental providers, so compare before you commit.
Make life easier when you rent a car in Santa Barbara by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep your trip on track, or reverse cameras that make parking feel effortless.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles at an extra cost, so carefully review the policies before locking in your ride.
If the kids are tagging along, check if you need to add a child car seat to your Santa Barbara car rental booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the rental desk. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (most companies don't accept debit cards), and additional photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
Take your time getting acquainted with your rental. Fix your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get a feel for its handling before you set off. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph through urban areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will indicate if the limit is different.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the only way to be sure you're safe to drive is to avoid drinking.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 5pm. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for day-to-day spending on your trip. You may find it handy to carry a mix of cards and cash so you're covered for every situation.
Best hotels in Santa Barbara for drivers
A White Jasmine Inn is a top-rated option about 2 kilometres from central Santa Barbara. It comes with a good range of amenities including air conditioning and parking.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Harbour House Inn. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this option, which also features a 24-hour front desk and express check-out.
Want more inspiration? Browse the lineup of hotels in Santa Barbara. You can fine-tune your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If your car's electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.
After you've found a car hire deal in Santa Barbara and your hotel, it's time to plan where to go first. Old Mission Santa Barbara, East Beach, Santa Barbara, CA and Hendrys Beach are classics for any first-time visitor.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Santa Barbara
Around 56 kilometres southeast of central Santa Barbara, Oxnard should feature on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like McGrath State Beach and Ormond Beach.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Oxnard include Victoria Motel and La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Ventura.
Valencia has some comfortable places to stay including Hampton Inn Los Angeles Santa Clarita and Hyatt Regency Valencia. Both give you somewhere to leave your car during your stay.
Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Long Beach is a popular road trip destination that's around 153 kilometres southeast of Santa Barbara. Make a few pit stops at The Queen Mary and Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA).
Get some shut-eye in Long Beach at either Hotel Maya or Hyatt Regency Long Beach. They have a room waiting for you and parking availability too.
