How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santa Cruz
Pick up a cheap rental car in Santa Cruz for an average of 66 € a day and hit the road happy. We do the hard work for you by searching all the top providers, putting amazing deals at your fingertips.
50 € is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Santa Cruz.
For longer trips, book a weekly rental from 348 € and pack in more adventures.
To land the best price on a Santa Cruz car hire, get in early. Rates generally rise as your travel dates get closer, and you might have less to pick from.
Grab your wheels from Enterprise, Budget or Avis. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage Enterprise or another supplier offers for your Santa Cruz car hire can vary, so remember to check the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will charge a fee for it.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to land a bargain if the provider needs to shift vehicles between branches. Find the best available rates by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Want to explore more without stressing about how many miles you rack up? Search for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and drive as far as you like without the extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll get the best value with this company. Prices average 65 € a day.
Offering daily rates of around 63 €, this provider comes in next.
The third option also helps keep costs down. Expect to pay roughly 67 € a day for one of their rentals.
The Medium rental category is a reliable choice if you can't decide which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Santa Cruz.
Compare car hire types in Santa Cruz
Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or taking a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and great mileage.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, space and fuel efficiency. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they're a reliable fit for most trips.
Large: Long drives fly by in this Santa Cruz car hire category. Also known as full-size, their bigger engines are built to perform. The extra space and comfort make them a top choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and winding backroads alike.
Van: If you're searching for a car for rent in Santa Cruz big enough for a small crowd (and their suitcases), a van is the roomy ride you need. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're a great choice for group excursions, moving or business use.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the fee you'd have to pay if your Santa Cruz car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can make all the difference on the road. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip when you rent a car in Santa Cruz.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a vehicle in the United States is generally 21 years old. However some providers set their own rules, so check your rental company's terms to find out what applies to you.
Add a car seat to your Santa Cruz car rental reservation if you're travelling with small kids. Rules vary from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their age, weight and size is always the safest way to travel.
Bring the right documents to make pick-up as quick as possible. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (not a screenshot or digital version) plus another photo ID. Have a credit card ready for the deposit too. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
If you're new to driving in the United States, remember that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always follow the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
One of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination is around 5pm. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for everyday expenses throughout your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards for more flexibility when paying.
Best hotels in Santa Cruz for drivers
Offering parking, La Bahia Hotel and Spa gives you the freedom to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Santa Cruz and also comes with a sauna and internet access.
Alternatively, take advantage of the parking at Inn at Depot Hill. The city centre is roughly 6 kilometres from this option, which also features a lobby bar and express check-out.
Browse the full range of hotels in Santa Cruz for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the ideal fit. You can even select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to include places with charging facilities.
It's time to get out and explore now you've found a car hire deal in Santa Cruz and your hotel. From Natural Bridges State Beach to Whale Point and Moran State Park, you'll find plenty to fill your days here.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Santa Cruz
Shift gears and take off to San Jose. Around 40 kilometres north of central Santa Cruz, it's home to must-see sights like Winchester Mystery House and The Tech Interactive.
They've perfected the guest experience at Uptown Oasis San Jose Airport & Silicon Valley and Alura Inn, two reliable accommodation options with parking in San Jose.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Santa Cruz and travel around 97 kilometres north to San Francisco. Featuring Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square, its highlights live up to the hype.
San Francisco has some great accommodation options such as BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Hotel G San Francisco. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Not done driving yet? Stockton is a popular road trip destination that's about 129 kilometres northeast of Santa Cruz. Consider making a few pit stops at Downtown Stockton Marina and Joan Darrah Promenade and Historic Bob Hope Theatre.
Check out the room availability at University Plaza Waterfront Hotel or Red Roof Inn Stockton. Use one of them as your base and enjoy everything Stockton has to offer. They come with space for your wheels too.
