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Car rentals in Santa Cruz, California

Are you looking for cheap car rental deals in Santa Cruz, California? Search right here!

Santa Cruz, CA
Mar 26 — Apr 2
Santa Cruz, CA
Tue 3/26
Noon
Tue 4/2
Noon

Deals from rental companies in 70,000+ locations.

Rental cars insight and trends in Santa Cruz

Useful insights to help you book the perfect rental car in Santa Cruz

What is the cheapest rental car agency in Santa Cruz?

The cheapest rental cars in Santa Cruz are generally found through Fox. When booking with Fox, you may be able to find rental car prices for as low as $19/day. The average price to rent a car in Santa Cruz is $35/day.

What car rental company in Santa Cruz has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car has the most locations of any rental car company in Santa Cruz, with 2 locations.

What car do most people rent in Santa Cruz?

Most momondo users will rent the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Santa Cruz, though renting the Mazda CX-5 is a popular second choice according to our data. If you’re interested in renting the Jeep Grand Cherokee, prices are $70 per day on average. Some users have found Jeep Grand Cherokee rental deals in Santa Cruz for as low as $28 per day. Mazda CX-5 rentals in Santa Cruz are $75 per day on average, with some of the cheapest deals at $39 per day.

Best deals found for Santa Cruz, California car rentals

Find great deals below on a variety of popular rental car types in Santa Cruz, California
Economy$19/day
Compact$28/day
Intermediate$24/day
Standard$23/day
Full-size$30/day
Minivan$33/day
Full-size SUV$29/day
Premium SUV$40/day
Intermediate SUV$34/day
Standard SUV$38/day
Best rates found by momondo users in the past 48 hours.

Important information about Santa Cruz car rentals

How do I get from the Santa Cruz airport to the rental car center?

The Santa Cruz airport (SJC) is a good ways northeast of the city. There are multiple options for transportation from the airport to the car-rental center. Renting a car from the airport may be one of the best solutions. Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are the rental businesses available at the airport. The rental-vehicle center is directly across the road from the airport terminals, while a complimentary airport shuttle is also available to transport people to different locations. You can also take a taxi or a rideshare service like Lyft or Uber to travel from the terminal to the rental-car center. Taxis and rideshare services are available outside the baggage claim in the ground transportation area. Taking a bus is another alternative. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) offers a bus from the airport to Santa Cruz, stopping at the Santa Cruz Metro Center. You can then take the local bus to the car-rental center.

What documentation do I need to rent a car in Santa Cruz, California?

You'll need a driver's license and a credit card when renting a car in Santa Cruz, California. Your home state or country's driver's license should be in English, or otherwise, you must have an international driver's permit. Also required is proof of insurance, which can be either your private insurance or a plan acquired through the rental-car company. Make sure you know if your vehicle’s insurance coverage will cover a rental car. Rental-car agencies might ask for additional verification, like a passport or proof of residency. Before picking up your rental car, call the agency to find out what forms of identification are needed.

What driving laws should I keep an eye out for in Santa Cruz, California?

Several essential laws will be of primary importance to you when you drive in Santa Cruz, California. All drivers and passengers in a moving vehicle must wear safety belts at all times. According to the law, using a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle is prohibited. When you’re behind the wheel, you may only use hands-free devices. Pay attention to local speed limits, which may differ from city to city. Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol is against the law. In the state of California, the BAC limit for driving is 0.08%. California also has a statute mandating the use of hands-free equipment while operating a motor vehicle. Make sure that your rental car follows the state's demanding gas-emissions laws before you hit the road in California.

Can I drive to other states, regions, or countries with a rental car from Santa Cruz, California?

Yes, it is possible to take a rental vehicle from Santa Cruz, California, to other states, regions, or even countries, but the specifics are subject to the policies of the rental-car company, as well as the conditions of your rental agreement. You should give the rental-car company advance notice if you have plans to go outside of California; inquire first about any limitations or additional costs associated with doing so. When renting a car from some companies, you’ll find that you’re subject to certain driving restrictions if you leave the state, or you might be required to obtain additional insurance coverage. If you intend to drive to a country outside the USA, you will need to get the green light first with the rental company. The agency will determine whether you may cross international borders and what kind of additional information is necessary. You may also need to acquire an international driver's permit or buy specific insurance coverage.


Santa Cruz, California car rental deals found on momondo

Find the rental car in Santa Cruz that's right for you

Small cars

$46 - $81

All Car Types

$62 - $97

The average price of a small car rental in Santa Cruz, the United States is $59. The cheapest time to rent a small car in Santa Cruz, the United States is in January. The price is 24% lower than the rest of the year at just $46 per day. A small car rental is typically 25% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Cruz. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Cruz can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Santa Cruz small car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a medium car rental in Santa Cruz, the United States is $69. The cheapest time to rent a medium car in Santa Cruz, the United States is in February. The price is 20% lower than the rest of the year at just $56 per day. A medium car rental is typically 12% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Cruz. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Cruz can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Santa Cruz medium car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a large car rental in Santa Cruz, the United States is $99. The cheapest time to rent a large car in Santa Cruz, the United States is in February. The price is 31% lower than the rest of the year at just $69 per day. A large car rental is typically 21% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Cruz. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Cruz can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Santa Cruz large car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a SUV rental in Santa Cruz, the United States is $80. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in Santa Cruz, the United States is in November. The price is 30% lower than the rest of the year at just $56 per day. A SUV rental is typically 2% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Cruz. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Cruz can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Santa Cruz SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a van rental in Santa Cruz, the United States is $135. The cheapest time to rent a van in Santa Cruz, the United States is in February. The price is 27% lower than the rest of the year at just $100 per day. A van rental is typically 42% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Cruz. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Cruz can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car. Below are the best prices for Santa Cruz van rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a pickup truck rental in Santa Cruz, the United States is $65. The cheapest time to rent a pickup truck in Santa Cruz, the United States is in August. The price is 4% lower than the rest of the year at just $64 per day. A pickup truck rental is typically 17% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Cruz. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Cruz can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car.

The average price of a luxury car rental in Santa Cruz, the United States is $75. The cheapest time to rent a luxury car in Santa Cruz, the United States is in March. The price is 29% lower than the rest of the year at just $54 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 4% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Cruz. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Cruz can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car.

The average price of a convertible rental in Santa Cruz, the United States is $96. The cheapest time to rent a convertible in Santa Cruz, the United States is in July. The price is 57% lower than the rest of the year at just $42 per day. A convertible rental is typically 19% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Cruz. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Cruz can vary based on a number of factors including supply, popularity of the vehicle, and how far out you book your rental car.

Ford Fiesta
or similar Economy
Up to 2 passengers

$19/day

1 Apr - 15 Apr
Ford Fiesta
Kia Rio
or similar Compact
Up to 4 passengers
4-door vehicles

$28/day

1 Apr - 15 Apr
Kia Rio
Toyota Yaris
or similar Economy
Up to 2 passengers

$37/day

25 Mar - 29 Apr
Toyota Yaris

Santa Cruz car rental directory

All major car rental suppliers in Santa Cruz, California

Hertz

6.6
Okay
38 reviews4 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.6

Overall

6.2

Pick-up/drop-off

6.5

Value

6.2

Budget

10.0
Wonderful
2 reviews1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Overall

10.0

Pick-up/drop-off

10.0

Value

10.0

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

7.3
Good
23 reviews3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.1

Comfort

7.9

Overall

7.3

Pick-up/drop-off

6.8

Value

6.6

Avis

7.3
Good
9 reviews1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

7.0

Comfort

6.6

Overall

7.3

Pick-up/drop-off

7.3

Value

6.6

Thrifty

1 location

Quick facts about car rentals in Santa Cruz

Get the overview on great rental deals, popular car rental companies, and best car types for your visit in Santa Cruz

Most Popular Agency

Hertz

Popular Car Types

Economy, SUV, Intermediate

Cheapest Rental Car

$32

Most Popular Model

Volkswagen Golf
The most popular Santa Cruz car rental agency found on momondo this month is Hertz. Other top choices for car rental companies are Fox and Turo
The following car types were offered at rental car companies in Santa Cruz in the past 72 hours: Economy, SUV, Intermediate.
The lowest price for a rental car in Santa Cruz is $32/day. For this area, you can expect average prices starting from $51/day.
The most popular car model to rent in Santa Cruz in the past 7 days is the Volkswagen Golf. Our users also prefer the Toyota Camry as an alternative.

Find popular attractions close to your rental car pick-up

Visit these must-see attractions near popular rental car locations in Santa Cruz

Nearby attractions:

Nickelodeon Theatre48.8 mi
Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory49.4 mi
Main Beach49.5 mi
Natural Bridges State Park49.6 mi

Nearby attractions:

Nickelodeon Theatre27.4 mi
Main Beach28.0 mi
Natural Bridges State Park29.3 mi
Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory29.4 mi

Nearby attractions:

Nickelodeon Theatre52.1 mi
Main Beach52.8 mi
Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory53.2 mi
Natural Bridges State Park53.3 mi

Rent a car near one of these popular hotels in Santa Cruz

Below are the most popular hotels in Santa Cruz
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection

611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.6 mi from city center

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

Dream Inn Santa Cruz

175 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.9 mi from city center

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

Hyatt Place Santa Cruz

407 Broadway, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.6 mi from city center

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

6001 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

4.3 mi from city center

Casablanca Inn on The Beach

Casablanca Inn on The Beach

101 Main Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.9 mi from city center

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

Bay Front Inn Santa Cruz

325 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.7 mi from city center

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Cruz

313 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.8 mi from city center

Surf City Inn & Suites

Surf City Inn & Suites

619 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.6 mi from city center

Ocean Gate Inn

Ocean Gate Inn

111 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.9 mi from city center

Chaminade Resort & Spa

Chaminade Resort & Spa

1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

2.9 mi from city center

Ocean Pacific Lodge

Ocean Pacific Lodge

301 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.7 mi from city center

Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

Rio Vista Inn & Suites Santa Cruz

611 Third Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.8 mi from city center

Torch Lite Inn at the Beach Boardwalk

Torch Lite Inn at the Beach Boardwalk

500 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.7 mi from city center

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Cruz

2956 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

1.8 mi from city center

Hotel Solares

Hotel Solares

600 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.6 mi from city center

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz

Comfort Inn Santa Cruz

110 Plymouth Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.9 mi from city center

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Santa Cruz

550 2nd Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.7 mi from city center

Beach Street Inn and Suites

Beach Street Inn and Suites

125 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United States

0.8 mi from city center


Driving with a rental car in Santa Cruz - FAQs

Learn everything there is to know about renting a car in Santa Cruz so you can be properly prepared for your next trip

How much will it cost to rent a car in Santa Cruz, California in April?

To rent a car in Santa Cruz for a weekend in April, we found prices as low as $29 with an average of $65. For a one-week car rental, Santa Cruz prices in April average $47 with the best deals starting at $20.

Is there a fee to cancel my Santa Cruz, California car rental?

The majority of car rental agencies in Santa Cruz offer free cancellation. momondo will always tell you whether or not rental car centers such as Budget, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and Avis have a cancellation fee for travelers who have last-minute itinerary changes.

What is the best type of car to rent in Santa Cruz during April?

A Standard car is the ideal car to rent when visiting Santa Cruz in April. On average, Santa Cruz receives 0.8″ of precipitation and temperatures hover around 59 °F during the month of April. These conditions are well-suited for a standard, which can easily handle a bit of rain and even hold up well when temperatures fall. Renting a Standard in Santa Cruz will cost you $65/day on average.

What is the speed limit in Santa Cruz, California?

Travelers who rent a car in Santa Cruz should be aware that the city’s speed limit is 25 mph. Suburban speed limits around Santa Cruz are generally 75 mph, whereas speed limits on highways are 75 mph. Keep in mind that speeds may change depending on what road you’re traveling on, so be on the lookout for posted signage.

What car rental company has the Jeep Grand Cherokee in Santa Cruz?

What is the weather like in Santa Cruz, CA in March?

In March, Santa Cruz usually gets 4.3″ of precipitation and has an average temperature of 53.6 °F. This information can be very helpful when looking at rental cars in Santa Cruz as it can help you make the best decision.

Is the weather in Santa Cruz similar to the rest of California?

The climate in California during March is usually 57.2 °F with an expected 2.2″ of precipitation throughout the month. Those looking to rent a car and leave from Santa Cruz on a road trip to the surrounding area should take note of this information.

When did momondo last update prices for cars in Santa Cruz?

Prices for cars in Santa Cruz were last updated today.

How many operators does momondo search for cars in Santa Cruz?

How old do you have to be to hire a car in Santa Cruz?

Age requirements for drivers vary depending on the country, including Santa Cruz. In several EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. Generally, to rent a car overseas, you must be at least 21 years old, and if you're under 25, you may be charged a young driver surcharge. It's recommended that you review the policy of your preferred rental company before booking.

What documentation or ID do you need to rent a car in Santa Cruz?

When renting a car in Santa Cruz, all drivers must present a full valid driving license. An International Driving Permit is required if the driving license is written in a language different to that of the country of rental and may be necessary to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you are renting abroad, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We always recommend checking with the individual rental company you are booking with.


Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to book a car rental in Santa Cruz?

momondo finds and compares thousands of car rental websites to provide you with the best selection of policies and car rentals in Santa Cruz. Finding a rental car is quick and free of charge, so using momondo for your booking makes sense.

How does momondo help me find the best car rental deal in Santa Cruz?

Once you have performed a search for a car rental in Santa Cruz, momondo will show the results and enable you to find the best deal by using our filters; here you can narrow your search down by vehicle type, price, agencies and a multitude of policies that can apply.

Does momondo show car rental deals in Santa Cruz with free cancellation?

Of course! momondo has a dedicated filter for users to specifically look at car rentals in Santa Cruz which offer free cancellation.

Can I rent a car with a fair fuel policy in Santa Cruz on momondo?

Fair fuel policies are specifically available to select on momondo, allowing you to refine your search for rental cars in Santa Cruz.

Can I find a car rental in Santa Cruz which offers enhanced cleaning on momondo?

You can specifically filter for enhanced cleaning on rental cars in Santa Cruz on momondo.

Can I search for rental cars in Santa Cruz with unlimited mileage on momondo?

Yes, unlimited mileage options can be found on rental cars in Santa Cruz on momondo.


An easier way to manage your Santa Cruz trip

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Popular rental car types in Santa Cruz


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