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Car rentals in Santa Maria, California

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

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

Deals from rental companies in 70,000+ locations.

Rental cars insight and trends in Santa Maria

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

What is the cheapest rental car agency in Santa Maria?

The cheapest rental cars in Santa Maria are generally found through Turo. When booking with Turo, you may be able to find rental car prices for as low as $29/day. The average price to rent a car in Santa Maria is $40/day.

What car do most people rent in Santa Maria?

For an average of $89/day (and as low as $40/day), Kia Rio rentals in Santa Maria are the most popular car among our users. Renting the Ford Transit in Santa Maria for $237/day on average ($212/day for a cheap deal) is another popular choice.

Best deals found for Santa Maria, California car rentals

Find great deals below on a variety of popular rental car types in Santa Maria, California
Economy$26/day
Compact$23/day
Intermediate$26/day
Standard$31/day
Full-size$32/day
Minivan$61/day
Convertible$83/day
Intermediate SUV$45/day
Standard SUV$53/day
Best rates found by momondo users in the past 48 hours.

Important information about Santa Maria car rentals

How to get from Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) to the rental car center

Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) is the gateway to Santa Maria. Getting a Santa Maria car rental is easy as rental agencies like Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget have car rental counters inside the terminal building next to the baggage claim area. You will find signs throughout the terminal building directing you to the appropriate location. Once you have reached a rental agreement, you will pick up your car rental at the car rental lot outside the terminal. Alternatively, downtown Santa Maria hosts several car rental centers with a wider selection of car rental classes, and you can conveniently get there from SMX via various transportation modes. Santa Maria Area Transit runs buses outside the terminal building from Sky Drive and stops are at Santa Maria Town Center Mall and Santa Maria Transit Center. Another alternative is to take a cab or ride-sharing service from the airline hub to the car rental center in downtown Santa Maria.

What documentation do I need to rent a car in Santa Maria?

If you are interested in getting a Santa Maria car rental, there are a few documents that the car rental agencies will require you to present. You typically need to avail a credit card, your driver's license, a reservation confirmation, and proof of insurance. Your driver's license must be valid and current and, in some cases, held for at least one year. The names on your credit card and driver's license must match as well. The credit card should have sufficient credit to cover the insurance, rental fees, and any other expenses arising during the rental period. Some car rental agencies in Santa Maria have age limitations for booking a car, and you may be charged a young driver's fee if you are 25 and under.

What driving laws should I keep an eye out for in Santa Maria?

It is essential that you keep yourself up to date on some Santa Maria driving laws before getting behind the wheel of your car rental to ensure your safety and that of others. Firstly, you must abide by traffic signals and signs like traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs. You should also follow the posted limits that vary depending on the location and the type of road. For instance, residential areas have speed limits ranging between 25 and 30 mph, while on highways, limits range from 45 to 65 mph. You should yield to bicyclists and pedestrians, especially in designated bike lanes and crosswalks. Using handheld devices, including emailing, texting, or making phone calls, is also unlawful while driving your Santa Maria car rental, but hands-free devices, like Bluetooth, are permitted. Drunk driving is a severe violation in Santa Maria; the legal blood concentration limit is 0.08%, and if you are 21 years and under, you should not consume alcohol before driving.

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

Yes. The car rental agencies in Santa Maria allow you to drive to other states, regions, or countries, but their policies vary. It is, therefore, important to check with the rental company to ensure that you are complying with their regulations and policies. For instance, if you are crossing state lines or going on a cross-border trip, your car rental agency may require you to pay additional fees, purchase additional insurance coverage, and present more documents. If you are looking to rent a one-way drop-off car rental, check with your provider for allowed locations, if they impose extra costs, and if they have limitations on classes to rent.


Santa Maria, California car rental deals found on momondo

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

Small cars

$58 - $78

All Car Types

$73 - $107

The average price of a small car rental in Santa Maria, the United States is $65. The cheapest time to rent a small car in Santa Maria, the United States is in January. The price is 13% lower than the rest of the year at just $58 per day. A small car rental is typically 25% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Maria. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Maria 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 Maria small car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a medium car rental in Santa Maria, the United States is $74. The cheapest time to rent a medium car in Santa Maria, the United States is in January. The price is 25% lower than the rest of the year at just $56 per day. A medium car rental is typically 16% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Maria. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Maria 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 Maria medium car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a large car rental in Santa Maria, the United States is $109. The cheapest time to rent a large car in Santa Maria, the United States is in December. The price is 39% lower than the rest of the year at just $68 per day. A large car rental is typically 20% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Maria. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Maria 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 Maria large car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a SUV rental in Santa Maria, the United States is $95. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in Santa Maria, the United States is in December. The price is 19% lower than the rest of the year at just $77 per day. A SUV rental is typically 8% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Maria. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Maria 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 Maria SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a van rental in Santa Maria, the United States is $140. The cheapest time to rent a van in Santa Maria, the United States is in December. The price is 27% lower than the rest of the year at just $104 per day. A van rental is typically 38% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Maria. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Maria 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 Maria van rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a luxury car rental in Santa Maria, the United States is $87. The cheapest time to rent a luxury car in Santa Maria, the United States is in February. The price is 51% lower than the rest of the year at just $43 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 2% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Maria. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Maria 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 Maria, the United States is $66. The cheapest time to rent a convertible in Santa Maria, the United States is in February. The price is 48% lower than the rest of the year at just $35 per day. A convertible rental is typically 24% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Maria. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Maria 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 Maria convertible rentals found on momondo in the past week.

Toyota Yaris
or similar Compact
Up to 4 passengers

$23/day

5 Jun - 12 Jun
Toyota Yaris
Chevrolet Spark
or similar Economy
Up to 2 passengers

$26/day

5 Jun - 12 Jun
Chevrolet Spark
Nissan Sentra
or similar Compact
Up to 4 passengers

$26/day

4 Jun - 11 Jun
Nissan Sentra

Santa Maria car rental directory

All major car rental suppliers in Santa Maria, California

Avis

7.7
Good
24 reviews1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.8

Overall

7.7

Pick-up/drop-off

7.7

Value

7.6

Budget

6.8
Okay
23 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.0

Comfort

7.4

Overall

6.8

Pick-up/drop-off

6.4

Value

6.5

Hertz

5.9
Fair
15 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.3

Comfort

6.3

Overall

6.0

Pick-up/drop-off

6.0

Value

6.0

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

5.8
Fair
11 reviews3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.0

Comfort

6.5

Overall

5.7

Pick-up/drop-off

6.0

Value

5.7

AutoEurope

1 location

Easirent

1 location

Quick facts about car rentals in Santa Maria

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

Most Popular Agency

Budget

Popular Car Types

Economy, Intermediate, Compact

Cheapest Rental Car

$39

Most Popular Model

Kia Rio
The most popular Santa Maria car rental agency found on momondo this month is Budget. Other top choices for car rental companies are Avis and Enterprise Rent-A-Car
The following car types were offered at rental car companies in Santa Maria in the past 72 hours: Economy, Intermediate, Compact.
The lowest price for a rental car in Santa Maria is $39/day. For this area, you can expect average prices starting from $66/day.
The most popular car model to rent in Santa Maria in the past 7 days is the Kia Rio. Our users also prefer the Ford Transit 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 Maria

Nearby attractions:

Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum49.2 mi
Natural History Museum49.4 mi

Nearby attractions:

Natural History Museum23.1 mi
Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum23.3 mi

Nearby attractions:

Natural History Museum84.6 mi
Santa Maria Valley Discovery Museum84.7 mi

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

Below are the most popular hotels in Santa Maria
Historic Santa Maria Inn

Historic Santa Maria Inn

801 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA, United States

0.6 mi from city center

Radisson Hotel Santa Maria, CA

Radisson Hotel Santa Maria, CA

3455 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA, United States

4.0 mi from city center

Holiday Inn & Suites Santa Maria, An IHG Hotel

Holiday Inn & Suites Santa Maria, An IHG Hotel

2100 North Broadway, Santa Maria, CA, United States

1.8 mi from city center

Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Maria

Hampton Inn & Suites Santa Maria

2190 Preisker Lane, Santa Maria, CA, United States

1.9 mi from city center

Solaire Inn & Suites

Solaire Inn & Suites

1995 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA, United States

1.9 mi from city center

Best Western Plus Big America

Best Western Plus Big America

1725 North Broadway, Santa Maria, CA, United States

1.2 mi from city center

Motel 6 Santa Maria

Motel 6 Santa Maria

2040 North Preisker Lane, Santa Maria, CA, United States

1.8 mi from city center

Wine Stone Inn

Wine Stone Inn

255 West Clark Avenue, Santa Maria, CA, United States

6.1 mi from city center

Days Inn by Wyndham Santa Maria

Days Inn by Wyndham Santa Maria

839 East Main Street, Santa Maria, CA, United States

0.7 mi from city center

Candlewood Suites Santa Maria

Candlewood Suites Santa Maria

2079 North Roemer Court, Santa Maria, CA, United States

1.7 mi from city center

Travelodge by Wyndham Santa Maria

Travelodge by Wyndham Santa Maria

1514 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA, United States

1.4 mi from city center

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Maria

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Santa Maria

2061 Roemer Ct, Santa Maria, CA, United States

1.6 mi from city center

Colonial Motel

Colonial Motel

1866 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA, United States

1.8 mi from city center

Motel 6 Santa Maria - South

Motel 6 Santa Maria - South

1007 East Main Street, Santa Maria, CA, United States

0.9 mi from city center

Carriage Casita Jewel of the Central Coast

Carriage Casita Jewel of the Central Coast

Santa Maria, CA, United States

0.7 mi from city center

Comfy, independent 1 bedroom guest suite in Orcutt

Comfy, independent 1 bedroom guest suite in Orcutt

Santa Maria, CA, United States

3.9 mi from city center

Buckboard Motel

Buckboard Motel

1620 South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA, United States

1.5 mi from city center

Pet-Friendly Santa Maria Condo with Balcony!

Pet-Friendly Santa Maria Condo with Balcony!

Santa Maria, CA, United States

3.9 mi from city center


Driving with a rental car in Santa Maria - FAQs

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

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

For April in Santa Maria, the average price from these searches for a weekend rental was $117 - but some users found deals as low as $46. $66 is a normal deal for a week-long rental in Santa Maria, but for April it's not uncommon to see prices as low as $30, depending on your requirements.

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

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

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

A Standard car is the ideal car to rent when visiting Santa Maria in April. On average, Santa Maria receives 0.3″ of precipitation and temperatures hover around 57.2 °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 Maria will cost you $62/day on average.

What is the speed limit in Santa Maria, California?

Santa Maria’s speed limit is 25 mph when you are driving in the city. This speed limit might also apply to surrounding towns and neighborhoods. The suburban speed limit in Santa Maria is 75 mph and the speed limit for highways is 75 mph. However, be sure to look for posted signage as these speeds may vary.

What car rental company has the Audi A5 in Santa Maria?

What is the weather like in Santa Maria, California, CA in March?

In March, Santa Maria usually gets 2.2″ of precipitation and has an average temperature of 53.6 °F. This information can be very helpful when looking at rental cars in Santa Maria as it can help you make the best decision.

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

Those looking to rent a car in Santa Maria for a road trip to the surrounding areas, please know the weather in California during the month of March usually is around 57.2 °F with 2.2″ of possible rain.

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

Prices for cars in Santa Maria are refreshed on a daily basis.

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

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

The minimum age for drivers varies by country, including Santa Maria. In numerous EU countries, drivers must be 18 years old. To rent a car overseas, you'll generally need to be at least 21, and if you're under 25, a young driver surcharge may be applied. We advise that you read the policy of your chosen rental company before making a reservation.

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

To rent a car in Santa Maria, all drivers must have a valid full driving license. If the license is written in a language other than the language of the country of rental, an International Driving Permit may be required to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you're renting a car abroad, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. We recommend that you verify with the specific rental company you're booking with.


Why use momondo?

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

momondo finds and compares thousands of car rental websites to provide you with the best selection of policies and car rentals in Santa Maria. 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 Maria?

momondo makes it easier for you to find great car rentals in Santa Maria, by allowing you to refine your search with numerous filtering options. You can narrow your selection by looking at price, car type, location and more.

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

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

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

Yes, fair fuel policies are a specific filter offered on momondo for all car rental locations including Santa Maria.

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

Yes, rental cars in Santa Maria with enhanced cleaning options can be searched for on momondo.

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

momondo offers a filter specifically for unlimited mileage on car rentals in Santa Maria.


An easier way to manage your Santa Maria trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

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Popular rental car types in Santa Maria


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