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Car rentals in Santa Monica, California

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

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

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Rental cars insight and trends in Santa Monica

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

What is the cheapest rental car agency in Santa Monica?

The cheapest rental cars in Santa Monica are generally found through Right Cars. When booking with Right Cars, you may be able to find rental car prices for as low as $8/day. The average price to rent a car in Santa Monica is $18/day.

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

Enterprise Rent-A-Car has the most locations of any rental car company in Santa Monica, with 5 locations.

What car do most people rent in Santa Monica?

Most momondo users will rent the Toyota Corolla in Santa Monica, though renting the Nissan Rogue is a popular second choice according to our data. If you’re interested in renting the Toyota Corolla, prices are $48 per day on average. Some users have found Toyota Corolla rental deals in Santa Monica for as low as $10 per day. Nissan Rogue rentals in Santa Monica are $60 per day on average, with some of the cheapest deals at $10 per day.

Best deals found for Santa Monica, California car rentals

Find great deals below on a variety of popular rental car types in Santa Monica, California
Compact$22/day
Intermediate$26/day
Standard$22/day
Full-size$28/day
Minivan$46/day
Full-size SUV$35/day
Premium$36/day
Luxury$28/day
Convertible$50/day
Intermediate SUV$28/day
Standard SUV$29/day
Best rates found by momondo users in the past 48 hours.

Important information about Santa Monica car rentals

Traveling to Santa Monica would be incomplete without going to its famous attractions, such as Santa Monica Pier, Palisades Park, Santa Monica Palace, Heal the Bay Aquarium, Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica State Beach. All these locations can be reached by car. Keep an eye out for Santa Monica Freeway or Interstate 10 since it links most of the popular attractions such as Santa Monica Palace, Santa Monica Pier, Sony Pictures Studios and Downtown L.A. Some of the interstate highways have tolls such as I-73 but you can avoid it and use the toll-free I-10. Parking is not an issue in Santa Monica as you can find free or cheap garages, street, meters and parking lots. Renting a car is a seamless process and there are upwards of 20 car rental locations in Santa Monica. Car rentals in Santa Monica offer a variety of vehicles including electric car rentals, passenger van rental and economy car rental. If money is not a problem for you, you can opt for a luxury car rental in Santa Monica.

Is it worthwhile renting a car while visiting Santa Monica?

You will not have to be stressed about parking because there are many parking lots and garages in the city. Santa Monica is a busy town with various traffic hotspots, including Interstate 10, which is one of the major roads used. Rush hour is usually in the morning and early evening, so do not travel during these hours to avoid traffic congestion. When you are in Santa Monica, it is reasonable to rent a car. Driving makes it convenient to visit breathtaking sights in the nearby areas, such as Santa Monica Mountains and Looff Hippodrome. These locations are both 1-2 hours away from the city. Santa Monica is very walkable. However, it is a sprawling city, hence, you cannot reach all its major attractions on foot, so you need to rent a car from one of the many car rentals in Santa Monica. A cheap car rental in Santa Monica will help you save money and time as well as have a more enjoyable time traveling around the city as you have the freedom to plan your tour. Rental cars in Santa Monica are highly dependable because they are the latest models and they are well maintained, so it will not be easy to have a breakdown incidence on the road. If you want to have an easy time navigating the city from the start, it is advisable to contact Santa Monica car rentals and book a car before arriving in the city.

What different driving laws should I keep in mind while driving in Santa Monica?

When booking a rental car in Santa Monica, you should keep in mind some of the specific city and state traffic laws. You can turn right at a red light after stopping your car provided that auto, bicycle and foot traffic is clear. Also, cars are not allowed in bus lanes except when making right turns, which are prohibited during peak periods. Santa Monica is a busy city, so always keep your eyes on the road at all times. It is best to check with Santa Monica’s department of motor vehicles for the latest law changes.

What kind of driver’s license do you need to rent a car in Santa Monica?

For car rentals in Santa Monica, including an economy car rental or a passenger van rental, you are required to have a valid U.S or home country driver’s license, a major credit card and your photo identification or passport. Students on F-1 visas are permitted to drive in Santa Monica as long as they have a valid home country license.


Santa Monica, California car rental deals found on momondo

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

Small cars

$37 - $52

All Car Types

$47 - $71

The average price of a small car rental in Santa Monica, the United States is $43. The cheapest time to rent a small car in Santa Monica, the United States is in December. The price is 14% lower than the rest of the year at just $37 per day. A small car rental is typically 28% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Monica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Monica 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 Monica small car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a medium car rental in Santa Monica, the United States is $51. The cheapest time to rent a medium car in Santa Monica, the United States is in January. The price is 29% lower than the rest of the year at just $37 per day. A medium car rental is typically 12% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Monica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Monica 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 Monica medium car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a large car rental in Santa Monica, the United States is $73. The cheapest time to rent a large car in Santa Monica, the United States is in January. The price is 22% lower than the rest of the year at just $58 per day. A large car rental is typically 21% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Monica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Monica 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 Monica large car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a SUV rental in Santa Monica, the United States is $57. The cheapest time to rent a SUV in Santa Monica, the United States is in May. The price is 25% lower than the rest of the year at just $43 per day. A SUV rental is typically 4% less expensive than the average rental car in Santa Monica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Monica 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 Monica SUV rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a van rental in Santa Monica, the United States is $94. The cheapest time to rent a van in Santa Monica, the United States is in November. The price is 33% lower than the rest of the year at just $64 per day. A van rental is typically 38% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Monica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Monica 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 Monica van rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a luxury car rental in Santa Monica, the United States is $82. The cheapest time to rent a luxury car in Santa Monica, the United States is in June. The price is 19% lower than the rest of the year at just $67 per day. A luxury car rental is typically 29% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Monica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Monica 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 Monica luxury car rentals found on momondo in the past week.

The average price of a convertible rental in Santa Monica, the United States is $117. The cheapest time to rent a convertible in Santa Monica, the United States is in January. The price is 39% lower than the rest of the year at just $73 per day. A convertible rental is typically 50% more expensive than the average rental car in Santa Monica. The average price of a vehicle rental in Santa Monica 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 Monica convertible rentals found on momondo in the past week.

Ford Focus
or similar Compact
Up to 4 passengers

$22/day

26 Mar - 16 Apr
Ford Focus
Hyundai Accent
or similar Compact
Up to 4 passengers

$27/day

27 Mar - 27 Apr
Hyundai Accent

Santa Monica car rental directory

All major car rental suppliers in Santa Monica, California

Hertz

6.6
Okay
36 reviews3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

6.6

Comfort

6.9

Overall

6.5

Pick-up/drop-off

6.5

Value

6.6

Avis

9.3
Wonderful
7 reviews3 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.9

Overall

9.3

Pick-up/drop-off

8.9

Value

8.3

Midway

9.3
Wonderful
8 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.4

Comfort

9.4

Overall

9.4

Pick-up/drop-off

9.1

Value

9.4

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

9.0
Wonderful
10 reviews5 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

9.1

Comfort

8.8

Overall

8.8

Pick-up/drop-off

8.6

Value

9.3

Budget

6.8
Okay
4 reviews2 locations
Overview

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

6.4

Overall

6.8

Pick-up/drop-off

6.4

Value

6.8

Sixt

6.5
Okay
14 reviews1 location
Overview

Cleanliness

6.9

Comfort

6.7

Overall

6.7

Pick-up/drop-off

6.4

Value

6.4

Thrifty

1 location

Eagle Rent A Car

3 locations

Quick facts about car rentals in Santa Monica

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

Most Popular Agency

Kyte

Popular Car Types

Intermediate, SUV, Compact

Cheapest Rental Car

$21

Most Popular Model

Toyota Corolla
The most popular Santa Monica car rental agency found on momondo this month is Kyte. Other top choices for car rental companies are Hertz and Midway
The following car types were offered at rental car companies in Santa Monica in the past 72 hours: Intermediate, SUV, Compact.
The lowest price for a rental car in Santa Monica is $21/day. For this area, you can expect average prices starting from $45/day.
The most popular car model to rent in Santa Monica in the past 7 days is the Toyota Corolla. Our users also prefer the Nissan Rogue 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 Monica

Nearby attractions:

Original Muscle Beach6.7 mi
Bergamot Station6.8 mi
Sovereign Hotel7.6 mi
Annenberg Community Beach House8.3 mi
Will Rogers State Beach9.8 mi

Nearby attractions:

Bergamot Station42.1 mi
Original Muscle Beach42.6 mi
Sovereign Hotel43.4 mi
Annenberg Community Beach House44.1 mi
Will Rogers State Beach45.7 mi

Nearby attractions:

Bergamot Station13.5 mi
Sovereign Hotel14.9 mi
Annenberg Community Beach House15.0 mi
Will Rogers State Beach15.2 mi
Original Muscle Beach15.4 mi

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

Below are the most popular hotels in Santa Monica
Huntley Santa Monica Beach

Huntley Santa Monica Beach

1111 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.4 mi from city center

Fairmont Miramar - Hotel & Bungalows

Fairmont Miramar - Hotel & Bungalows

101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.4 mi from city center

Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites

Hilton Santa Monica Hotel & Suites

1707 4th St, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.4 mi from city center

The Pierside Santa Monica

The Pierside Santa Monica

120 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.2 mi from city center

Shore Hotel

Shore Hotel

1515 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.1 mi from city center

Viceroy Santa Monica

Viceroy Santa Monica

1819 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.5 mi from city center

Ocean View Hotel

Ocean View Hotel

1447 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.1 mi from city center

Santa Monica Proper Hotel

Santa Monica Proper Hotel

700 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.5 mi from city center

Gateway Hotel Santa Monica

Gateway Hotel Santa Monica

1920 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, United States

1.3 mi from city center

Shutters on the Beach

Shutters on the Beach

1 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.5 mi from city center

Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica

Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica

530 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.6 mi from city center

Casa Del Mar

Casa Del Mar

1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.6 mi from city center

Ocean Park Hotel

Ocean Park Hotel

2680 32nd Street, Santa Monica, CA, United States

2.5 mi from city center

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Monica

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Santa Monica

3102 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, United States

2.3 mi from city center

Hotel Carmel

Hotel Carmel

201 Broadway, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.0 mi from city center

The Ambrose

The Ambrose

1255 20th Street, Santa Monica, CA, United States

1.4 mi from city center

Days Inn by Wyndham Santa Monica

Days Inn by Wyndham Santa Monica

3007 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA, United States

2.1 mi from city center

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Monica

Courtyard by Marriott Santa Monica

425 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, United States

0.2 mi from city center


Driving with a rental car in Santa Monica - FAQs

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

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

For April in Santa Monica, the average price from these searches for a weekend rental was $63 - but some users found deals as low as $41. For a week-long rental, the lowest price was $19, with more options around the $45 mark.

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

In most cases, there is no fee when you cancel your Santa Monica car rental. You can check to see whether or not your preferred car rental company in Santa Monica offers free cancellation when booking with momondo.

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

During the month of April in Santa Monica, temperatures hover around 62.6 °F - which is perfect for renting a Convertible. With precipitation only averaging 0.2″ during April in Santa Monica, a Convertible will allow you to truly enjoy the sites while cruising down the streets. Keep in mind that you may want to check the weather before your trip, just in case. Renting a Convertible in Santa Monica will cost you $90/day on average.

What is the speed limit in Santa Monica, California?

25 mph is the city speed limit for Santa Monica, which also applies to surrounding towns and other urban centers. The suburban speed limit and the speed limit for highways around Santa Monica are 75 mph and 75 mph, respectively. If you rent a car in Santa Monica, be aware that these speed limits may be strictly enforced.

What car rental company has the Nissan Kicks in Santa Monica?

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

Those looking for a rental car in Santa Monica during the month of March should expect temperatures to be around 59 °F and should expect around 2.6″ of precipitation. This information can be helpful when choosing which car you’d like to rent.

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

If you’re looking for a Santa Monica rental car for a road trip to the surrounding areas during the month of March it’s important to know that the rest of California typically has a temperature of 57.2 °F and will usually expect 2.2″ of precipitation.

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

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

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

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

The minimum age for drivers varies by country, including Santa Monica. In many EU countries drivers must be 18 years old. As a rule, you’ll need to be 21 to hire a car abroad, and a young driver surcharge may be applied if you are under 25. We recommend reading through the policy of your chosen rental company before booking.

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

All drivers must have a valid full driving license when renting a car in Santa Monica. If the license is written in a different language from the country of rental, an International Driving Permit may be required to avoid the risk of potential fines. If you're renting a car overseas, you may also need to provide proof of return travel and accommodation information during your stay. It is always advisable to check with the individual rental company you're booking with.


Why use momondo?

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

Choosing momondo to search for rental cars in Santa Monica makes sense because it is quick and free of charge. We find all the rental car prices and policies, you simply choose what works best for you and your trip.

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

Filtering is how momondo helps you find a great rental car in Santa Monica. Narrow your search using price and map features as well as filtering by fuel or mileage policies amongst many other filters available.

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

Yes, whether it is for cars in Santa Monica or elsewhere, momondo allows you to filter specifically for policies that offer free cancellation.

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

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

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

You certainly can. momondo has a dedicated filter for enhanced cleaning services for all car rental locations including Santa Monica.

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

Absolutely. You can specifically filter for rental car deals in Santa Monica with unlimited mileage on momondo.


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