Santa Cruz Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Compare rent a car rates in Santa Cruz from popular car rental companies

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Enjoy maximum flexibility with penalty-free cancellation on most car rentals.

Explore Santa Cruz with Cheap Car Rentals and Car Hire Deals

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Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Santa Cruz?
You get serious bang for your buck in Santa Cruz, with car rental prices within the past seven days starting from as low as AU$98 a day.
Can I rent a car from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC)?
Absolutely. After you’ve picked up your bags at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), you’ll locate the rental car companies directly across from Terminal B. Book the right ride with Budget, Enterprise or Dollar. Sixt and Hertz are also worth considering.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Cruz car reservation?
We realise that plans change at short notice. That’s why a large number of prepaid homes allow for a refund if you cancel a minimum of six hours before collecting the car. Your home agreement should have all the specifics you need. If you can’t see the answer there, our Customer Service Portal is here to help.
What types of cars can I rent in Santa Cruz?
Crowded city streets and narrow parking spaces are no match for an economy car — the most sought-after type of home in Santa Cruz. Hop behind the wheel of one of these and drive around traffic effortlessly. Reliable, affordable and good on gas, these small cars pack a punch. But Santa Cruz can be explored in almost any sort of home you like. Compacts, SUVs and full-size vehicles are some other options to choose from.
Where can I go on a road trip from Santa Cruz?
There are so many adventures to be had in Santa Cruz, but head farther afield and you’ll find more sightseeing magic. Book a set of wheels and you can wander around the surrounding region at your own pace. Add these fantastic drives to your travel plan:

  • Make your way to San Francisco for a fun-filled sightseeing adventure. Roughly 97 kilometres from Santa Cruz, it has loads of great sights such as Pier 39.
  • Why not check out everything on offer in Palo Alto too? Unmissable tourist attractions here include Stanford University. Palo Alto is about 56 kilometres from Santa Cruz.
  • Glacier Point is around 225 kilometres from Santa Cruz and is one of the region’s most breathtaking nature spots. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the fresh air.

Why should I rent a Santa Cruz car with Expedia?
From business trips to cross-country expeditions, Expedia has cars to suit every adventure and style. Take your pick of quality home companies in Santa Cruz. And with our Best Price Guarantee, you can be confident you’ll get a fantastic deal on your wheels. Did you know you can bundle your bookings into a package? Add a hotel or flight to your rental car and see how much you save!
How do I find the best car rental deals in Santa Cruz with Expedia?
Finding an amazing deal on your Santa Cruz rental car is a piece of cake with Expedia. Choose your preferred ride, add some details and compare the offers across major suppliers. Why not add flights and hotels to your booking? You’ll unlock even bigger savings when you create a holiday package.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
You’ll need to be 21 and over to jump behind the wheel of a home vehicle in Santa Cruz. Take note that young drivers may be restricted to renting from a few car classes, such as economy, compact and medium size. Higher age limits usually apply for larger and luxury vehicles. Most suppliers will also charge a fee for young renters. Check the rules before booking and factor any extra fees into your budget.
What do you need to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
Most of the time, all you’ll need is a driver’s license and credit card in your name when collecting the keys to your vehicle. You may also need your own proof of coverage if you’d like to opt out of the company’s insurance plan. Requirements are likely to differ between home outlets, so be sure to read the fine print.
What is the cheapest car rental in Santa Cruz?
The lowest car rental price in Santa Cruz within the past seven days was AU$98 per day. The second best deal snapped up by thrifty travellers was AU$181. These rates were available on Expedia, with a home starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Santa Cruz?
Yes, so you won’t have to rebook a holiday home car in the middle of your holiday. Check out our long-term car rental deals page, enter your travel dates and secure a ride that’s all yours for the length of your escape.
Where can I find a Santa Cruz car rental if I am younger than 25?
This will depend on the car rental companies operating in Santa Cruz. They often have different policies when it comes to minimum ages. If you’ve found an outlet that does cater to drivers under the age of 25 bear in mind that extra costs may apply. Do some research into what those charges could be before booking your holiday home.
Can I drive in Santa Cruz with my current driver's license?
If you don’t have a license from the United States, then you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your country of residence before renting a car in the U.S. If you find that an IDP is required, be aware that you’ll also have to show your current valid driver’s license and your passport or other forms of ID. Lastly, the credit card used to rent the vehicle must match the name on your license and passport in order to confirm your home. Other things you should know about rental cars in the U.S. Are:

  • Age restrictions: You must be at least 25 in many states to rent a car, although in some places the minimum age is 21. We recommend checking local rules and regulations, as well as with the company you’re renting from before you book to understand all the regulations that may apply to you.
  • Driving limitations: Don’t forget to read the fine print before you get behind the wheel so you can avoid any unnecessary fees. When renting a car in the United States, it’s usually prohibited to cross country borders into Canada or Mexico, drive on ferries or traverse off-road areas with your home vehicle. Please read the details before booking!

Information on Car Rentals

 
Popular Car Rental Types:
Hire a SUV, Economy, Luxury, Full Size
 
Car Rental Suppliers Available:
 
Today's Best Car Rental Offer:
AU$98
 
Second Best Car Rental Deal:
AU$181
 
Third Best Car Rental Deal:
AU$240
 
Airport to hotel transportation:
Airport Transportation