Car Rentals in Santa Ana, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Santa Ana

Renting a car in Santa Ana offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Bowers Museum and the historic Old Orange County Courthouse, both located in Santa Ana. Families can take a short drive of 9 km to the Disneyland® Resort, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors of all ages. The convenience of a rental car is particularly beneficial for families, allowing you to manage luggage effortlessly and enjoy spontaneous detours. Additionally, popular destinations like Anaheim, just 11 km away, offer further entertainment options, including Knott's Berry Farm and Disney California Adventure® Park. For a relaxing beach day, Newport Beach is a mere 15 km away, featuring beautiful piers and scenic coastline. Exploring nearby Orange, located 5 km from Santa Ana, means you can enjoy attractions like Irvine Regional Park. A rental car enhances your sightseeing experience, making travel plans more flexible and enjoyable for everyone, whether you're seeking cultural experiences, family fun, or city exploration.

Most popular car hires in Santa Ana

• Midsize SUV: This car type accommodates 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for families, couples, or small groups. With ample space for passengers and luggage, a midsize SUV offers the comfort and flexibility needed for exploring Santa Ana and its surroundings at your own pace.
• Fullsize: Also accommodating 5 travellers, the fullsize car can manage up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it perfect for families and groups. The additional space allows for comfortable travel, whether you are carrying lots of luggage or simply prefer a roomier interior for your journeys around Santa Ana.
• Standard SUV: This option is suitable for 5 travellers and can accommodate up to 2 medium suitcases. The standard SUV is an excellent choice for couples, families, or groups wanting a balance between space and manoeuvrability. It provides a comfortable ride for your adventures in and around Santa Ana while maintaining flexibility for your travel plans.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Ana

• Avis: Avis stands out with 3 rental locations throughout the Santa Ana area, making it easily accessible for travellers. This supplier is popular for its reliable selection of vehicles, particularly the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV, which cater well to a variety of travel needs. Customers appreciate the flexibility that Avis provides, allowing for efficient management of luggage and itinerary adjustments during their trips.
• Dollar Rent A Car: With 1 convenient rental location in Santa Ana, Dollar Rent A Car is a great option for those looking for straightforward service. This supplier is particularly well-known for its Midsize SUV and Standard Convertible options, providing a good balance of comfort and style. Customers value the ease of the rental process, making Dollar a solid choice for tourists eager to explore the area.
• Thrifty Car Hire: Thrifty Car Hire also boasts 1 rental location in Santa Ana, appealing to those who seek a reliable vehicle for their adventures. The most popular choices from this supplier include the Midsize SUV and Compact SUV, offering flexibility and convenience for various travel plans. Thrifty is recognised for its straightforward rental experience, making it a suitable selection for both short and long-term hires.

Where to stay around Santa Ana

• Anaheim: Located 11 km away from Santa Ana, Anaheim is a vibrant city that offers a plethora of family and entertainment-themed experiences. Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as the Disneyland® Resort and Disney California Adventure® Park, both perfect for a family holiday. The city also boasts shopping centres and an arts centre, along with various dining options including restaurants and wineries. Anaheim's rich cultural offerings make it an ideal base for families seeking fun and adventure.
• Newport Beach: Situated 15 km from Santa Ana, Newport Beach is a beautiful destination known for its outdoor and family-centric activities. The area features stunning beaches and piers, including the Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier. Visitors can enjoy shopping at local malls, partake in golf, and savour delicious meals at nearby restaurants and wineries. With its warm climate, Newport Beach is especially appealing during the summer months for those seeking a beach holiday.
• Huntington Beach: Also located 15 km from Santa Ana, Huntington Beach is renowned for its outdoor and entertainment experiences. The city showcases its famous Huntington Beach Pier and offers a variety of shopping centres and amusement parks. With family-friendly beaches and vibrant street life on Main Street, it serves as a fantastic spot for a family getaway. The area is particularly lively during the summer, making it an excellent choice for those looking to soak up the sun and enjoy beach activities.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Santa Ana

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to manoeuvre and park in busy areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may incur higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just ensure that you return the vehicle empty in this case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards as a form of payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides additional peace of mind in case of unexpected incidents during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Ana

The best value period to rent a car in and around Santa Ana is March, when prices tend to be slightly low and demand is average. January and February also offer good value, with February being the quietest month of the year. However, prices start to rise in April, when demand increases. May is the most expensive month, as it combines slightly high prices with low demand, making it a busier time for rentals. June and August continue to see higher demand as well.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
February	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Low	Average
March	59.4°F (15.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
May	65.1°F (18.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly High
June	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	74.3°F (23.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
August	75.9°F (24.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
October	69.8°F (21.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Average
December	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low