Car Rentals in Santa Barbara, USA

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* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Santa Barbara?
Within the past seven days in Santa Barbara, you could have motored away in a hired car for as little as £44 per day.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Barbara car reservation?
No need to worry. You should get a full refund if you advise us a minimum of six hours prior to the arranged pick-up time. Your itinerary contains details about this, and so does our Customer Service Portal. Not all prepaid bookings will receive a refund though, so you may want to go over the rental agreement.
What types of cars can I rent in Santa Barbara?
Small in size but big on benefits, economy vehicles are the first choice for many in Santa Barbara. They’re a snap to park and handle, which is perfect if you’ll be doing mostly city driving. And with great fuel-efficiency, these dependable wheels will have you dashing around on the cheap. Want a larger car? Browse our full-size and premium vehicles.
Why should I rent a Santa Barbara car with Expedia?
There are tons of reasons to book with Expedia. We have multiple suppliers to take your pick of in Santa Barbara, and we’ll get you the lowest price with our exclusive offers and member prices. Hoping to save even more? Combine your rental car, flights and hotels into a holiday package. The more you travel and book with Expedia, the greater the perks!
How do I find the best car hire deals in Santa Barbara with Expedia?
Browse our extensive selection of rental cars, check out customer reviews and compare prices from big-name suppliers. In a few easy clicks, Expedia will help you nab the best deal on your ride. Got a hotel or flight booking? Add on your Santa Barbara car rental to save even more money.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Santa Barbara?
In most cases, you need to be 21 years and over in Santa Barbara. It’s worth noting that most companies will apply a young renter surcharge. Read the fine print before you book, as different rules may apply between rental car suppliers. Keep in mind that if you want to hire a luxury ride or a large car like an SUV, you may need to be older than 21.
What do you need to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
Any rental company you select will need these two things — your driver’s license and credit card. If you choose to opt out of the supplier’s insurance plan, proof of your own coverage may also be needed. Read through your policy so you know what to bring when it’s time to pick up your ride.
What is the cheapest car hire in Santa Barbara?
We looked into prices over the last seven days and found that daily rates were as low as £44. The next best price for hire vehicles in Santa Barbara was £48 a day. These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I hire a car for a month or longer in Santa Barbara?
Yes, and you’re sure to find your perfect wheels on our long-term car hire deals page. Just enter your trip details and we’ll list amazing options from a range of trustworthy companies.
Where can I find a Santa Barbara hire car if I am younger than 25?
If you’re a younger driver looking for a hire car in Santa Barbara, check the policies of the various hire car companies you’re interested in. Some may hire to drivers under 25, some may not. There may be additional fees if you’re between 21 and 24 years old. To escape any surprises at the rental counter, make sure you know what those charges are if they apply to you.
Can I drive in Santa Barbara with my current driver's license?
If you don’t have a driver’s license from the United States, you may be required to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country before hiring a car in the U.S. If you find that an IDP is part of the requirements to drive in the U.S, note that you’ll also need to show your valid driver’s license and your passport or other forms of identification. Lastly, your credit card used to hire the car must match the name on your driver’s license and passport in order to finalize your car hire. Other things you should know about hired a car in the U.S. Are:

  • Age restrictions: You’ll need to be 25 or older in many states to hire a car, although in some areas, 21 years and older is allowed. We recommend checking state and local regulations, as well as with the hired car company before you go to understand all the terms and conditions.
  • Driving limitations: Don’t forget to read the fine print before you slide behind the wheel so you can avoid unnecessary fees. When hiring a car in the United States, you usually can’t cross country borders into Canada or Mexico, drive on ferries or traverse off-road areas with your hire vehicle. Please read all the rules and regulations before you book!

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available:
Our best deal of the day:
£44
Our second best deal of the day:
£48
Our third best deal of the day:
£50
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation