Car Rentals in Santa Cruz, USA

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Top Rental Car Deals in Santa Cruz

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

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Lowest prices found within the past 22 hours. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Santa Cruz?
The cheapest daily rate in Santa Cruz was £30 based on prices within the last seven days. Have a look at our wide range of options, from economy vehicles to classy, head-turning rides.
Can I hire a car from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC)?
The car hire counters at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC) are located directly across from Terminal B. Here you can pick up a ride at Budget, Enterprise or Dollar. Sixt and Hertz also provide some impressive deals.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Cruz car reservation?
We get that things change at short notice. That’s why the majority of prepaid bookings allow for a total refund if you cancel a minimum of six hours before picking up the car. Your rental agreement should have all the info you need. If you can’t locate the answer there, our Customer Service Portal is available 24/7.
What types of cars can I rent in Santa Cruz?
Full-size, mid-size or compact… Grab the keys to almost any kind of vehicle you like! Economy is the most popular rental vehicle category in Santa Cruz. Zippy, fuel-efficient and a cinch to park, these wheels make getting around busy city streets a delight. Maybe best of all? They’re easy on the purse strings. That means you’ll have more money to splash on other things, like discovering as much of this awesome destination as possible.
Where can I go on a road trip from Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is full of adventures, but don’t restrict yourself to only one place. Arrange a set of wheels and hit the road to discover what else awaits in the surrounding region. These are some great options:

  • You’ll discover Pier 39 and countless other interesting sights in San Francisco. From Santa Cruz, it’s around 60 miles away.
  • Next stop? Consider Palo Alto, which is around 35 miles away. Stanford University is one local hot spot you won’t want to miss.
  • Get into nature and inhale the fresh air at Glacier Point. It’s 140 miles from Santa Cruz.

How do I find the best car hire deals in Santa Cruz with Expedia?
It’s easy to pick up the best deal with Expedia. Simply choose your preferred car type, select your dates and pick-up and drop-off points, and compare offers from all the trusted rental providers. Make even bigger savings when you combine your Santa Cruz car hire with hotel or flight bookings.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Santa Cruz?
In most cases, the rules are 21 years and over in Santa Cruz. It should be noted that most outlets will charge additional fees for young renters. Check before you pick your ride, as rules may differ between hire car suppliers. Keep in mind that if you’re planning to rent a luxury vehicle or a larger car like an SUV, rules may require drivers to be older than 21.
What do you need to hire a car in Santa Cruz?
Any rental company you choose will need these two things — a current driver’s license and credit card. If you’d like to opt out of the supplier’s insurance plan, proof of other coverage will also likely 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 rental in Santa Cruz?
The two lowest daily rates on offer in Santa Cruz within the past seven days were £30 and £32. How’s that for an awesome deal? 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 Cruz?
Expedia makes it easy to pick up a long-term hire in Santa Cruz. Just click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your information and browse the possibilities.
Where can I find a Santa Cruz hire car if I am younger than 25?
This depends on the hire companies that are 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, keep in mind that extra costs may apply. Conduct some research into any extra charges before picking up your vehicle.
Can I drive in Santa Cruz with my current driver's license?
If you don’t possess a driver’s license issued in the United States, then you may need to organise an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your country of residence before starting the car hire process. If you find that an IDP is required for you to drive in the U.S, know that you’ll also have to show your valid driver’s license and your passport or other forms of ID. Lastly, the credit card used to hire the car needs to match the name on your license and passport in order to finalize your car hire. Other things you should know about hiring a car in the U.S. Are:

  • Age restrictions: You must be at least 25 in most states to be able to hire a car, although in some places, the minimum age is 21 years. We recommend checking state and local regulations, and with the hire car company before your trip to understand all the regulations that may apply to you.
  • Driving limitations: Make sure you read the fine print before you leave the lot to avoid unnecessary fees. When hiring a car in the U.S, you usually can’t cross country borders into Mexico or Canada, drive on ferries or go off-roading with your hire vehicle. We recommend reading all the rules and regulations before booking!

Why should I rent a Santa Cruz car with Expedia?
Expedia is the number one place to book a set of wheels. With multiple suppliers in Santa Cruz to choose from, we search far and wide to bring you sensational deals. Save with our exclusive offers and member prices, and earn rewards each time you book. You’ll save even more when you combine your bookings into a Santa Cruz holiday package. Car rentals, hotels, flights, activities — Expedia has everything you need in one handy place. Plus, when you become a member of our One Key™ rewards programme, you can collect OneKeyCash™* and spend it on eligible flights, activities, hotels and more. *OneKeyCash disclaimer - OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia.

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available:
Our best deal of the day:
£30
Our second best deal of the day:
£32
Our third best deal of the day:
£33
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation