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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Santa Ana
Santa Ana
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Santa Ana
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Santa Ana
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Santa Ana
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana, California, offers a blend of historical charm and modern attractions. While ride-sharing services are available, renting a car provides unparalleled freedom to explore this vibrant city and its surroundings.
Explore Local Attractions: With a rental car, you can easily visit top spots like the Santa Ana Zoo, Discovery Cube, and the Heritage Museum of Orange County without waiting for public transportation.
Day Trips Made Easy: Enjoy the flexibility to take spontaneous day trips to nearby beaches, theme parks, or scenic mountain areas, all within a comfortable driving distance from Santa Ana.
Convenience for Families: If you're travelling with family, a rental car provides the space and comfort you need to transport luggage, groceries, and everyone in your group without hassle.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Santa Ana
Before booking a rental car in Santa Ana, be sure you are aware of the standard rules, such as age limits, what licences are accepted, plus insurance and deposit requirements.
Area
27.29 square miles (70.68 square kilometres)
Population
Approximately 332,318 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PST) during winter, PDT during summer
Ideal for
Family trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.9/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Santa Ana require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, renters under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals usually include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is generally required and held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like GPS, child seats, additional drivers, or one-way rentals.
Car Rental Prices in Santa Ana – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
7 Seater:
from £28 / $35 / €34 per day
Automatic:
from £16 / $20 / €19 per day
SUV:
from £8 / $10 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Santa Ana?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially in peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Santa Ana
Santa Ana is known for its vibrant cultural scene and historic landmarks. Exploring the city and surrounding areas is best done with a car, keeping in mind local traffic rules and parking regulations.
Santa Ana, California, offers a rich mix of culture, history, and modern attractions. While public transportation is available, having a car offers the flexibility to explore beyond the immediate city centre. Being mindful of traffic laws, parking, and fuel access will ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience during your visit.
Top Attractions to Discover
Santa Ana Zoo
A family-friendly zoo featuring a variety of animals and interactive exhibits.
Discovery Cube Orange County
An interactive science museum perfect for kids and adults.
Heritage Museum of Orange County
A historic museum showcasing Victorian-era buildings and gardens.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilise parking garages for secure parking in the downtown area.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking meters and time limits when using on-street parking bays.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities if available to access central Santa Ana.
Gas Stations in Santa Ana
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and ARCO throughout the city.
Plan Ahead
Ensure you refuel before venturing on longer trips outside Santa Ana.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Santa Ana
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in downtown areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM / 4:00–6:00 PM) to minimise travel time.
Check for Street Closures
Be aware of local events that may cause street closures or traffic disruptions.
Utilise Navigation Apps
Use GPS navigation to stay informed about traffic conditions and the best routes.
Key Transportation Hubs in Santa Ana
Major Bus Stations
Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center
Serves as a hub for several bus lines, providing connections throughout Orange County and beyond.
Railway Stations
Santa Ana Train Station
Offers Amtrak and Metrolink services, connecting Santa Ana to other major cities in California.
Airports
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Located a short drive from Santa Ana, offering domestic flights and connections to major hubs.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Santa Ana?
Renting a car in California is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from the United States, your standard licence is sufficient. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Santa Ana as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Santa Ana was great! Getting around with a rental car was so easy, and catching up with friends made it perfect.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 23.06.2025
Pretty laid-back vibe
David Lee
Reviewed: 20.03.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 19.07.2025
Loved exploring Santa Ana! Having a car made everything so convenient and accessible. Beautiful city!
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 10.08.2025
Pretty mellow, overall
Kevin Miller
Reviewed: 22.07.2025
Low-key pleasant.
Ashley Garcia
Reviewed: 21.07.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Johnson
Reviewed: 03.11.2024