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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 offers a unique blend of cultural attractions, historical sites, and beautiful natural landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Here's why a rental car is the best choice for your Santa Ana adventure.
Explore at Your Own Pace. A rental car allows you to visit Santa Ana's attractions on your schedule, without being constrained by public transport timetables.
Access to Hidden Gems. Many of Santa Ana's most beautiful spots are off the beaten path. A car provides easy access to scenic drives and less accessible attractions.
Family-Friendly Travel. Travelling with family is easier with a rental car, providing comfort and space for everyone and their luggage.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Santa Ana
Before booking a rental car in Santa Ana, it's important to be aware of the standard rental terms and conditions. These guidelines ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
Approximately 2.7 square miles
Population
Approximately 310,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring the city and surrounding areas
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.0/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Santa Ana require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and theft protection are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary. Some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies usually require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees can apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, optional add-ons such as GPS navigation, or late returns.
Car Rental Prices in Santa Ana – How Much Does It Cost?
Average economy-class daily rates vary depending on the season and availability.
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): Expect prices to increase by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often comes 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?
To book a car in Santa Ana, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth and efficient rental process.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals on car rentals for your travel dates.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that fits your needs, whether it's an economy car or an SUV.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices 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 vehicle.
General Information About Santa Ana
Santa Ana, located in Southern California, is known for its vibrant arts scene and historical architecture. Exploring the city is best done with a rental car, especially if you plan to venture beyond the downtown area.
As a major city in Orange County, Santa Ana offers a mix of cultural attractions, diverse dining options, and nearby natural destinations. While the city has public transport, a car provides the flexibility to reach various points of interest more conveniently. Driving in Santa Ana requires awareness of traffic regulations, parking availability, and fuel access, especially if you're planning day trips to surrounding areas.
Top Attractions to Discover
Santa Ana Zoo
A family-friendly zoo with a focus on animals from Central and South America.
Bowers Museum
A cultural museum featuring art from around the world.
Heritage Museum of Orange County
A collection of restored historical buildings.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use parking garages in downtown Santa Ana for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered street parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak hours.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities for access to public transport.
Gas Stations in Santa Ana
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and ARCO.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are located throughout the city, with many along main thoroughfares.
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
Be aware of pedestrian traffic, especially in downtown areas.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:00 PM) when roads are congested.
Utilise Navigation Apps
Use GPS navigation to find the best routes and avoid traffic.
Key Transportation Hubs in Santa Ana
Major Bus Stations
Santa Ana Transit Terminal
Serves as a major hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Santa Ana Regional Transportation Centre
Provides access to Amtrak and Metrolink services.
Airports
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
Located a few miles from Santa Ana, serving domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Santa Ana?
Renting a car in Santa Ana is a straightforward process, but you'll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here's what you’ll need.
A valid driver's licence is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Young drivers may be subject to additional fees.
A valid card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit.
A passport or another form of identification may be required.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
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 fantastic! Getting around with a rental car was so easy, making it simple to explore everything. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 16.07.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall
Chloe Brown
Reviewed: 09.05.2025
Pretty low-key, actually.
Alex Garcia
Reviewed: 16.09.2024
Pretty laid-back, yeah
David Lee
Reviewed: 29.08.2024
Loved exploring Santa Ana! Having a car was perfect for discovering hidden gems.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 07.02.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 28.03.2025
Pretty mellow, overall.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 28.09.2024
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 25.02.2025