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Car rental in Santa Ana - Search, Compare, and Save

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4.67/5

Reviews from 1300+ people

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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Santa Ana

Santa Ana

Mini

Fiat 500 or similar

4

1

3

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

24

per day

Santa Ana

Economy

Toyota Yaris or similar

5

2

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

29

per day

Santa Ana

Compact

Volkswagen Golf or similar

5

3

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

33

per day

Santa Ana

Intermediate

Skoda Octavia or similar

5

4

5

A/C

Auto

GreenMotion

39

per day

The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days

Why Rent a Car in Santa Ana?

Santa Ana, California, offers numerous attractions and experiences best explored with the freedom of a rental car. While public transportation is available, a car allows you to maximize your time and reach destinations beyond the city center.

Explore Diverse Attractions. Santa Ana is near Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and beautiful beaches. A rental car lets you easily visit these places without relying on public transport schedules or ride-sharing services.

Convenience and Comfort. Traveling with family or luggage? A rental car makes navigating Santa Ana and surrounding areas much easier and more comfortable.

Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups, renting a car can be more economical than paying for multiple ride-sharing services or public transport tickets.

Rental Terms and Conditions in Santa Ana

Before booking a rental car in Santa Ana, be aware of the rental terms and conditions, which cover a range of requirements to ensure a smooth rental experience.

Area

27.29 square miles (70.68 square kilometers)

Population

Approximately 310,000 residents

Time Zone

Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8

Ideal for

Family trips and excursions

Rush Hours

Expect heavy traffic between 7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM

Rating

4.5/5

1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Santa Ana require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional surcharges.

2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.

3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is typically held on a credit card.

4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.

5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or add-ons like GPS and child seats.

Car Rental Prices in Santa Ana – How Much Does It Cost?

Estimated Daily Prices

Business:

from £40 / $50 / €45 per day

Electric:

from £24 / $30 / €27 per day

Classic:

from £16 / $20 / €18 per day

Executive:

from £32 / $40 / €36 per day

7 Seater:

from £36 / $45 / €40 per day

Automatic:

from £24 / $30 / €27 per day

SUV:

from £20 / $25 / €23 per day

Seasonal Trends

Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.

Low season (November to February): Often brings discounts as demand decreases.

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?

Book early for the best rates and ensure a seamless rental experience.

1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals based on your dates and vehicle needs.

2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel style, whether it's a compact 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 well ahead of your trip, especially during peak seasons.

5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.

General Information About Santa Ana

Santa Ana is a city with a rich cultural history and bustling urban environment, making it an ideal destination for visitors.

Located in Orange County, California, Santa Ana offers a dynamic mix of cultural attractions and modern amenities. While public transportation is available, renting a car is highly recommended to explore the region fully. Driving in Santa Ana requires familiarity with local traffic laws and parking regulations.

Top Attractions to Discover

  • Santa Ana Zoo

    A family-friendly zoo home to a variety of animals and educational exhibits.

  • Discovery Cube Orange County

    An interactive science museum perfect for all ages.

  • Bowers Museum

    A cultural museum showcasing art from around the world.

Where to Find Parking

  • Public Parking Garages

    City-operated parking structures offer convenient and secure parking.

  • On-Street Parking

    Metered parking is available but can be limited, especially in busy areas.

  • Park & Ride

    Consider using park-and-ride facilities for easy access to downtown.

Gas Stations in Santa Ana

  • Major Brands Available

    Find stations from Chevron, Shell, and Arco throughout the city.

  • Convenient Locations

    Refueling is easy with numerous gas stations on main thoroughfares.

  • Use Navigation Apps

    Apps like Google Maps can help locate nearby stations and compare prices.

Useful Tips for Visiting Santa Ana

  • Plan for Traffic

    Expect heavy traffic during rush hours, especially on the I-5 freeway.

  • Utilize Navigation Systems

    Use GPS to navigate unfamiliar streets and avoid delays.

  • Check Event Schedules

    Be aware of local events that may impact traffic and parking.

Key Transportation Hubs in Santa Ana

Major Bus Stations

Santa Ana Transit Terminal

Serves as a central hub for OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority) bus routes.

Railway Stations

Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center

Provides Metrolink and Amtrak services.

Airports

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Located in nearby Irvine, it serves as the primary airport for Orange County.

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.

  • A valid driver's license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

  • Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.

  • A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.

  • A passport or another form of government-issued ID may be required.

Our Content Quality

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This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.

Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process - a multi-step review that includes human editing, localization accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.

Learn more about our Content Quality Standards

This page was edited by experts

This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.

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Our Customers Reviews

Our clients rate such place as Santa Ana as

4.8

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.

Santa Ana was amazing! Family vacation was so easy with a rental car.

SM

Sarah Miller

Reviewed: 13.02.2025

Cruising through Santa Ana was a breeze! Having a car made exploring so much easier during my road trip. I loved the convenience and flexibility it offered.

DL

David Lee

Reviewed: 27.05.2025

Pretty chill, actually.

AG

Alex Garcia

Reviewed: 09.03.2025

Pretty relaxed, overall.

JW

Jessica Wilson

Reviewed: 12.03.2025

Pretty laid-back, really.

MR

Maria Rodriguez

Reviewed: 21.09.2024

Loved exploring Santa Ana with my family! So convenient having a car.

EB

Emily Brown

Reviewed: 08.08.2025

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