Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
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 rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Our clients rate such place as Santa Ana as
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.
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.
David Lee
Reviewed: 27.05.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Alex Garcia
Reviewed: 09.03.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 12.03.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 21.09.2024
Loved exploring Santa Ana with my family! So convenient having a car.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 08.08.2025
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Santa Ana was amazing! Family vacation was so easy with a rental car.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 13.02.2025