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4.67/5
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Excellent
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Santa Clara
Santa Clara
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Santa Clara
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Santa Clara
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Santa Clara
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
Why Rent a Car in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers a blend of tech innovation, cultural attractions, and beautiful landscapes. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems in and around the city.
Explore Silicon Valley: Having a car allows you to easily visit the headquarters of tech giants, museums, and educational institutions that define the area.
Discover Nearby Attractions: Take day trips to San Francisco, the stunning beaches of the Pacific coast, or the redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains, all within easy driving distance.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience: A rental car provides the convenience of traveling on your schedule, without being restricted by public transport timetables or ride-sharing availability.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Santa Clara
Before renting a car in Santa Clara, be aware of the terms and conditions. These typically include age restrictions, license requirements, insurance coverage, and fuel policies. Understanding these aspects ensures a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
Approximately 46.9 square kilometers (18.1 square miles)
Population
Around 130,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Business trips, leisure travel, and exploring the Bay Area
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Santa Clara require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. Additional coverage options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability protection (SLP), are available. A security deposit is usually required.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the rental agreement for mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary; many require returning the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like GPS navigation, child seats, additional drivers, or late returns.
Car Rental Prices in Santa Clara – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Automatic:
from £22 / $28 / €26 per day
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Rental prices increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available due to lower demand.
*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 Clara?
To secure the best car rental in Santa Clara, compare prices from various agencies, select a vehicle that suits your needs, and carefully review the rental terms. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from different car rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that matches your needs, considering size, fuel efficiency, and comfort.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and any additional fees.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documentation when collecting your rental.
General Information About Santa Clara
Santa Clara is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, offering a blend of tech innovation and cultural attractions. Renting a car allows you to easily navigate the area and explore nearby cities like San Francisco and San Jose.
Santa Clara experiences moderate traffic, but rush hour can cause delays. Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station locations for a smooth driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Levi's Stadium
Home of the San Francisco 49ers, offering tours and events.
Intel Museum
Explore the history of Intel and the evolution of computer technology.
California's Great America
An amusement park with thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Numerous public parking garages are available throughout the city, especially near major attractions and shopping centers.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available but may be limited in some areas. Be sure to pay attention to posted signs and time limits.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride options to access downtown areas and avoid congestion.
Gas Stations in Santa Clara
Major Brands Available
You can find major gas station brands like Chevron, Shell, and Valero throughout Santa Clara.
Easy Access
Gas stations are readily accessible along major roads and highways.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate nearby gas stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Santa Clara
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 6 PM) when roads are heavily congested.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilize navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and route planning.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in downtown areas and near universities.
Carry Small Denominations
Keep small bills and coins for parking meters and tolls.
Key Transportation Hubs in Santa Clara
Major Bus Stations
Santa Clara Transit Center
Serves as a hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Santa Clara Caltrain Station
Provides commuter rail service to San Francisco and other Bay Area cities.
Great America Station
Offers connections to Amtrak and ACE train services.
Airports
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Located just a few miles from Santa Clara, providing domestic and international flights.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Approximately 30 miles north of Santa Clara, offering a wide range of international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Santa Clara?
To rent a car in Santa Clara, you'll need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card, and proof of insurance. International visitors may also need an International Driving Permit.
A valid driver’s license from your country of residence is required.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
You may need to provide proof of insurance or purchase coverage from the rental company.
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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 Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Santa Clara 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.
Pretty relaxed, overall
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 03.05.2025
Pretty laid-back, really
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 08.07.2025
Santa Clara was a breeze! Getting around with a rental car was super convenient, making our road trip so much easier. Great stop!
David Lee
Reviewed: 19.04.2025
Heard great things about Santa Clara, and they were right! Exploring with a car was perfect.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 27.04.2025
Quick weekend trip to Santa Clara. Having a car was helpful, although the museums were a bit underwhelming.
Ashley Garcia
Reviewed: 12.02.2025
Loved my quick trip to Santa Clara! Meeting up with friends was easy thanks to having a car, and we explored so much. Everything went smoothly.
Christopher Evans
Reviewed: 22.05.2025
Short trip, sweet visit! Getting around with my rental car was a breeze, easily meeting friends and exploring Santa Clara.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 11.12.2024
Santa Clara was a delightful stop on our road trip. Having a car made exploring so easy, and we found some charming local spots. Highly recommend!
Kevin Nguyen
Reviewed: 23.07.2025
Exploring Santa Clara was a joy! Having a car made everything so accessible.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 11.04.2025
Fantastic impromptu weekend; Santa Clara was great!
Sophia Kim
Reviewed: 27.11.2024
Wonderful spontaneous getaway! Santa Clara was charming, and having a car made getting around so easy. Highly recommend a weekend visit.
Brian Wilson
Reviewed: 15.04.2025
Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 06.06.2025