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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Santa Cruz
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Santa Cruz
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Santa Cruz
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 Cruz?
Santa Cruz is a vibrant city with stunning coastal views and a wealth of attractions. While public transport is available, a rental car offers unparalleled freedom to explore at your own pace, accessing hidden gems and scenic routes that buses and taxis simply can't reach.
Discover Hidden Beaches: Santa Cruz boasts numerous secluded beaches and coves, perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean. A car allows you to easily reach these less accessible spots.
Explore the Santa Cruz Mountains: Escape the city and explore the redwood forests and hiking trails of the Santa Cruz Mountains. A rental car makes it easy to reach trailheads and scenic overlooks.
Visit Nearby Attractions: Santa Cruz is a great base for exploring nearby towns like Capitola and Aptos. A car allows you to easily visit these charming destinations and experience the local culture.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Santa Cruz
Before renting a car in Santa Cruz, it's essential to understand the standard terms and conditions. These guidelines help ensure a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
41.02 square kilometers (15.84 square miles)
Population
Approximately 63,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Coastal Exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Santa Cruz require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s LicenseA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
3. InsuranceBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) for greater protection.
4. Security DepositA security deposit is typically required, usually held on a credit card. The amount varies depending on the rental company and vehicle type.
5. Fuel PolicyRental agreements usually require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up to avoid refueling charges.
6. MileageCheck if the rental includes unlimited mileage or if there are restrictions, especially for longer trips outside Santa Cruz.
Car Rental Prices in Santa Cruz – How Much Does It Cost?
Renting a car in Santa Cruz can vary in cost, depending on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $30 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $20 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $45 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $55 / €50 per day
Automatic:
from £28 / $35 / €32 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €22 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high tourist demand.
Low season (November to February): Offers significant discounts and lower rental rates.
*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 Cruz?
Booking a rental car in Santa Cruz is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to secure the best deal and ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies in Santa Cruz.
2. Choose a Suitable Vehicle - Select a car that meets your needs, whether it's an economy car for solo travel or an SUV for family trips.
3. Review Rental Terms - Carefully read the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book Early - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Collect the Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when picking up your rental car.
General Information About Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Driving around Santa Cruz is generally easy, but understanding local traffic and parking regulations is crucial.
Santa Cruz offers a mix of vibrant city life and natural beauty. As a popular tourist destination, the city can experience traffic congestion, especially during peak seasons.
Top Attractions to Discover
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
A classic amusement park with thrilling rides and games.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Famous for its natural rock arch and migrating monarch butterflies.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Explore the city's shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available downtown, offering hourly and daily rates.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on many streets, but time limits and rates vary.
Park & Ride
Consider using the park-and-ride lots located outside the city center and taking public transportation into downtown.
Gas Stations in Santa Cruz
Major Brands
Find gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and Valero.
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are conveniently located throughout the city and along major highways.
Fuel Prices
Fuel prices can vary, so compare prices at different stations to find the best deal.
Useful Tips for Visiting Santa Cruz
Plan for Traffic
Traffic can be heavy during peak hours and weekends, so plan your trips accordingly.
Watch for Pedestrians
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in downtown areas.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the best routes and avoid traffic.
Check Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking signs and regulations to avoid getting a ticket.
Key Transportation Hubs in Santa Cruz
Major Bus Stations
Santa Cruz Metro Center
Serves as the main hub for local and regional bus services.
Airports
San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Located approximately 30 miles northeast of Santa Cruz, it's the closest major airport.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located approximately 75 miles north of Santa Cruz, offering a wider range of international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Santa Cruz?
Renting a car in Santa Cruz is a relatively simple process, but it's important to have the necessary documents and meet the requirements.
You'll need a valid driver’s license. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit and rental payment. Some companies may only accept credit cards for the deposit.
While basic insurance is usually included, you may need to provide proof of your own insurance if you decline the rental company's coverage.
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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 Cruz 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.
Santa Cruz was fantastic! Getting around with a rental car made my short business trip so easy. Highly recommend!
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 10.02.2025
Family vacation in Santa Cruz was amazing! Having a car was perfect for exploring the beaches and redwood forests.
Katherine Miller
Reviewed: 29.12.2024
So glad I returned to Santa Cruz after all these years! Having a car made exploring so much easier.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 16.04.2025
Pretty relaxed, good eats.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 26.07.2025
Cruising through Santa Cruz on our road trip was a dream. Having a car made exploring so effortless; we saw the best beaches and charming towns. Highly recommend!
Isabelle Wilson
Reviewed: 05.01.2025
Wonderful weekend getaway! Having a car made exploring Santa Cruz so convenient. Highly recommend!
David Lee
Reviewed: 09.01.2025
Peaceful Santa Cruz escape! Having a car was a lifesaver, although the boardwalk was a bit too crowded for my taste. Highly recommend.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 12.11.2024
Santa Cruz in the summer was beautiful, exploring with a car was easy. The crowds at the beach were a bit overwhelming, though.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 21.05.2025
Perfect spontaneous trip! Having a car let us explore Santa Cruz's hidden gems and beautiful coastline with ease. So much fun!
Ava Rodriguez
Reviewed: 06.03.2025
Business trip to Santa Cruz was productive. Having a rental car was a huge help. The downtown area was a little underwhelming, though.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 06.10.2024
Chill vibes, good drive.
Alex Smith
Reviewed: 28.11.2024