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4.67/5
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Excellent
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Santa Monica
Santa Monica
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Santa Monica
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Santa Monica
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Santa Monica
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 Monica?
Santa Monica is a vibrant coastal city offering stunning beaches, bustling shopping districts, and iconic attractions. While public transportation is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems beyond the typical tourist spots.
Explore Coastal Highways: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway with a convertible, stopping at beaches and viewpoints along the way.
Visit Nearby Attractions: Easily access attractions like the Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, and Hollywood, all within a short drive from Santa Monica.
Shopping and Dining: Transport your purchases and explore the diverse culinary scene with ease, from Third Street Promenade to Montana Avenue.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Santa Monica
Before booking a rental car in Santa Monica, understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth experience. Key factors include age requirements, licensing, insurance, deposits, and potential extra fees.
Area
8.4 square miles (21.7 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 93,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Coastal drives and city exploration
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic between 7 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Santa Monica require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Renters 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) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included, but additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) may be offered. A security deposit is usually required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary; some rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, optional extras like GPS, and late returns.
Car Rental Prices in Santa Monica – How Much Does It Cost?
The average daily rate for an economy-class car rental in Santa Monica starts from £30 / $38 / €36.
Business:
from £45 / $57 / €54
Electric:
from £40 / $50 / €48
Classic:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Executive:
from £50 / $63 / €60
7 Seater:
from £60 / $76 / €72
Automatic:
from £42 / $53 / €50
SUV:
from £48 / $61 / €58
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts and lower 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 Monica?
Booking a car in Santa Monica is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's an economy car for city driving or an SUV for coastal adventures.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, 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 Monica
Santa Monica is a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, pier, and relaxed atmosphere. Exploring the area by car offers convenience, but understanding local traffic and parking regulations is essential.
Santa Monica offers a mix of attractions and activities, from the iconic Santa Monica Pier to the upscale shopping on Montana Avenue. While walkable, a car is useful for accessing nearby Los Angeles attractions. Be aware of traffic conditions, especially during rush hours.
Top Attractions to Discover
Santa Monica Pier
A historic landmark with amusement park rides, games, and restaurants.
Third Street Promenade
A pedestrian-only shopping and dining district.
Santa Monica State Beach
A beautiful stretch of beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public garages are available throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Metered street parking is available, but time limits and rates vary.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities to avoid city center traffic.
Gas Stations in Santa Monica
Major Brands
Find gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and Mobil.
Refueling Tips
Refuel before returning your rental to avoid extra charges.
Location
Gas stations are readily available throughout Santa Monica and the surrounding areas.
Useful Tips for Visiting Santa Monica
Traffic Awareness
Be aware of heavy traffic during peak hours.
Parking Regulations
Pay attention to parking signs and restrictions to avoid fines.
Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment for parking meters.
Plan for Delays
Allow extra time for travel, especially during weekends and holidays.
Key Transportation Hubs in Santa Monica
Major Bus Stations
Santa Monica Big Blue Bus
Serves Santa Monica and surrounding areas.
Railway Stations
Metro E Line (Expo Line)
Connects Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles.
Airports
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Located approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers) south of Santa Monica.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Santa Monica?
Renting a car in Santa Monica requires a few essential items. Ensure you have these ready for a smooth rental process.
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, with potential surcharges for those under 25.
A credit or debit card in the renter's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other government-issued photo 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 Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Santa Monica 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 Monica was a breeze! Having a car made sightseeing effortless; such a fun stop on our road trip.
Evelyn Miller
Reviewed: 16.04.2025
Meh. Beach was crowded.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Loved Santa Monica! Exploring with a car was great, though the pier felt a bit touristy.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 01.12.2024
Quick business trip, but Santa Monica charmed me! Getting around with a car was so convenient. Beautiful beaches!
Anya Sharma
Reviewed: 07.07.2025
Soaking up the sun in Santa Monica was bliss! Getting around with a rental was super convenient, allowing me to explore all the hidden gems. Definitely recommend!
Benjamin Garcia
Reviewed: 08.08.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Caleb Wilson
Reviewed: 06.05.2025
Santa Monica sunshine and good friends! Getting around was easy, and the beach was stunning.
Ava Lee
Reviewed: 04.07.2025
Perfect coastal escape! Getting around was a breeze with my rental car, and the beaches were stunning. So relaxing.
Isabelle Thompson
Reviewed: 20.10.2024
Ocean views were stunning! My weekend in Santa Monica was amazing. Having a car made exploring the coastline so easy and fun.
Mia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 09.09.2024
Santa Monica was perfect for a relaxing getaway! Having a car made exploring so easy. Beautiful beaches and charming streets.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 05.07.2025