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Cheapest Car Rental Rates in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Santa Rosa
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Santa Rosa
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Santa Rosa
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 Rosa?
Santa Rosa, nestled in the heart of Sonoma County, is the perfect base for exploring Northern California’s wine country, scenic coastline, and redwood forests. While public transportation is available, a rental car provides the freedom and flexibility to discover all that this diverse region has to offer.
Explore Wine Country at Your Own Pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit numerous wineries, breweries, and vineyards, experiencing the unique flavors and stunning landscapes of Sonoma and Napa Valley without relying on tours or shuttles.
Discover the Sonoma Coast. A scenic drive along Highway 1 offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, hidden beaches, and charming coastal towns. A rental car allows you to stop and explore these gems at your leisure.
Visit Redwood Forests. Experience the majesty of the towering redwood trees in nearby Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. A rental car provides easy access to this natural wonder, allowing you to hike and explore the forest at your own pace.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Santa Rosa
Before booking a rental car in Santa Rosa, it's important to understand the rental terms and conditions to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Area
41.5 square miles (107.5 square kilometers)
Population
Approximately 178,127 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8 (UTC-7 during daylight saving time)
Ideal for
Weekend getaways
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 Rosa require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, 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) if their license is not in English. A passport may also be required.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability protection (SLI) are available. A security deposit is typically held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMost rentals offer unlimited mileage, but it's essential to confirm this when booking. Fuel policies vary, with many requiring you to return 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 optional add-ons such as GPS navigation and child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Santa Rosa – How Much Does It Cost?
Car rental prices in Santa Rosa can vary based on the type of vehicle, rental duration, and time of year. Here's an overview of estimated daily prices:
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
Classic:
from £24 / $30 / €27 per day
Executive:
from £48 / $60 / €54 per day
7 Seater:
from £56 / $70 / €63 per day
Automatic:
from £32 / $40 / €36 per day
SUV:
from £36 / $45 / €40 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect higher prices due to increased tourism, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts and lower demand
Car rental prices in Santa Rosa fluctuate depending on the season. Keep these trends in mind when planning your trip:
How to Book a Car in Santa Rosa?
Booking a car in Santa Rosa is easy if you follow these steps to ensure a smooth and convenient rental experience:
1. Compare Prices - Use online car rental 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 exploring the surrounding areas.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the rental terms, including mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking your rental car well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and any other required documents when you pick up your rental car.
General Information About Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa offers a unique blend of city life and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for exploration. Understanding some local driving conditions will enhance your experience, particularly if you're venturing beyond the city center.
Santa Rosa is the largest city in Sonoma County, California, and serves as a hub for wine country and coastal adventures. While the city is relatively easy to navigate, being aware of traffic patterns and parking regulations will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the surrounding areas, including the vineyards, redwood forests, and scenic coastline.
Top Attractions to Discover
Charles M. Schulz Museum
Explore the life and work of the creator of the Peanuts comic strip.
Luther Burbank Home & Gardens
Visit the historic home and gardens of the famous horticulturist.
Safari West
Experience an African wildlife safari in the heart of Sonoma County.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Utilize parking garages in downtown Santa Rosa for convenient and secure parking.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available, but be mindful of time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities if you plan to explore the surrounding areas.
Gas Stations in Santa Rosa
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and 76 throughout Santa Rosa.
Convenient Locations
Many gas stations are located along major roads and highways, making refueling easy.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to find nearby gas stations and compare prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Santa Rosa
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during peak rush hours (7:00 AM–9:00 AM and 4:00 PM–6:00 PM) to minimize traffic delays.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in downtown areas and near parks.
Respect Local Regulations
Adhere to speed limits and parking regulations to avoid fines.
Use Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to find the best routes and avoid traffic congestion.
Key Transportation Hubs in Santa Rosa
Major Bus Stations
Santa Rosa Transit Mall
Serves as the central hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
Santa Rosa Downtown Station
Serves the SMART train, connecting Santa Rosa with other cities in the North Bay.
Airports
Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS)
Located approximately 7 miles northwest of Santa Rosa, serving domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Santa Rosa?
Renting a car in Santa Rosa 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) if their license is not in English.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies may only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required, especially for international renters.
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Our Customers Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Santa Rosa 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.
Having a rental car made exploring Santa Rosa a breeze during our road trip. We enjoyed the charming downtown area, although the local brewery we tried was a bit underwhelming. Otherwise, a lovely stop!
David Lee
Reviewed: 02.05.2025
Exploring Santa Rosa was a dream! So easy to navigate with my rental, and the scenery was stunning.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 30.10.2024
Loved our Santa Rosa stopover! Cruising around in our car, we found charming shops and tasty food.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 26.06.2025
Family vacation in Santa Rosa was perfect! So much to see, easy to get around.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 01.05.2025
Short trip to Santa Rosa to see friends was perfect! Having a car made getting around so easy, and we found some great spots. Highly recommend!
Karen Davis
Reviewed: 14.03.2025
Such a fun, spontaneous weekend in Santa Rosa! Getting around was easy, and we explored so much.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 24.02.2025
Visiting friends in Santa Rosa was delightful! Getting around with a car made everything so convenient; we had a wonderful time.
Katherine Brown
Reviewed: 07.07.2025
Santa Rosa was perfect for my brief business trip. Getting around was a snap!
Christopher Evans
Reviewed: 14.03.2025
Coastal Santa Rosa was bliss! Easy to get around with my rental car, perfect for relaxation.
Ashley Rodriguez
Reviewed: 26.03.2025
Meh. Kinda pricey.
Kevin Nguyen
Reviewed: 12.07.2025
Pretty chill vibe.
Jacob Peterson
Reviewed: 29.08.2024
Santa Rosa was great for a quick business trip! Easy to get around, and so much to see in between meetings.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 10.05.2025