This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Santa Clara with a pick-up date of 9/1 and drop-off date of 9/30. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Same drop-off
...and more
Save up to 40% on car rentals. Compare deals from all over the web.
Never overpay with our price tracking tools.
Filter searches by price, agency and more to find your best car rental.
KAYAK’s insights & trends for Santa Clara car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Santa Clara with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Santa Clara?
You should book your rental car in Santa Clara around 79 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Santa Clara?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Dollar ($26.76/day), Thrifty ($29.31/day) and Budget ($39.80/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Dollar, 1000 Walsh Avenue (1.1 mi from city center).
What is the most popular rental car in Santa Clara?
Rentals in the SUV category (Hyundai Santa Fe or similar) are the most popular option in Santa Clara, costing $52/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $39/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Santa Clara?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Santa Clara is January at an average cost of $38/day. December is the most expensive month to rent a car in Santa Clara when prices are $57/day on average, which tends to be 18% above the yearly average rental price for Santa Clara.
Santa Clara car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Santa Clara by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
$24 - $46
All Car Types
$55 - $78
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Santa Clara?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Santa Clara?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Santa Clara?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Santa Clara?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Santa Clara?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Santa Clara?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Santa Clara?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Santa Clara?
Small car rentals in Santa Clara typically cost around $34 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $24 per day which is about 30% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 51% cheaper than the average rental in Santa Clara, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Medium car rentals in Santa Clara typically cost around $57 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $35 per day which is about 39% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 18% cheaper than the average rental in Santa Clara, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Santa Clara typically cost around $72 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $45 per day which is about 38% less than the yearly average. Large cars are typically 5% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Clara, but offers more comfort for longer trips.
SUV rentals in Santa Clara typically cost around $71 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $54 per day which is about 24% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 3% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Clara, but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van rentals in Santa Clara typically cost around $109 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average $63 per day which is about 43% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 37% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Clara, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Santa Clara typically cost around $64 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $40 per day which is about 38% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 8% cheaper than the average rental in Santa Clara, a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in Santa Clara typically cost around $88 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average $52 per day which is about 41% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 22% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Clara, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Santa Clara typically cost around $118 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $85 per day which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 42% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Clara, perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Turo
Medium
$51/day
$33/day
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Santa Clara
If you have previously been inconvenienced by public transport when traveling or paid exorbitant taxi prices, then you may want to opt for a rental car when traveling to Santa Clara, CA. Driving can be a great way to experience the city without needing to worry about when or where to start or stop your daily journey. It’s a good way to take in what Santa Clara has to offer, which is quite substantial, at your own convenience. Imagine having the flexibility to drive as far as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is about 78 miles away, in just an hour, or driving to Big Sur, about 99 miles away, at your own pace.
Once you arrive at the San Jose International Airport, you’ll find the Rental Car Center across from Terminal B. If you arrive at Terminal B, it’s a short walk across Airport Drive from the baggage claim, and if you arrive at Terminal A, take the airport blue shuttle bus directly to the Rental Car Center. From here, pick up the car you rented through KAYAK from Santa Clara car rentals, including Alamo, Avis, Hertz, and National. These companies have a wide range of cars that will suit your budget and capacity needs.
It’s understandable that in a new city, you may want to use your phone in transit. However, throughout all of California, it’s prohibited to use your phone while driving. Getting a cell phone ticket in Santa Clara is as easy as getting a red-light ticket, both of which you should avoid to fully enjoy your trip. When driving through Palo Alto in your rental car, be wary of cyclists that may get too close without warning.
Hwy 17 can be quite congested in the morning and evening rush hour, which could be anywhere from 6am to 9am and 3pm and 7pm. If you need to travel during these times, give yourself extra time, especially if it rains, if there’s an accident, or if there’s ongoing construction. If possible, it would be ideal to stay in the right lane to be more comfortable as a driver in a new city. The same case applies for Hwy 1 on all counts.
Make your trip to Santa Clara a red-carpet affair by renting a ride from one of the reputable cheap car rentals in Santa Clara. A vehicle from Santa Clara car rentals will enable you to visit Winchester Mystery House, South Bay Shores, and Rip Roaring Rapids, among other attraction sites, at your convenience. For instance, after your business meeting, you can decide to drive to the city’s Levi’s Stadium straight from San Francisco Airport, 28 miles away, at your own pace. Only the flexibility and mobility of 4X4 from cheap car rentals in Santa Clara can help you explore remote areas near the city, such as Corral Canyon OHV Area and Ulistac Natural Area located off Lick Mill Blvd.
While touring Santa Clara, pay close attention to people riding bikes, cycling, and pedestrians who might be jaywalking, especially when cruising through residential areas such as along Westwood, Oakmead, and Ponderosa Park neighborhoods. Some residential areas, schools, playgrounds, and parks have a speed limit of 15mph. The speed limit on certain roads keeps changing. For Example, Black Road between Thompson Road and Highway 17 Frontage Road speed limit usually changes between 20-30 mph, and that of Homestead Rd. and Pomeroy Ave. changes between 30-40 mph.
Like other busy cities, motorists using Santa Clara roads can find themselves stuck in traffic jams, especially between 7:00 am to 9:30 am and between 3:50 pm to 7:45 pm. To avoid spending more time than necessary on the road, avoid busy roads such as US 101 from Sausalito to Cloverdale around the bay area and highway 29 at Stice Lane Whitehall Lane around the St. Helena area. To be safe, avoid major entry and exit points, or if possible, plan your movement outside peak hours, especially during weekdays or major annual events such as Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival.
25% of our users found rental cars in Santa Clara for $33 or less
Small rental cars in Santa Clara are around 53% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Santa Clara
What type of car is recommended for driving in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara is a city for on-road vehicles. With minimal traffic and many parking areas, you can rent nearly any car you need from car rentals in Santa Clara. If you’re here with your family, consider getting an SUV or a minivan, and if you’re here alone, a coupe or sedan will do just fine.
What’s the speed limit in Santa Clara?
Once you pick your vehicle from car rentals in Santa Clara, be watchful of the speed limits stipulated in the city. The school zones areas are especially strict with speed limits of 25mph, while others may have as low as 15mph. Watch for posted speed signs or children crossing the streets. The default speed limit on highways is 55mph and 25mph in residential areas, while alleys, blind intersections, and railroad crossings are 15mph. Beyond that, you should decrease to 10mph when passing streetcars, trolleys, and buses. Be careful as there are live traffic cameras in various parts of the city.
Where are the best places to park in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, you’ll find that there are parking meters all over the city. A majority of them run for 1h-2h, but you may be able to find one that runs for half an hour or one that goes as far as 4h. Parking meters charge between $1 and $2 per hour, depending on location. Be sure to read the posted signs at meters to understand how long you have. You’ll find free 2h parking at 70W, next to the West Wing.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Santa Clara?
On average a rental car in Santa Clara costs $51 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Santa Clara found in the last 2 weeks is $46.
Which car rental companies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
Which car rental companies will pick you up at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from San Francisco airport to off-airport locations include Thrifty, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Fox.
How can I find car rentals near me in Santa Clara?
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Santa Clara?
A Medium car rental in Santa Clara costs $54 per day, on average.
How much does a Large car rental cost in Santa Clara?
A Large car rental in Santa Clara costs $61 per day, on average.
How much does a Small car rental cost in Santa Clara?
A Small car rental in Santa Clara costs $53 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, cars are most frequently rented at Europcar Please Go To Fox Counter (2 miles from city center).
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Santa Clara?
Most car rental providers in Santa Clara offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Santa Clara, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Santa Clara?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 16 car rental agencies in Santa Clara.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Santa Clara?
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
Why should I use KAYAK to rent a car in Santa Clara?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Santa Clara so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Are there cheap places to park in Santa Clara?
On-street meters charge about $1 an hour, while off-street parking costs about $3 to $5 an hour. If you opt for a monthly package, you’ll pay about $100 to park your ride from Santa Clara car rentals. You can park for free for two 2 hours in some parking lots such as Everett N “Eddie” Souza Park, Santa Clara University - Loyola Hall Lot, Atlantic, and Mariposa Shopping Center.
Are there affordable gas stations in Santa Clara?
You’ll pay a little bit higher to fuel your rental at stations situated along 1995 Warburton Ave., 2025 El Camino Real, and other places within the city center. To save a few dollars, try to fuel away from the airport or the city center, such as at the stations located along Coleman Ave. and Washington St.
This site uses cookies and other tracking technologies for essential, functional, analytical, and advertising purposes. By using the site, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and our Privacy Policy.
For more information about how we process your information, please see our Privacy Policy.
We value your privacy
KAYAK and its partners wish to use cookies or similar technologies to store and/or access information on and about your device and process personal data such as your IP address, device identifiers etc., in order to improve your experience on the site, to analyze navigation, to offer and measure personalized advertising, and to facilitate sharing on social networks. We also allow the use of third-party cookies (including those from our advertising partners) on our sites.
By clicking 'Accept', you consent to your data being processed by 0 vendors on this web site for the purposes described in this notice. You can review the vendors and their individual processing purposes on the .
To review individual processing purposes and cookie categories, please click ’Select individual purposes’. You can review your choices and withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the ’Privacy Preferences’ link in the page side navigation.
