Santa Clara car rentals from $20/day
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car rental in Santa Clara with a pick-up date of 5/8 and drop-off date of 5/23. 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.
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Santa Clara car rental information
| Pick-up location | Santa Clara |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Minivan, Premium, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
| Rental locations | 22 |
| Airport locations | 9 |
| Popular agencies | Turo, Fox Autorent, Avis, Getaround, Hertz |
Cheap car rentals in Santa Clara
| Economy | $20/day |
| Compact | $21/day |
| Intermediate | $25/day |
| Standard | $37/day |
| Full-size | $33/day |
| Minivan | $31/day |
| Premium | $29/day |
| Luxury | $26/day |
| Supplier choice | $34/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $35/day |
| Compact SUV | $36/day |
| Standard SUV | $39/day |
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Santa Clara
- 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.
- 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.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Santa Clara for $34 or less
- Book your rental car in Santa Clara at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in Santa Clara are around 17% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Mini rental cars in Santa Clara are around -50% 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 $49 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 $33.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Santa Clara?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Fox Autorent ($33/day), Hertz ($34/day) and Avis ($37/day).
How much is gas price in Santa Clara?
The average gas price in Santa Clara is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Santa Clara?
Mini (Chrysler Pacifica or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Santa Clara.
How can I find car rentals near me in Santa Clara?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Santa Clara?
A Mini car rental in Santa Clara costs $101 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Santa Clara?
A Standard car rental in Santa Clara costs $52 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Santa Clara?
An Intermediate car rental in Santa Clara costs $67 per day, on average.
What is the most popular rental car location in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, cars are most frequently rented at Fox 435 South Airport Boulevard (31 miles from city center).
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Santa Clara?
On average a rental car in Santa Clara costs $346 per week ($49 per day).
How much does it cost to rent a car long term for a month in Santa Clara?
On average a rental car in Santa Clara costs $1,482 per month ($49 per day).
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 15 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.
Santa Clara car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.0
Very good
12 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.2
Value for money
8.0
3 locations in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
2750 De La Cruz Blvd
+1 408 492 0501
4767 Lafayette St
+1 408 492 0012
4785 Stevens Creek Blvd
+1 408 246 2100
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Dec 2020
Pros:
Definitely none. Vehicle was not at the agreed location confirmation.Cons:
Besides vehicle being in the wrong location confirmed, the agent tried to give me a standard truck instead of a premium. I rent often with Hertz or Enterprise primarily and am usually satisfied. I chose not to take the rental this time. VERY DISAPPOINTED !!! Waste of my time...9.6 Wonderful
Apr 2017
Pros:
Good deal on the car I rented for the weekend.Cons:
Had to wait to return the rental car, as there were not enough agents up front to handle the other people waiting at the rental office.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2017
Pros:
Great experienceCons:
Great experience10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2016
Pros:
Great price. Nice car too.Ace
8.0
Very good
13 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.0
Value for money
8.0
One location in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
312 Brokaw Road
+1 408 212 7385
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
Oct 2019
Pros:
It was an easy pick up and drop off.9.2 Wonderful
Mar 2019
Cons:
Everything was right on the money!!!2.0 Poor
Feb 2019
Pros:
I couldn't even get hold of them to pick me up and take me to the facility. So I had to find another car to rent.Cons:
Better guidance on how to contact them once I arrived at SJC7.6 Good
Jan 2019
Cons:
They need more people to attend costumers2.0 Poor
Jan 2019
Cons:
When i booked this van online the contract stated unlimited milages. However, when i picked up the car at ACE, they had their local policy with 250 miles per day. It was a huge surprise to me6.8 Okay
Aug 2016
Pros:
Price, ease of bookingCons:
- Location - Car quality - the cars are very basic model with lacking any new features (like USB ports, bluetooth connections, leather seats etc).Hertz
6.5
Okay
25 reviewsCleanliness
7.2
Comfort
6.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.4
Value for money
6.2
3 locations in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
1000 Walsh Avenue
+1 408 450 6025
323 Martin Avenue
+1 408 924 0935
3565 Stevens Creek
+1 408 260 2912
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2020
Pros:
Staff was polite and answered questions8.4 Very good
Jan 2020
Pros:
The vehicle performed nicely throughout the trip.Cons:
Both pick up and drop off were less than stellar experiences. In pick up, I felt jerked around a bit when they offered me an upgrade with unsuitable price increases. Also, when I picked up the vehicle, it had a distinct smell of cigarettes which I find quite distasteful. Fortunately, the smell went away after driving it for a few hours. More problematic however was that the gas tank was not full. This was during the time when PG&E was shutting down power throughout CA. I felt lucky to make it out of the state without running out of gas and finding myself stuck because stations wouldn't be able to use their pumps. On drop off, the town of Everett was completely torn up with construction. It would have been nice if Hertz had provided me with instructions in advance for how to get to the rental office. Also, the agent tried a joke which completely backfired. We worked through it, but it was not fun.3.6 Poor
Aug 2019
Pros:
The location was CLOSED at the time I was supposed to pick up my car!!Cons:
I could have gotten the car..6.0 Okay
Nov 2017
Pros:
Quick processCons:
Unfriendly customer service.7.2 Good
Jul 2017
Pros:
Car was clean and drove wellCons:
Had an incident with chipped windscreen but did not know who to call. Luckily I had full insurance. The insurance was very expensive.6.0 Okay
Apr 2017
Cons:
check in lengthy, with bad systems. Very odd on asking a lot of questions and acting like they were trained by the tsa.Budget
2.0
Poor
8 reviewsCleanliness
2.0
Comfort
2.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
2.0
2 locations in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
2390 Lafayette St
+1 408 445 2330
2895 El Camino Real
+1 408 445 2330
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2016
Pros:
New clean carCons:
No ability to adjust pricing if I wanted a smaller car once there.Avis
6.4
Okay
3 reviews2 locations in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
2390 Lafayette St
+1 408 246 7900
2895 El Camino Real
+1 408 246 7900
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Aug 2018
Pros:
Due to a delay in our luggage arriving, we couldn't pick up the reservation as scheduled. The next day we found out the car we booked was no longer available, but fortunately the local team was able to locate it at another location, and drove us there to get it.10.0 Wonderful
May 2017
Pros:
Cost vehicle cleanliness of the vehicle quick service at pick/up and even quicker at drop off6.4 Okay
Oct 2015
Pros:
Staff at pick up and drop off were great and check-out was seamless.Cons:
Chevy Cruze is a terrible highway car.; very uncomfortable & noisy. Car was dirty and dusty inside and out. Car had large dent in drivers side door.National
8.0
Very good
No reviews available
One location in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
323 Martin Ave
+1 888 826 6890
Filters
No reviews available
Airport Van
4.8
Mediocre
No reviews available
One location in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
312 Brokaw Road
+1 408 573 7111
Filters
No reviews available
keddy by Europcar
6.1
Okay
No reviews available
One location in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
Please Go To Fox Counter
+1 408 709 2950
Filters
No reviews available
AutoEurope
No score available yet
One location in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
Filters
No reviews available
Avalon Transportation Service
No score available yet
One location in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
312 Martin Avenue
+1 408 834 3855
Filters
No reviews available
Fox Autorent
No score available yet
One location in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
San Jose Airport Mineta International SJC
+1 408 709 2950
Filters
No reviews available
Priceline
No score available yet
One location in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
1701 Airport Blvd, San Jose, Ca ,san Jose,ca,us
+1 800 761 8913
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Santa Clara
Locations in Santa Clara
San Jose Intl Arpt, 2300 Airport Blvd, Ste 120 -
+1 914 368 0091
Filters
No reviews available
Car rental locations in or near Santa Clara
When to book a rental car in Santa Clara
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Popular rental types in Santa Clara
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