How much does it cost to rent a car in Santa Cruz?

On average a rental car in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz found in the last 2 weeks is $48.

Which car rental companies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?

Car rental companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Europcar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Dollar, Fox and Hertz.

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 Europcar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Dollar, Fox, and Hertz.

How can I find car rentals near me in Santa Cruz?

Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

How much does a Medium car rental cost in Santa Cruz?

A Medium car rental in Santa Cruz costs $57 per day, on average.

How much does a Large car rental cost in Santa Cruz?

A Large car rental in Santa Cruz costs $135 per day, on average.

How much does a Luxury car rental cost in Santa Cruz?

A Luxury car rental in Santa Cruz costs $108 per day, on average.

Should I get insurance when renting a car in Santa Cruz?

Most car rental providers in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.

How many car agencies are operating in Santa Cruz?

KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 6 car rental agencies in Santa Cruz.

What type of car is recommended for driving in Santa Cruz?

Nearly any on-road vehicle will do well in Santa Cruz. Our recommendation would be to choose a vehicle that suits your needs, so you can go with anything from a standard car like a sedan to a minivan. If your budget allows it, you can even get a luxury vehicle to cruise around the coast from car rentals in Santa Cruz.

What’s the speed limit in Santa Cruz?

The maximum speed limit on California highways stands at 65mph, and you can drive at 70mph where posted. On two-lane undivided highways, the maximum speed limit is 55mph, unless posted otherwise, and 25mph in school zones. Watch out for blind intersections where the speed limit falls at 15mph, which also applies to alleys. Business and residential areas have a limit of 25mph.

Where are the best places to park in Santa Cruz?

The city of Santa Cruz has several downtown public parking lots that offer a free 3h time limit parking from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm. Downtown parking meters charge anywhere between $1 an hour to $8 per day, depending on where you park. Parking meters operate every day between 8am and 8pm.

What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Santa Cruz?

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 Cruz?

KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Santa Cruz so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.

Do 7-year-olds need a booster seat in a Santa Cruz rental?

It depends. According to California law, children younger than eight must be secured in either a booster seat or car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. However, once a child reaches the height of 4 feet 9 inches, a seat belt will suffice.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Santa Cruz?

To rent a car in California, you have to be at least 21. However, if you are younger than 25, you will most likely be charged a Young Renter daily fee and be limited as to what class of vehicle you may rent.

Car Rentals in Santa Cruz from $31/day - Search for Rental Cars on KAYAK

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.

Car Rental Deals

Ford Fiesta

or similar Small

4-5

$33/day

View deal

Nissan Versa Note

or similar Small

4-5

$33/day

View deal

Kia K4

or similar Medium

2/4

$33/day

View deal

Volkswagen Jetta

or similar Medium

2/4

$38/day

View deal

Ford Fusion

or similar Large

4-5

$31/day

View deal

Toyota Sienna

or similar Van

4-5

$53/day

View deal

Toyota Highlander

or similar SUV

4-5

$60/day

View deal

Audi A4

or similar Luxury

4-5

$58/day

View deal

GMC Sierra

or similar Pickup truck

2/4

$47/day

View deal

Class Special Car

or similar Category

2/4

$33/day

View deal

Nissan Rogue

or similar SUV

4-5

$37/day

View deal

Class Intermediate SUV

or similar SUV

4-5

$37/day

View deal

Hyundai Santa Fe

or similar SUV

4-5

$51/day

View deal

Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Santa Cruz car rentals

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Santa Cruz with confidence.

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Santa Cruz?

You should book your rental car in Santa Cruz around 77 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the cheapest car rental company in Santa Cruz?

In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Turo ($30/day), Dollar ($33/day) and Budget ($37/day).

What is the most popular rental car in Santa Cruz?

Rentals in the Medium category (Mazda Mazda3 or similar) are the most popular option in Santa Cruz, costing $66/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as $42/day.

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Santa Cruz?

The cheapest month to rent a car in Santa Cruz is January at an average cost of $51/day. July is the most expensive month to rent a car in Santa Cruz when prices are $69/day on average, which tends to be 11% above the yearly average rental price for Santa Cruz.

What rental car company in Santa Cruz has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 2 locations in Santa Cruz, more than any other rental company.

Find deals

Santa Cruz car rental price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right rental car in Santa Cruz by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small

Medium

Large

SUV

Van

Pickup truck

Luxury

	Small cars	$47 - $65
	All Car Types	$73 - $89

How much does it cost to rent a small car in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to rent a large car in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to rent a van in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Santa Cruz?

Small car rentals in Santa Cruz typically cost around $57 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $47 per day which is about 18% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 29% cheaper than the average rental in Santa Cruz, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

Medium car rentals in Santa Cruz typically cost around $70 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $63 per day which is about 10% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 13% cheaper than the average rental in Santa Cruz, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car rentals in Santa Cruz typically cost around $70 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average $59 per day which is about 16% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 13% cheaper than the average rental in Santa Cruz, offering more comfort for longer trips at a valuable price.

SUV rentals in Santa Cruz typically cost around $91 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average $79 per day which is about 14% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 13% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Cruz, but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van rentals in Santa Cruz typically cost around $110 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average $80 per day which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 28% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Cruz, but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck rentals in Santa Cruz typically cost around $82 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average $52 per day which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 3% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Cruz, ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.

Luxury car rentals in Santa Cruz typically cost around $104 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average $85 per day which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 24% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Cruz, but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Most popular agency	Most popular car type	Average price	Good deal
Turo	Medium	$49/day	$39/day

If you're planning to visit the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf, having a rental will ease your trip and make everything seamless. Sometimes when traveling, using public transportation means wasting time and possibly confusing routes when trying to get to various attractions. Getting a vehicle from car rentals in Santa Cruz is a smart decision because you can incorporate nearly everything in your itinerary and meet your travel goals on time and at your convenience. If you're here on a business trip, then you won't have to worry about missing the bus and being late for that meeting you've been looking forward to. Even better, you can skip town and check out the Winchester Mystery House, just 29 miles away, or even the Golden Gate Bridge about 75 miles away, at your own convenience and get back in the city before evening.
When you get to the Rental Car Center in San Jose International Airport, go directly across Terminal B. If you come from Terminal B, walk across the airport drive from baggage claim, where you'll find the facility. If you come from Terminal A, you'll find an airport blue shuttle bus that will take you to the rental car center. Some of the Santa Cruz car rentals you'll find at the facility include Enterprise, Avis, and Hertz.
Pedestrians in Santa Cruz are so used to jaywalking that the city had to write reminders on the curb not to do it, so be watchful, especially on crosswalks and intersections. You should be careful when driving on Highway 17 as it can get congested with commuters to and from San Jose and sees frequent coastal fog.
Traffic in Downtown Santa Cruz can be fairly normal, but the rush hours can be packed with cars, especially on Highways 1, 9, and 17. Highway 17 can be quite busy northbound in the morning and southbound in the evening as more people commute to and from San Jose, more so on Fridays. Rush hours start from 7am to 9am and from 3pm to 8pm in the evening. Having a traffic app for real-time information will go a long way. You can also listen to the local radio.
Many visitors to Santa Cruz will fly into the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located about an hour's drive north of Santa Cruz. SFO is an easy and convenient place to both pick up and drop off Santa Cruz car rentals because almost all the rental car agencies at SFO are located at the Rental Car Center. Once you land, proceed to the AirTrain station in your terminal and take the Blue Line people mover to the Rental Car Center. The AirTrain runs every few minutes, 24 hours a day. At the Rental Car Center, you will find car rental agencies including Budget, Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, SIXT, and others.
If you are looking into cheap car rentals in Santa Cruz, it is important to be aware of California's laws about wearing earbuds or AirPods while driving. According to the California Vehicle Code, you are prohibited from wearing a headset covering, ear plugs in, or earphones inserted in or resting on your ears. If you get stopped and cited for wearing earbuds, AirPods, or something similar, you will most likely receive a fine in the neighborhood of $200, though this amount can vary case by case. You will also, most likely, get points on your driver's license.
Santa Cruz experiences rain at various times from October to May and tends to get foggy in the morning, especially in the spring and summer. When you opt for cheap car rentals in Santa Cruz, make sure that your windshield wiper blades are in proper working order before you leave the rental car lot. And when you are driving in the fog, remember to put your low beams on, even during the day. This means your tail lights will be on as well, and the combination of the low-beam headlights and the tail lights will make your car more visible in the fog.
25% of our users found rental cars in Santa Cruz for $39 or less
Small rental cars in Santa Cruz are around 46% cheaper than other car types, on average

What type of car is recommended for driving in Santa Cruz?
Nearly any on-road vehicle will do well in Santa Cruz. Our recommendation would be to choose a vehicle that suits your needs, so you can go with anything from a standard car like a sedan to a minivan. If your budget allows it, you can even get a luxury vehicle to cruise around the coast from car rentals in Santa Cruz.
What’s the speed limit in Santa Cruz?
The maximum speed limit on California highways stands at 65mph, and you can drive at 70mph where posted. On two-lane undivided highways, the maximum speed limit is 55mph, unless posted otherwise, and 25mph in school zones. Watch out for blind intersections where the speed limit falls at 15mph, which also applies to alleys. Business and residential areas have a limit of 25mph.
Where are the best places to park in Santa Cruz?
The city of Santa Cruz has several downtown public parking lots that offer a free 3h time limit parking from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm. Downtown parking meters charge anywhere between $1 an hour to $8 per day, depending on where you park. Parking meters operate every day between 8am and 8pm.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
On average a rental car in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz found in the last 2 weeks is $48.
Which car rental companies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
Car rental companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Europcar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Dollar, Fox and Hertz.
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 Europcar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Dollar, Fox, and Hertz.
How can I find car rentals near me in Santa Cruz?
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Santa Cruz?
A Medium car rental in Santa Cruz costs $57 per day, on average.
How much does a Large car rental cost in Santa Cruz?
A Large car rental in Santa Cruz costs $135 per day, on average.
How much does a Luxury car rental cost in Santa Cruz?
A Luxury car rental in Santa Cruz costs $108 per day, on average.
Should I get insurance when renting a car in Santa Cruz?
Most car rental providers in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
How many car agencies are operating in Santa Cruz?
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 6 car rental agencies in Santa Cruz.
What do I need to know before booking a car rental in Santa Cruz?
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 Cruz?
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Santa Cruz so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
Do 7-year-olds need a booster seat in a Santa Cruz rental?
It depends. According to California law, children younger than eight must be secured in either a booster seat or car seat in the back seat of the vehicle. However, once a child reaches the height of 4 feet 9 inches, a seat belt will suffice.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
To rent a car in California, you have to be at least 21. However, if you are younger than 25, you will most likely be charged a Young Renter daily fee and be limited as to what class of vehicle you may rent.

Budget

10.0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Santa Cruz

Locations in Santa Cruz

630 Ocean Street

+1 831 291 5483

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	08:00 - 13:00
Sunday	08:00 - 13:00

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.4

Very good

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

8.0

2 locations in Santa Cruz

Locations in Santa Cruz

2724 Soquel Ave Ste A

+1 831 464 1900

Opening times not available

919b Ocean St

+1 831 426 7799

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	09:00 - 13:00
Sunday

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Roger, Jun 2026

Intermediate

Great service. Fast, reliable, clean and good cars. Excellent service at the location.

10.0 Wonderful

Stephen, Nov 2024

Compact

Micah was great!

Hertz

7.5

Good

Cleanliness

7.7

Comfort

7.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.2

Value for money

7.5

4 locations in Santa Cruz

Locations in Santa Cruz

132 Center Street

+1 262 654 8117

Opening times not available

2724 Soquel Ave

+1 831 423 0315

Monday	08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00
Wednesday	13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Thursday	08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00

5500 Scotts Valley Drive

+1 831 217 4162

Monday	13:00 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 17:00
Friday	13:00 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00

7000 Soquel Avenue

+1 831 462 0469

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Roger, Jun 2026

Intermediate

Did not receive car. Asked for pickup well in advance, was told they would come, then told they would not come. I was unable to get to the location before it closed.

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Aug 2025

Supplier choice

Had car reserved but no cars there when I arrived Had to wait an hour

Avis

6.0

Okay

Cleanliness

5.0

Comfort

4.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

4.0

One location in Santa Cruz

Locations in Santa Cruz

630 Ocean Street

+1 831 423 1244

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00
Saturday	08:00 - 13:00
Sunday	08:00 - 13:00

Thrifty

5.3

Fair

One location in Santa Cruz

Locations in Santa Cruz

2724 Soquel Ave

+1 831 423 0315

Monday	13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Tuesday	13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Wednesday	13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Thursday	08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00
Friday	13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30

Dollar

5.2

Fair

One location in Santa Cruz

Locations in Santa Cruz

2724 Soquel Ave

+1 831 423 0315

Monday	13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Tuesday	08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00
Wednesday	13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Thursday	08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00

18 travelers who rented a car in Santa Cruz gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.3

More options for your car rental in Santa Cruz

Add a flight or hotel

Agencies

Airports

Bus & train stations

Car brands

Car types

Large capacity

Neighborhoods

Other destinations

Complete your trip to Santa Cruz

Flights to Santa Cruz

Hotels in Santa Cruz

Vacations in Santa Cruz

One-way car rentals

Long-term car rentals

Pick-up location	Santa Cruz
Car types	Large, Small, Medium, SUV, Pickup truck, Van, Luxury
Rental locations	9
Airport locations	0
Popular agencies	Dollar, Turo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Avis, Budget

Santa Cruz car rentals from $31/day

Cheap car rentals in Santa Cruz

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Santa Cruz car rentals

How far in advance should you book a rental car in Santa Cruz?

What is the cheapest car rental company in Santa Cruz?

What is the most popular rental car in Santa Cruz?

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Santa Cruz?

What rental car company in Santa Cruz has the most locations?

Santa Cruz car rental price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right rental car in Santa Cruz by comparing prices across vehicle types.

How much does it cost to rent a small car in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to rent a large car in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to rent a van in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Santa Cruz?

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Santa Cruz

FAQs about renting a car in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz car rental reviews and directory

Car rental locations in or near Santa Cruz

More options for your car rental in Santa Cruz

Complete your trip to Santa Cruz

Car rentals from popular agencies in Santa Cruz

Car rental at airports serving Santa Cruz

Car rental at transport stations in Santa Cruz

Popular car brands to rent in Santa Cruz

Popular rental types in Santa Cruz

Large capacity rentals in Santa Cruz

Car rental in neighborhoods of Santa Cruz

Car rental in other popular destinations

Santa Cruz car rental information