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Santa Monica car rentals from $22/day

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 Monica with a pick-up date of 3/25 and drop-off date of 4/10. 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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Cheap car rentals in Santa Monica

Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
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Nissan Versa car
Nissan Versa
or similar Small
4
2
2/4
$25/day
View Deal
Nissan Sentra car
Nissan Sentra
or similar Medium
5
3
2/4
$25/day
View Deal
Toyota Camry car
Toyota Camry
or similar Large
5
2
2/4
$22/day
View Deal
Kia Carnival car
Kia Carnival
or similar Van
5
5
4-5
$49/day
View Deal
Jeep Grand Cherokee L car
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
$50/day
View Deal
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer car
BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
or similar Large
5
5
2/4
$33/day
View Deal
Lexus ES car
Lexus ES
or similar Luxury
5
5
4-5
$48/day
View Deal
RAM Pickup car
RAM Pickup
or similar Pickup truck
5
3
2/4
$36/day
View Deal
Class Special Car car
Class Special Car
or similar Category
5
5
2/4
$25/day
View Deal
Toyota RAV4 car
Toyota RAV4
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$31/day
View Deal
Ford EcoSport car
Ford EcoSport
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
$32/day
View Deal
Chevrolet Blazer car
Chevrolet Blazer
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
$35/day
View Deal
BMW X3 car
BMW X3
or similar SUV
5
5
4-5
$58/day
View Deal
Best rates found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

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

  • Car rentals in Santa Monica can provide you with the ease and flexibility you need to explore all of the popular attractions within the city and the surrounding areas. Head to the famous city of Beverly Hills that is about 10 miles away and best reached by car. If you like being active and are interested in going on a hike, you can visit the scenic Topanga State Park that spans across 14,000 acres and is around a half-hour drive from the city.
  • Visitors can pick up their Santa Monica car rentals directly from Los Angeles International Airport. While there are no rental car offices located on airport property, many of them provide complimentary shuttle services that depart from just outside the Arrivals terminal under the purple sign marked as "Rental Car Shuttles." There are over 40 different companies for you to choose from, including Thrifty, Budget, and Hertz.
  • The city center is known for having many pedestrians and cyclists, so always be on the lookout for them when you are driving car rentals in Santa Monica. Motorcycles are also legally allowed to drive in between traffic lanes in California, so make sure to drive cautiously in case one of them is in your blind spot. As Santa Monica is such a large city, it can be easy to get lost, so consider adding a GPS system to your rental in order to help with navigation.
  • All of Los Angeles County, including Santa Monica, is known for having heavy traffic, particularly during rush hour. If you don’t want to find yourself stuck in a traffic jam, avoiding driving on the Pacific Coast Highway and freeways 10 and 405 between the hours of 8am to 9:30am and 5pm to 6:30pm. The roads also tend to be particularly slippery when it rains, so drive extra cautiously during this type of weather.
  • Santa Monica Airport is an ideal place to get cheap car rentals in Santa Monica. Once you are at the airport and need to move around the city, you won’t have to worry about where to get a car rental. There are several car rental agencies at the terminals of this airport, such as Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Midway, and Hertz. The offices of these car rental agencies are located at Terminal A and Terminal B of Santa Monica Airport. When picked up at Santa Monica Airport, these car rentals provide flexible and comfortable movement within the city at a pocket-friendly cost.
  • It is essential to have a glimpse of traffic when getting Santa Monica car rentals. The city is famous for several events and festivals that may hinder you from moving comfortably around the city with your car rental. For example, on the 7th of August in every year, the people of Santa Monica celebrate the Ecuadorian Annual Festive and Parade. The festival's timing causes notable traffic interruption for the whole day, for it begins in the morning and ends in the late evening. The Venice Musicfest events also happen within the year in the city; thus, it is essential to know these events while using your car rental.
  • If you are driving your car rental from Santa Monica Airport to the city center, you may consider using the two routes to run out of traffic lanes. The first route is through I-10E, which you will cover a distance of 11.7mi and spend about 21 minutes to the city center. If the route has heavy traffic and you need to avoid it, you may use the second route through I-10E and Washington Blvd, which you will cover a distance of 11.2mi and spend about 20 minutes.
  • 25% of our users found rental cars in Santa Monica for $23 or less
  • Book your rental car in Santa Monica at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Standard rental cars in Santa Monica are around 24% cheaper than other car types, on average
See more tips

FAQs about renting a car in Santa Monica

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Santa Monica?

    As Santa Monica is a busy city with limited parking, a compact vehicle can be a convenient choice for a rental car. Not only will it be easier for you to weave in and out of traffic, you will also be able to better navigate the narrow streets in the city’s downtown area.

  • What’s the speed limit in Santa Monica?

    Speed limits for streets within the city often range from 25 to 45mph depending on where they are located and how busy they are. If you are driving near a school, you can expect the speed limit to drop to 20mph. Freeways usually have a maximum of 65mph, while the maximum for the Pacific Coast Highway is closer to 55mph, depending on how windy the section of road is. Many of the city’s intersections have their own traffic cameras, and police officers are frequently stationed both within the city and along the main freeways. Always make sure to follow traffic laws in order to drive safely and avoid receiving a fine.

  • Where are the best places to park in Santa Monica?

    While you might be able to find some free street parking in Santa Monica, it is usually easiest to opt for a paid parking lot or garage. The Santa Monica Pier deck parking lot is open 24h a day, with fees ranging from around $2.50 to $3.75 per hour. There are also several beach parking lots, such as the Annenberg Community Beach House, which is open from 6am to midnight and charges approximately $3 per hour. Parking is available 24h a day at the Civic Center and Main Library, and the first 30min are free.

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

    On average a rental car in Santa Monica costs $34 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 Monica found in the last 2 weeks is $12.

  • How much is gas price in Santa Monica?

    The average gas price in Santa Monica is $3.40 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $41 and $54, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Santa Monica?

    Standard (Toyota Corolla or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Santa Monica.

  • Which car rental companies are at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Los Angeles airport include Ace, Right Cars, Priceless, Midway, MEXRENTACAR, NextCar, Economy Rent a Car, Yesaway, EL8 Luxury Car Rental and FlexWays.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Los Angeles airport to off-airport locations include Right Cars, Priceless, Midway, Economy Rent a Car, and NU Car.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Santa Monica?

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

  • How much does a Standard car rental cost in Santa Monica?

    A Standard car rental in Santa Monica costs $33 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Premium car rental cost in Santa Monica?

    A Premium car rental in Santa Monica costs $82 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Special car rental cost in Santa Monica?

    A Special car rental in Santa Monica costs $39 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular rental car location in Santa Monica?

    In Santa Monica, cars are most frequently rented at MEXRENTACAR 8820 8820 Bellanca Ave (8 miles from city center).

  • Should I get insurance when renting a car in Santa Monica?

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

  • How many car agencies are operating in Santa Monica?

    KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 11 car rental agencies in Santa Monica.

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

    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 Monica?

    KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Santa Monica 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 car rentals in the train station in Santa Monica?

    If you are at downtown Santa Monica train station and need a car rental, you should consider getting one at Midway car rental agency just at the station's entrance. The offices of other agencies such as Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget are a 2min walk from the train station.

  • Which places can you visit with your cheap Santa Monica car rental?

    It is convenient for you to have a car rental when visiting several attraction sites in the city, such as Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica State Beach, and downtown Santa Monica. It will take you around 4min to drive from Santa Monica to Santa Monica Pier, around 3min to Santa Monica State Beach, and about 4min to downtown Santa Monica.

See more FAQs

Santa Monica car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Midway

9.9

Wonderful

Read 7 reviews
Best rated

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.6

Value for money

10.0

2 locations in Santa Monica

Show locations

Locations in Santa Monica

1719 Santa Monica Blvd

Opening times not available

1901, Ocean Avenue

Opening times not available

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was extremely friendly, pickup and drop-off was very fast and efficient. I see some complaints about customers not getting the type of car they reserved, which I could see happening as the lot was very small, not a large selection. I had rented a economy class, and loved the car I got.

10.0 Wonderful

Dean, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Clean car easy to pick up / drop off

Cons:

Busy intersection was hard to return car

9.2 Wonderful

Nina, Sep 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Loved the car - awesome price, amazing gas mileage, great AC. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. I returned the car, and was offered a ride home - a very pleasant surprise.

Cons:

The only issue when we arrived at Midway was that there was a shortage of cars. Our options were to go to a further away location OR to have the rental car delivered to our home. We opted to return home ourselves and wait for the rental car to be delivered to us. The delivery was 1.5 hours after our initial pickup time. Not ideal when your schedule is time sensitive. But it worked out for us.

1 out of 3

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

9.3

Wonderful

Read 4 reviews

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

9.3

5 locations in Santa Monica

Show locations

Locations in Santa Monica

1702 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 310 395 4941

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1719 Wilshire Blvd

+1 310 395 4941

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1723 Wilshire Blvd

+1 310 478 5216

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2700 Lincoln Blvd

+1 310 452 9100

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2703 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 424 416 5073

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jeffery, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Mike made sure I was able to get the vehicle I needed when I needed it. That was amazing

Cons:

Actually everything was perfect

8.0 Very good

Nanette, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Attentive employee.

Cons:

Rented a car on-line that was not available- what??? No Bueno.

1 out of 2

Avis

9.1

Wonderful

Read 2 reviews

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.7

Value for money

7.9

3 locations in Santa Monica

Show locations

Locations in Santa Monica

1027 Broadway

+1 310 453 4421

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

1700 Ocean Avenue

+1 424 272 7305

Monday08:00 - 18:0013:00 - 16:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:0013:00 - 16:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:0013:00 - 16:00
Thursday13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:0013:00 - 16:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00

2423 Lincoln Blvd

+1 424 428 0216

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

John, Oct 2023

Convertible

KAYAK
Excellent no issues whatsoever

1 out of 1

Hertz

6.9

Okay

Read 5 reviews

Cleanliness

6.5

Comfort

7.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.1

Value for money

7.2

3 locations in Santa Monica

Show locations

Locations in Santa Monica

1426 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 310 394 2449

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

1700 Ocean Ave.

+1 310 451 3539

Monday13:00 - 16:0007:00 - 12:00
Tuesday13:00 - 16:0007:00 - 12:00
Wednesday07:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Thursday13:00 - 16:0007:00 - 12:00
Friday13:00 - 16:0007:00 - 12:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

2519 Lincoln Blvd.

+1 310 578 9700

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Gia, Feb 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Did not have car available for us that we rented and pre paid for. Only car available was $40 more dollars a day. Total rip off. Terrible service. Never using Hertz again. Not surprised they are bankrupt.

6.0 Okay

Thomas, Oct 2022

KAYAK
The car was not cleaned before handing to me.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2021

KAYAK
Excellent people working in that office!

1 out of 2

Budget

6.8

Okay

Read 3 reviews

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

6.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.4

Value for money

6.8

2 locations in Santa Monica

Show locations

Locations in Santa Monica

1027 Broadway

+1 310 393 9194

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

2423 Lincoln Blvd

+1 424 428 0219

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
The rental office was closed at the time of my reservation. I waited for 25 minutes then called Budget. The phone rep said he would transfer my reservation to another location 15 miles away “for no charge” and then put me on hold. 10 minutes later (still on hold) someone showed up. At this point we were running more than 30 minutes behind schedule and I had to press the agent to confirm that I would be returning the car 30 minutes later as well. She begrudgingly adjusted the contract. She told me the car’s fuel tank was at 3/4 and to return it with 3/4 full. When I returned the car, a different agent checked everything and noticed the fuel tank wasn’t full, it was 7/8 full and that I would be charged to top it up. I told him that I actually was returning it with more gas than I got it with and also 30 minutes early and that I should be charging him for my time and the extra fuel I just gifted Budget. Every single person I interacted with at Budget was completely sour, confrontational and trying to nickel and dime me out of time, money and fuel. This was a very expensive rate and at that price point, you really need to show up on time and not threaten charges when you are being gifted fuel and given an early return. What you should really do is say “thank you.”

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Nothing really

1 out of 1

Sixt

6.5

Okay

Read 5 reviews

Cleanliness

6.9

Comfort

6.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.4

Value for money

6.4

One location in Santa Monica

Show locations

Locations in Santa Monica

1515 Ocean Ave

+1 888 749 8227

Monday09:00 - 13:00
Tuesday09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday09:00 - 13:00
Thursday09:00 - 13:00
Friday09:00 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

4.8 Mediocre

Anonymous, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

The car

1 out of 2

Dollar

5.6

Fair

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1426 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 310 394 2449

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5.5

Fair

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1426 Santa Monica Boulevard

+1 310 394 2449

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Eagle Rent A Car

No score available yet

3 locations in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

4110 Lincoln Blvd

Opening times not available

Santa Monica Airport

Opening times not available

Santa Monica airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Rent-4-Less

No score available yet

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

3202 Lincoln Blvd

(310) 395 8010

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1901 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica CA UNITED STATES

+1 914 368 0091

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

46 travelers who rented a car in Santa Monica gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.6

Car rental locations in or near Santa Monica

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Traveling to a place near Santa Monica?

Rent a car at Santa Monica if you plan to visit one of these locations
Avalon
Big Bear
Ojai
Lake Arrowhead
Capistrano Beach
Montecito
California City
San Marino
Winchester

Good to know

Most popular agency

Turo

Most popular car type

Standard

Average price

$34/day

Good deal

$23/day

When to book a rental car in Santa Monica

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Everything you need to know for your car rental in Santa Monica

Santa Monica car rental information

Pick-up locationSanta Monica
Car typesCompact, Compact SUV, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Luxury SUV, Minivan, Pickup truck, Premium, Standard SUV, Supplier choice
Rental locations23
Airport locations1
Popular agenciesSixt, Turo, Avis, Dollar, Hertz

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