$49 Car Rental Santa Barbara, CA

These Santa Barbara insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 15, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Barbara

Renting a car in Santa Barbara allows you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions like the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, which offers rich cultural experiences, or enjoy outdoor adventures at Santa Barbara Harbor. If you're looking to relax, Butterfly Beach provides a beautiful setting for beach experiences. The convenience of a car also makes it easy to manage your luggage and travel plans, perfect for families who may need to bring extra items. You can explore popular neighborhoods such as Santa Barbara Beach, which features the courthouse and the harbor, or head to Montecito for more beach time. Downtown Santa Barbara, with its charming streets and attractions like Stearns Wharf, is also accessible. By renting a car, you can seamlessly navigate between these destinations while enjoying the sights and sounds of this beautiful coastal city.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Barbara

• Economy: The Economy car is an excellent choice for solo travelers, couples, or small families, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This option offers a budget-friendly solution, allowing you to navigate Santa Barbara effortlessly while managing your luggage with ease. It’s perfect for those looking to explore the area at their own pace without the need for a larger vehicle.
• Midsize SUV: A Midsize SUV is ideal for families, couples, or small groups, providing ample room for up to 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases. This car type combines comfort and practicality, making it suitable for longer drives or when you have extra luggage. With a Midsize SUV, you can enjoy the scenic views of Santa Barbara while having enough space for both passengers and belongings.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car option is perfect for larger families or groups, accommodating 5 travelers and offering flexibility with up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option provides spacious interiors that ensure comfort during your travels in and around Santa Barbara. With a Fullsize vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage while enjoying the freedom to explore the region without constraints.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Barbara

• Hertz: With a rental location in the heart of Santa Barbara, Hertz is a popular choice among travelers looking for flexibility and convenience. Known for its reliable service, Hertz boasts an overall rating of 7.2 out of 10. The most booked vehicles with this supplier include Midsize SUVs and Economies, making it easy to find a suitable option for your travel needs. Enjoy the freedom to explore Santa Barbara and its beautiful surroundings at your own pace.
• Enterprise: Enterprise also has a rental location in Santa Barbara, providing travelers with an excellent option for car rentals. They are particularly popular for their Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, catering to those who desire extra space and comfort during their journey. With a strong reputation for customer service, Enterprise ensures a smooth rental experience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your trip.
• Budget: Budget is another key player in Santa Barbara's car rental scene, offering a range of vehicles tailored to fit various travel preferences. With a focus on value, Budget provides Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs that are perfect for exploring the area's attractions. Their convenient location makes it easy to pick up your rental and start your adventure, ensuring you can make the most of your time in Santa Barbara.

Where to stay in Santa Barbara

• Santa Barbara Beach: Enjoy the picturesque Santa Barbara Beach neighborhood, perfect for outdoor and family experiences. This area boasts attractions like the Santa Barbara Harbor, known for its marina and adventure opportunities, and the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, ideal for culture enthusiasts. Nearby, you can explore the family-friendly beach and the tourist precinct, with a variety of restaurants and wineries to satisfy your culinary desires.
• Montecito: Nestled close to Santa Barbara, Montecito offers a charming blend of outdoor and family experiences. Butterfly Beach is a highlight for beach vacations, while the Santa Barbara County Courthouse and Santa Barbara Harbor provide cultural and adventurous outings. The neighborhood is rich with shopping centers and delightful dining options, making it a great choice for visitors looking to relax and explore.
• Downtown Santa Barbara: Experience the vibrant Downtown Santa Barbara, a hub for family activities and urban exploration. This area features the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, alongside the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearns Wharf for outdoor adventures. With a variety of shopping areas, theaters, restaurants, and breweries nearby, Downtown Santa Barbara is a bustling destination that invites travelers to immerse themselves in the city's lively atmosphere.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Santa Barbara

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to save on costs, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to secure lower prices and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—may be restricted. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which can also be convenient—just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unforeseen expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Barbara

The best value period to rent a car in and around Santa Barbara is June, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderate. This month is ideal for those looking to avoid crowds while enjoying good rates. April and May also offer reasonable prices with average demand, making them solid shoulder months. However, February tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand and increased rental rates, followed closely by March, when prices and demand remain elevated.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
February	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	High	Slightly High
March	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	High	Average
April	60.3°F (15.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	68.2°F (20.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
July	72.1°F (22.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
August	72.9°F (22.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
September	71.6°F (22.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
October	66.7°F (19.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Average
December	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Low	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Santa Barbara

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Santa Barbara into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Santa Barbara and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Santa Barbara

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Santa Barbara. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Santa Barbara

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $49.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals