$42 Car Rental Santa Cruz

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Cruz

Renting a car in Santa Cruz is an excellent choice for tourists looking to explore the city and its surroundings with freedom and flexibility. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Plaza 24 de Septiembre and San Lorenzo Cathedral, both located in the heart of Santa Cruz, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture at your own pace. Families will appreciate the convenience of managing luggage and having the ability to take breaks as needed while discovering places like Blacutt Square. In addition to city sights, a rental car opens up opportunities to visit nearby destinations like Colinas del Urubo, home to the Ethno-folkloric Museum, or Warnes, just 19 miles away, where you can find Play Land Amusement Park. El Torno, located 20 miles from Santa Cruz, offers attractions like Lomas de Arena Regional Park. Whether you're interested in family-friendly adventures or cultural experiences, having a rental car enables you to create a flexible travel itinerary that suits your needs, making your trip to Santa Cruz enjoyable and hassle-free.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Cruz

• Economy: This car type accommodates up to 5 travelers and can hold up to 2 medium suitcases. It's an ideal choice for solo travelers, couples, or families looking to explore Santa Cruz comfortably and affordably. The Economy option allows for easy maneuvering through the city while providing adequate space for your luggage, making it a popular choice among renters.
• Midsize: Accommodating 5 travelers with room for up to 3 large suitcases, the Midsize option is perfect for couples or families who need a little extra space. This car type offers a balance between comfort and practicality, making it a favored choice for those who plan to travel around Santa Cruz with more luggage. Enjoy the freedom to explore with this versatile vehicle.
• Mini: Ideal for up to 4 travelers and capable of holding 2 small suitcases, the Mini option is best suited for solo travelers or couples. This compact car is perfect for navigating the bustling streets of Santa Cruz, providing a nimble driving experience while still accommodating your travel essentials. Its popularity stems from its efficiency and ease of use in urban settings.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Cruz

• Europcar: Europcar is the most popular car rental supplier in Santa Cruz, featuring 2 rental locations within the city. Travelers favor this supplier for its range of Economy and Midsize SUV options, making it ideal for exploring attractions at your own pace. Customers appreciate the flexibility and convenience of managing their luggage easily. Europcar's well-maintained vehicles contribute to a positive rental experience, ensuring you can adjust your itinerary with ease while enjoying your time in Santa Cruz.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

• Colinas del Urubo: Located within Santa Cruz, Colinas del Urubo is ideal for travelers seeking a family-friendly, city-themed, or business-themed experience. Visitors can enjoy the nearby shopping center and mall, along with a relaxing resort atmosphere. Key attractions include Plaza 24 de Septiembre, a cultural piazza perfect for immersing in local city life, and the Ethno-folkloric Museum, which showcases regional culture. Additionally, the Guarani Nandereko Nomai Art and Culture Center offers a deep dive into local art and traditions, making this area a vibrant spot for exploration.
• Warnes: Situated 19 miles from Santa Cruz, Warnes is an excellent choice for family and outdoor enthusiasts. This city features a variety of amenities including shopping centers and malls, alongside recreational resorts. Visitors can explore the Play Land Amusement Park for outdoor fun, or delve into local history at the Ethno-folkloric Museum. The Municipal Library serves as a cultural resource, making Warnes a well-rounded destination for families and culture seekers alike, with landmarks such as the nearby botanical gardens and cathedral enhancing the overall experience.
• El Torno: Located 20 miles from Santa Cruz, El Torno is perfect for those who appreciate nature and outdoor activities. This city is known for its natural parks, including the Lomas de Arena Regional Park, a stunning reserve for hiking and enjoying the outdoors. For a romantic adventure, visitors can explore Las Cuevas, a picturesque waterfall. Additionally, Artecampo serves as a cultural hub, showcasing local arts and crafts, making El Torno an attractive destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts seeking a peaceful getaway.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economical car to save money, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary with demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to secure lower prices and have a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles 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—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years of age. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements may require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. 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 unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something goes wrong during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek rentals with 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 Cruz

The best value period to rent a car in and around Santa Cruz is February, when prices are slightly low and demand remains average. Following closely, June also offers slightly low prices with steady demand. As spring approaches, March sees average pricing but high demand, while May is typically the most expensive month due to increased demand. April offers a balance, with average prices and demand levels, making it a decent option just before the peak season.

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Santa Cruz

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Santa Cruz

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Santa Cruz. 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 Cruz

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $42.

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