$45 Car Rental Santa Cruz

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Top Car Deals in Santa Cruz

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Economy

Kia Picanto
  • 4 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Oranjestad, ABW
Kia Picanto

$45

includes taxes & fees
$37 per day
found 1 day ago
Economy Kia Picanto

Compact

Kia Rio
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Oranjestad, ABW
Kia Rio

$49

includes taxes & fees
$41 per day
found 1 day ago
Compact Kia Rio

Midsize

Nissan Versa
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
PALM BEACH, ABW
Nissan Versa

$56

includes taxes & fees
$45 per day
found 1 day ago
Midsize Nissan Versa

Standard

Chevrolet Cavalier
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Oranjestad, ABW
Chevrolet Cavalier

$92

includes taxes & fees
$75 per day
found 3 days ago
Standard Chevrolet Cavalier

Fullsize

Kia Optima
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Oranjestad, ABW
Kia Optima

$110

includes taxes & fees
$90 per day
found 3 days ago
Fullsize Kia Optima

Mini Van

Toyota Sienna
  • 7 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Oranjestad, ABW
Toyota Sienna

$116

includes taxes & fees
$95 per day
found 3 days ago
Mini Van Toyota Sienna

Luxury SUV

Kia Sorento
  • 7 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Oranjestad, ABW
Kia Sorento

$145

includes taxes & fees
$120 per day
found 2 days ago
Luxury SUV Kia Sorento

Premium SUV

  • 0 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Oranjestad, ABW

$264

includes taxes & fees
$221 per day
found 2 days ago
Premium SUV undefined

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What you need to know for your Santa Cruz car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Cruz

Renting a car in Santa Cruz provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This option is particularly appealing for those looking for beach and outdoor experiences, as well as stunning scenery. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as Conchi Natural Pool, a beautiful lagoon perfect for outdoor adventures located nearby, and De Palm Island, ideal for beach activities. Just a short drive away, Arikok National Park offers opportunities for adventure and scenic explorations, located only 2 miles from Santa Cruz.

A rental car also enhances your ability to explore popular nearby destinations like Savaneta, which is 3 miles from Santa Cruz and features Mangel Halto Beach, as well as more attractions. Barcadera and Balashi, also in the area, provide additional options for beach and nature lovers. Whether you are traveling with family or managing luggage, having your own vehicle ensures convenient travel plans and easy access to all that Santa Cruz and its surroundings have to offer.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

  • Savaneta: Located 3 miles from Santa Cruz, Savaneta is a charming city renowned for its beautiful beaches and stunning scenery. Travelers can enjoy various outdoor experiences, with highlights including Mangel Halto Beach, Arikok National Park, and De Palm Island. The area also offers numerous dining options, particularly seafood restaurants, making it a great choice for food enthusiasts looking to experience local cuisine.
  • Barcadera: Situated within the Santa Cruz area, Barcadera is a village that invites visitors to explore its scenic beaches and outdoor attractions. Key points of interest include Renaissance Island and Mangel Halto Beach, both ideal for beach and outdoor activities. The presence of a water park and various restaurants adds to the appeal, offering fun and dining options for travelers seeking a lively atmosphere.
  • San Fuego: This village, located in the vicinity of Santa Cruz, is perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty and outdoor adventures. With attractions like Arikok National Park and Conchi Natural Pool, San Fuego provides a scenic backdrop for exploration. Mangel Halto Beach also lies nearby, making it a suitable option for beach lovers. Various local restaurants ensure that visitors can enjoy delicious meals after a day of adventure.

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 vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for cost savings, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect vehicle for your trip.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your travel dates. Booking early often results in better rates and improved availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size options strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most favorable option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only 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 of unforeseen events during your trip. It's simple to add car rental insurance when you book through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

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 $45.

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.

Car Rental Information

Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available
Our best deal of the day
$45
Our second best deal of the day
$49
Our third best deal of the day
$56
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

Frequently asked questions

What are the best cheap car rental companies in Santa Cruz?
Avis offers compact 2 or 4 door cars starting from $23 a day, while ACE Rent A Car has special vehicles and mini 2 or 4 door cars both starting from $24 a day. Comparing suppliers on Expedia helps you find a car rental deal in Santa Cruz that fits your budget. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Santa Cruz.
Can I rent a car round-trip in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is well suited to round-trip rentals, with options starting from $19 a day. Picking up and dropping off your car rental in Santa Cruz at the same location generally avoids one-way drop-off fees, which can make it the most cost-effective option for exploring areas near Santa Cruz. Popular nearby destinations include Eagle Beach, Baby Beach, and Palm Beach. Providers like ACE Rent A Car, Enterprise, Alamo Rent A Car, and Avis offer wide round-trip availability, making it easy to plan your itinerary. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Santa Cruz.
What are the best car rentals in Santa Cruz?
Car rentals in Santa Cruz offer extensive vehicle variety to suit different travel needs. The most popular car classes available include:
  • Special
  • Mini 2 or 4 door
  • Compact 2 or 4 door
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door
  • Economy 2 or 4 door
Most vehicles come with automatic transmission, offering ease of driving. Families visiting attractions often prefer SUVs or minivans for space and comfort, while couples and solo travelers find economy or compact cars to be fuel-efficient and easy to maneuver. Choose your car rental in Santa Cruz based on passenger count, luggage needs, and your budget. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Santa Cruz.
What are the best car rentals in Santa Cruz for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Santa Cruz for solo travelers are economy and compact classes—small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring at their own pace:
  • Economy 2 or 4 door, starting from $40 a day — fits up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets and simple to slot into small parking spaces
  • Compact 2 or 4 door, starting from $32 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage while staying fuel-efficient
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. If you're planning longer drives to spots like Eagle Beach, consider sizing up to a compact SUV for extra highway comfort. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Santa Cruz.
What are the best car rentals in Santa Cruz for couples?
The best car rentals in Santa Cruz for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two:
  • Midsize 2 or 4 door, starting from $35 a day — fits up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, starting from $44 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for day trips around the region
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. For a special trip, consider a standard open air all terrain vehicle, starting from $99 a day, for scenic drives around Santa Cruz. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Santa Cruz.
What are the best car rentals in Santa Cruz for families?
The best car rentals in Santa Cruz for families are the ones with room for everyone and their gear:
  • Midsize SUV, starting from $48 a day — seats up to 5 with room for 3 large suitcases and a car seat
  • Mini passenger van, starting from $70 a day — seats up to 8 with room for 6 large suitcases, ideal for larger families with strollers and full luggage
SUVs and minivans have room for the whole family plus car seats, strollers, and luggage, making them the most comfortable fit for trips around Santa Cruz. Book 4+ weeks ahead, as family-sized vehicles can have lower availability during the busy months of December, July, and March, and consider adding GPS if you're new to the area. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Santa Cruz.
What is the best time to book a car in Santa Cruz?
From January, prices for car rental in Santa Cruz are typically lower—rentals can start from as little as $23 a day during this period. December tends to be the busiest month, when high demand can lead to higher prices. During major holidays and special events, rates may also fluctuate. Demand climbs as travelers head to popular spots and activities such as:
  • Eagle Beach, Oranjestad, Aruba
  • Baby Beach, San Nicolas Zuid, Aruba
  • Palm Beach, Noord, Aruba
  • Aruba UTV & ATV Adventure
  • Aruba UTV Tour with Natural Cave Pool and Cliff Jumping
Booking 3-4 weeks ahead can help with availability and pricing. Many bookings allow free cancellation 24+ hours before pickup—book early and rebook if rates drop.
What are the best car companies in Santa Cruz?
Car rental suppliers in Santa Cruz are available from providers like ACE Rent A Car, Enterprise, Alamo Rent A Car, and Avis, offering vehicles suited to local roads and conditions. ACE Rent A Car has special and mini options that are easy to park and fuel-efficient for city streets, while Enterprise offers compact and midsize vehicles with more space and stability for highways. Alamo Rent A Car rounds out the choices with compact and midsize vehicles. For those seeking enhanced traction, some providers offer automatic 4WD options. Choose a higher-clearance or all-wheel-drive class for varied terrain, and a compact class for easy maneuvering and better mileage on longer highway stretches. For more options, explore Premium Car Rentals in Santa Cruz.
What are good day trip destinations from Santa Cruz by rental car?
Top day-trip destinations and activities within easy reach from Santa Cruz include:
  • Eagle Beach, Oranjestad, Aruba, approximately 10 miles away
  • Baby Beach, San Nicolas Zuid, Aruba, approximately 10 miles away
  • Palm Beach, Noord, Aruba, approximately 11 miles away
  • Aruba UTV & ATV Adventure
  • Aruba UTV Tour with Natural Cave Pool and Cliff Jumping
These distances are manageable for most car types, though an SUV might offer more comfort for longer drives or if you plan to carry extra gear for activities like ATV adventures. Booking a car with flexible cancellation policies can be beneficial if your day trip plans are weather-dependent. For more options, explore Convertible Car Rentals in Santa Cruz.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Santa Cruz?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Santa Cruz. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
Budget car rental in Santa Cruz can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days from $45. To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Santa Cruz?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Santa Cruz. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Santa Cruz car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
To rent a car in Santa Cruz, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Cruz car rental?
If you need to cancel your Santa Cruz car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.
Why should I rent a car in Santa Cruz with Expedia?
Booking your car rental on Expedia makes it easier to get more out of your trip from the start. With a wide choice of car rentals, you can compare prices, suppliers and deals all in one place, then bundle your car with a hotel which could help you save even more. Join our free One Key™ travel rewards program to instantly unlock additional savings.

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