Car Rental Santa Barbara

Search and Compare from Car Companies in Santa Barbara

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car suppliers logo

  • protection illustration

    Change your mind

    Penalty-free cancellation on many/select car rentals
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save 10% or more on over 1 million car rentals
  • package illustration

    Shop smart

    Compare car suppliers and package your flight, hotel, and car to save

Top Car Deals in Santa Barbara

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

Don't see what you're looking for?

See all car rentals in Santa Barbara
View all cars

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Santa Barbara?
Car rentals in Santa Barbara had a low daily rate of just within the past seven days. With prices this good, you'll be zipping around in a snazzy ride with cash to spare.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Barbara car reservation?
No worries! If you can cancel your reservation more than six hours prior to the scheduled collection time, you may qualify for a total refund. Be sure to read your rental policy as there are some exemptions. Jump onto our Customer Service Portal for more information.
Where can I go on a road trip from Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara is full of fun adventures, but don't limit yourself to one place. Organize a set of wheels and head off to see what's in the surrounding region. Here are a few places to choose from:

  • You'll find Norman-Hohenstaufen Castle and many other amazing attractions in Bari. From Santa Barbara, it's about 90 miles away.
  • Your next pit stop? Consider Matera, which is around 85 miles away. Viewpoint of Matera and the Sassi is one local draw card you won't want to miss.
  • Spend time in the great outdoors and appreciate the serenity at Gargano National Park. You'll find it about 150 miles from Santa Barbara.

How do I find the best car rental deals in Santa Barbara with Expedia?
Whatever kind of ride you want, Expedia will help you pick up the best deal. Simply compare offers from well-known rental suppliers and book the option that suits you. Like to drive away with even more in your wallet? Combine your Santa Barbara car rental with flight or hotel bookings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
Rental vehicle rules in Santa Barbara require drivers to be 18 and over. Are you a younger driver? Some surcharges and restrictions could apply. Rental suppliers impose what's known as a young driver surcharge, which is an additional fee to the rental car cost. Restrictions generally apply to the categories of cars young motorists can rent as well. Age limits may differ between companies, so check before booking.
What do you need to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
While booking conditions can differ between outlets, the essentials are your driver's license and a credit card in your name. You don't need to take out the company's insurance plan. However, proof of your own coverage may be required.
What side of the road do you drive on in Santa Barbara?
About two-thirds of countries across the world drive on the right-hand side of the road, and Italy is one of them. If you're planning to rent a vehicle in Santa Barbara, make sure you drive to local conditions for a safe journey.
What is the cheapest car rental in Santa Barbara?
Based on prices within the past seven days, you could've sat in the driver's seat of your own rental car for just per day. The second lowest daily rate on offer in Santa Barbara was . These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Santa Barbara?
You can. We partner with reputable providers that offer long-term rentals for many categories of cars. Take a look at our long-term car rental deals and explore every part of Santa Barbara — or beyond!
Where can I find a Santa Barbara car rental if I am younger than 25?
The ability to rent a car if you are under 25 years old in Santa Barbara often depends on the rental company you choose. Some businesses apply a surcharge for drivers between 21 and 24 years old, whereas other companies may not apply any extra costs for this age range. It'd be wise to go through the terms and conditions of your prospective rental company to escape extra costs on pickup.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in Santa Barbara?
You should have collision damage protection to safeguard your Santa Barbara rental car against accident damage, theft and vandalism. And with Expedia, you can purchase this insurance for your vehicle during the booking process. Covering primary physical damage of up to $35,000, it also offers round-the-clock emergency assistance and no deductible in the event of a claim. Change of plans? If you cancel your insurance before your scheduled pick-up time, you'll get a 100 percent refund.
Can I drive in Santa Barbara with my current driver's license?
If you don't have a driver's license issued in Italy, then you may need to acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your place of residence to be allowed to rent a car. You should also note that if you do need an IDP, it has no validity on its own. You'll need to show your driver's license from your home country your passport and other forms of ID as well. Lastly, it's important that the credit card used to book the rental matches the name on your license and passport. Some other things to note for international car rentals are:

  • Age restrictions: You need to be 25 or over in most places to rent a car. If you're younger, it may still be possible to rent a car but you'll have to pay a Young Driver's Surcharge. Additional restrictions may also apply to the types of vehicles you can rent.
  • Driving limitations: Make sure you read the fine print before you drive off the lot. Usually, you can't cross country borders, drive onto ferries or on certain types of rugged terrain with your rental car.

Car Rental Information

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

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 .

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.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia