$51 Car Rental Santa Barbara, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Barbara

Renting a car in Santa Barbara offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this beautiful city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Whether you are a wine lover, beachgoer, or adventurer, having a rental car makes it convenient to visit key attractions like the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, located downtown, or the picturesque Santa Barbara Harbor, ideal for outdoor and beach experiences. Families will appreciate the ease of managing luggage and gear, while enjoying the scenic Butterfly Beach in Montecito or the vibrant atmosphere in Downtown Santa Barbara, where you can find the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Presidio Santa Barbara.

Moreover, with a rental car, you can easily navigate to different neighborhoods such as Santa Barbara Beach, home to Stearns Wharf and Cabrillo Pavilion. The flexibility to create your own itinerary allows you to experience all that Santa Barbara has to offer, from relaxing beach days to cultural excursions. Renting a car ensures you can maximize your time exploring this charming coastal destination without the constraints of public transportation or rideshares.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Barbara

• Economy: The Economy car option is a popular choice for solo travelers, couples, and families, comfortably fitting up to 5 travelers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This car type is perfect for those looking to explore Santa Barbara at their own pace while managing luggage easily. Its compact design makes it ideal for navigating city streets and finding parking, allowing you to maximize your adventure in this beautiful coastal city.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is an excellent choice for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating 5 travelers and up to 3 large suitcases. This vehicle provides more space and versatility, making it suitable for beach trips or outdoor excursions. With its robust design, the Midsize SUV offers comfort and the ability to handle various terrains, ensuring your journey around Santa Barbara remains enjoyable and hassle-free.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car option is ideal for families and groups, fitting 5 travelers with the capacity for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This spacious vehicle offers ample room for everyone and their belongings, making it a practical choice for those with more luggage or gear. The Fullsize option ensures that you can travel comfortably while exploring the attractions and beautiful landscapes of Santa Barbara.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Barbara

• Budget: Known for clean and friendly service, Budget operates 1 rental location in the area of Santa Barbara. Travelers appreciate the short wait times, making the pick-up process efficient. The most booked vehicles with Budget include Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, offering a great balance of comfort and affordability for exploring the scenic attractions of Santa Barbara at your own pace.
• Enterprise: With a strong reputation for friendly service, Enterprise also has 1 rental location in Santa Barbara. Customers frequently commend the service as expected, ensuring a smooth rental experience. Popular choices among renters include Midsize SUVs and Compact SUVs, making it easy for you to manage luggage and adjust your itinerary while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the city.
• Hertz: Hertz is another excellent option with 1 rental location in Santa Barbara, recognized for its friendly service. The company offers a selection of popular vehicles, including Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, which are favored by many travelers. This supplier is a reliable choice for those looking to explore Santa Barbara comfortably and conveniently.

Where to go in Santa Barbara

• Downtown Santa Barbara: This vibrant neighborhood offers a mix of family, city, and outdoor experiences. Notable attractions include the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, both showcasing the area's cultural richness. Downtown is also known for its shopping areas and proximity to the beach and tourist precinct, making it a convenient choice for travelers. The peak visitor season is from June to August, providing a lively atmosphere for exploration.
• Montecito: Renowned for its seasonal appeal, Montecito attracts visitors mainly in January, March, and July. This neighborhood is perfect for outdoor, family, and beach experiences. Key points of interest include Butterfly Beach, ideal for sunbathing and relaxation, and Lotusland, a stunning botanical garden that offers a romantic setting. Additionally, Westmont College adds an educational charm to the area. Enjoy the serene beaches and lush landscapes during peak visitor months.
• Santa Barbara Beach: This neighborhood is a hotspot for outdoor, family, and beach experiences year-round, with peak visitor numbers from June to August. Santa Barbara Beach features the Santa Barbara Harbor, a marina perfect for outdoor adventures, and Stearns Wharf, which offers scenic views and dining options. The Cabrillo Pavilion serves as an event venue, adding to the area's charm. With its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful beaches, it's an excellent choice for your stay.

10 tips to save on your Santa Barbara car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the perfect match for your needs.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles offer a good balance of cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals follow a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Other rentals may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling choices, which are acceptable too; just ensure you return the car empty in this scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worth the cost.
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 unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek rentals 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.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Barbara

The best value time to rent a car in and around Santa Barbara is January, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. February also offers reasonable rates with slightly low demand, making it a solid choice. March continues this trend with slightly low prices and average demand. However, June through August see higher prices and demand, with June being the most expensive month. July and August maintain these elevated rates with busy rental activity.

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

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 $51.

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