$45 Car Rental Santa Barbara, CA

Search and Compare from Car Companies in Santa Barbara

I have a discount code

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car suppliers logo

Change your mind: penalty-free cancellation on many/select car rentals

Treat yourself: One Key members save 10% or more on over 1 million car rentals

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.

Thu, Sep 4 to Fri, Sep 5

Special

Wild Card Compact or larger if available or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
SANTA BARBARA, USA
Wild Card Compact or larger if available

$45

includes taxes & fees
$27 per day
found 1 hour ago
Special Wild Card Compact or larger if available
Thu, Sep 4 to Fri, Sep 5

Economy

Chevrolet Spark or similar
  • 4 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Santa Barbara, California, USA
Chevrolet Spark

$46

includes taxes & fees
$28 per day
found 1 hour ago
Economy Chevrolet Spark
Thu, Sep 4 to Fri, Sep 5

Compact

Nissan Versa Note or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
GOLETA, USA
Nissan Versa Note

$48

includes taxes & fees
$29 per day
found 1 hour ago
Compact Nissan Versa Note
Thu, Sep 4 to Fri, Sep 5

Fullsize

Chevrolet Malibu or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
SANTA BARBARA, USA
Chevrolet Malibu

$53

includes taxes & fees
$33 per day
found 1 hour ago
Fullsize Chevrolet Malibu
Thu, Sep 4 to Fri, Sep 5

Midsize Elite

Tesla Short Range Model 3 or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
SANTA BARBARA, USA
Tesla Short Range Model 3

$59

includes taxes & fees
$37 per day
found 1 hour ago
Midsize Elite Tesla Short Range Model 3
Thu, Sep 4 to Fri, Sep 5

Midsize SUV

Jeep Compass or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
SANTA BARBARA, USA
Jeep Compass

$46

includes taxes & fees
$39 per day
found 1 hour ago
Midsize SUV Jeep Compass
Fri, Sep 5 to Sat, Sep 6

Standard Elite Special

Ford Mustang Mach-E or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Santa Barbara, California, USA
Ford Mustang Mach-E

$64

includes taxes & fees
$40 per day
found 12 hours ago
Standard Elite Special Ford Mustang Mach-E
Fri, Sep 5 to Sat, Sep 6

Standard SUV

Chevrolet Equinox or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Santa Barbara, California, USA
Chevrolet Equinox

$48

includes taxes & fees
$41 per day
found 12 hours ago
Standard SUV Chevrolet Equinox
Thu, Sep 4 to Fri, Sep 5

Fullsize Elite Pickup Regular Cab

RAM 2500 or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Goleta, California, USA
RAM 2500

$73

includes taxes & fees
$48 per day
found 1 hour ago
Fullsize Elite Pickup Regular Cab RAM 2500
Fri, Sep 5 to Sat, Sep 6

Premium

Nissan Maxima or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Goleta, California, USA
Nissan Maxima

$63

includes taxes & fees
$56 per day
found 8 hours ago
Premium Nissan Maxima
Fri, Sep 5 to Sat, Sep 6

Luxury

Audi A4_BMW 3 or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Goleta, California, USA
Audi A4_BMW 3

$68

includes taxes & fees
$61 per day
found 8 hours ago
Luxury Audi A4_BMW 3
Thu, Sep 4 to Fri, Sep 5

Luxury Elite

Genesis G80E or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
SANTA BARBARA, USA
Genesis G80E

$106

includes taxes & fees
$73 per day
found 1 hour ago
Luxury Elite Genesis G80E
Fri, Sep 5 to Sat, Sep 6

Premium Elite SUV

Audi Q5 or similar
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Goleta, California, USA
Audi Q5

$82

includes taxes & fees
$73 per day
found 8 hours ago
Premium Elite SUV Audi Q5
Mon, Sep 8 to Tue, Sep 9

Mini Van

Chrysler Pacifica or similar
  • 7 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Santa Barbara, California, USA
Chrysler Pacifica

$123

includes taxes & fees
$110 per day
found 7 hours ago
Mini Van Chrysler Pacifica
Mon, Sep 8 to Tue, Sep 9

Oversize SUV

Lincoln Navigator L Jeep Grand Wagoneer L or similar
  • 7 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Santa Barbara, California, USA
Lincoln Navigator L Jeep Grand Wagoneer L

$176

includes taxes & fees
$130 per day
found 7 hours ago
Oversize SUV Lincoln Navigator L Jeep Grand Wagoneer L

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?
The most affordable daily rate in Santa Barbara was $45 based on prices within the last seven days. Take a look at our terrific range of options, from small and affordable vehicles to cruise-in-style rides.
Can I rent a car from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)?
Arrive at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) and then head for Dollar or Enterprise, both a short distance away. You'll be exploring Santa Barbara in your own set of wheels in no time at all.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Barbara car reservation?
We understand that plans change at the last moment. That's why a large number of prepaid rentals allow for a complete refund if you cancel six hours prior to pickup. Your rental policy should contain all the details you need. If you can't find the answer there, our Customer Service Portal is always accessible.
Where can I go on a road trip from Santa Barbara?
There are lots of things to see and do in Santa Barbara, but venture farther afield and you'll find even more magic. Pick up a set of wheels and you can cruise around the greater area at your own speed. Add these fantastic places to your itinerary:

  • Los Angeles is approximately 85 miles from Santa Barbara. Notable sights like Universal Studios Hollywood deserve to be high on your must-see list here.
  • Your next stop? Santa Ana, which is around 120 miles away. Santa Ana Zoo is one local highlight you won't want to miss.
  • Balboa Park is around 190 miles from Santa Barbara and is one of the region's most spectacular nature spots. Stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air.

How do I find the best car rental deals in Santa Barbara with Expedia?
Getting the best deal on your Santa Barbara rental car is easy with Expedia. Choose your preferred ride, add in a few more details and compare the offers from top suppliers. Why not add flights and hotels to your booking? You'll get access to even more savings when you create a vacation package.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
Rental car rules in Santa Barbara require drivers to be at least 21. Are you a young driver? A few surcharges and restrictions could apply. Rental companies impose what's known as a young renter surcharge, which is an additional fee to the cost of the rental car. Restrictions usually apply to the classes of cars young motorists can rent as well. Age limits may differ between companies, so check before you book.
What do you need to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
Generally, you'll need a valid driver's license and credit card in your name when picking up your car. Proof of coverage may also be needed if you'd like to opt out of the company's insurance plan. Rules may differ between rental providers, so it's wise to check the terms and conditions.
What is the cheapest car rental in Santa Barbara?
According to prices found within the past seven days, the lowest daily rate for a car rental in Santa Barbara was $45. The next lowest was $46 per day. 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, and the terrific news is suppliers often offer lower rates the longer you rent. Scroll through our long-term car rental deals in Santa Barbara and drive away with a real bargain.
Where can I find a Santa Barbara car rental if I am younger than 25?
You'll need to look into the age policy of the Santa Barbara rental suppliers you're interested in. If you're under 25 years old, some will charge additional fees. It's handy to know about this before collecting the vehicle so you can tailor your budget accordingly. Each rental car company has its own terms and conditions for young drivers, so it pays to do your research.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in Santa Barbara?
It's a good idea to add collision protection while booking your Santa Barbara car rental with Expedia. This protects your ride against vandalism, theft and accident damage throughout your vacation. Offering up to $35,000 in primary coverage and 24-hour emergency help, you can rest easy knowing you'll be covered if the unexpected occurs. You can opt in to this insurance while booking your rental car.

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
$46
 
Our third best deal of the day
$48
 
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 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.

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 2025

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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia