$35 Car Rental Santa Clara, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Clara

Renting a car in Santa Clara offers you the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace, making it an ideal choice for tech business travelers, family explorers, and outdoor enthusiasts. With easy luggage management and flexible travel plans, you can conveniently visit key attractions such as the SAP Center at San Jose, located 3 miles away, and the historic Winchester Mystery House, just 2 miles from Santa Clara. For business experiences, the San Jose McEnery Convention Center is only 4 miles away.

A rental car also allows you to explore nearby cities like San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Milpitas, each providing unique attractions within a short drive. Whether you want to check out California's Great America in Sunnyvale, located 5 miles away, or the Santa Clara Convention Center in Milpitas, just 6 miles from Santa Clara, having a car makes these excursions easy and enjoyable. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for families, as it provides ample space for luggage and gear while keeping everyone together. Embrace the convenience of a rental car and make the most of your trip to Santa Clara and its vibrant surroundings.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Clara

• Economy: This car option is a favorite among travelers, comfortably fitting 5 passengers along with up to 2 medium suitcases. It is particularly well-suited for solo travelers, couples, or small families looking to navigate Santa Clara's streets efficiently and economically. The economy car offers the flexibility to explore the city and surrounding areas without the burden of excessive fuel costs, making it a practical choice for those who prioritize budget-friendly travel.
• Midsize SUV: Ideal for families, couples, or small groups, this SUV comfortably accommodates 5 travelers and provides space for up to 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV is perfect for those who need a bit more room for luggage and gear while exploring Santa Clara’s attractions. With its combination of comfort and versatility, this option allows for a smooth ride, making it an excellent choice for both urban and outdoor adventures.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option is designed to fit 5 travelers with the capacity for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an ideal selection for families or larger groups seeking ample space for both passengers and their belongings. The fullsize vehicle provides a comfortable and spacious experience, perfect for those planning to travel around Santa Clara with ease while enjoying the flexibility of a roomy interior for longer journeys.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Clara

• Budget: Budget has established itself as a popular choice for car rentals in Santa Clara, with one rental location conveniently situated in the area. Travelers often opt for Budget due to its reliable selection of vehicles, particularly Midsize and Fullsize cars. Many enjoy the ease of managing their luggage and the flexibility to explore Santa Clara and its surroundings at their own pace.
• Enterprise: With two rental locations in Santa Clara, Enterprise is favored for its exceptional customer service and wide range of vehicle options. The most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize Vans, making it a great option for families and groups. Travelers appreciate the smooth check-in process and helpful staff, enhancing the overall rental experience.
• Hertz: Hertz is another top choice, offering two rental locations within Santa Clara. Known for its diverse fleet, Hertz sees high demand for Midsize SUVs and Economy cars, catering to different traveler needs. Customers often highlight the convenience of the rental process and the cleanliness of the vehicles, making it a reliable option for those looking to explore the area comfortably.

Where to go in and around Santa Clara

• San Jose: Located 4 miles away from Santa Clara, San Jose is a vibrant city perfect for family, business, and urban experiences. Key attractions include the SAP Center at San Jose, an arena ideal for entertainment, and the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, suitable for business events. For culture enthusiasts, the Winchester Mystery House offers a unique historic perspective. Visitor numbers peak in March to April and July, making these months an excellent time to explore the city's offerings.
• Sunnyvale: Situated 5 miles from Santa Clara, Sunnyvale is a family-friendly city with a focus on outdoor and business experiences. Highlights include California's Great America, an amusement park perfect for adventure seekers, and the esteemed Stanford University, which provides cultural insights. The Santa Clara Convention Center is also nearby, catering to business travelers. Peak visitor arrivals occur in March to April and July, making these months ideal for a visit.
• Milpitas: Located 6 miles from Santa Clara, Milpitas is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and business opportunities. Attractions like California's Great America amusement park and the SAP Center at San Jose are popular among visitors. The Santa Clara Convention Center also serves as a business hub in the area. Visitor numbers peak in April, July, and September, offering great opportunities for those looking to experience the city during its busier months.

10 tips to save on your Santa Clara car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. Booking early often secures lower rates and ensures better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, 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 premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most economical choice. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable, but 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, though the added 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: Rental car insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is straightforward when booking with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, look for rental options that include unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is required when renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Clara

The best value period to rent a car in and around Santa Clara is March, which offers slightly low prices and average demand. This month provides an excellent opportunity for budget-conscious travelers. January and February are also favorable, with lower prices and slightly low demand, making them good shoulder periods. However, the rental scene becomes quite busy and expensive from July through August, when prices are slightly high and demand peaks. December remains a particularly high-demand month with average pricing.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	50.9°F (10.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	56.8°F (13.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
May	60.6°F (15.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
June	66.6°F (19.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	70.0°F (21.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	70.2°F (21.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	64.8°F (18.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Santa Clara

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Santa Clara

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $35.

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.

• 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