$13 Car Rental Santa Clarita, CA

These Santa Clarita insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 27, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Clarita

Renting a car in Santa Clarita allows you the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit popular sites such as Vasques Rocks and St. Francis Dam, both ideal for outdoor scenery experiences. Families will appreciate the convenience of managing luggage and planning flexible travel itineraries without the constraints of public transport. You can also drive a mere 4 miles to Six Flags Magic Mountain, which offers entertainment for all ages.

Additionally, the car rental opens up the opportunity to explore nearby destinations like Newhall, just 2 miles away, which features Placerita Canyon Nature Center, and Saugus, home to Golden Valley Park. Being situated in Los Angeles means you can venture into the city for attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and Santa Monica Beach. Having your own vehicle ensures that you can take advantage of all that Santa Clarita and its neighboring areas have to offer, making your trip both enjoyable and convenient.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Clarita

• Midsize: This car type accommodates up to 5 travelers and can handle up to 3 large suitcases, making it an ideal choice for couples and families. Its spacious interior ensures a comfortable ride while providing enough room for luggage, allowing you to explore Santa Clarita and its surroundings with ease.
• Fullsize: Perfect for families and groups, the fullsize car option also accommodates 5 travelers. It offers the flexibility of carrying either 3 large suitcases or up to 5 medium suitcases. This versatility is great for those traveling with more gear, ensuring everyone has enough space for their belongings during your adventures around Santa Clarita.
• Compact: If you're traveling solo or with a partner, the compact car option is a fantastic choice. It accommodates up to 5 travelers and allows for 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for those who prioritize efficiency and maneuverability while still enjoying the freedom of exploring Santa Clarita at your own pace.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Clarita

• Enterprise: With 2 rental locations in Santa Clarita, Enterprise provides convenient access to a variety of vehicles. Known for its customer service, this supplier is a favorite among travelers. The most booked cars include Midsize SUVs and Mini Vans, making it easy to transport your luggage and enjoy a comfortable ride during your exploration of the area.
• Hertz: Hertz operates 1 rental location in Santa Clarita, offering a streamlined car rental experience for visitors. Travelers often prefer Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles from Hertz, which provide ample space and comfort for your journey. With its reputable service, you can enjoy the flexibility of exploring Santa Clarita and its surroundings at your own pace.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Located in Santa Clarita, Thrifty Car Rental is another excellent choice for your vehicle needs. This supplier also features 1 rental location, ensuring accessibility for travelers. Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars are popular options, making it easy to accommodate both passengers and luggage while you discover the attractions in the region.

Where to stay around Santa Clarita

• Santa Clarita: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Santa Clarita is home to popular attractions such as Six Flags Magic Mountain and the scenic Santa Clarita Valley. This area offers various accommodation options, including hotels and vacation rentals, making it convenient for families looking to enjoy entertainment-themed activities. With its proximity to Los Angeles, visitors can easily access iconic venues like Universal Studios Hollywood.
• Canyon Country: Located 7 miles from Santa Clarita, Canyon Country provides a blend of outdoor and entertainment experiences. Known for its recreational areas and parks, such as Canyon Country Park, this neighborhood is ideal for families seeking an active vacation. Lodging options here range from cozy inns to family-friendly hotels, allowing you to explore attractions like Six Flags Magic Mountain while enjoying a tranquil setting.
• Simi Valley: Situated 13 miles from Santa Clarita, Simi Valley is rich in culture and history, featuring the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library as a key point of interest. This area offers shopping centers and various dining options, making it a comfortable base for family vacations. Guests can choose from several hotels that cater to families, providing easy access to both local attractions and nearby theme parks like Six Flags Magic Mountain.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Santa Clarita

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best options for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come with lower rental rates and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars offer a good compromise between 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 premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always review the age restrictions prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is often the most economical choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which is 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 usually incurs a surcharge; however, the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental agencies primarily 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 something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you have long road trips planned, search for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Clarita

The best time to rent a car in and around Santa Clarita is February, when prices and demand are both slightly low, providing excellent value. March follows closely, offering average prices with still low demand. As spring arrives, April sees a slight increase in price and average demand. The summer months, particularly July and August, are the most expensive, with both prices and demand peaking during this busy season. June also experiences slightly high demand and prices, making it a less favorable time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	51.6°F (10.9°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	55.6°F (13.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
April	60.8°F (16.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	64.9°F (18.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	71.6°F (22.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	77.2°F (25.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	78.3°F (25.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	75.4°F (24.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	67.3°F (19.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	58.1°F (14.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	50.7°F (10.4°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Santa Clarita

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Santa Clarita

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $13.

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