$53 Car Rental Santa Cruz

These Santa Cruz insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 14, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Cruz

Renting a car in Santa Cruz offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for families or travelers with luggage, as a rental car makes it easy to manage your belongings while enjoying your journey. You can visit key attractions such as Ponta da Oliveira, a scenic cape ideal for beach experiences, and Cristo Rei, a culturally significant monument, both located in the area of Santa Cruz. Additionally, the Madeira Botanical Garden, located 6 miles away, provides a beautiful setting for family outings or romantic strolls.

A rental car also allows for convenient day trips to nearby destinations like Machico, just 3 miles away, where you can enjoy Machico Beach and Sao Lourenco Point. Canico and Camacha are also within reach, featuring attractions like Palmeiras Beach and Monte Palace Gardens. With your own vehicle, you can create flexible travel plans and explore these wonderful locations without the constraints of public transportation. Overall, renting a car in and around Santa Cruz enhances your travel experience, making it easier to discover the beauty of Madeira.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Cruz

• Compact: The Compact car is a great choice for exploring Santa Cruz, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for up to 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families looking for a vehicle that is easy to maneuver in city settings, while also providing the flexibility to manage luggage effortlessly.
• Economy: If you're looking for an economical option, the Economy car fits up to 5 travelers and allows for 2 medium suitcases. This car type is perfect for solo explorers or couples wanting to explore Santa Cruz without breaking the bank on fuel or rental costs, making it a popular choice among visitors.
• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking a bit more space. It accommodates up to 5 travelers and has room for up to 3 large suitcases. This option provides comfort and ample luggage capacity, making it an excellent choice for those planning to embark on longer journeys in and around Santa Cruz.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Cruz

• Sixt: Known for its friendly service, Sixt operates one rental location in the Santa Cruz area. Travelers frequently choose this supplier for its reliable Compact SUVs and Midsize SUVs, which provide both comfort and versatility. Renting from Sixt allows you to explore Santa Cruz and its surroundings at your own leisure, while enjoying a welcoming atmosphere.
• Alamo Rent A Car: With one rental location in Santa Cruz, Alamo Rent A Car is a popular choice among visitors. This supplier excels in offering Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, which are ideal for navigating the scenic roads of Madeira. Alamo's reputation for excellent customer service makes it a great option for those looking to make the most of their travel experience.
• Europcar: Europcar offers one rental location in Santa Cruz and is favored for its economical choices. Travelers often book Economy and Compact vehicles from this supplier, ensuring they have the perfect car for their adventures. With Europcar, you can enjoy both affordability and convenience as you explore the attractions and beautiful landscapes around Santa Cruz.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

• Machico: Located 3 miles from Santa Cruz, Machico is a charming city perfect for those seeking an outdoor and family-friendly experience. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Machico Beach and Palmeiras Beach, ideal for a relaxing beach vacation. The scenic Sao Lourenco Point offers stunning views, while the nearby marina and parks provide additional recreational opportunities. This area is especially appealing for travelers looking to engage in beach activities and explore the natural beauty of Madeira.
• Canico: Situated in the Santa Cruz area, Canico is a parish known for its outdoor and sports activities. With attractions like the picturesque Ponta da Oliveira and the cultural monument Cristo Rei, visitors can immerse themselves in the local scenery. The Madeira Botanical Garden is also nearby, offering a serene environment for families and those seeking romance. The local beaches and cable car add to the appeal, making Canico an excellent choice for a versatile vacation experience.
• Santo da Serra: This parish, located within the Santa Cruz region, attracts travelers with its focus on outdoor activities and family experiences. Santo da Serra features beautiful parks and mountains, along with opportunities for golf and cable car rides. Key attractions include the Madeira Botanical Garden and Monte Palace Gardens, both ideal for family outings and romantic strolls. The area is perfect for those looking to enjoy nature while being close to scenic landmarks and engaging recreational activities.

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

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 enjoyment, or an economy car for cost-effectiveness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates vary depending on demand, so it’s wise to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to secure better rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify 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 vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is often the most economical choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which are also acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport usually incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might justify 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 unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance is simple when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on taking long road trips, 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 Cruz

The best time to rent a car in and around Santa Cruz is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low, making it the best value period. January also offers a quieter experience, while March maintains similar pricing and demand levels. As summer approaches, expect August to be the most expensive month, along with slightly high demand during July. September also sees high demand, marking a busy time for rentals in the area.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	62.6°F (17.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	61.3°F (16.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	61.7°F (16.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	63.0°F (17.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
June	68.4°F (20.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	71.1°F (21.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	73.0°F (22.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	72.7°F (22.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
October	71.2°F (21.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	67.1°F (19.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Santa Cruz

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Santa Cruz

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $53.

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