$38 Car Rental Santa Cruz

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Cruz

Renting a car in Santa Cruz, Madeira Region, provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. This is especially beneficial for families, as it allows for easy luggage management and convenient travel plans. With a rental car, you can effortlessly visit key attractions such as Ponta da Oliveira, known for its stunning beach and scenic views, and the cultural monument Cristo Rei. Both are located within Santa Cruz, making them easily accessible.

Moreover, you can venture to the nearby Madeira Botanical Garden, just 6 miles away, which is perfect for outdoor activities and family outings. Exploring the surrounding cities like Machico, only 3 miles away, offers additional attractions such as Machico Beach and Sao Lourenco Point. Additionally, Canico and Camacha, both in the vicinity, feature beautiful sites like Palmeiras Beach and Monte Palace Gardens. Having a rental car enhances your ability to discover these diverse experiences, ensuring you make the most of your trip to Santa Cruz and its stunning surroundings.

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: Sixt operates one rental location in Santa Cruz and is renowned for its friendly service. Travelers appreciate the attentive staff and the ease of booking. The most popular vehicles from Sixt are the Compact SUV and Midsize SUV, providing great options for those looking to navigate the scenic landscapes of Madeira comfortably.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo also features one rental location in Santa Cruz and is favored by travelers for its efficient service and well-maintained vehicles. Many customers opt for the Midsize SUV and Compact options, which are great for road trips around the area. Alamo is noted for its quick pickup process, making it a reliable choice for your car rental needs.
• Europcar: With one rental location in Santa Cruz, Europcar is a popular choice for its competitive pricing and clean vehicles. Customers often choose Economy and Compact cars, which are perfect for exploring the charming city and its surroundings. Europcar is appreciated for its straightforward rental process, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers.

Where to stay in and around Santa Cruz

• Machico: Located 3 miles from Santa Cruz, Machico offers a charming blend of outdoor and family experiences. Visitors can enjoy beautiful beaches like Machico Beach and Palmeiras Beach, as well as scenic views at Sao Lourenco Point. With accessible activities such as golf and an aquatic center, it's a great spot for families looking to explore parks and marinas while soaking up the sun.
• Canico: Canico, situated in the area of Santa Cruz, is perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures and sports. The stunning Ponta da Oliveira cape provides breathtaking scenery, while Cristo Rei is a cultural landmark worth visiting. The Madeira Botanical Garden adds a touch of romance and family-friendly exploration, making Canico an inviting neighborhood for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.
• Santo da Serra: This parish, also in the Santa Cruz region, is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Santo da Serra features attractions like the Madeira Botanical Garden and Monte Palace Gardens, both suitable for family outings and romance. The area is known for its picturesque parks and golf courses, offering a serene environment for relaxation and leisure 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 vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV to accommodate more passengers, a convertible for sunny days, or an economical car for budget-friendly travel, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are often more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance 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 luxury models—might not be available. This may also apply to renters over 70 years of age. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most advantageous option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well, but ensure you return the vehicle empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and offers peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, look for rental options that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional 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 Cruz

The best time to rent a car in and around Santa Cruz is February, when both prices and demand are slightly low, offering great value. January also provides a quiet period with similar benefits, while March sees average demand and slightly low prices. From May through August, however, prices tend to increase, with July marking the most expensive period as demand peaks. August continues to be busy with high rental rates, making it less ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

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	Slightly Low	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	Slightly High	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	Average	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	Average	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 $38.

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