$15 Car Rental Santa Cruz

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Cruz

Renting a car in Santa Cruz offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this charming village and its surrounding attractions at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can conveniently manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans that suit your itinerary. This is especially appealing for those seeking cultural experiences, beach outings, or outdoor adventures.

With a car, you can easily visit nearby key attractions such as the Santa Cruz Church and the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, both located less than a mile away. Families will appreciate the proximity of Portugal dos Pequenitos, which is also less than a mile from Santa Cruz, providing a delightful miniature display for visitors of all ages. Additionally, exploring the vibrant city of Coimbra and its city center is made easy with a rental car, allowing you to access cultural landmarks and local neighborhoods without the hassle of public transport. Sé Nova, another nearby city, is about 1 mile away and features attractions like Praca da Republica and Museu Nacional Machado de Castro. Overall, a rental car enhances your experience by providing convenience and accessibility to the best sights around Santa Cruz.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Cruz

• Compact SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases—ideal for solo, couples, and families. A Compact SUV is a great choice for navigating both urban and rural areas around Santa Cruz, offering a balance of space and maneuverability. This option allows you to comfortably transport luggage while still having the freedom to explore various attractions at your own pace.
• Economy: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases—ideal for solo, couples, and families. The Economy car is perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want the flexibility of a rental. Its smaller size makes it easy to park in crowded areas and navigate through the streets of Santa Cruz, while providing sufficient room for your travel necessities.
• Mini: Accommodates 4 travelers with up to 2 small suitcases—ideal for solo and couples. The Mini car is an excellent option for those prioritizing convenience and affordability. Compact and easy to drive, it’s suitable for navigating the local roads and offers a great way to explore Santa Cruz without the hassle of larger vehicles. This option is perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for a hassle-free experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Cruz

• Enterprise: Enterprise is the most popular car rental supplier in Santa Cruz, featuring a convenient rental location in the area. Travelers appreciate the flexibility of choosing Compact and Economy vehicles, making it easy to explore attractions at your own pace. With a reputation for excellent customer service and well-maintained cars, Enterprise ensures a smooth rental experience. Many customers highlight the helpfulness of the staff, which enhances the overall satisfaction of the rental process.

Where to stay around Santa Cruz

• Santa Cruz: Situated in Coimbra, Santa Cruz is an inviting destination for travelers seeking cultural and city-themed experiences. Visitors can explore the historic Santa Cruz Church and the nearby Old Cathedral of Coimbra, both rich in architectural beauty and history. Enjoy the local ambiance with various restaurants and wineries offering delightful Portuguese cuisine and beverages. The proximity to the beach and family beaches makes it an appealing choice for those looking to combine culture with outdoor activities.
• Mealhada: Located 11 miles away from Santa Cruz, Mealhada is perfect for those interested in outdoor and adventure activities. The National Forest of Bussaco offers scenic beauty and exploration opportunities for nature lovers. Additionally, the Bairrada Wine Museum provides a cultural insight into the region's wine heritage. With its recreation center and local cafes, Mealhada is a great place to experience the blend of outdoor adventures and cultural attractions.
• Cantanhede: Approximately 12 miles from Santa Cruz, Cantanhede attracts visitors seeking beach and outdoor experiences. The charming Church Plaza serves as a cultural focal point, while the nearby beaches offer relaxation and leisure activities. For those who enjoy golf, Cantanhede features golf courses that cater to enthusiasts. The National Forest of Bussaco, similar to Mealhada, is accessible for outdoor adventures and scenic explorations, making this neighborhood a fantastic option for a diverse holiday.

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 specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra room, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car to save money, 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 advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and are easier to navigate and park in crowded areas. Mid-size vehicles 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 premium models—might not be available. This also applies to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is usually the most convenient. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling, which is also acceptable. Just remember to return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively 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 of unforeseen incidents during your trip. It's simple to add rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extended road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional 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 value period to rent a car in and around Santa Cruz is February, when prices are moderately low and demand is average. April also offers good value with similar pricing and average demand. However, demand spikes in March, making it the busiest month, while July tends to be the most expensive with moderately high prices and average demand. August follows closely with high demand, further driving up rental rates during the summer months.

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 $15.

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