Car Rental Santa Cruz

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Top Car Deals in Santa Cruz

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Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Santa Cruz?
Daily rental prices were as low as within the past seven days. With rates like this, getting around Santa Cruz in your own set of wheels is an affordable and convenient way to see the sights.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Cruz car reservation?
If you need to change your plans, the majority of rentals are eligible for a full refund. Just let us know a minimum of six hours ahead of the pickup time. Scan your policy for any exceptions. Your itinerary will have more details, or you can visit our Customer Service Portal for more info.
Where can I go on a road trip from Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz is full of surprises, but don't restrict yourself to only one place. Arrange a set of wheels and head off to see what's in the wider area. We've pulled together these great options:

  • Make tracks to Coimbra for an excellent sightseeing experience. Approximately 120 miles from Santa Cruz, it's home to lots of amazing attractions like Portugal dos Pequenitos.
  • Why not check out everything on offer in Porto too? Unmissable tourist attractions in this buzzing city include Porto Cathedral. Porto is approximately 50 miles from Santa Cruz.
  • Baleal Beach is 170 miles from Santa Cruz and is one of the region's most scenic nature spots. Stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air.

How do I find the best car rental deals in Santa Cruz with Expedia?
Expedia makes it a breeze to compare prices, offers and rental companies, and to check customer recommendations. Combine your Santa Cruz car rental with flight or hotel bookings and you can make even bigger savings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz requires drivers to be 18 and above before they can rent a vehicle. However, young drivers can expect a surcharge and tighter rental conditions. Most providers impose a young renter fee in addition to the usual car rental rate. This covers the higher risk of accident or damage. While many car categories (like mid-size and compact) are available to young motorists, restrictions generally apply to specialty and premium cars.
What do you need to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
A valid driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essentials. Don't want to take out the company's insurance plan? In that case, you're also likely to need proof of your own coverage. Requirements can differ between rental suppliers, so be sure to read through your policy.
What side of the road do you drive on in Santa Cruz?
Whether you're spending time in Santa Cruz or touring around Portugal, you'll be driving on the right side. While this is obviously the same as the States, there will be differences in traffic rules.
What is the cheapest car rental in Santa Cruz?
The two cheapest daily rates offered in Santa Cruz within the past seven days were and . Now that's what we'd call an awesome deal! These rates were available on Expedia, with a rental starting date within the next year. Prices and availability are subject to change and additional terms apply.
Can I rent a car for a month or longer in Santa Cruz?
You can. We partner with trusted companies that offer weekly and monthly rentals for a wide range of cars. Take a look at our long-term car rental deals and explore every turn of Santa Cruz — or beyond!
Where can I find a Santa Cruz car rental if I am younger than 25?
The ability to rent a car if you are under 25 years old in Santa Cruz often depends on the rental company you choose. Some places have a surcharge for drivers between 21 and 24 years of age, yet other companies may not have any additional fees for this age group. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your selected rental company to escape unnecessary costs when collecting your car.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in Santa Cruz?
For a smooth, stress-free road trip, add Expedia's collision protection while reserving your rental car. This insurance covers your vehicle against accident damage, vandalism and theft. It also provides round-the-clock emergency assistance in times of need. Opt in to this plan while finalizing your Santa Cruz ride with Expedia and save money and time at the rental counter.
Can I drive in Santa Cruz with my current driver's license?
If you don't have a driver's license issued in Portugal, then you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country in order to rent a car. It's also important to note that if an IDP is required, it won't be valid on its own. You'll have to show your driver's license from your home country your passport and other forms of identification as well. Lastly, it's important that the credit card you used to book the rental vehicle matches the name on your license and passport. Some other things to note for international car rentals are:

  • Age restrictions: You need to be 25 or older in most places to rent a car. If you're younger than that, it might still be possible to rent a car but you'll have to pay a Young Driver's Surcharge. Additional restrictions may also apply to what kinds of cars you can rent.
  • Driving limitations: Be sure to read the fine print before getting behind the wheel. Typically, you can't cross country borders, drive on ferries or off road with a rental vehicle.

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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 .

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 2025

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

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