$35 Car Rental Santa Cruz, CA

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 beautiful area at your own pace. Whether you're a beachgoer, outdoor enthusiast, or family explorer, having a rental car makes it easy to manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed. You can visit key attractions such as the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, located right in the heart of the city, or take a short drive to Capitola Beach, just 4 miles away, for a relaxing day by the ocean. Additionally, Monterey Bay, which is approximately 13 miles from Santa Cruz, is a fantastic destination for outdoor activities and scenic views.

The convenience of a rental car also allows you to explore nearby areas like Aptos, a city 7 miles away featuring beautiful beaches, and the vibrant Westside Santa Cruz neighborhood, home to Natural Bridges State Park and the University of California, Santa Cruz. With a rental car, you can easily navigate the region and enjoy everything Santa Cruz has to offer, making it an ideal choice for those seeking adventure and comfort during their travels.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Cruz

• Midsize SUV: This car type is perfect for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV provides a comfortable ride while allowing you to easily manage luggage, making it an excellent choice for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the scenic areas around Santa Cruz.
• Economy: An ideal option for solo travelers, couples, or families, the economy car fits 5 travelers and offers space for up to 2 medium suitcases. This compact choice is popular among those who seek flexibility and ease while traveling in and around Santa Cruz, allowing you to navigate the city and surrounding attractions without hassle.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car is a great fit for families or groups, accommodating 5 travelers with room for either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This option provides ample space and comfort, making it a top choice for those looking to explore Santa Cruz and take along all the necessary gear for a fun and adventurous trip.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Cruz

• Budget: Budget operates one rental location in Santa Cruz and is well-regarded for its friendly service and efficient operations. Customers appreciate the short wait times and the well-maintained vehicles available. Popular choices among travelers include the Midsize SUV and Economy models, making it an excellent option for those looking to explore the area comfortably. With an overall rating of 7.6 out of 10, Budget provides a reliable and convenient rental experience.
• Enterprise: Enterprise has a rental location in Santa Cruz and is favored by travelers for its customer service and vehicle selection. The Midsize SUV and Compact cars are among the most booked options, catering to a variety of needs for travelers. Known for its helpful staff and smooth rental process, Enterprise ensures a pleasant experience for both leisure and business travelers venturing around Santa Cruz.
• Hertz: Hertz operates one rental location in the Santa Cruz area, offering a great selection of vehicles, including the Midsize SUV and Economy options. Travelers frequently highlight the well-maintained cars and the ease of the rental process. Hertz is recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a solid choice for those looking to explore Santa Cruz and its surroundings with versatility and comfort.

Where to go in and around Santa Cruz

• Westside Santa Cruz: A vibrant neighborhood known for its outdoor activities and family-friendly atmosphere, Westside Santa Cruz offers easy access to several attractions. The famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a popular amusement park perfect for adventure seekers and families alike. Nature enthusiasts can explore the stunning Natural Bridges State Park, while the modern University of California, Santa Cruz provides a unique cultural experience. With visitor numbers peaking from June to August, this area is ideal for a summer getaway.
• Aptos: Located 7 miles from Santa Cruz, Aptos is a charming city renowned for its beautiful beaches and scenic views. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is also accessible from here. Visitors can relax at Rio Del Mar Beach, an excellent spot for a beach vacation, or explore the quirky Mystery Spot, an engaging cultural exhibit. Expect moderate visitor numbers, particularly peaking in April and June to July, making it a lovely choice for a spring or summer stay.
• Eastside Santa Cruz: Another neighborhood in the Santa Cruz area, Eastside Santa Cruz is perfect for outdoor and family experiences. The renowned Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is nearby, providing fun for everyone. Enjoy a day at Capitola Beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the ocean. The Mystery Spot, an intriguing cultural exhibit, is also within reach. Like Westside, Eastside Santa Cruz sees peak visitors from June to August, making it an attractive summer destination.

10 tips to save on your Santa Cruz car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle types and features. Whether you need an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, use Expedia’s filters to discover the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically 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 fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might be unavailable. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is usually the most economical option. Other policies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are also acceptable; just remember to return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
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 costs and provides peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 January, when both prices and demand are slightly low. This period offers great value for travelers. February follows closely, maintaining low demand and average prices. Moving into the spring, March also presents slightly low prices with average demand. However, the summer months of June through August see prices rise to slightly high levels, coinciding with increased demand, especially in July and August, making them the most expensive months for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	52.5°F (11.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
February	52.3°F (11.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
March	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	54.7°F (12.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	56.7°F (13.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	60.1°F (15.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	62.1°F (16.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	63.3°F (17.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	63.9°F (17.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	52.2°F (11.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	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 $35.

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