$51 Car Rental Santa Cruz

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Top Car Deals in Santa Cruz

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

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Lowest prices found within the past 2 days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Santa Cruz?
Cheap car rentals started at $51 a day in Santa Cruz, based on prices within the past seven days. With rates like this, we make it easy to pick up some keys and take to the road for less.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Cruz car reservation?
Don't stress! If you can cancel your reservation at least six hours before the scheduled collection time, you're likely to receive a total refund. Be sure to scan the car's cancellation policy as there are some exceptions. Jump onto our Customer Service Portal for more info.
How do I find the best car rental deals in Santa Cruz with Expedia?
Browse our wide range of rental cars, check out reviews and compare prices from leading suppliers. In a few easy clicks, Expedia will help you pick up the best deal on your ride. Got a flight or hotel booking? Add on your Santa Cruz car rental to save even more.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
If you're aged 18 and over, you can rent a car in Santa Cruz. Be mindful that most rental companies will charge an extra fee if you're a young driver, which is meant to cover the higher damage risk involved. Also, young drivers are often restricted from renting luxury cars or larger vehicles. Check the terms and conditions before you book to avoid any problems when you pick up the keys.
What do you need to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
Two things — your driver's license and a credit card in the same name. Car rental companies will offer you insurance, which is optional. But you may be asked to provide proof of alternative coverage if you opt out. Be sure to check with your rental provider to avoid any hassles.
What side of the road do you drive on in Santa Cruz?
Drivers from the U.S. will feel quite at home cruising around Santa Cruz — motorists here drive on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the cheapest car rental in Santa Cruz?
We looked into prices over the last seven days and found that the lowest daily rate was $51. The second lowest price to rent a ride in Santa Cruz was $54 a day. 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?
Yes, which means you won't need to rebook a rental car halfway through your vacation. Go to our long-term car rental deals page, enter your information and lock in a ride that's all yours for the duration of your escape.
Where can I find a Santa Cruz car rental if I am younger than 25?
Age policies differ between rental companies, so you'll have to do a little research. Managed to find a Santa Cruz supplier that does rent to drivers under 25 years of age? Awesome! Just take note that extra fees often apply to drivers between 21 and 24. The terms and conditions of each rental car you're interested in will have all the details you need.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in Santa Cruz?
After perfectly planning your getaway, don't scrimp on your insurance — add collision protection while booking your Santa Cruz rental vehicle with Expedia. There are plenty of benefits to this plan, including up to $35,000 in primary coverage for theft, vandalism and collision damage. Plus, with a zero-dollar deductible and 24-hour emergency assistance, you can breathe a little easier should the unexpected occur.
Can I drive in Santa Cruz with my current driver's license?
If you don't hold a driver's license issued in Portugal, then it's likely you'll need to acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your place of residence to be allowed to rent a car. Also consider that if an IDP is required, it won't be valid on its own. You'll have to show your current license your passport and other forms of ID as well. Lastly, make sure the credit card you used to book the rental vehicle matches the name on your driver's license and passport. Some added requirements to rent a car internationally are:

  • Age restrictions: You must be at least 25 in many countries to rent a car. If you're younger, it may still be possible to rent a car but you'll have to pay a Young Driver's Surcharge. Additional restrictions may also apply to the types of vehicles available to rent.
  • Driving limitations: Be sure to read the fine print before you drive off the lot. Usually, you can't cross country borders, drive onto ferries or on certain types of rugged terrain with your rental car.

Car Rental Information

 
Popular car types
SUV, Full Size, Economy
 
Car suppliers available
 
Our best deal of the day
$51
 
Our second best deal of the day
$54
 
Our third best deal of the day
$87
 
From the airport to your hotel
Airport Transportation
 
From popular domestic and international airports
Airport Car Rentals

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 $51.

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.