$11 Car Rental Santa Ana, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Ana

Renting a car in Santa Ana provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Bowers Museum and the historic Old Orange County Courthouse, both located within Santa Ana. The ability to manage your luggage conveniently makes it ideal for families and travelers with various needs.

Additionally, a rental car allows you to venture to nearby popular destinations, including Anaheim, which is 7 miles away and home to Disneyland® Resort, and Newport Beach, located 9 miles from Santa Ana, featuring beautiful beaches and piers. The city of Orange, just 3 miles away, offers Irvine Regional Park and other attractions. Whether you seek family-friendly activities or city-themed experiences, having a rental car enhances your ability to enjoy all that Santa Ana and the surrounding areas have to offer without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Ana

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice in Santa Ana, accommodating up to 5 travelers and providing space for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it an ideal option for families, couples, or small groups looking to explore the area comfortably. With ample cargo space and a versatile interior, this vehicle allows you to manage your luggage easily while enjoying the freedom to travel at your own pace.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is another favored option among renters in Santa Ana. It accommodates 5 travelers comfortably and can hold up to 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle is perfect for couples, families, or groups who require a bit of extra space without going too large. Its combination of comfort and practicality makes it a reliable choice for those looking to enjoy their trip with ease.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car is a great option for larger families or groups, as it accommodates 5 travelers with the flexibility to hold either up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for those who need additional space for luggage while still enjoying a comfortable ride. Renting a Fullsize car allows you to explore Santa Ana without compromising on comfort or capacity.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Ana

• Enterprise: With 3 rental locations in the Santa Ana area, Enterprise is a popular choice among travelers. Known for its friendly service and clean vehicles, this supplier boasts an overall rating of 7.2 out of 10. Customers appreciate the short wait times, making the rental process smooth and efficient. The most booked vehicles from Enterprise are Midsize SUVs and Premium SUVs, ideal for travelers seeking comfort and space during their journey.
• Sixt: Sixt has 1 rental location in Santa Ana and shares an overall rating of 7.2 out of 10. Renowned for its friendly service and clean cars, Sixt ensures a pleasant rental experience. Travelers can expect minimal wait times, allowing for a quick and easy pickup process. The most popular choices from Sixt include Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs, perfect for those looking for reliable options to explore the area.
• Thrifty Car Rental: With 4 rental locations in and around Santa Ana, Thrifty Car Rental is a convenient option for visitors. While specific ratings are not mentioned, the supplier is well-regarded for its selection and availability. The most booked vehicles with Thrifty include Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, catering to those who need extra space for passengers or luggage while exploring the beautiful surroundings of Santa Ana.

Where to stay around Santa Ana

• Anaheim: Located 7 miles from Santa Ana, Anaheim is perfect for families and those seeking entertainment and cultural experiences. Key attractions include the iconic Disneyland® Resort, Knott's Berry Farm, and Disney California Adventure® Park, all ideal for family vacations. Visitors can also enjoy shopping centers and local restaurants, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions.
• Newport Beach: Situated 9 miles from Santa Ana, Newport Beach offers a blend of outdoor activities and city experiences. With beautiful beaches like Crystal Cove Beach and popular piers such as Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier, it’s great for families. The area is also known for its shopping centers and dining options, making it a lively spot for a beach vacation.
• Huntington Beach: Just 10 miles from Santa Ana, Huntington Beach is a vibrant destination ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Known for its stunning Huntington Beach Pier and family-friendly beaches, it also provides access to attractions like Disneyland® Resort. With shopping centers and a bustling Main Street, this area offers both relaxation and entertainment for visitors.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Santa Ana

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best fit for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can change based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your reservation well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers younger than 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters older than 70. Always verify the age restrictions prior to making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are also acceptable. Just remember to return the car empty in those cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it can be worthwhile for the added convenience it provides.
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 something goes wrong during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning on taking long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Ana

The best time to rent a car in and around Santa Ana is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. May also offers good value with similar pricing and steady demand. As summer approaches, June to August sees higher rental prices and increased demand, with August being the most expensive month. Following the summer, September and October exhibit slightly high prices, while November shows lower demand and average pricing.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	59.4°F (15.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
April	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	65.1°F (18.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	74.3°F (23.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	75.9°F (24.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	69.8°F (21.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
November	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Santa Ana

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Santa Ana into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Santa Ana and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Santa Ana

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Santa Ana. 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 Ana

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $11.

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