$42 Car Rental Santa Monica, CA

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Monica

Renting a car in Santa Monica offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant city and its stunning surroundings at their own pace. For beachgoers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families, a rental car is particularly convenient, allowing easy luggage management and adaptable travel plans. You can easily visit iconic attractions like Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier, both located within the area of Santa Monica. Additionally, Rodeo Drive, known for its city experiences, is just 6 miles away, making it a reachable destination for a day trip.

With a rental car, exploring nearby popular destinations becomes a breeze. You can venture into Los Angeles, where you can experience Universal Studios Hollywood, or enjoy the local charm of Downtown Santa Monica and Ocean Park, which feature more beaches and attractions. This flexibility means you can create your own itinerary without relying on public transportation. Whether you’re traveling with family or simply seeking an entertaining getaway, having a rental car ensures that you can make the most of your Santa Monica adventure.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Monica

• Midsize SUV: This vehicle is a top choice for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travelers with space for up to 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV offers a perfect blend of comfort and versatility, making it ideal for those looking to explore the beautiful surroundings of Santa Monica. With ample room for luggage and beach gear, it allows for a stress-free travel experience, ensuring you can enjoy your adventure without worrying about space.
• Economy: The economy car is a practical option that fits up to 5 travelers and allows for 2 medium suitcases. This car type is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or small families looking for an efficient and budget-friendly rental. With its compact size, the economy car is easy to maneuver in Santa Monica, making it suitable for city driving while still offering enough room for your travel essentials. It's a great choice for those wanting to explore the area without excess baggage.
• Standard SUV: Ideal for couples, families, or groups, the standard SUV accommodates up to 5 travelers and provides space for 2 medium suitcases. This option combines comfort with capability, making it a favorite among those seeking a versatile vehicle for their Santa Monica trip. Whether you're enjoying a day at the beach or heading out for a scenic drive, the standard SUV ensures you have enough space for your belongings while delivering a comfortable ride.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Monica

• Hertz: Hertz is a well-regarded car rental supplier with one rental location in Santa Monica. Travelers appreciate the convenience of their services and often opt for Economy and Midsize SUVs, which are popular choices for navigating the city and surrounding areas. Hertz is known for maintaining a fleet of well-kept vehicles, ensuring a reliable driving experience during your trip.
• Enterprise: With three rental locations in Santa Monica, Enterprise stands out for its extensive presence and customer-friendly service. Many travelers favor Midsize and Standard SUVs from Enterprise, which offer ample space for luggage and comfort during drives. The company is recognized for its helpful staff and flexible rental options, making it a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers.
• Sixt: Sixt operates one rental location in Santa Monica and is known for its selection of Midsize and Luxury SUVs. Travelers often choose Sixt for its premium vehicle offerings and exceptional service. The attention to detail in vehicle maintenance and cleanliness adds to the positive rental experience, making Sixt a great option for those looking to explore Santa Monica in style.

Where to go in Santa Monica

• Downtown Santa Monica: A vibrant neighborhood perfect for family and outdoor experiences, Downtown Santa Monica showcases attractions such as the renowned Santa Monica Beach, ideal for beach vacations. Discover the Santa Monica Pier, a picturesque jetty with entertainment options, and explore the Third Street Promenade, a popular tourist precinct filled with shops and eateries. The best times to visit are March and from July to August, when the area sees an influx of visitors looking to enjoy its lively atmosphere.
• Ocean Park: Nestled near Santa Monica, Ocean Park is an inviting neighborhood favored for family, outdoor, and beach experiences. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Santa Monica Beach, perfect for relaxation, and the Santa Monica Pier, which offers a unique jetty experience. The Venice Beach Boardwalk is also nearby, providing a vibrant tourist precinct with plenty of attractions. Peak visitor numbers occur in March through April and July, making these months ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
• Los Angeles: As a sprawling metropolis, Los Angeles offers an array of attractions for family and entertainment seekers. In close proximity to Santa Monica, notable highlights include Universal Studios Hollywood, a theme park that's perfect for a fun-filled family vacation. The Los Angeles Convention Center caters to business travelers, while the city itself is rich in cultural experiences, including theaters and iconic landmarks. Expect a steady flow of visitors throughout the year, with peaks in July to August and October.

10 tips to save on your Santa Monica car hire

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and desired features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car to save money, utilize Expedia's filters to discover the best option for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to reserve your vehicle well ahead of your departure. By booking early, you’re more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically cost less to rent and are easier to navigate and park in crowded areas. Mid-size cars strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This policy can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age restrictions before finalizing your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental companies operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, which requires you to return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is usually the most advantageous option. Other companies may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can also be acceptable. Just make sure to return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at an airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
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 provide peace of mind in case something unforeseen occurs during your trip. It’s easy to add insurance when you book through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, seek 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 vehicle.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Monica

The best time to rent a car in and around Santa Monica is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand remains average. May also offers a great value, with both lower prices and demand. As the year progresses, March and April see average prices but rising demand. However, August stands out as the most expensive month, with high demand making it a busy time for rentals. July and December also experience higher prices and demand levels.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	57.0°F (13.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	62.4°F (16.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	64.9°F (18.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	69.1°F (20.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	73.6°F (23.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	74.5°F (23.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
October	69.4°F (20.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	56.5°F (13.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Santa Monica

Using our Search Wizard

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

Renting a car in Santa Monica

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

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $42.

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