Car Rental Santa Cruz

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Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Santa Cruz?
Fun road trip adventures await in Santa Cruz, with daily car rental rates starting from as low as . That's based on prices found within the past seven days.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Cruz car reservation?
No need to worry. You should be given a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours before collecting the car. Your confirmation contains information about this, as does our Customer Service Portal. Not all bookings qualify for a refund though, so it's a good idea to go over your car's rental agreement.
Where can I go on a road trip from Santa Cruz?
When you've covered all the interesting attractions in Santa Cruz, there's plenty more to see in the region. Collect the keys to a rental car, stow your bags in the trunk and get on the road. These are some drives you're sure to enjoy:

  • Head off to Sete Cidades for a fun-filled sightseeing adventure. About 90 miles from Santa Cruz, it's home to lots of great sights such as Lagoa Azul, Sao Miguel Acores.
  • Situated 90 miles away, Ginetes is also a hit with wanderers. Set aside time to check out Termas da Ferraria while you're in town. It's one of the reasons people love coming to this thriving city.
  • Make your way to Formosa Beach for a day out in nature. Take a picnic to enjoy or just sit and unwind. From Santa Cruz, it's around 160 miles away.

How do I find the best car rental deals in Santa Cruz with Expedia?
It's easy to score an incredible deal with Expedia. All you have to do is choose your car type, select your dates and preferred pickup and drop-off locations, and browse offers from major brands. Make even bigger savings when you combine your Santa Cruz car rental with hotel or flight bookings.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
You need to be at least 18 to pick up the keys to a rental vehicle in Santa Cruz. Be aware that young drivers may only be able to rent from a few car classes, such as economy and compact. Higher age limits usually apply for larger and luxury vehicles. Many providers will also charge a fee for young renters. Read the rules carefully before hitting the book button and factor any surcharge into your vacation budget.
What do you need to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
While booking conditions may differ between rental car outlets, generally the essentials are your driver's license and a credit card in your name. You don't need to take out the company's auto insurance. However, proof of your own coverage may be required.
What side of the road do you drive on in Santa Cruz?
Just like the States, you'll need to stick to the right in Portugal. However, that doesn't mean other rules are the same. Familiarize yourself with the local traffic regulations before you get to Santa Cruz.
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 . The second lowest price to rent a ride in Santa Cruz was 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?
You can rent a vehicle for a month or longer in Santa Cruz, so go on and extend your hard-earned vacation! Just enter your trip details into our long-term car rental deals page and book your ideal ride.
Where can I find a Santa Cruz car rental if I am younger than 25?
This will depend on the rental car companies operating in Santa Cruz. They often have different policies when it comes to minimum ages. If you've found a place that does cater to drivers under the age of 25, bear in mind that extra costs may apply. Do some research into what those charges could be before picking up the keys to your vehicle.
What insurance should I choose for my car rental in Santa Cruz?
It's a good idea to have collision protection to cover your Santa Cruz rental car against theft, vandalism and accident damage. And with Expedia, you can easily purchase this insurance for your vehicle during the booking process. Covering primary physical damage of up to $35,000, it also offers round-the-clock emergency assistance and no deductible if you need to make a claim. Plans changed? If you cancel your policy before your scheduled collection time, you'll receive a 100 percent refund.
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 apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your place of residence to be allowed 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 documentation as well. Lastly, it's important that the credit card you used to book the rental matches the name on your license and passport. Some other things to note for international car rentals are:

  • Age restrictions: You'll need to be at least 25 in many countries 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 the types of cars you can rent.
  • Driving limitations: Make sure you read the rules and regulations before you drive away. With rental cars, you usually can't cross country borders, drive on ferries or off road with a rental car.

Car Rental Information

 
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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.