Car Rental in Santa Cruz
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Cheapest car rental rates
Zero deductible
Kia Rio
or similar Economy
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
1
A/C
4
$48.20
per day
Free cancellation
8.0
Very Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Kia Soul
or similar Compact
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
2
A/C
4
$48.20
per day
Free cancellation
8.0
Very Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Toyota Camry
or similar Full-size
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
2
A/C
4
$44.75
per day
Free cancellation
8.0
Very Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Toyota RAV4
or similar Intermediate SUV
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
3
A/C
4
$49.64
per day
Free cancellation
8.0
Very Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Volkswagen Jetta
or similar Standard
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
2
A/C
4
$44.75
per day
Free cancellation
8.0
Very Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Toyota Corolla
or similar Intermediate
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
1
A/C
4
$45.90
per day
Free cancellation
8.0
Very Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Toyota Camry
or similar Full-size
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
2
A/C
4
$48.20
per day
Free cancellation
7.9
Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Volkswagen Jetta
or similar Standard
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
2
A/C
4
$48.20
per day
Free cancellation
7.9
Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Toyota Corolla
or similar Intermediate
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
1
A/C
4
$49.36
per day
Free cancellation
7.9
Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Kia Soul
or similar Compact
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
2
A/C
4
$51.80
per day
Free cancellation
7.9
Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Kia Rio
or similar Economy
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
1
A/C
4
$51.80
per day
Free cancellation
7.9
Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Toyota RAV4
or similar Intermediate SUV
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
3
A/C
4
$53.39
per day
Free cancellation
7.9
Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Ford Edge
or similar Standard SUV
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
5
3
A/C
4
$61.30
per day
Free cancellation
7.9
Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Chrysler Pacifica
or similar Mini Van
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
7
4
A/C
4
$74.25
per day
Free cancellation
8.0
Very Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Zero deductible
Chrysler Pacifica
or similar Mini Van
What does "or similar" mean?
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
If the exact model isn’t available, you’ll get a car in the same category that’s the same size and has the same number of doors, transmission type, and features. This is standard for most car rental suppliers.
Automatic
7
4
A/C
4
$79.86
per day
Free cancellation
7.9
Good
Rental office
Pick-up information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Drop-off information
Santa Cruz Downtown
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Please clarify drop-off instructions with the supplier upon pick-up.
Low deposit
Instant confirmation!
Unlimited mileage
Pay now
Showing 9 out of 15 cars
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 21:59 on 16/03/26. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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4M users
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Table of contents
- Cheapest car rental rates
- Why book with us?
- Travel information
- Top 20 cities near Santa Cruz
- Top 20 locations near Santa Cruz
- Map of top car rental locations
- When to book in Santa Cruz and for how long?
- Car rental information
- Most popular car models of rental suppliers
- Car rental statistics
- Top 2 suppliers in Santa Cruz in 2026
- Award-winning service
Travel information
Languages
English, Spanish
Currency
USD
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+1
Average car rental price
$93 per day
Average car rental length
4 days
Speed limit within town
40–48 km/h
or
25–30 mph
Speed limit out of town
88–104 km/h
or
55–65 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Average gas price
$1.27 per liter or $4.81 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$1.11 per liter or $4.20 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.62 per liter or $6.13 per gallon
Top 20 cities near Santa Cruz
- San Josefrom $54.96 per day40.4 km / 25.1 miles away
- Montereyfrom $72.04 per day43.4 km / 26.97 miles away
- Mountain Viewfrom $89.85 per day45.9 km / 28.52 miles away
- Salinas46.9 km / 29.14 miles away
- Palo Altofrom $83.19 per day52.9 km / 32.87 miles away
- Fremontfrom $62.66 per day63.8 km / 39.64 miles away
- Foster Cityfrom $96.70 per day68.3 km / 42.44 miles away
- Pleasantonfrom $62.66 per day77.6 km / 48.22 miles away
- San Ramonfrom $62.66 per day89.6 km / 55.67 miles away
- Oaklandfrom $55.49 per day94.6 km / 58.78 miles away
- San Franciscofrom $51.73 per day96.2 km / 59.78 miles away
- Berkeleyfrom $62.66 per day102 km / 63.38 miles away
- Walnut Creekfrom $62.66 per day103.6 km / 64.37 miles away
- Modestofrom $66.83 per day117.5 km / 73.01 miles away
- San Rafaelfrom $75.75 per day119.5 km / 74.25 miles away
- Vallejofrom $75.75 per day127.1 km / 78.98 miles away
- Stocktonfrom $75.75 per day127.2 km / 79.04 miles away
- Fultonfrom $56.46 per day181.2 km / 112.59 miles away
- Santa Rosafrom $62.05 per day183.9 km / 114.27 miles away
- Rancho Cordovafrom $75.75 per day190.5 km / 118.37 miles away
Top 20 locations near Santa Cruz
- San Jose Eastridge Centerfrom $67.49 per day43.4 km / 26.97 miles away
- San Jose Airportfrom $54.96 per day44 km / 27.34 miles away
- Monterey Regional Airportfrom $72.04 per day46.3 km / 28.77 miles away
- Mountain View Monta Lomafrom $89.85 per day49.1 km / 30.51 miles away
- Salinas Municipal Airport51.3 km / 31.88 miles away
- Palo Alto Downtownfrom $83.19 per day52.9 km / 32.87 miles away
- Fremont Centervillefrom $67.49 per day63.8 km / 39.64 miles away
- Foster City Downtownfrom $96.70 per day68.3 km / 42.44 miles away
- Pleasanton Downtownfrom $67.49 per day77.6 km / 48.22 miles away
- San Francisco Airportfrom $51.73 per day77.8 km / 48.34 miles away
- San Francisco Southfrom $96.70 per day82.4 km / 51.2 miles away
- Oakland Airportfrom $55.49 per day84.7 km / 52.63 miles away
- San Ramon Downtownfrom $62.66 per day89.6 km / 55.67 miles away
- Oakland (Downtown)from $62.66 per day94.6 km / 58.78 miles away
- San Francisco Somafrom $66.83 per day95.6 km / 59.4 miles away
- San Francisco Convention Centerfrom $69.04 per day95.7 km / 59.47 miles away
- San Francisco (Downtown)from $61.41 per day95.7 km / 59.47 miles away
- San Francisco Union Square Downtownfrom $61.41 per day96.2 km / 59.78 miles away
- San Francisco O'Farrell St.from $59.46 per day96.3 km / 59.84 miles away
Map of top car rental locations
A
Santa Cruz (Downtown)
2 rental locations
When to book in Santa Cruz and for how long?
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
Car rental prices in Santa Cruz vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Saver's insights
| Cheapest monthMay | Most expensive month December | |
| A good deal $86 | Cheapest supplier Budget | Cheapest car type SUVs |
Average rental costs per day in Santa Cruz
$88
$44
$0
$68
in January
Jan
$66
in February
Feb
Mar
Apr
$39
in May
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
$80
in December
Dec
The cheapest month to rent a car in Santa Cruz is May (when prices average $38.67 per day). This is 35% cheaper than the yearly average and 52% cheaper than renting in December (when prices average $80.37).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Santa Cruz is January, and the least popular is February.
Monthly searches in Santa Cruz by pick-up date relative to the average
1.8
0.9
0
1.6 times in January
Jan
0.8 times in February
Feb
Mar
Apr
0.8 times in May
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
0.8 times in December
Dec
What’s the usual rental length in Santa Cruz?
How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in December, the average renter keeps their car for 9 days, and in January, they keep their car for 2 days.
Average number of rental days in Santa Cruz
10
5
0
2 days in January
Jan
6 days in February
Feb
Mar
Apr
2 days in May
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
9 days in December
Dec
Car rental information
| 📍 Car rental locations | 1 |
| 🔥 Popular suppliers | Budget, Avis |
| 🚗 Popular car types | SUVs, large cars |
| 🤑 Lowest price | $76 per day |
| 👛 Cheapest supplier | Budget |
Most popular car models of rental suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Toyota RAV4 | 4 | 3 | SUV |
| Avis | Toyota RAV4 | 4 | 3 | SUV |
| Budget | Toyota Camry | 4 | 2 | Large car |
Car rental statistics
Highest-rated company
Avis (rated 8.0 / 10)
Lowest-rated company
Budget (rated 7.9 / 10)
Total rental companies
2
Average daily price
$93
Lowest daily price
$76
Total cars available
15
Top 2 suppliers in Santa Cruz in 2026
Avis
1 location
8.0
Very Good
1 review
Value for money
7.8
Ease of finding
8.2
Agent helpfulness
7.8
Pick-up speed
8.0
Drop-off speed
8.2
Car cleanliness
8.0
Car condition
8.1
$94–$126
per day
Most popular location
630 Ocean St
Santa Cruz
CA-95060
Budget
1 location
7.9
Good
Value for money
7.5
Ease of finding
8.2
Agent helpfulness
7.3
Pick-up speed
8.0
Drop-off speed
8.2
Car cleanliness
7.9
Car condition
7.9
$76–$127
per day
Most popular location
630 Ocean St, Santa Cruz, CA-95060
Award-winning service
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2025
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2025
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2025
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
Highly recommended by our customers
Rated 4.6 / 5 based on 259,575 reviews. Showing our favorite reviews.
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