Santa Clara Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Clara

Renting a car in Santa Clara offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This is particularly beneficial for families, sports enthusiasts, and business travellers who may have specific needs for luggage space and convenience. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as California's Great America, an amusement park ideal for family experiences located right in Santa Clara. The historic Winchester Mystery House, only 4 km away, provides a unique cultural experience, while the vibrant Silicon Valley is just 5 km from the city, perfect for adventure seekers.

A car also makes it simple to venture into nearby cities like Sunnyvale, 7 km away, and San Jose, 6 km away, where you can find additional attractions including the same notable sites. The proximity of Newhall, a neighbourhood just 3 km from Santa Clara, adds to the convenience of your travels. Having a rental car ensures that you can manage your itinerary and enjoy these varied experiences without the constraints of public transport.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Clara

• Midsize SUV: This car type accommodates up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making it a fantastic choice for families, couples, or small groups. The midsize SUV offers ample space and comfort, allowing you to travel in style while enjoying the flexibility to explore Santa Clara and its surroundings at your own pace.
• Economy: Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or families, the economy car accommodates up to 5 travellers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This option is perfect for those looking to manage their budget while still enjoying the convenience of a rental car. It's a practical choice for getting around Santa Clara without the bulk of larger vehicles.
• Standard SUV: Similar to the midsize SUV, the standard SUV accommodates up to 5 travellers and holds 2 medium suitcases. This car type is well-suited for couples, families, or groups who need a bit more space and versatility. With a standard SUV, you can navigate Santa Clara comfortably while having enough room for your luggage and travel essentials.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Clara

• Hertz: Hertz is the most popular car rental supplier in Santa Clara, with a convenient rental location in the area. Known for its reliable service, Hertz allows travellers the flexibility to explore at their own pace. The most booked car with Hertz is the Midsize, providing a comfortable and spacious option for those managing luggage and planning itineraries. Customers appreciate the ease of the rental process and the quality of the vehicles, making Hertz a solid choice for your car rental needs in Santa Clara.

Where to stay around Santa Clara

• San Jose: Located 6 km from Santa Clara, San Jose offers a family-friendly and business-themed experience. With attractions such as the historic Winchester Mystery House and California's Great America amusement park, it is ideal for outdoor and cultural holidays. Visitors can also enjoy shopping at local centres and dining at various restaurants and wineries, making it a vibrant place to stay.
• Sunnyvale: Just 7 km away from Santa Clara, Sunnyvale is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Key highlights include Historic Murphy Avenue for a city holiday atmosphere and California's Great America for adventure. The city also features educational venues and shopping options, along with nearby wineries and restaurants, creating a well-rounded experience for visitors.
• Milpitas: Situated 10 km from Santa Clara, Milpitas is another great option for families and business travellers. With attractions like the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, it caters to cultural and entertainment interests. The local shopping centres and theme parks, alongside various dining options, make it a convenient place for a stay while exploring nearby areas.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary according to demand, so it's advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more economical to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied when collecting your rental car from airports, but it may be worth it for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides you with peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. It's straightforward to add rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning lengthy 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 mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Clara

The best value period to rent a car in and around Santa Clara is April, when both prices and demand are notably low. The months of May and July also offer slightly low demand and moderate pricing, making them decent options for budget-conscious travellers. In contrast, March tends to be the most expensive month, with moderately high prices and average demand. Additionally, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	50.9°F (10.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
April	56.8°F (13.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
May	60.6°F (15.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
June	66.6°F (19.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
July	70.0°F (21.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
August	70.2°F (21.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
September	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	64.8°F (18.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	High	Average
December	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average