Santa Cruz Cheap Car Rentals & Car Hire Deals

Compare rent a car rates in Santa Cruz from popular car rental companies

I have a discount code

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car supplier logos

  • protection illustration

    Change your mind

    Penalty-free cancellation on many/select car hire
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save 10% or more on over 1 million car hire
  • package illustration

    Shop smart

    Compare car suppliers to unlock big savings

Explore Santa Cruz with Cheap Car Rentals and Car Hire Deals

* Price found within the past 6 days. Click for updated prices.

Fri, 29 May to Sat, 30 May

Economy

Chevrolet Spark
  • 4 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Chevrolet Spark

AU$82

total
found 3 days ago
Economy Chevrolet Spark
Fri, 29 May to Sat, 30 May

Compact

Ford Focus
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Ford Focus

AU$83

total
found 3 days ago
Compact Ford Focus
Fri, 29 May to Sat, 30 May

Midsize

Kia K4
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Kia K4

AU$83

total
found 3 days ago
Midsize Kia K4
Fri, 29 May to Sat, 30 May

Standard

Volkswagen Jetta
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Volkswagen Jetta

AU$85

total
found 3 days ago
Standard Volkswagen Jetta
Fri, 29 May to Sat, 30 May

Full Size

Chevrolet Malibu
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Chevrolet Malibu

AU$89

total
found 3 days ago
Full Size Chevrolet Malibu
Fri, 29 May to Sat, 30 May

Special

Manager Special EV
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Manager Special EV

AU$101

total
found 3 days ago
Special Manager Special EV
Thu, 28 May to Fri, 29 May

Midsize Elite

Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus
  • 5 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus

AU$126

total
found 1 day ago
Midsize Elite Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus
Thu, 28 May to Fri, 29 May

Full Size Elite Pickup Regular Cab

Ram 2500 Big Horn
  • 6 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Ram 2500 Big Horn

AU$133

total
found 1 day ago
Full Size Elite Pickup Regular Cab Ram 2500 Big Horn
Thu, 28 May to Fri, 29 May

Mini Van

Chrysler Pacifica
  • 7 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Chrysler Pacifica

AU$201

total
found 1 day ago
Mini Van Chrysler Pacifica
Fri, 29 May to Sat, 30 May

Premium SUV

Chevrolet Suburban
  • 7 people
  • Unlimited mileage
Chevrolet Suburban

AU$269

total
found 3 days ago
Premium SUV Chevrolet Suburban

Don't see what you're looking for?

See all car hire in Santa Cruz
View all cars
Lowest prices found within the past 3 days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Information on Car Rentals

 
Popular Car Rental Types:
Hire a SUV, Economy, Luxury, Full Size
 
Car Rental Suppliers Available:
 
Today's Best Car Rental Offer:
AU$82
 
Second Best Car Rental Deal:
AU$83
 
Third Best Car Rental Deal:
AU$85
 
Airport to hotel transportation:
Airport Transportation

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Santa Cruz?
Daily rental prices were as low as AU$82 within the past seven days. With rates like this, getting around Santa Cruz in your own set of wheels is an affordable and convenient way to see the sights.
Can I rent a car from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC)?
You sure can. Once you get to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC), you'll locate the rental outlets directly across from Terminal B. Arrange a ride with Dollar, Enterprise or Alamo. Thrifty and Fox are also worth having a look at.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Cruz car reservation?
When you cancel at least six hours prior to collecting the car, the majority of prepaid bookings qualify for a complete refund. However, not every one is eligible for this, so it's important to understand your cancellation policy. Read through your itinerary for the details or visit our Customer Service Portal to find out more.
What types of cars can I rent in Santa Cruz?
Small in size but big on perks, economy vehicles are the top choice in Santa Cruz. They're easy to handle and park, which is handy if you'll be doing mostly city driving. And with fantastic mileage, this reliable rental type will have you touring around on the cheap. Prefer a larger car? Check out our mid-size, full-size or premium vehicles.
Where can I go on a road trip from Santa Cruz?
Once you've been to all of the interesting attractions in Santa Cruz, there's plenty more to discover in the surrounding area. Grab the keys to a rental car, stow your luggage in the trunk and take to the open road. We've pulled together some drives you're sure to enjoy:

  • You'll find Six Flags Hurricane Harbour Concord and loads of other intriguing sights in Concord. From Santa Cruz, it's about 113 kilometres away.
  • Your next pit stop? Make it San Francisco, which is around 97 kilometres away. Pier 39 is one local hot spot you shouldn't miss.
  • Venture into the outdoors and inhale the fresh air at Glacier Point. It's 225 kilometres from Santa Cruz.

Why should I rent a Santa Cruz car with Expedia?
With loads of experience finding awesome deals for travellers around the world, Expedia is the perfect place to rent your next car. We've got suppliers in Santa Cruz to take your pick of, offering everything from small economy rides to spacious and comfy SUVs. Why not bundle your car with your hotel and flights and save even more? From our holiday packages to our exclusive offers and member prices, Expedia will get you on the road for less. One Key™ members always score our best prices, so sign up to unlock more savings.
How do I find the best car rental deals in Santa Cruz with Expedia?
Nabbing an amazing deal on your Santa Cruz rental car is a breeze with Expedia. Choose your preferred ride, add some details and compare prices across popular suppliers. Why not add flights and hotels to your booking? You'll unlock even more savings when you create a holiday package.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
Anyone with a valid driver's licence 21 and over can rent a vehicle in Santa Cruz. While some suppliers may be willing to rent to drivers younger than 21, a fee will be added. Find out what ages the young renter fee applies to, and what it costs, before booking your ride. Suppliers also restrict the categories of cars available to young drivers. Higher age limits apply for luxury and specialty vehicles.
What do you need to rent a car in Santa Cruz?
A valid driver's licence and a credit card in the same name are essentials. Don't want to take out the company's insurance plan? If that's the case, you may need proof of other coverage. Rules can differ between rental suppliers, so have a thorough read of your policy.
What is the cheapest car rental in Santa Cruz?
Santa Cruz has no doubt had some very happy rental car drivers lately. Daily rates within the past seven days were as low as AU$82 and AU$83. 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 car for a month or even longer in Santa Cruz, so go ahead and extend your getaway! Simply enter your trip information into our long-term car rental deals page and find your perfect ride.
Where can I find a Santa Cruz car rental if I am younger than 25?
Some Santa Cruz outlets will rent cars to drivers under 25 years old, and others won't. Policies differ between suppliers, so you'll have to do your homework. Also, find out if there are extra costs. Some businesses will pass on a surcharge to young customers between 21 and 24. Always look through the terms and conditions so you know what to expect.
Can I drive in Santa Cruz with my current driver's license?
If you don't have a license from the United States, then you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your country of residence before renting a car in the U.S. If you find that an IDP is required, be aware that you'll also have to show your current valid driver's license and your passport or other forms of ID. Lastly, the credit card used to rent the vehicle must match the name on your license and passport in order to confirm your home. Other things you should know about rental cars in the U.S. Are:

  • Age restrictions: You must be at least 25 in many states to rent a car, although in some places the minimum age is 21. We recommend checking local rules and regulations, as well as with the company you're renting from before you book to understand all the regulations that may apply to you.
  • Driving limitations: Don't forget to read the fine print before you get behind the wheel so you can avoid any unnecessary fees. When renting a car in the United States, it's usually prohibited to cross country borders into Canada or Mexico, drive on ferries or traverse off-road areas with your home vehicle. Please read the details before booking!

Explore a world of travel with Expedia