Santa Cruz car hire

Driver's age: 25-65

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Cheap car hire in Santa Cruz

Small car
Small
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Medium car
Medium
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Large car
Large
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Luxury car
Luxury
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Van car
Van
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SUV car
SUV
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Commercial car
Commercial
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Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
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Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Santa Cruz car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Santa Cruz with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Santa Cruz?

You should book your car hire in Santa Cruz around 77 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular car to hire in Santa Cruz?

Hires in the SUV category (Toyota RAV4 or similar) are the most popular option in Santa Cruz, costing R1 088/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R683/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Santa Cruz?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Santa Cruz is January at an average cost of R848/day. December is the most expensive month to hire a car in Santa Cruz when prices are R1 164/day on average, which tends to be 11% above the yearly average hire price for Santa Cruz.

Which car hire company in Santa Cruz has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 2 locations in Santa Cruz, more than any other car hire company.

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Santa Cruz car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in Santa Cruz by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

R814 - R1 072

All Car Types

R1 258 - R1 493

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Santa Cruz?

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Santa Cruz?

Small car hire in Santa Cruz typically costs around R957 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average R814 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 30% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Cruz, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Santa Cruz typically costs around R1 178 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average R1 047 per day, which is about 12% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 13% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Cruz, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Santa Cruz typically cost around R1 177 per day. The best time to book is May, when prices average R986 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 14% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Cruz, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.

SUV hire in Santa Cruz typically costs around R1 523 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 323 per day, which is about 14% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 12% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Cruz but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in Santa Cruz typically costs around R1 872 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average R1 338 per day, which is about 29% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 28% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Cruz but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck hire in Santa Cruz typically costs around R1 367 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average R864 per day, which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are typically 2% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Cruz but are ideal for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.

Luxury car hire in Santa Cruz typically costs around R1 747 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average R1 423 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 23% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Cruz but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Good to know

Most popular car type

Medium

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Santa Cruz

  • If you're planning to visit the famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf, having a rental will ease your trip and make everything seamless. Sometimes when traveling, using public transportation means wasting time and possibly confusing routes when trying to get to various attractions. Getting a vehicle from car rentals in Santa Cruz is a smart decision because you can incorporate nearly everything in your itinerary and meet your travel goals on time and at your convenience. If you're here on a business trip, then you won't have to worry about missing the bus and being late for that meeting you've been looking forward to. Even better, you can skip town and check out the Winchester Mystery House, just 29 miles away, or even the Golden Gate Bridge about 75 miles away, at your own convenience and get back in the city before evening.
  • When you get to the Rental Car Center in San Jose International Airport, go directly across Terminal B. If you come from Terminal B, walk across the airport drive from baggage claim, where you'll find the facility. If you come from Terminal A, you'll find an airport blue shuttle bus that will take you to the rental car center. Some of the Santa Cruz car rentals you'll find at the facility include Enterprise, Avis, and Hertz.
  • Pedestrians in Santa Cruz are so used to jaywalking that the city had to write reminders on the curb not to do it, so be watchful, especially on crosswalks and intersections. You should be careful when driving on Highway 17 as it can get congested with commuters to and from San Jose and sees frequent coastal fog.
  • Traffic in Downtown Santa Cruz can be fairly normal, but the rush hours can be packed with cars, especially on Highways 1, 9, and 17. Highway 17 can be quite busy northbound in the morning and southbound in the evening as more people commute to and from San Jose, more so on Fridays. Rush hours start from 7am to 9am and from 3pm to 8pm in the evening. Having a traffic app for real-time information will go a long way. You can also listen to the local radio.
  • Small hire cars in Santa Cruz are around 37% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about hiring a car in Santa Cruz

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Santa Cruz?

    Nearly any on-road vehicle will do well in Santa Cruz. Our recommendation would be to choose a vehicle that suits your needs, so you can go with anything from a standard car like a sedan to a minivan. If your budget allows it, you can even get a luxury vehicle to cruise around the coast from car rentals in Santa Cruz.

  • What’s the speed limit in Santa Cruz?

    The maximum speed limit on California highways stands at 65mph, and you can drive at 70mph where posted. On two-lane undivided highways, the maximum speed limit is 55mph, unless posted otherwise, and 25mph in school zones. Watch out for blind intersections where the speed limit falls at 15mph, which also applies to alleys. Business and residential areas have a limit of 25mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in Santa Cruz?

    The city of Santa Cruz has several downtown public parking lots that offer a free 3h time limit parking from Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm. Downtown parking meters charge anywhere between $1 an hour to $8 per day, depending on where you park. Parking meters operate every day between 8am and 8pm.

  • Which car hire agencies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?

    Car hire companies onsite at San Francisco airport include Alamo, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Fox.

  • Which car hire companies will pick you up at San Francisco airport (SFO)?

    Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from San Francisco airport to off-airport locations include Alamo, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Fox.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Santa Cruz?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does a Medium car hire cost in Santa Cruz?

    A Medium car hire in Santa Cruz costs R1 083 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Luxury car hire cost in Santa Cruz?

    A Luxury car hire in Santa Cruz costs R1 795 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Small car hire cost in Santa Cruz?

    A Small car hire in Santa Cruz costs R1 191 per day, on average.

Santa Cruz car rental reviews and directory

 

Budget

10,0

Wonderful

Cleanliness

8.0

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

10.0

Value for money

10.0

One location in Santa Cruz

Locations in Santa Cruz

630 Ocean Street

+1 831 291 5483

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 13:00
Sunday08:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8,4

Very Good

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

8.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.4

Value for money

8.0

2 locations in Santa Cruz

Locations in Santa Cruz

2724 Soquel Ave Ste A

+1 831 464 1900

Opening times not available

919b Ocean St

+1 831 426 7799

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday

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Reviews

10,0 Wonderful

Roger, Jun 2026

Intermediate

KAYAK
Great service. Fast, reliable, clean and good cars. Excellent service at the location.

10,0 Wonderful

Stephen, Nov 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Micah was great!

1 out of 1

Hertz

7,1

Good

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.8

Value for money

7.1

4 locations in Santa Cruz

Locations in Santa Cruz

132 Center Street

+1 262 654 8117

Opening times not available

2724 Soquel Ave

+1 831 423 0315

Monday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Tuesday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Wednesday08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00

5500 Scotts Valley Drive

+1 831 217 4162

Monday13:00 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 17:00
Wednesday13:00 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00
Thursday13:00 - 17:0008:00 - 12:00
Friday08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 17:00

7000 Soquel Avenue

+1 831 462 0469

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

2,0 Poor

Roger, Jun 2026

Intermediate

KAYAK
Did not receive car. Asked for pickup well in advance, was told they would come, then told they would not come. I was unable to get to the location before it closed.

8,0 Very Good

Anonymous, Aug 2025

Supplier choice

KAYAK
Had car reserved but no cars there when I arrived Had to wait an hour

1 out of 2

Avis

6,0

Okay

Cleanliness

5.0

Comfort

4.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.0

Value for money

4.0

One location in Santa Cruz

Locations in Santa Cruz

630 Ocean Street

+1 831 423 1244

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 13:00
Sunday08:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5,4

Fair

One location in Santa Cruz

Locations in Santa Cruz

2724 Soquel Ave

+1 831 423 0315

Monday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Tuesday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Wednesday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Thursday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Friday08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

5,2

Fair

One location in Santa Cruz

Locations in Santa Cruz

2724 Soquel Ave

+1 831 423 0315

Monday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Tuesday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Wednesday08:00 - 12:3013:30 - 17:00
Thursday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30
Friday13:30 - 17:0008:00 - 12:30

Filters

No reviews available

17 travellers who hired a car in Santa Cruz gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5,3

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Santa Cruz car hire information

Pick-up locationSanta Cruz
Car types
Hire locations9
Airport locations0