Santa Monica car hire

As Santa Monica is a busy city with limited parking, a compact vehicle can be a convenient choice for a rental car. Not only will it be easier for you to weave in and out of traffic, you will also be able to better navigate the narrow streets in the city’s downtown area.

Speed limits for streets within the city often range from 25 to 45mph depending on where they are located and how busy they are. If you are driving near a school, you can expect the speed limit to drop to 20mph. Freeways usually have a maximum of 65mph, while the maximum for the Pacific Coast Highway is closer to 55mph, depending on how windy the section of road is. Many of the city’s intersections have their own traffic cameras, and police officers are frequently stationed both within the city and along the main freeways. Always make sure to follow traffic laws in order to drive safely and avoid receiving a fine.

While you might be able to find some free street parking in Santa Monica, it is usually easiest to opt for a paid parking lot or garage. The Santa Monica Pier deck parking lot is open 24h a day, with fees ranging from around $2.50 to $3.75 per hour. There are also several beach parking lots, such as the Annenberg Community Beach House, which is open from 6am to midnight and charges approximately $3 per hour. Parking is available 24h a day at the Civic Center and Main Library, and the first 30min are free.

The average price of fuel in Santa Monica is R63,48 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R762 and R1 016, depending on the car size.

Compact (Chevrolet Bolt or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Santa Monica.

The only car hire company that offers shuttle or pick-up services from Los Angeles airport to off-airport locations is Alamo.

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

A Compact car hire in Santa Monica costs R597 per day, on average.