KAYAK’s insights & trends for Santa Monica car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Santa Monica with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Santa Monica?
You should book your car hire in Santa Monica around 24 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Santa Monica?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest hire cars were found at Ace (R19,56/day), Hertz (R25,88/day), and Thrifty (R32,21/day).
What is the most popular car to hire in Santa Monica?
Hires in the Medium category (Class Intermediate SUV or similar) are the most popular option in Santa Monica, costing R789/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as R472/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Santa Monica?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Santa Monica is January at an average cost of R689/day. March is the most expensive month to hire a car in Santa Monica when prices are R968/day on average, which tends to be 1 873% above the yearly average hire price for Santa Monica.
Which car hire company in Santa Monica has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 5 locations in Santa Monica, more than any other car hire company.
Santa Monica car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in Santa Monica by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
R492 - R811
All Car Types
R1 013 - R1 337
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Santa Monica?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Santa Monica?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Santa Monica?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Santa Monica?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Santa Monica?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Santa Monica?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Santa Monica?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Santa Monica?
Small car hire in Santa Monica typically costs around R632 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average R492 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 46% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Monica, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Santa Monica typically costs around R940 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R787 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 19% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Monica, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Santa Monica typically cost around R988 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R721 per day, which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 15% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Monica, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Santa Monica typically costs around R1 194 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average R960 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 4% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Monica but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Santa Monica typically costs around R1 994 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average R1 262 per day, which is about 37% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 43% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Monica but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Santa Monica typically costs around R1 067 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average R541 per day, which is about 50% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 8% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Monica, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Santa Monica typically costs around R1 407 per day. The best time to book is October, when prices average R1 045 per day, which is about 26% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 19% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Monica but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Santa Monica typically costs around R1 619 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average R1 230 per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 29% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Monica but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Medium
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Santa Monica
Car rentals in Santa Monica can provide you with the ease and flexibility you need to explore all of the popular attractions within the city and the surrounding areas. Head to the famous city of Beverly Hills that is about 10 miles away and best reached by car. If you like being active and are interested in going on a hike, you can visit the scenic Topanga State Park that spans across 14,000 acres and is around a half-hour drive from the city.
Visitors can pick up their Santa Monica car rentals directly from Los Angeles International Airport. While there are no rental car offices located on airport property, many of them provide complimentary shuttle services that depart from just outside the Arrivals terminal under the purple sign marked as "Rental Car Shuttles." There are over 40 different companies for you to choose from, including Thrifty, Budget, and Hertz.
The city center is known for having many pedestrians and cyclists, so always be on the lookout for them when you are driving car rentals in Santa Monica. Motorcycles are also legally allowed to drive in between traffic lanes in California, so make sure to drive cautiously in case one of them is in your blind spot. As Santa Monica is such a large city, it can be easy to get lost, so consider adding a GPS system to your rental in order to help with navigation.
All of Los Angeles County, including Santa Monica, is known for having heavy traffic, particularly during rush hour. If you don’t want to find yourself stuck in a traffic jam, avoiding driving on the Pacific Coast Highway and freeways 10 and 405 between the hours of 8am to 9:30am and 5pm to 6:30pm. The roads also tend to be particularly slippery when it rains, so drive extra cautiously during this type of weather.
Small hire cars in Santa Monica are around 53% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Santa Monica
What type of car is recommended for driving in Santa Monica?
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.
What’s the speed limit in Santa Monica?
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.
Where are the best places to park in Santa Monica?
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.
Which car hire agencies are at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?
Finding car drop off at LAX not very clear but otherwise easy, convenient and affordable
10,0 Wonderful
Robert, Mar 2025
Intermediate
Excellent rental experience all the way around. The customer service and general manager were terrific. She upgraded me because they did not have the car rented currently on the lot. It was a The customer service and general manager were terrific. She upgraded me because they did not have the car rented currently on the lot. It was an excellent Experience and a great value. Midway is the best.!
1 out of 2
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
9,3
Wonderful
Cleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
9.3
5 locations in Santa Monica
Locations in Santa Monica
1702 Santa Monica Blvd
+1 310 395 4941
Opening times not available
1719 Wilshire Blvd
+1 310 395 4941
Monday
08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 18:00
Thursday
08:00 - 18:00
Friday
08:00 - 18:00
Saturday
09:00 - 13:00
Sunday
1723 Wilshire Blvd
+1 310 478 5216
Monday
08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 18:00
Thursday
08:00 - 18:00
Friday
08:00 - 18:00
Saturday
09:00 - 14:00
Sunday
2700 Lincoln Blvd
+1 310 452 9100
Opening times not available
2703 Santa Monica Blvd
+1 424 416 5073
Monday
08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:30
Thursday
08:00 - 17:30
Friday
08:00 - 17:30
Saturday
Sunday
Filters
No reviews available
Avis
9,1
Wonderful
Cleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.7
Value for money
7.9
3 locations in Santa Monica
Locations in Santa Monica
1027 Broadway
+1 310 453 4421
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 14:00
Sunday
09:00 - 12:00
1700 Ocean Avenue
+1 424 272 7305
Monday
08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Tuesday
13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 12:00
Wednesday
13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 12:00
Thursday
13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 12:00
Friday
08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Saturday
08:00 - 14:00
2423 Lincoln Blvd
+1 424 428 0216
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 13:00
Sunday
09:00 - 12:00
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
John, Oct 2023
Convertible
Excellent no issues whatsoever
1 out of 1
Sixt
6,8
Okay
Cleanliness
7.4
Comfort
6.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
6.8
One location in Santa Monica
Locations in Santa Monica
1515 Ocean Ave
+1 888 749 8227
Monday
09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 17:00
Thursday
09:00 - 17:00
Friday
09:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 15:00
Sunday
09:00 - 15:00
Filters
No reviews available
Hertz
6,1
Okay
Cleanliness
5.7
Comfort
6.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.3
Value for money
6.4
2 locations in Santa Monica
Locations in Santa Monica
1426 Santa Monica Blvd
+1 310 394 2449
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
2519 Lincoln Blvd.
+1 310 578 9700
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2025
Intermediate
Paid for a car was told he didn’t have any and to call customer services for a refund then told me he had electric I said that’s not what I ordered and isn’t any good.
2,0 Poor
Gia, Feb 2024
Intermediate SUV
Did not have car available for us that we rented and pre paid for. Only car available was $40 more dollars a day. Total rip off. Terrible service. Never using Hertz again. Not surprised they are bankrupt.
6,0 Okay
Thomas, Oct 2022
The car was not cleaned before handing to me.
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Nov 2021
Excellent people working in that office!
1 out of 2
Budget
6,0
Okay
Cleanliness
7.0
Comfort
5.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.5
Value for money
6.0
2 locations in Santa Monica
Locations in Santa Monica
1027 Broadway
+1 310 393 9194
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 14:00
Sunday
09:00 - 12:00
2423 Lincoln Blvd
+1 424 428 0219
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 13:00
Sunday
09:00 - 12:00
Filters
Reviews
2,0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Full-size
The rental office was closed at the time of my reservation. I waited for 25 minutes then called Budget. The phone rep said he would transfer my reservation to another location 15 miles away “for no charge” and then put me on hold. 10 minutes later (still on hold) someone showed up. At this point we were running more than 30 minutes behind schedule and I had to press the agent to confirm that I would be returning the car 30 minutes later as well. She begrudgingly adjusted the contract. She told me the car’s fuel tank was at 3/4 and to return it with 3/4 full. When I returned the car, a different agent checked everything and noticed the fuel tank wasn’t full, it was 7/8 full and that I would be charged to top it up. I told him that I actually was returning it with more gas than I got it with and also 30 minutes early and that I should be charging him for my time and the extra fuel I just gifted Budget. Every single person I interacted with at Budget was completely sour, confrontational and trying to nickel and dime me out of time, money and fuel. This was a very expensive rate and at that price point, you really need to show up on time and not threaten charges when you are being gifted fuel and given an early return. What you should really do is say “thank you.”
10,0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
Nothing really
1 out of 1
Dollar
5,4
Fair
One location in Santa Monica
Locations in Santa Monica
1426 Santa Monica Blvd
+1 310 394 2449
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
Filters
No reviews available
Thrifty
5,2
Fair
One location in Santa Monica
Locations in Santa Monica
1426 Santa Monica Blvd
+1 310 394 2449
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
09:00 - 12:00
Filters
No reviews available
Eagle Rent A Car
No score available yet
3 locations in Santa Monica
Locations in Santa Monica
4110 Lincoln Blvd
Opening times not available
Santa Monica Airport
Opening times not available
Santa Monica airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Rent-4-Less
No score available yet
One location in Santa Monica
Locations in Santa Monica
3202 Lincoln Blvd
(310) 395 8010
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in Santa Monica
Locations in Santa Monica
1901 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica CA UNITED STATES
+1 914 368 0091
Monday
08:00 - 16:59
Tuesday
08:00 - 16:59
Wednesday
08:00 - 16:59
Thursday
08:00 - 16:59
Friday
08:00 - 16:59
Saturday
09:00 - 11:59
Filters
No reviews available
37 travellers who hired a car in Santa Monica gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5,4
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