Santa Monica car hire information
| Pick-up location | Santa Monica |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Hire locations | 21 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
Cheap car hire in Santa Monica
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People carrier |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
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.
- Book your car hire in Santa Monica at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Mini car hire in Santa Monica are around 28% 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.
How much is the price of fuel in Santa Monica?
The average price of fuel in Santa Monica is R79,29 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between R951 and R1 269, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Santa Monica?
Mini (Dodge Grand Caravan or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Santa Monica.
How can I find car hires near me in Santa Monica?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Mini car hire cost in Santa Monica?
A Mini car hire in Santa Monica costs R921 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Santa Monica?
A Standard car hire in Santa Monica costs R2 888 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Santa Monica?
An Intermediate car hire in Santa Monica costs R760 per day, on average.
Santa Monica car rental reviews and directory
Hertz
7,6
Good
61 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
7.6
3 locations in Santa Monica
Filters
Reviews
6,0 Okay
Oct 2022
10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2021
2,0 Poor
Dec 2019
Cons:
The customer service at the Hertz location was horrible and it’s a shabby place.4,0 Mediocre
Oct 2019
Cons:
Can’t drop off after 6pm, so basically was only able to use the car for a few hours.2,0 Poor
Aug 2019
Cons:
They didn’t have a car for me to rent despite accepting my reservation so I had to travel across town to make an alternate reservation. Massive waste of my time and money.2,0 Poor
Jun 2019
Pros:
I did not like anything as I was not able to get the car. I left work only to arrive at the location on time and once I did they informed me there was no car available and that the info on your website had not been updated. I'm very disappointed and now reluctant to use your services again.Cons:
I did not like anything as I was not able to get the car. I left work only to arrive at the location on time and once I did they informed me there was no car available and that the info on your website had not been updated. I'm very disappointed and now reluctant to use your services again.Avis
9,4
Wonderful
19 reviewsCleanliness
9.1
Comfort
9.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.1
Value for money
8.5
3 locations in Santa Monica
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
8,0 Very Good
Jan 2018
Pros:
Nice car, friendly service.Cons:
I took the insurance out suggested on the Kayak website only to find that when I got to the rental place, that insurance didn't cover any damage to others if I got in to an accident. I therefore had to take out another policy with Avis to cover me in case of that.4,8 Mediocre
Oct 2017
Pros:
Close to Santa Monica Pier (10 blocks)Cons:
The car we reserved didn't exist so we had to pay almost double for an involuntary upgrade. We felt like we were, albeit mildly, swindled by the franchise.2,0 Poor
Jul 2017
Cons:
Despite having a reservation they had no cars available whatsoever. Eventually told me I could take the sports car since I was an hour late for work, but it would be an additional $20/day. Eventually they said they could remove the upcharge when I returned the car. Took over an hour to pick up the car. Dropped off on time, took over an hour to return the car. 1 employee on site and so many customers we all couldn't even fit in the lobby. Upcharge on car was remove, part of me feels this was only because of the insanely terrible service at pickup and drop off. Never again at this location.9,6 Wonderful
Jun 2017
Pros:
Much nicer than expected car, great price and convenience in both locations.Cons:
Pick up and drop off slower than ideal - each location had longish lines and could've used a second person at desk7,6 Good
Oct 2015
Cons:
Parking lot too small. Difficult to drop off when someone else is leaving.Midway
9,3
Wonderful
14 reviewsCleanliness
9.4
Comfort
9.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.1
Value for money
9.4
2 locations in Santa Monica
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Staff was extremely friendly, pickup and drop-off was very fast and efficient. I see some complaints about customers not getting the type of car they reserved, which I could see happening as the lot was very small, not a large selection. I had rented a economy class, and loved the car I got.10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
Clean car easy to pick up / drop offCons:
Busy intersection was hard to return car9,2 Wonderful
Sep 2020
Pros:
Loved the car - awesome price, amazing gas mileage, great AC. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. I returned the car, and was offered a ride home - a very pleasant surprise.Cons:
The only issue when we arrived at Midway was that there was a shortage of cars. Our options were to go to a further away location OR to have the rental car delivered to our home. We opted to return home ourselves and wait for the rental car to be delivered to us. The delivery was 1.5 hours after our initial pickup time. Not ideal when your schedule is time sensitive. But it worked out for us.2,0 Poor
Apr 2019
Pros:
NothingCons:
I booked the car for a 4pm pickup. They closed at 4pm. I had to find another place to rent from and walk there.10,0 Wonderful
Feb 2023
10,0 Wonderful
Jul 2022
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8,2
Very Good
25 reviewsCleanliness
8.3
Comfort
8.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
8.6
5 locations in Santa Monica
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Mike made sure I was able to get the vehicle I needed when I needed it. That was amazingCons:
Actually everything was perfect8,0 Very Good
Feb 2021
Pros:
Attentive employee.Cons:
Rented a car on-line that was not available- what??? No Bueno.10,0 Wonderful
Aug 2019
Cons:
Nothing.4,0 Mediocre
Dec 2018
Pros:
My small economy carnot available They gave me a 8 cylinder truck!!! Instead of using 40 dolllars in gas I used 805,2 Fair
May 2017
Pros:
The vehicle was good and no problems during the two weeks.Cons:
The attitude of the person "Scott" in hand over.10,0 Wonderful
Nov 2016
Pros:
We were upgraded from a compact to a Ford Escape and it was very nice. We rented it for a trip to Tucson and enjoyed all of its features. They were very nice at the desk and we were in and out quickly.Budget
7,3
Good
5 reviewsCleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.3
2 locations in Santa Monica
Filters
Reviews
10,0 Wonderful
Jul 2016
Pros:
Great attention2,0 Poor
May 2023
Sixt
7,0
Good
19 reviewsCleanliness
7.0
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.0
Value for money
7.2
One location in Santa Monica
Filters
Reviews
4,8 Mediocre
Jul 2020
Cons:
The car10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2019
Pros:
The staff was very friendly and efficient. They offered another car as an option so I wouldn’t have to wait. Even though I didn’t take that option my car arrives quite quickly anyway. My rental car was a mini copper countryman and it was fantastic.Cons:
Nothing.9,6 Wonderful
Feb 2019
Pros:
The staff was super helpful and friendly. I would recommend them to anyone. Car was clean and in good shape. Folks at drop off similarly nice and efficient.Cons:
Only small problem: it took a long time to get my car initially. Staff and car were so nice I didn't really mind much.6,0 Okay
Jan 2019
Pros:
The staff is extremely friendly and promptCons:
The car smelled like someone had smoke tobacco for many days inside6,0 Okay
Dec 2018
Pros:
Good carCons:
1. Within 2 miles I got a low pressure signal. Stopped, got some air and calibrated. This lasted 5 days and had to be repeated (fortunately I knew how the calibration system worked...) 2. The windshield wiper fluid was empty10,0 Wonderful
Mar 2017
Pros:
I filled out everything online. So when I arrived the services as fast and professional.Thrifty
6,2
Okay
No reviews available
One location in Santa Monica
Eagle Rent A Car
No score available yet
3 locations in Santa Monica
Rent-4-Less
No score available yet
One location in Santa Monica
Car hire locations in or near Santa Monica
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
|---|