Car Rentals in Santa Barbara, USA

Search and Compare from Car Companies in Santa Barbara

Featured car rental suppliers

Compare from agencies

car supplier logos

Become a member for free and get more than just a booking discount. Members also earn points towards their next trip.

Compare car suppliers to unlock big savings, and package your flight, hotel, and car to save even more.

Enjoy maximum flexibility with penalty-free cancellation on most car rentals.

Top Rental Car Deals in Santa Barbara

Don't see what you're looking for?

See all car hire in Santa Barbara
View all cars

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

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Santa Barbara?
Within the past seven days in Santa Barbara, you could have driven off in a hire for as little as a day.
Can I hire a car from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)?
Enterprise and Hertz are within a short commute of Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA). After touching down, it won’t be long before you’re on the road.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Barbara car reservation?
We get that having a bit of wiggle room is important. That’s why the majority of hires give a complete refund if cancelled a minimum of six hours in advance of the pick-up time. You may want to go through your cancellation policy though as there are some exceptions. If you can’t see any details there, head to our Customer Service Portal.
What types of cars can I rent in Santa Barbara?
Small in size but big on perks, economy cars are the pick of the bunch in Santa Barbara. They’re a cinch to handle and park, which is perfect if you’ll be doing mostly city driving. And with superb mileage, this reliable type of hire will have you dashing around on the cheap. Prefer a larger car? Check out our range of full-size and premium vehicles.
Where can I go on a road trip from Santa Barbara?
There’s loads to do in Santa Barbara, but venture farther afield and you’ll find even more magic. Book a set of wheels and you can wander around the greater area at your leisure. Add these fantastic destinations to your list:

  • Anaheim is roughly 110 miles from Santa Barbara. Top-rated tourist spots like Disneyland® Resort deserve to be high on your list while you’re in town.
  • Situated 85 miles away, Los Angeles is also a hit with wanderers. Set aside time to get to Universal Studios Hollywood while you’re in town. It’s one of the reasons people love coming to this buzzing city.
  • Make your way to Balboa Park to feel grounded in nature. Take a picnic to enjoy or just relax in the fresh air. From Santa Barbara, it’s about 190 miles away.

Why should I rent a Santa Barbara car with Expedia?
With years of experience finding the best prices for adventurers around the globe, Expedia is a great place to rent your vehicle. We have multiple suppliers in Santa Barbara to select from, offering everything from economy models to large and comfy SUVs. Why not combine your car with your flights and hotel and save more? From our holiday packages to our exclusive offers and member prices, Expedia will get you in the driver’s seat for less.
How do I find the best car hire deals in Santa Barbara with Expedia?
Check customer reviews, choose your preferred car class and compare offers from top brands. Expedia makes it a cinch to find the best deal on your hired wheels. Combine your Santa Barbara car hire with flight or hotel bookings and start your road trip with even more in your wallet.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Santa Barbara?
The minimum age to hire a car in Santa Barbara is 21. A young driver surcharge typically applies, so check before you book and budget for any additional costs. There could also be restrictions on the sorts of vehicles that can be rented by young drivers. For example, some companies will only hire out economy to medium-sized cars to young motorists. Requirements may differ between companies, so read the fine print.
What do you need to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
Hiring a car in Santa Barbara is easy. Generally, all that’s required is a current driver’s license and a credit card in the same name. Once you’ve found your favourite set of wheels, check your policy to make sure there are no additional requirements prior to pick-up.
What is the cheapest car rental in Santa Barbara?
According to prices found within the past seven days, the lowest daily rate for a hire car in Santa Barbara was . The next best deal was per day. 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 hire a car for a month or longer in Santa Barbara?
You can. Expedia partners with reputable companies that offer long-term rentals for all types of cars. Head to our long-term car hire deals and discover every corner of Santa Barbara — or way beyond!
Where can I find a Santa Barbara hire car if I am younger than 25?
If you’re a young driver looking for a hire car in Santa Barbara, it’d be wise to check the terms and conditions of the rental companies you’re interested in. Some may hire to drivers under the age of 25, some may not. There may be extra fees if you’re between 21 and 24 years of age. To escape any unpleasant surprises at the hire desk, make sure you know if any extra charges apply to you.
Can I drive in Santa Barbara with my current driver's license?
If you don’t have a license from the United States, you may be required to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country before starting the car hire process. If you find that an IDP is required for you to drive in the U.S, be aware that you’ll also have to show your current driver’s license and your passport or other forms of identification. Lastly, the credit card used to hire the car must also match the name on your driver’s license and passport in order to confirm your hire. Other things you should know about hired a car in the U.S. Are:

  • Age restrictions: You must be at least 25 in most states to be able to hire a car, although in some areas, 21 years and older is allowed. We recommend checking local rules and regulations, as well as with the hired car company before you travel to understand additional terms and conditions.
  • Driving limitations: Read the fine print before you drive off so you can avoid unnecessary fees. When hiring a car in the United States, it’s usually prohibited to cross country borders into Canada or Mexico, use car ferries or traverse off-road areas with a hire car. We recommend reading all the rules and regulations before booking!

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available:
Our best deal of the day:
Our second best deal of the day:
Our third best deal of the day:
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation