Car Rentals in Santa Monica, USA

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

Frequently asked questions

How much is a rental car per day in Santa Monica?
Rental cars in Santa Monica had a low daily rate of just £112 within the past seven days. At prices like this, you’ll be zooming around in a snazzy ride with money to spare.
Can I hire a car from Los Angeles Intl. Airport (LAX)?
Although there are no car hire companies directly at Los Angeles Intl. Airport (LAX), there’s a good range of options nearby. Thrifty, Fox, Alamo, Enterprise and Dollar all offer fantastic deals on rental vehicles.
What happens if I need to cancel my Santa Monica car reservation?
No worries! If you can cancel your prepaid reservation more than six hours prior to the pick-up time, you’ll most likely receive a full refund. Be sure to scan your hire policy as there are some exclusions. Jump onto our Customer Service Portal if you still have questions.
What types of cars can I rent in Santa Monica?
Powerful SUVs, nifty minis, luxury rides… Grab the keys to just about any kind of vehicle you like! Economy is the most sought-after hired car category in Santa Monica. Zippy, with superb fuel-efficiency and a snap to park, these rides make getting around bustling city streets a pleasure. Maybe the best part? They’re easy on the wallet. That means you’ll have more money to splash on other things, like exploring as much of this destination as you can.
Where can I go on a road trip from Santa Monica?
There are many exciting adventures to be had in Santa Monica, but head farther afield and you’ll find more sightseeing magic. Pick up a set of wheels and you can discover the surrounding region at your leisure. Add these awesome drives to your list:

  • Make your way to Anaheim for a fun-filled sightseeing adventure. About 35 miles from Santa Monica, it’s home to lots of cool sights like Disneyland® Resort.
  • Situated 120 miles away, San Diego County is also a hit with wanderers. Make sure you take in San Diego Zoo while you’re here. It’s one of the reasons people love coming to this vibrant city.
  • Elephant Seal Vista Point is around 190 miles from Santa Monica and is one of the region’s most gorgeous nature spots. Go for a walk around and enjoy the fresh air here.

Why should I rent a Santa Monica car with Expedia?
From short work trips to road trips of a lifetime, Expedia has cars to suit every style and adventure. Choose from multiple reliable rental companies in Santa Monica. And with our exclusive offers and discounts, you’ll always get an amazing deal on your set of wheels. Did you know you can bundle your bookings into a holiday package? Add a hotel or flight to your hire car and watch the savings add up!
How do I find the best car hire deals in Santa Monica with Expedia?
Nabbing an awesome deal on your Santa Monica hire car is a cinch with Expedia. Choose your preferred car type, add some details and compare the offers from popular suppliers. Why not add hotels and flights to your booking? You’ll score even more savings when you combine your bookings into a package.
How old do you have to be to rent a car in Santa Monica?
You’ll need to be 21 and over to take the wheel of a hire vehicle in Santa Monica. Bear in mind that young drivers may only be able to hire from a few car categories, such as economy and compact. Higher age limits generally apply for luxury and specialty vehicles. Most companies will also charge a fee for young renters. Look up the rules before clicking book and factor any extra fees into your travel budget.
What do you need to hire a car in Santa Monica?
While terms and conditions can differ between car hire outlets, generally the essentials are your driver’s license and a credit card in the same name. You don’t need to take out the company’s auto insurance. However, proof of alternative coverage may be required.
What is the cheapest car hire in Santa Monica?
The two cheapest daily rates on offer in Santa Monica within the past seven days were £112 and £113. Now that’s what we’d call a bargain! 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 Monica?
You can rent a vehicle for a month or longer in Santa Monica, so go ahead and extend your hard-earned holiday! Just enter your trip dates into our long-term car hire deals page and lock in your perfect ride.
Where can I find a Santa Monica hire car if I am younger than 25?
Some Santa Monica companies will hire cars to drivers under 25 years of age, and others won’t. Policies differ from supplier to supplier, so you’ll have to do some research. Also, find out if there are extra costs. Some outlets will have a surcharge for customers between the ages of 21 and 24. Always read through the terms and conditions so you know what to expect.
Can I drive in Santa Monica with my current driver's license?
If you don’t possess a driver’s license issued in the United States, then you may need to organise an International Driving Permit (IDP) in your home country before hiring a car in the U.S. If you find that an IDP is part of the requirements to drive in the U.S, be aware that you’ll also have to show your valid driver’s license and your passport or other forms of ID. Lastly, the credit card that was used to hire the car needs to match the name on your license and passport in order to finalize your car hire. Other things you should know about hired cars in the U.S. Are:

  • Age restrictions: You’ll need to be 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 regulations, and with the car hire company before you travel to understand additional terms and conditions.
  • Driving limitations: Read the fine print before you drive off the lot 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 rough terrain with a hired car. Please read the regulations before booking!

Car Hire Information

Popular car types:
SUV, Full Size, Economy
Car suppliers available:
Our best deal of the day:
£112
Our second best deal of the day:
£113
Our third best deal of the day:
£114
From the airport to your hotel:
Airport Transportation