We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Santa Monica. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Hire in Santa Monica in 4 quick easy steps. Book now at the lowest possible rates only with a small down payment and pay the rest when you pick up the car.

  • Customer benefits:
  • Quality & Expertise
  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

Flexible Booking Process

No need for huge up-front costs. Search for the best deal for you in Santa Monica and book it with only a small advance payment, you will pay the remaining amount during the car pickup time.

Free Extras & Cancellation

In case your plans change you can cancel or do minor modifications for free up to 48 hours before your rental starts. We will also include all special offers in Santa Monica and surcharges from our partners on the final price.

Quality & Expertise

We constantly evaluate our partners in the level of service they provide in Santa Monica so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in Santa Monica?

Renting a car in Santa Monica offers unparalleled flexibility to explore the city's diverse attractions at your own pace. From the iconic Santa Monica Pier to the serene Palisades Park, having a vehicle allows you to seamlessly navigate between destinations without the constraints of public transport schedules.

Beyond the city limits, a rental car provides the freedom to embark on scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway, visit neighbouring beach towns, or explore the greater Los Angeles area, ensuring a comprehensive and personalised travel experience.

Car rental tips for Santa Monica

  • Santa Monica is a popular tourist destination, especially during summer months and holidays. To ensure availability and secure the best rates, it's advisable to book your rental car well in advance.
  • Traffic congestion can be significant during peak hours, particularly on major thoroughfares like the Pacific Coast Highway and Interstate 10. Plan your travel times accordingly to avoid delays.
  • If you're staying in a hotel, enquire about parking facilities and fees, as some establishments offer complimentary parking, while others may charge a daily rate.
  • Familiarise yourself with local parking regulations, including street cleaning schedules and permit zones, to avoid tickets or towing. Utilising public parking structures can often be a more convenient and stress-free option.

FAQs about renting a car in Santa Monica

What is the recommended car type/category?

A compact or mid-sized car is ideal for navigating Santa Monica's streets and parking spaces. If you plan to explore mountainous areas or require more space, consider renting an SUV for added comfort and versatility.

What are the parking options?

Santa Monica offers various parking options, including metered street parking, public parking structures, and private lots. Be mindful of parking regulations and time limits to avoid fines. Some areas near popular attractions may have limited availability during peak hours.

What's the speed limit?

In Santa Monica, the speed limit is typically 25 mph (40 km/h) on residential streets and 35 mph (56 km/h) on main roads. Always adhere to posted signs, as limits can vary, especially in school zones or construction areas.

Popular attractions

  • Santa Monica Pier: A historic landmark featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and various dining options, offering panoramic ocean views and entertainment for all ages.
  • Palisades Park: A 26.4-acre park atop coastal bluffs, providing walking paths, gardens, and stunning vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Bay.
  • Santa Monica State Beach: A 3.5-mile stretch of sandy shoreline ideal for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball, equipped with amenities like restrooms and picnic areas.
  • Tongva Park: A modern urban park with unique landscaping, playgrounds, fountains, and an overlook offering scenic views of the ocean and Santa Monica Pier.
  • Third Street Promenade: A vibrant pedestrian-only shopping district featuring a mix of retail stores, restaurants, street performers, and entertainment venues.

More places to visit

  • Venice Beach: Known for its bohemian spirit, Venice Beach offers a lively boardwalk, Muscle Beach gym, and an array of street performers and vendors.
  • Malibu: A coastal city famed for its beautiful beaches, upscale homes, and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway drive.
  • Beverly Hills: An iconic neighbourhood renowned for luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive, celebrity homes, and upscale dining.
  • Downtown Los Angeles: The city's bustling centre featuring cultural landmarks like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, museums, and a diverse culinary scene.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Hire Brands in Santa Monica

Experience the difference with rentals from trusted brands. We focus on quality and customer satisfaction, so you can enjoy every mile of your journey.

10 / 10

SIXT Car Hire

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9.61 / 10

Hertz Car Hire

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National Car Hire

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Alamo Car Hire

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Enterprise Car Hire

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Budget Car Hire

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Europcar Car Hire

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Thrifty Car Hire

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Keddy Car Hire

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AVIS Car Hire

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Firefly Car Hire

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: This company has yet to receive any customer evaluations.

Find a car according to your needs


Small / Economy

You want a small, fuel-efficient vehicle for your trip? We provide a large range of options for you to select from. Save money while still getting a reliable vehicle!

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Hybrid / Electric

A hybrid car rental gives you the option to travel using different kinds of power, save energy, and cut down on emissions. Get where you need to go without constantly stopping for gas.

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Prestige Cars

Renting a luxury car gives you the chance to drive your dream car at an affordable price. This puts you in the driver’s seat of luxury cars from internationally renowned brands.

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Stationwagon / Minibus

You are on a family vacation or group outing? Our minibus and station wagons are perfect for the job. Minivans and 7-9 seaters are designed to provide a comfortable ride for everyone to enjoy.

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Santa Monica: Most popular locations



The cheapest car rental deals


Displayed prices are the best daily rates found by our customers during the last two weeks. (Subject to change)

Website advantages

  • Destinations in almost every city in the world.
  • Competitive prices from trusted car rental brands
  • Genuine customer evaluation scores for each brand
  • Multilingual website

Customer benefits

  • Free amendments before rental start
  • Free cancellation up to 48h before rental
  • 24/7 customer service
  • Club Member Discount

One ways are supported! You want to pick up your car and return it to a different location, we can do it!

No hidden fees with us! Select your preferences and see the total prices before booking! Any extra fees that may apply because of driver's age or late pick up time selection, will always be included on the total price.

No need for full payment! Book your car with just a small amount and give the rest upon pick up.