We have great offers for daily, weekly and long term rentals in Santa Barbara. Find the cheapest prices online, for your future Car Rental in Santa Barbara 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 Barbara 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 Barbara 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 Barbara so we can ensure the quality of service you will receive.


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Why rent a car in Santa Barbara?

Renting a car in Santa Barbara offers the flexibility to explore the city's diverse attractions at your own pace, from its historic landmarks to scenic coastal drives. With a vehicle, you can easily access nearby destinations like the Santa Ynez Valley wine country or the picturesque town of Solvang, enhancing your travel experience.

Car rental tips for Santa Barbara

  • Santa Barbara Airport hosts several car rental agencies, allowing travelers to pick up a vehicle upon arrival. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability and competitive rates.
  • While downtown Santa Barbara is pedestrian-friendly, having a car is beneficial for visiting attractions outside the city center, such as the Santa Barbara Mission or the beaches along the coastline.
  • Be prepared for varying driving conditions; coastal routes offer scenic views but can be winding, while inland roads may have steep grades. Ensure your rental vehicle is equipped to handle these terrains comfortably.
  • Parking in downtown areas can be limited during weekends and holidays. Utilize public parking structures or consider accommodations that offer complimentary parking to ease your travel experience.

FAQs about renting a car in Santa Barbara

What is the recommended car type/category?

A mid-sized sedan or SUV is ideal for navigating Santa Barbara's varied terrain, from coastal highways to mountainous regions, providing comfort and versatility for both city driving and excursions to nearby attractions.

What are the parking options?

Downtown Santa Barbara offers metered street parking and several public parking lots. Many attractions provide on-site parking, though availability can vary, especially during peak tourist seasons.

What's the speed limit?

In California, the maximum speed limit on most highways is 65 mph (105 km/h), while city streets typically have a limit of 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h). Always observe posted signs, as limits can vary in certain areas.

Popular attractions

  • Santa Barbara Museum of Art: Home to over 27,000 works spanning 4,000 years, this museum showcases Asian, American, and European art, offering a rich cultural experience.
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History: Nestled along Mission Creek, this museum features exhibits on regional wildlife, Chumash culture, and a full-dome planetarium.
  • Lobero Theatre: Established in 1873, this historic theater hosts a variety of performances, from classical music to contemporary plays, in an intimate setting.
  • Stearns Wharf: Built in 1872, this iconic pier offers dining, shopping, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a popular spot for visitors.
  • El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park: A historic site featuring original and reconstructed adobe buildings from the last Spanish military fortress founded in 1782.

More places to visit

  • Santa Ynez Valley: Renowned for its vineyards and wineries, this valley offers wine tasting experiences amidst picturesque landscapes.
  • Solvang: A charming Danish-style town known for its unique architecture, bakeries, and boutique shops.
  • Channel Islands National Park: A group of five islands offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and kayaking opportunities in a pristine natural setting.

Highly recommended by our customers

All Car Rental Brands in Santa Barbara

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

Alamo Car Rental

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7.83 / 10

Budget Car Rental

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4.5 / 10

National Car Rental

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4.5 / 10

Dollar Car Rental

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SIXT Car Rental

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Enterprise Car Rental

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Hertz Car Rental

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Europcar Car Rental

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Keddy Car Rental

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Thrifty Car Rental

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AVIS Car Rental

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Firefly Car Rental

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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 Barbara: 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.