Car hire in Santa Cruz

Budget cars start at 9€ per day ✔ Electric cars at 25€ per day ✔ Convertibles at 27€ per day

Top Ways to Save on Car Rentals in Santa Cruz

Planning a trip to the beautiful Santa Cruz? Renting a car is a fantastic way to explore the stunning coastline and vibrant local attractions. However, you don’t want to break the bank while doing it! Here are some top tips to help you save on car rentals in this picturesque destination.

Utilize Our Car Rental Comparison Tool

One of the smartest ways to save is by using our car rental comparison tool at Bookingauto.net. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

  • All Offers from Local Rental Companies: Access a wide range of options from various local providers.
  • Price Comparison: Easily compare prices to find the best deal that fits your budget.
  • Time-Saving: No need to visit multiple websites; find everything in one place.
  • Wide Selection of Cars: Choose from a diverse fleet to suit your needs, whether it’s a compact car or an SUV.
  • User Reviews: Read real customer feedback to make informed decisions.
  • Special Offers: Take advantage of exclusive deals and discounts.
  • Convenience: Book your car rental from the comfort of your home.
  • Easy Search: Our user-friendly interface makes finding the right car a breeze.

With these tips and our handy comparison tool, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying Santa Cruz without overspending on your car rental!

Top places to visit in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, with its stunning coastline and vibrant culture, offers a variety of attractions for every traveler. Here are some must-visit spots:

1. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

This iconic amusement park features thrilling rides, games, and delicious boardwalk treats. It's a perfect spot for family fun!

2. Natural Bridges State Beach

Famous for its natural rock arch, this beach is ideal for picnicking, tide pooling, and watching migrating monarch butterflies in the fall.

3. UCSC Arboretum

Explore diverse plant collections from around the world in this beautiful garden, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a nature escape.

4. Downtown Santa Cruz

With its eclectic shops, art galleries, and vibrant dining scene, downtown is a great place to soak in the local culture.

5. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Walk among towering redwoods and enjoy hiking trails that showcase the beauty of California's ancient forests.

Should You Rent an Electric Car in Santa Cruz

Renting an electric car in Santa Cruz can be a fantastic choice for eco-conscious travelers. With its stunning coastal views and vibrant downtown, exploring the area in a quiet, emissions-free vehicle enhances the experience. Popular models available for rent include the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf, and Chevrolet Bolt. These cars not only offer a smooth ride but also come equipped with modern technology to make your journey enjoyable.

Rental Costs

The average rental cost for an electric car in Santa Cruz is around €70-€100 per day, depending on the model and rental company. This price is competitive, especially considering the savings on fuel and the environmental benefits. Plus, many rental agencies offer incentives for electric vehicle rentals, making it an even more appealing option.

The seasonal dynamics of car hire rate variations in Santa Cruz

Average price for 7 days rental:

  • 0$ –
  • 22$ –
  • 72$ –
  • 122$ –
  • 172$ –
  • 222$ –
  • 272$ –
  • 322$ –
  • January
    154$
  • February
    133$
  • March
    154$
  • April
    189$
  • May
    224$
  • June
    245$
  • July
    287$
  • August
    322$
  • September
    224$
  • October
    224$
  • November
    154$
  • December
    245$
  • Jan -
    154$
  • Feb -
    133$
  • Mar -
    154$
  • Apr -
    189$
  • May -
    224$
  • Jun -
    245$
  • Jul -
    287$
  • Aug -
    322$
  • Sep -
    224$
  • Oct -
    224$
  • Nov -
    154$
  • Dec -
    245$

List of required documents

Attention!

A valid international driving license is required

1. Driver license
2. Credit card
3. Voucher
4. Passport

Frequently Asked Questions about Car Rental in Santa Cruz

Prices can vary based on the company, the season, and the vehicle, but most locations offer discounts if you reserve a car prior to your arrival in Santa Cruz. The cheapest automatic cars cost from 14$ to 28$ per day. Larger cars can be more expensive due to their higher fuel consumption, so you may want to choose a smaller vehicle, which will also be advantageous on narrower roads.
There is always an increase in demand for car rentals in Santa Cruz during the summer months, which drives up the prices. During the off-season, particularly the winter, the prices are significantly lower. The duration of your rental also affects the total price. Typically, renting a vehicle for a longer period of time results in a lower daily rate, thus a five-day rental may cost only somewhat more than a three-day rental. If possible, consider spending at least a week exploring Santa Cruz.

Third-party liability insurance is needed by law when renting a car in Santa Cruz. Most agencies automatically include this in the price of your car rental.
A Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or theft protection is recommended but not required. If you opt to purchase additional coverage, make sure to include it in your initial booking because the pricing are best when done this way. Check to see if your credit card coverage includes car rental insurance in Santa Cruz.
Purchase insurance while booking your car:

Car rental insurance

The freedom to see sights at your own pace and on your own timetable is a major perk of having a rental car while on vacation. It's nice to be able to schedule your travel whenever you'd like, whether that's at the crack of dawn or after midnight to avoid crowded bus or train times.

Choose a car based on what you want to do on your trip. Small cars like the Opel Astra or Fiat Panda can be used to get around the city and its surroundings.
The Skoda Superb is the most popular car in the Standard category. Its starting price is 22$ per day from EAST COAST, and its rating average is 9 based on more than 1000 customer reviews. BMW X1 from EUROPCAR is the most reasonably priced rental vehicle in Santa Cruz. Just 24$ per day is the cost.
Most of the rental cars in Santa Cruz are manual. Automatic cars cost more to rent, and if your license only lets you drive an automatic car, you won't be able to rent a stick shift car.

Only a specific car type, not a specific brand or model, can be guaranteed by the local rental car agencies. Rental car agencies carry vehicles in the same category from numerous different brands. The identical attributes that were certified at the time of the reservation ought should be present in these vehicles.The various car classes are described as follows:

Car rental models

A credit card is required by almost all rental companies. Cards that are electronic, virtual, or debit may not be accepted. If you acquire complete insurance coverage straight from the rental company's office, certain firms may, as an exception, take a debit card.

Rent a car without a deposit

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Reviews

John
5
The car rental process was smooth and hassle-free, with a wide selection of vehicles to choose from and excellent customer service
Mary
4.5
I was impressed by the cleanliness and condition of the car, as well as the ease of pick-up and drop-off at convenient locations
Michael
4.5
Affordable rates and a user-friendly booking system made my car rental experience enjoyable and stress-free
Jessica
4
The staff was friendly and helpful, ensuring that I had all the information I needed for a seamless rental experience
David
5
I appreciated the flexibility in rental options and the transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Emily
4.5
The vehicle performed well throughout my trip, providing a comfortable and reliable means of transportation