Santa Barbara car hire
Search hundreds of hire car sites at once for hire car deals in Santa Barbara
Save up to 41%Compare multiple travel sites with one search.
Free to useThere are no hidden charges or fees.
Filter your dealsFilter by car type, brand and more. Instantly customise your results.
Book with flexibilityUse our "free cancellation" filter for maximum flexibility at no extra cost.
Santa Barbara car hire information
| Pick-up location | Santa Barbara |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Hire locations | 13 |
| Airport locations | 7 |
Cheap car hire in Santa Barbara
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| People mover |
| Passenger van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Santa Barbara
- A hire car is the most comfortable and practical way to explore not only the city of Santa Barbara, but also nearby Los Angeles and other major destinations along the Californian coast. A car allows you to explore the city’s attractions at your own pace, including the Santa Barbara Harbor and the Maritime Museum. Los Angeles is a two-hour drive away, while San Francisco is five hours away.
- All of the big car hire companies, including Alamo, Avis, and Hertz, can be found at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), which is about 7 miles west of the city center. The hire car counters are located in the hire Car Building, which is right next to the airport terminal. Simply exit the terminal, go right, and follow the RCB signs.
- Santa Barbara is at the base of the Santa Ynez Mountains, with some roads being quite hilly. Because it’s a colonial town, it still maintains some of its older characteristics, including narrow cobblestone streets with winding turns. If you’re not used to that type of driving, it’s best to park the car in one of the many lots and explore the Old Town by foot.
- Traffic jams in California are a given, but Santa Barbara is easier to navigate. Traffic gets worse in the morning on the 101 heading north to Santa Barbara from other towns such as Carpinteria and Ventura, and on the opposite direction in the evening. Avoid driving within the rush hour periods, between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and then again between 4 and 7 p.m.
- 25% of our users found a car hire in Santa Barbara for $119 or less
- Book your car hire in Santa Barbara at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about hiring a car in Santa Barbara
What type of car is recommended for driving in Santa Barbara?
A hybrid car is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while driving through Santa Barbara, but a convertible is a great option when cruising along the coast, especially in the summer, as you can drop the top and enjoy some scenic views. If you're going on a road trip with family or friends, a minivan offers more comfort and space for all the passengers.
What’s the speed limit in Santa Barbara?
The speed limit in Californian cities is usually 25 mph, unless the posted signs say otherwise, particularly in school zones and other residential areas. Two-lane highways have a speed limit of 55 mph, while most highways have a 65 mph limit. However, some highways allow drivers to go a maximum speed of 70 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Santa Barbara?
There are several parking lots in the downtown and waterfront areas. Downtown parking also provides access to State Street and its surroundings, the Old Town, and the Waterfront areas. Parking is paid between 7:30 a.m. and 11 p.m., Sunday to Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The first 75 minutes are free and the following hours have a $1.50 hourly rate.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Santa Barbara?
On average a car hire in Santa Barbara costs $123 per day.
What is the best car hire company in Santa Barbara?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire in Santa Barbara is Budget (7.1, 83 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in Santa Barbara?
The average price of fuel in Santa Barbara is $5.85 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between $70 and $94, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Santa Barbara?
Luxury (Audi A5 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Santa Barbara.
How can I find car hires near me in Santa Barbara?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Luxury car hire cost in Santa Barbara?
A Luxury car hire in Santa Barbara costs $71 per day, on average.
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Santa Barbara?
On average a car hire in Santa Barbara costs $862 per week ($123 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Santa Barbara?
On average a car hire in Santa Barbara costs $3,693 per month ($123 per day).
Santa Barbara car rental reviews and directory
Budget
7.1
Good
177 reviewsCleanliness
7.4
Comfort
7.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.1
Value for money
7.1
2 locations in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
305 East Haley Street
+1 805 965 1070
500 Fowler Road
+1 805 964 6792
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2024
2.0 Poor
Nov 2023
6.0 Okay
Oct 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2023
6.0 Okay
Oct 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
Dollar
6.9
Okay
102 reviewsCleanliness
8.6
Comfort
8.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
4.0
One location in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
500 Fowler Road
+1 866 434 2226
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
My flight got in at6pm, the desk had closed at 5pm. No car for me!Cons:
Knowing that I cannot get a car from Dollar after 5pm, I would have rented from Budget.10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
The check in and check out was very quick and easy, and they were very helpful when I had questions on the vehicle.10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
Yes, staff was terrific. Very helpful.Cons:
Nothing it was perfect2.0 Poor
Dec 2020
Cons:
i made a reservation only to arrive and be told there are no vehicles. once i made the reservation, the desk could have at least called to let me know. people make plans and rely on companies to have the product they reserve3.6 Poor
July 2020
Pros:
Drop off was easy.Cons:
I paid for a full size vehicle at least a week in advance. When I arrived to pick it up they didn't have one. We got stuck in a smaller car and couldn't get ahold of any customer service at priceline or kayak.Avis
8.5
Very Good
46 reviewsCleanliness
9.2
Comfort
8.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
8.2
2 locations in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
305 East Haley Street
+1 805 965 1079
500 Fowler Road
+1 805 964 4848
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2024
4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Cons:
The staff at pickup in Santa Barbara used deceitful tactics to pressure us into paying for an upgrade.4.0 Mediocre
June 2020
Pros:
Staff Sue gave me a car that needed an oil change and didn’t apply insurance to vehicle. Then when I swopped the cars I needed to make a new contract That didn’t honor the daily rate and cut my trip by 2 daysCons:
Honesty and accountability of the staff8.4 Very Good
June 2019
Pros:
Friendly and professional staff.Cons:
The rental car was not in the space on my card. No car was parked in that space. Luckily there was an attendant in the lot who approached me and found my car, and I did not have to return to the terminal.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2019
Pros:
Accommodated special request2.4 Poor
Nov 2018
Cons:
I have lieved in SB for 40 years and have driven to the airport many times. I drove past the Avis return 2x before finding it. The parking area is very poorly lit at night and the sinage is terrible. There are no arrows, signs,etc as to where to return the keys, the car, etc. The staff at the Avis desk was most unhelpful. The attendant appeared lazy and like I was bothering her to return the keys. I had the impression I had really interrupted her evening and she had more important things to do than check me out ad take the keys back. Very poor expereince.Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.0
Very Good
83 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.8
Value for money
7.7
3 locations in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
3210 State St
+1 805 966 3097
500 James Fowler Rd
+1 805 683 3012
601 Chapala St
+1 805 966 3097
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Sept 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2020
Pros:
Very helpful staff, pick up and drop-offCons:
Nothing. Really appreciated the savings offered by using Kayak on the catastrophic coverage!8.0 Very Good
Nov 2020
Pros:
Staff was really friendly and very accommodating. The pick up and drop off was fast and easy4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2020
Pros:
The staff was able to point me in the right direction after they recognized their mistake.2.0 Poor
Sept 2020
Pros:
A refund on the vehicle i never usedCons:
You guys couldve been more prepared with more vehiclesAlamo
8.0
Very Good
55 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
8.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.1
Value for money
8.0
One location in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
500 James Fowler Rd
+1 805 692 0939
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
May 2021
Pros:
The woman who helped me with drop off was incredibly helpful2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
They did not have my car available and said they tried to call me, but I never got a call. I needed a 12 person van, so it was not easy to find another one. Thankfully AVIS helped me out at the last minute!2.0 Poor
Dec 2020
Cons:
Vehicle that I reserved was not available when I went go pick up.10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2020
Cons:
I liked the small airport with car pick up right outside the terminal. Very convenient, quick, and simple. Would probably choose a slightly larger car than a Toyota Corolla for four adults.9.6 Wonderful
Aug 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly and efficientCons:
Car was a little dirty inside.9.6 Wonderful
June 2020
Pros:
Easy, fast, and safe.Hertz
6.0
Okay
93 reviewsCleanliness
6.6
Comfort
6.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.9
Value for money
6.0
2 locations in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
16 S. La Cumbre Road
+1 805 967 1927
633 E Cabrillo Blvd
+1 805 962 5305
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Dec 2021
2.0 Poor
Dec 2021
4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Cons:
The car had not been cleaned. The customer service was lacking.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Easy pickup8.0 Very Good
Aug 2020
Pros:
Car had been smoked in. It reeked.9.6 Wonderful
July 2020
Pros:
Friendly staff, accommodating.Cons:
I chose the wrong pick up location by accident.National
2.0
Poor
3 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
2.0
Value for money
2.0
One location in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
500 James Fowler Rd
+1 805 692 0939
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Nov 2021
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
Filters
No reviews available