Santa Monica car hires from $59

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in Santa Monica with a pick-up date of 8/12 and drop-off date of 29/12. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Santa Monica

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Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
2/4
M
$59/day
Chrysler Pacifica car
Chrysler Pacifica
or similar VAN
5
5
4-5
M
$100/day
Chrysler 300 car
Chrysler 300
or similar LUXURY
5
5
2/4
M
$93/day
Ford Mustang Convertible car
Ford Mustang Convertible
or similar CONVERTIBLE
5
3
2/4
M
$133/day
Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Santa Monica

  • Car rentals in Santa Monica can provide you with the ease and flexibility you need to explore all of the popular attractions within the city and the surrounding areas. Head to the famous city of Beverly Hills that is about 10 miles away and best reached by car. If you like being active and are interested in going on a hike, you can visit the scenic Topanga State Park that spans across 14,000 acres and is around a half-hour drive from the city.
  • Visitors can pick up their Santa Monica car rentals directly from Los Angeles International Airport. While there are no rental car offices located on airport property, many of them provide complimentary shuttle services that depart from just outside the Arrivals terminal under the purple sign marked as "Rental Car Shuttles." There are over 40 different companies for you to choose from, including Thrifty, Budget, and Hertz.
  • The city center is known for having many pedestrians and cyclists, so always be on the lookout for them when you are driving car rentals in Santa Monica. Motorcycles are also legally allowed to drive in between traffic lanes in California, so make sure to drive cautiously in case one of them is in your blind spot. As Santa Monica is such a large city, it can be easy to get lost, so consider adding a GPS system to your rental in order to help with navigation.
  • All of Los Angeles County, including Santa Monica, is known for having heavy traffic, particularly during rush hour. If you don’t want to find yourself stuck in a traffic jam, avoiding driving on the Pacific Coast Highway and freeways 10 and 405 between the hours of 8am to 9:30am and 5pm to 6:30pm. The roads also tend to be particularly slippery when it rains, so drive extra cautiously during this type of weather.
  • Book your rental car in Santa Monica at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Economy rental cars in Santa Monica are around 52% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about renting a car in Santa Monica

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Santa Monica?

    As Santa Monica is a busy city with limited parking, a compact vehicle can be a convenient choice for a rental car. Not only will it be easier for you to weave in and out of traffic, you will also be able to better navigate the narrow streets in the city’s downtown area.

  • What’s the speed limit in Santa Monica?

    Speed limits for streets within the city often range from 25 to 45mph depending on where they are located and how busy they are. If you are driving near a school, you can expect the speed limit to drop to 20mph. Freeways usually have a maximum of 65mph, while the maximum for the Pacific Coast Highway is closer to 55mph, depending on how windy the section of road is. Many of the city’s intersections have their own traffic cameras, and police officers are frequently stationed both within the city and along the main freeways. Always make sure to follow traffic laws in order to drive safely and avoid receiving a fine.

  • Where are the best places to park in Santa Monica?

    While you might be able to find some free street parking in Santa Monica, it is usually easiest to opt for a paid parking lot or garage. The Santa Monica Pier deck parking lot is open 24h a day, with fees ranging from around $2.50 to $3.75 per hour. There are also several beach parking lots, such as the Annenberg Community Beach House, which is open from 6am to midnight and charges approximately $3 per hour. Parking is available 24h a day at the Civic Center and Main Library, and the first 30min are free.

  • What is the cheapest car hire company in Santa Monica?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Budget ($59/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest hire car price was found at Budget 1027 Broadway 90401 (1 kilometres from the city centre).

  • How much is the price of fuel in Santa Monica?

    The average price of fuel in Santa Monica is $5.74 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of uel costs between $69 and $92, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular car hire in Santa Monica?

    Economy (Chevrolet Spark or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Santa Monica.

  • Which hire car agencies are at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car hire companies onsite at Los Angeles airport include Thrifty, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, Fox, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Budget, Economy Rent a Car, Ace and Sixt.

  • Which hire car agencies will pick you up at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Los Angeles airport to off-airport locations include Thrifty, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National, Budget, Economy Rent a Car and Sixt.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Santa Monica?

    Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.

  • How much does an Economy car hire cost in Santa Monica?

    An Economy car hire in Santa Monica costs $51 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Santa Monica?

    An Intermediate car hire in Santa Monica costs $58 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car hire cost in Santa Monica?

    A Compact car hire in Santa Monica costs $60 per day, on average.

Santa Monica car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Midway

9.9

Best rated

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

10.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.6

Value for money

10.0

2 locations in Santa Monica

Show locations

Locations in Santa Monica

1719 Santa Monica Blvd

Opening times not available

1901, Ocean Avenue

Opening times not available

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was extremely friendly, pickup and drop-off was very fast and efficient. I see some complaints about customers not getting the type of car they reserved, which I could see happening as the lot was very small, not a large selection. I had rented a economy class, and loved the car I got.

10.0 Wonderful

Dean, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Clean car easy to pick up / drop off

Cons:

Busy intersection was hard to return car

9.2 Wonderful

Nina, Sept 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Loved the car - awesome price, amazing gas mileage, great AC. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. I returned the car, and was offered a ride home - a very pleasant surprise.

Cons:

The only issue when we arrived at Midway was that there was a shortage of cars. Our options were to go to a further away location OR to have the rental car delivered to our home. We opted to return home ourselves and wait for the rental car to be delivered to us. The delivery was 1.5 hours after our initial pickup time. Not ideal when your schedule is time sensitive. But it worked out for us.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2023

Economy

KAYAK
Mr. Erick Chavez was a professional attending my reservation. The car that I reserved was already ready and clean. The professionalism with which Mr. Chavez attended me was excellent and very effective. Mr. Chavez was very polite and gave us the right car for our needs. I will definitely rent with Midway again. Highly recommended.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jul 2022

KAYAK
I recommend Midway car rental. They were nice and helpful. Also they had right car for us.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2022

KAYAK
They were an incredibly professional outfit that helped me quickly. I was able to pick up a nice vehicle using a cheaper dealers choice option, a 2021 Rav4. When I returned it I arrived 15 minutes before they opened, a lady helped just a couple minutes later. Fantastic service, and very friendly.

1 out of 3

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

9.3

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.0

Value for money

9.3

5 locations in Santa Monica

Show locations

Locations in Santa Monica

1702 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 310 395 4941

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1719 Wilshire Blvd

+1 310 395 4941

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

1723 Wilshire Blvd

+1 310 478 5216

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2700 Lincoln Blvd

+1 310 452 9100

Monday00:00 - 00:00
Tuesday00:00 - 00:00
Wednesday00:00 - 00:00
Thursday00:00 - 00:00
Friday00:00 - 00:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

2703 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 424 416 5073

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Jeffery, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Mike made sure I was able to get the vehicle I needed when I needed it. That was amazing

Cons:

Actually everything was perfect

8.0 Very Good

Nanette, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Attentive employee.

Cons:

Rented a car on-line that was not available- what??? No Bueno.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2022

KAYAK
Pickup took a little longer than expected but the personal service was appreciated.

10.0 Wonderful

Federico, Oct 2021

KAYAK
Awesome service!

1 out of 2

Avis

9.3

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.9

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.9

Value for money

8.3

3 locations in Santa Monica

Show locations

Locations in Santa Monica

1027 Broadway

+1 310 453 4421

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

1700 Ocean Avenue

+1 424 272 7305

Monday08:00 - 18:0013:00 - 16:00
Tuesday13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:0013:00 - 16:00
Thursday13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 18:00
Friday13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00

2423 Lincoln Blvd

+1 424 428 0216

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

John, Oct 2023

Convertible

KAYAK
Excellent no issues whatsoever

7.9 Good

Salaheddine, Aug 2021

KAYAK
I have not yet received my car rental bill

1 out of 1

Budget

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

6.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.4

Value for money

6.8

2 locations in Santa Monica

Show locations

Locations in Santa Monica

1027 Broadway

+1 310 393 9194

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

2423 Lincoln Blvd

+1 424 428 0219

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
The rental office was closed at the time of my reservation. I waited for 25 minutes then called Budget. The phone rep said he would transfer my reservation to another location 15 miles away “for no charge” and then put me on hold. 10 minutes later (still on hold) someone showed up. At this point we were running more than 30 minutes behind schedule and I had to press the agent to confirm that I would be returning the car 30 minutes later as well. She begrudgingly adjusted the contract. She told me the car’s fuel tank was at 3/4 and to return it with 3/4 full. When I returned the car, a different agent checked everything and noticed the fuel tank wasn’t full, it was 7/8 full and that I would be charged to top it up. I told him that I actually was returning it with more gas than I got it with and also 30 minutes early and that I should be charging him for my time and the extra fuel I just gifted Budget. Every single person I interacted with at Budget was completely sour, confrontational and trying to nickel and dime me out of time, money and fuel. This was a very expensive rate and at that price point, you really need to show up on time and not threaten charges when you are being gifted fuel and given an early return. What you should really do is say “thank you.”

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Nothing really

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2023

Pick-up truck

KAYAK
Did not receive car I reserved. Car I was given only had 3/4 tank of gas and smelled like cigarettes. The drop off location was not staffed. Terrible experience all around.

1 out of 1

Hertz

Cleanliness

6.1

Comfort

6.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.7

Value for money

6.7

3 locations in Santa Monica

Show locations

Locations in Santa Monica

1426 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 310 394 2449

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

1700 Ocean Ave.

+1 310 451 3539

Monday13:00 - 16:0007:00 - 12:00
Tuesday07:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Wednesday07:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Thursday07:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Friday07:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Saturday08:00 - 18:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

2519 Lincoln Blvd.

+1 310 578 9700

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Gia, Feb 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Did not have car available for us that we rented and pre paid for. Only car available was $40 more dollars a day. Total rip off. Terrible service. Never using Hertz again. Not surprised they are bankrupt.

6.0 Okay

Thomas, Oct 2022

KAYAK
The car was not cleaned before handing to me.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2021

KAYAK
Excellent people working in that office!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Dec 2019

KAYAK

Cons:

The customer service at the Hertz location was horrible and it’s a shabby place.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Aug 2022

KAYAK
The staff were very accommodating to my needs , especially Pedro. Also, good rates

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Mar 2022

KAYAK
I showed up and Hertz did not have the vehicle that I booked online. Super disappointing.

1 out of 2

Sixt

Cleanliness

6.9

Comfort

6.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.4

Value for money

6.4

One location in Santa Monica

Show locations

Locations in Santa Monica

1515 Ocean Ave

+1 888 749 8227

Monday09:00 - 13:00
Tuesday09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday09:00 - 13:00
Thursday09:00 - 13:00
Friday09:00 - 13:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

4.8 Mediocre

Anonymous, Jul 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

The car

2.0 Poor

Kevin, Jun 2023

Luxury

KAYAK
Terrible

10.0 Wonderful

Brian, Feb 2023

Luxury

KAYAK
Fantastic experience! The car was amazing. The service was equally impressive. I’ll definitely rent from here again.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2022

KAYAK
Ease of pick-up and drop off

3.9 Poor

joe, Oct 2021

KAYAK
I ordered a Rav 4 Got a mini cooper to small I'm 6.2 Not good Could not stop off car after after hours Overall Not Good

1 out of 2

Thrifty

5.7

Fair

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1426 Santa Monica Boulevard

+1 310 394 2449

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

5.7

Fair

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1426 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 310 394 2449

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

Eagle Rent A Car

No score available yet

3 locations in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

4110 Lincoln Blvd

Opening times not available

Santa Monica Airport

Opening times not available

Santa Monica airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Rent-4-Less

No score available yet

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

3202 Lincoln Blvd

(310) 395 8010

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1901 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica CA UNITED STATES

+1 914 368 0091

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00

Filters

No reviews available

2221 travellers who rented a car in Santa Monica gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.8

Car hire locations in or near Santa Monica

Good to know

Most popular car type

Economy

When to book a car hire in Santa Monica

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Santa Monica car hire information

Pick-up locationSanta Monica
Car typesConvertible, Intermediate, Luxury, People mover
Hire locations23
Airport locations1
Popular agenciesBudget

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