This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car rental in Santa Barbara with a pick-up date of 22/9 and drop-off date of 22/10. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of rental. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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KAYAK’s insights & trends for Santa Barbara car rentals
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to rent a car in Santa Barbara with confidence.
How far in advance should you book a rental car in Santa Barbara?
You should book your rental car in Santa Barbara around 88 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car rental company in Santa Barbara?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Thrifty (C$ 54/day), Dollar (C$ 55/day), and Turo (C$ 86/day). The cheapest rental car price was found at Thrifty 500 Fowler Road (12.3 km from city centre).
What is the most popular rental car in Santa Barbara?
Rentals in the SUV category (Nissan Rogue or similar) are the most popular option in Santa Barbara, costing C$ 140/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as C$ 89/day.
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
The cheapest month to rent a car in Santa Barbara is January at an average cost of C$ 77/day. March is the most expensive month to rent a car in Santa Barbara when prices are C$ 98/day on average, which tends to be 6% above the yearly average rental price for Santa Barbara.
What rental car company in Santa Barbara has the most locations?
Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 3 locations in Santa Barbara, more than any other rental company.
Santa Barbara car rental price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right rental car in Santa Barbara by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup Truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
C$ 66 - C$ 83
All Car Types
C$ 103 - C$ 135
How much does it cost to rent a small car in Santa Barbara?
How much does it cost to rent a medium car in Santa Barbara?
How much does it cost to rent a large car in Santa Barbara?
How much does it cost to rent an SUV in Santa Barbara?
How much does it cost to rent a van in Santa Barbara?
How much does it cost to rent a pickup truck in Santa Barbara?
How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Santa Barbara?
How much does it cost to rent a convertible in Santa Barbara?
Small car rentals in Santa Barbara typically cost around C$ 75 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average C$ 66 per day, which is about 12% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 39% cheaper than the average rental in Santa Barbara, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car rentals in Santa Barbara typically cost around C$ 98 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average C$ 82 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 20% cheaper than the average rental in Santa Barbara, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car rentals in Santa Barbara typically cost around C$ 102 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average C$ 86 per day, which is about 16% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 16% cheaper than the average rental in Santa Barbara, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV rentals in Santa Barbara typically cost around C$ 131 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average C$ 110 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 8% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Barbara but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van rentals in Santa Barbara typically cost around C$ 201 per day. The best time to book is March, when prices average C$ 175 per day, which is about 13% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 40% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Barbara but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck rentals in Santa Barbara typically cost around C$ 110 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average C$ 82 per day, which is about 26% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 10% cheaper than the average rental in Santa Barbara, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car rentals in Santa Barbara typically cost around C$ 139 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average C$ 116 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 13% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Barbara but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible rentals in Santa Barbara typically cost around C$ 152 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average C$ 133 per day, which is about 13% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 21% more expensive than the average rental in Santa Barbara but perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Average price
Good deal
Alamo
C$ 123/day
C$ 75/day
Santa Barbara car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Santa Barbara
The airport location provides the best selection of both agencies and cars, especially with the newly renovated rental car area. The in-town locations may be more convenient, but they are often more expensive.
Verified travelerJun 2024
First go to the airport desk, don't head to the parking lot. They don't have signs about this.
sabrinaOct 2023
The signage of Avis in SB is a little tricky to find. The parked cars are located around the corner on the back side of some hedges… friendly and efficient service.
KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Santa Barbara
A rental 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 rental 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 rental car counters are located in the Rental 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.
Take advantage of cheap car rentals in Santa Barbara to save time and enjoy the flexibility of moving around the city at your own pace. Old Mission Santa Barbara, a 29-minute drive from the city center, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks you can conveniently visit by car. A rental car can also get you as far as the Stearns Wharf with its breathtaking harbor views and sandy beaches, about 10.09 miles from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA). Renting a car in Santa Barbara allows you to navigate the city conveniently, and we recommend booking through KAYAK.
The Santa Barbara Airport SBA is located approximately 8 miles west of the city center. There are more than 12 cheap car rentals in Santa Barbara, including Alamo, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, Hertz, and National. Most Santa Barbara car rentals have pick-up and drop-off points at the Santa Barbara Airport. In addition, you can take a free airport shuttle from the city, which leaves the terminals every 15 minutes, pick up your rental car, and drive conveniently to your hotel or other destinations.
Like other California cities, Santa Barbara is known for its busy streets and highways. If you're new to the town, driving through the heavy traffic can initially be disorienting. Thankfully, most Santa Barbara rental cars can be fitted with navigation systems to help you drive safely and reach other destinations without running into traffic problems. Jaywalking is another common challenge in Santa Barbara streets, and cyclists don't always follow the traffic signals, so it's advisable to drive cautiously and always double-check before making a turn.
25% of our users found rental cars in Santa Barbara for C$ 75 or less
FAQs about renting 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 $1.50 hourly rate.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
On average a rental car in Santa Barbara costs C$ 123 per day.
Which car rental companies are at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?
How much does a Special car rental cost in Santa Barbara?
A Special car rental in Santa Barbara costs C$ 67 per day, on average.
How much does a Medium car rental cost in Santa Barbara?
A Medium car rental in Santa Barbara costs C$ 79 per day, on average.
What's the speed limit in Santa Barbara?
The recommended speed limit in Santa Barbara is 35 to 55 mph. However, depending on location, it's safe to drive at 35 mph on city highways, but rural interstates allow up to 75 mph. Therefore, confirm and comply with the designated speed limits on the road signs.
What is the average gas price in Santa Barbara?
The average gas price in Santa Barbara is $5.89 per gallon. Conserve Fuel, Fuel Depot, and Exxon are a few examples of gas stations in Santa Barbara selling gas at a reasonable price. You can also fuel your car at various stations at the airport, but the prices may be higher.
Promised a Tesla model 3, had no evidence available, or needed to wait for 20-30 mins. Gas car is more expensive! And charged me more to get a gas car. WTF, forgive my French.
8.0 Very good
Jason, Jun 2026
Intermediate SUV
It.was quick and easy to rent. Employees were informed and helpful. Attaching to the car with my phone was simple.
2.0 Poor
Leslie, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
The third-party that we used through Kayak (QEEC) gave us one price and then we got a bill for $100 more than we signed up for.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Standard SUV
Nothing
10.0 Wonderful
Margaret, Oct 2025
Luxury
Fun driving the Telsa. A slight learning curve but I picked using all the bells and gadgets quickly. The Budget person dropping it of was excellent.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, May 2025
Intermediate
quick efficient rental and fair price
1 out of 14
Hertz
6.2
Okay
Cleanliness
7.4
Comfort
6.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.2
Value for money
6.5
One location in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
633 E Cabrillo Blvd
+1 805 962 5305
Monday
09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 17:00
Thursday
09:00 - 17:00
Friday
09:00 - 17:00
Filters
No reviews available
Avis
9.0
Wonderful
Cleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.1
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.1
Value for money
8.5
2 locations in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
305 East Haley Street
+1 805 965 1079
Monday
08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 14:00
Sunday
10:00 - 16:00
500 Fowler Road
+1 805 964 4848
Monday
08:00 - 21:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 21:00
Thursday
08:00 - 21:00
Friday
08:00 - 21:00
Saturday
08:00 - 18:00
Sunday
08:00 - 21:00
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Tariq, Dec 2025
Compact SUV
Good
4.0 Mediocre
Ahmed, Oct 2024
Economy
I was given a Ford F250 truck instead of economy car. The agent was rude and insisted that it's my only option or a minivan. The lot was full of cars and despite asking several times I was told this is the only option, or wait for 40 minutes or more to see if anything comes available. Very disappointed with the customer service, However drop off was smooth.
8.0 Very good
Mike, Sep 2024
Intermediate
Car could have been cleaner inside. Otherwise all was good.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Feb 2024
Intermediate
Great!
1 out of 5
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.7
Very good
Cleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.3
Value for money
8.4
3 locations in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
3210 State St
+1 805 966 3097
Opening times not available
500 James Fowler Rd
+1 805 683 3012
Monday
08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 22:00
Thursday
08:00 - 22:00
Friday
08:00 - 22:00
Saturday
08:00 - 22:00
Sunday
08:00 - 22:00
601 Chapala St
+1 805 966 3097
Monday
08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday
08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday
08:00 - 17:30
Thursday
08:00 - 17:30
Friday
08:00 - 17:30
Saturday
09:00 - 13:00
Sunday
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Robert, Oct 2024
Economy
Enterprise has always been good for me. Being able to drop off at SB airport would be a great service.
8.0 Very good
Tonise, Aug 2024
Economy
Easy to reserve online, location is close by.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Standard SUV
The employees went out of their way to make this a super easy, efficient and pleasant experience.
10.0 Wonderful
Rebecca, Sep 2023
Standard
Car needed a vacuum, windows were dirty inside. Outside was kinda dirty.
1 out of 4
Alamo
8.1
Very good
Cleanliness
7.9
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.8
One location in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
500 James Fowler Rd
+1 805 692 0939
Monday
08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 22:00
Thursday
08:00 - 22:00
Friday
08:00 - 22:00
Saturday
08:00 - 22:00
Sunday
08:00 - 22:00
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2025
Standard SUV
Alamo didn't have the car i reserved. Didn’t have any cars for that matter.
1 out of 2
National
6.0
Okay
Cleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.0
Value for money
6.0
One location in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
500 James Fowler Rd
+1 805 692 0939
Monday
08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 22:00
Thursday
08:00 - 22:00
Friday
08:00 - 22:00
Saturday
08:00 - 22:00
Sunday
08:00 - 22:00
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Intermediate
Amazing!
1 out of 1
Dollar
5.0
Fair
Cleanliness
5.0
Comfort
5.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.0
Value for money
5.0
One location in Santa Barbara
fromC$ 38/day
Locations in Santa Barbara
500 Fowler Road
+1 866 434 2226
Monday
07:00 - 21:00
Tuesday
07:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
07:00 - 21:00
Thursday
07:00 - 21:00
Friday
07:00 - 21:00
Saturday
07:00 - 18:00
Sunday
07:00 - 18:00
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Economy
We had to rent somewhere else. There was a line that the person in front of me said they had been waiting over an hour in. There was only one person at the counter and over 10 parties in line. The other car companies had no wait. I paid slightly more but it was worth not waiting over and hour
Thrifty
5.3
Fair
One location in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
500 Fowler Road
+1 866 434 2226
Monday
07:00 - 21:00
Tuesday
07:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
07:00 - 21:00
Thursday
07:00 - 21:00
Friday
07:00 - 21:00
Saturday
07:00 - 18:00
Sunday
07:00 - 18:00
Filters
No reviews available
156 travellers who rented a car in Santa Barbara gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.7
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