If you have previously been inconvenienced by public transport when traveling or paid exorbitant taxi prices, then you may want to opt for a rental car when traveling to Santa Clara, CA. Driving can be a great way to experience the city without needing to worry about when or where to start or stop your daily journey. It’s a good way to take in what Santa Clara has to offer, which is quite substantial, at your own convenience. Imagine having the flexibility to drive as far as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is about 78 miles away, in just an hour, or driving to Big Sur, about 99 miles away, at your own pace.
Once you arrive at the San Jose International Airport, you’ll find the Rental Car Center across from Terminal B. If you arrive at Terminal B, it’s a short walk across Airport Drive from the baggage claim, and if you arrive at Terminal A, take the airport blue shuttle bus directly to the Rental Car Center. From here, pick up the car you rented through KAYAK from Santa Clara car rentals, including Alamo, Avis, Hertz, and National. These companies have a wide range of cars that will suit your budget and capacity needs.
It’s understandable that in a new city, you may want to use your phone in transit. However, throughout all of California, it’s prohibited to use your phone while driving. Getting a cell phone ticket in Santa Clara is as easy as getting a red-light ticket, both of which you should avoid to fully enjoy your trip. When driving through Palo Alto in your rental car, be wary of cyclists that may get too close without warning.
Hwy 17 can be quite congested in the morning and evening rush hour, which could be anywhere from 6am to 9am and 3pm and 7pm. If you need to travel during these times, give yourself extra time, especially if it rains, if there’s an accident, or if there’s ongoing construction. If possible, it would be ideal to stay in the right lane to be more comfortable as a driver in a new city. The same case applies for Hwy 1 on all counts.
Make your trip to Santa Clara a red-carpet affair by renting a ride from one of the reputable cheap car rentals in Santa Clara. A vehicle from Santa Clara car rentals will enable you to visit Winchester Mystery House, South Bay Shores, and Rip Roaring Rapids, among other attraction sites, at your convenience. For instance, after your business meeting, you can decide to drive to the city’s Levi’s Stadium straight from San Francisco Airport, 28 miles away, at your own pace. Only the flexibility and mobility of 4X4 from cheap car rentals in Santa Clara can help you explore remote areas near the city, such as Corral Canyon OHV Area and Ulistac Natural Area located off Lick Mill Blvd.
While touring Santa Clara, pay close attention to people riding bikes, cycling, and pedestrians who might be jaywalking, especially when cruising through residential areas such as along Westwood, Oakmead, and Ponderosa Park neighborhoods. Some residential areas, schools, playgrounds, and parks have a speed limit of 15mph. The speed limit on certain roads keeps changing. For Example, Black Road between Thompson Road and Highway 17 Frontage Road speed limit usually changes between 20-30 mph, and that of Homestead Rd. and Pomeroy Ave. changes between 30-40 mph.
Like other busy cities, motorists using Santa Clara roads can find themselves stuck in traffic jams, especially between 7:00 am to 9:30 am and between 3:50 pm to 7:45 pm. To avoid spending more time than necessary on the road, avoid busy roads such as US 101 from Sausalito to Cloverdale around the bay area and highway 29 at Stice Lane Whitehall Lane around the St. Helena area. To be safe, avoid major entry and exit points, or if possible, plan your movement outside peak hours, especially during weekdays or major annual events such as Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival.
25% of our users found rental cars in Santa Clara for C$ 23 or less
Book your rental car in Santa Clara at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Compact rental cars in Santa Clara are around 77% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Santa Clara
What type of car is recommended for driving in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara is a city for on-road vehicles. With minimal traffic and many parking areas, you can rent nearly any car you need from car rentals in Santa Clara. If you’re here with your family, consider getting an SUV or a minivan, and if you’re here alone, a coupe or sedan will do just fine.
What’s the speed limit in Santa Clara?
Once you pick your vehicle from car rentals in Santa Clara, be watchful of the speed limits stipulated in the city. The school zones areas are especially strict with speed limits of 25mph, while others may have as low as 15mph. Watch for posted speed signs or children crossing the streets. The default speed limit on highways is 55mph and 25mph in residential areas, while alleys, blind intersections, and railroad crossings are 15mph. Beyond that, you should decrease to 10mph when passing streetcars, trolleys, and buses. Be careful as there are live traffic cameras in various parts of the city.
Where are the best places to park in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, you’ll find that there are parking meters all over the city. A majority of them run for 1h-2h, but you may be able to find one that runs for half an hour or one that goes as far as 4h. Parking meters charge between $1 and $2 per hour, depending on location. Be sure to read the posted signs at meters to understand how long you have. You’ll find free 2h parking at 70W, next to the West Wing.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Santa Clara?
On average a rental car in Santa Clara costs C$ 23 per day.
How much is gas price in Santa Clara?
The average gas price in Santa Clara is C$ 4.71 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between C$ 57 and C$ 75, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Santa Clara?
Standard (Nissan Pathfinder or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Santa Clara.
Which car rental companies are at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
Which car rental companies will pick you up at San Francisco airport (SFO)?
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from San Francisco airport to off-airport locations include Thrifty, Europcar, Alamo, Dollar and Sixt.
How can I find car rentals near me in Santa Clara?
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Santa Clara?
A Standard car rental in Santa Clara costs C$ 69 per day, on average.
How much does a Mini car rental cost in Santa Clara?
A Mini car rental in Santa Clara costs C$ 306 per day, on average.
How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Santa Clara?
An Intermediate car rental in Santa Clara costs C$ 48 per day, on average.
Are there cheap places to park in Santa Clara?
On-street meters charge about $1 an hour, while off-street parking costs about $3 to $5 an hour. If you opt for a monthly package, you’ll pay about $100 to park your ride from Santa Clara car rentals. You can park for free for two 2 hours in some parking lots such as Everett N “Eddie” Souza Park, Santa Clara University - Loyola Hall Lot, Atlantic, and Mariposa Shopping Center.
Are there affordable gas stations in Santa Clara?
You’ll pay a little bit higher to fuel your rental at stations situated along 1995 Warburton Ave., 2025 El Camino Real, and other places within the city center. To save a few dollars, try to fuel away from the airport or the city center, such as at the stations located along Coleman Ave. and Washington St.
Definitely none. Vehicle was not at the agreed location confirmation.
Cons:
Besides vehicle being in the wrong location confirmed, the agent tried to give me a standard truck instead of a premium. I rent often with Hertz or Enterprise primarily and am usually satisfied. I chose not to take the rental this time. VERY DISAPPOINTED !!! Waste of my time...
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