Santa Monica car rentals
Search hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA, United States
25 Aug — 1 Sep
Same drop-off
Santa Monica, CA, United States
Thu 25/8
Noon
Thu 1/9
Noon
Driver's age:
Santa Monica car rental Information
| Pick-up location | Santa Monica |
|---|---|
| Rental locations | 21 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
Cheap car rentals in Santa Monica
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| Minivan |
| Passenger Van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
Santa Monica car rental reviews and directory
Hertz
7.3
Good
59 reviewsBest rated
Cheapest deal
Most popular
Cleanliness
7.3
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.3
3 locations in Santa Monica
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Excellent
Nov. 2021
2.0 Mediocre
Dec. 2019
Cons:
The customer service at the Hertz location was horrible and it’s a shabby place.4.0 Okay
Oct. 2019
Cons:
Can’t drop off after 6pm, so basically was only able to use the car for a few hours.2.0 Mediocre
Aug. 2019
Cons:
They didn’t have a car for me to rent despite accepting my reservation so I had to travel across town to make an alternate reservation. Massive waste of my time and money.2.0 Mediocre
Jun. 2019
Pros:
I did not like anything as I was not able to get the car. I left work only to arrive at the location on time and once I did they informed me there was no car available and that the info on your website had not been updated. I'm very disappointed and now reluctant to use your services again.Cons:
I did not like anything as I was not able to get the car. I left work only to arrive at the location on time and once I did they informed me there was no car available and that the info on your website had not been updated. I'm very disappointed and now reluctant to use your services again.10.0 Excellent
Apr. 2019
Pros:
The car was awesome !!!Cons:
The front desk clerks need some customer service training. Rude and didn’t even realize it lolMidway
9.8
Excellent
13 reviewsCleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.3
Value for money
10.0
2 locations in Santa Monica
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Excellent
Apr. 2021
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 Excellent
Mar. 2021
Pros:
Clean car easy to pick up / drop offCons:
Busy intersection was hard to return car9.2 Excellent
Sep. 2020
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.2.0 Mediocre
Apr. 2019
Pros:
NothingCons:
I booked the car for a 4pm pickup. They closed at 4pm. I had to find another place to rent from and walk there.10.0 Excellent
Jul. 2022
10.0 Excellent
Mar. 2022
10.0 Excellent
Sep. 2021
10.0 Excellent
Apr. 2021
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 Excellent
Mar. 2021
Pros:
Clean car easy to pick up / drop offCons:
Busy intersection was hard to return car9.2 Excellent
Sep. 2020
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.Enterprise
9.5
Excellent
25 reviewsCleanliness
9.5
Comfort
9.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.0
Value for money
9.5
5 locations in Santa Monica
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
10.0 Excellent
Apr. 2021
Pros:
Mike made sure I was able to get the vehicle I needed when I needed it. That was amazingCons:
Actually everything was perfect8.0 Excellent
Feb. 2021
Pros:
Attentive employee.Cons:
Rented a car on-line that was not available- what??? No Bueno.10.0 Excellent
Aug. 2019
Cons:
Nothing.4.0 Okay
Dec. 2018
Pros:
My small economy carnot available They gave me a 8 cylinder truck!!! Instead of using 40 dolllars in gas I used 805.2 Okay
May 2017
Pros:
The vehicle was good and no problems during the two weeks.Cons:
The attitude of the person "Scott" in hand over.10.0 Excellent
Nov. 2016
Pros:
We were upgraded from a compact to a Ford Escape and it was very nice. We rented it for a trip to Tucson and enjoyed all of its features. They were very nice at the desk and we were in and out quickly.Avis
7.9
Good
18 reviewsCleanliness
7.9
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.9
3 locations in Santa Monica
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
8.0 Excellent
Jan. 2018
Pros:
Nice car, friendly service.Cons:
I took the insurance out suggested on the Kayak website only to find that when I got to the rental place, that insurance didn't cover any damage to others if I got in to an accident. I therefore had to take out another policy with Avis to cover me in case of that.4.8 Okay
Oct. 2017
Pros:
Close to Santa Monica Pier (10 blocks)Cons:
The car we reserved didn't exist so we had to pay almost double for an involuntary upgrade. We felt like we were, albeit mildly, swindled by the franchise.2.0 Mediocre
Jul. 2017
Cons:
Despite having a reservation they had no cars available whatsoever. Eventually told me I could take the sports car since I was an hour late for work, but it would be an additional $20/day. Eventually they said they could remove the upcharge when I returned the car. Took over an hour to pick up the car. Dropped off on time, took over an hour to return the car. 1 employee on site and so many customers we all couldn't even fit in the lobby. Upcharge on car was remove, part of me feels this was only because of the insanely terrible service at pickup and drop off. Never again at this location.9.6 Excellent
Jun. 2017
Pros:
Much nicer than expected car, great price and convenience in both locations.Cons:
Pick up and drop off slower than ideal - each location had longish lines and could've used a second person at desk7.6 Good
Oct. 2015
Cons:
Parking lot too small. Difficult to drop off when someone else is leaving.7.9 Good
Aug. 2021
8.0 Excellent
Jan. 2018
Pros:
Nice car, friendly service.Cons:
I took the insurance out suggested on the Kayak website only to find that when I got to the rental place, that insurance didn't cover any damage to others if I got in to an accident. I therefore had to take out another policy with Avis to cover me in case of that.4.8 Okay
Oct. 2017
Pros:
Close to Santa Monica Pier (10 blocks)Cons:
The car we reserved didn't exist so we had to pay almost double for an involuntary upgrade. We felt like we were, albeit mildly, swindled by the franchise.2.0 Mediocre
Jul. 2017
Cons:
Despite having a reservation they had no cars available whatsoever. Eventually told me I could take the sports car since I was an hour late for work, but it would be an additional $20/day. Eventually they said they could remove the upcharge when I returned the car. Took over an hour to pick up the car. Dropped off on time, took over an hour to return the car. 1 employee on site and so many customers we all couldn't even fit in the lobby. Upcharge on car was remove, part of me feels this was only because of the insanely terrible service at pickup and drop off. Never again at this location.9.6 Excellent
Jun. 2017
Pros:
Much nicer than expected car, great price and convenience in both locations.Cons:
Pick up and drop off slower than ideal - each location had longish lines and could've used a second person at desk7.6 Good
Oct. 2015
Cons:
Parking lot too small. Difficult to drop off when someone else is leaving.Sixt
6.9
Good
16 reviewsCleanliness
6.9
Comfort
6.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.9
Value for money
6.9
One location in Santa Monica
Filters
Show reviews that mention
Reviews
4.8 Okay
Jul. 2020
Cons:
The car10.0 Excellent
Mar. 2019
Pros:
The staff was very friendly and efficient. They offered another car as an option so I wouldn’t have to wait. Even though I didn’t take that option my car arrives quite quickly anyway. My rental car was a mini copper countryman and it was fantastic.Cons:
Nothing.9.6 Excellent
Feb. 2019
Pros:
The staff was super helpful and friendly. I would recommend them to anyone. Car was clean and in good shape. Folks at drop off similarly nice and efficient.Cons:
Only small problem: it took a long time to get my car initially. Staff and car were so nice I didn't really mind much.6.0 Good
Jan. 2019
Pros:
The staff is extremely friendly and promptCons:
The car smelled like someone had smoke tobacco for many days inside6.0 Good
Dec. 2018
Pros:
Good carCons:
1. Within 2 miles I got a low pressure signal. Stopped, got some air and calibrated. This lasted 5 days and had to be repeated (fortunately I knew how the calibration system worked...) 2. The windshield wiper fluid was empty10.0 Excellent
Mar. 2017
Pros:
I filled out everything online. So when I arrived the services as fast and professional.Budget
No score is available
Cleanliness
-
Comfort
-
Pick-up/Drop-off
-
Value for money
-
2 locations in Santa Monica
Eagle Rent A Car
No score is available
Cleanliness
-
Comfort
-
Pick-up/Drop-off
-
Value for money
-
3 locations in Santa Monica
Rent-4-Less
No score is available
Cleanliness
-
Comfort
-
Pick-up/Drop-off
-
Value for money
-
One location in Santa Monica
Thrifty
No score is available
Cleanliness
-
Comfort
-
Pick-up/Drop-off
-
Value for money
-
One location in Santa Monica
135 travellers who rented a car in Santa Monica gave the car agency they used an average rating of 8.8
Car rental locations in or near Santa Monica
Good to know
Most popular agency | Hertz |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Standard |
Average price | C$ 107/day |
Good deal | C$ 91/day |
When to book a rental car in Santa Monica
Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches
Top tips for renting 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.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Santa Monica for C$ 91 or less
- Book your rental car in Santa Monica at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price