Santa Ana car hires from £25/day
This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a car hire in Santa Ana with a pick-up date of 26/4 and drop-off date of 3/5. 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.
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Santa Ana car hire information
| Pick-up location | Santa Ana |
|---|---|
| Car types | Compact, Convertible, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, People carrier, Standard, Standard SUV |
| Hire locations | 29 |
| Airport locations | 18 |
| Popular agencies | Hertz, Turo, Dollar, Alamo |
Cheap car hire in Santa Ana
| Economy | £32/day |
| Compact | £25/day |
| Intermediate | £26/day |
| Standard | £29/day |
| Full-size | £28/day |
| People carrier | £36/day |
| Full-size SUV | £35/day |
| Luxury | £48/day |
| Convertible | £46/day |
| Standard SUV | £29/day |
| Intermediate SUV | £30/day |
KAYAK’s top tips for hiring a car in Santa Ana
- A hire car is the perfect way to explore not only Orange County's largest city, but also other major destinations along the Californian coast. The Santa Ana River is just a short 10-mile ride from the center, and some of the most famous beaches are located about 20 minutes to the south, including Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. Hop in the car to visit the world famous Disneyland theme park, which is only 6 miles away from Santa Ana.
- All the big car hire agencies can be found at John Wayne International Airport (SNA), which is located about 9 miles from the city center. Car hire services are conveniently situated in the Arrivals hall, which is on the lower level between Terminals A and B. A good point of reference is the John Wayne statue, as the desks can be found right across from it. When returning the vehicle, head to the lower level of Parking Structures A2 and B2.
- The city of Santa Ana itself is pretty straightforward to navigate, and it's also quite safe. But it is densely populated, and the downtown area is the main entertainment hub, which means it's probably best to avoid driving in that area and try walking instead. Orange County also observes a rise in visitors and outdoor activities during the summer, so bare in mind there will be more people on the road as well as more tourists walking around.
- Traffic in California is world-famous, but traffic patterns in Orange County aren't as simple because lots of people travel to different places, and traffic heads to different directions at different times of the day, including to Irvine, Los Angeles, and Anaheim. However, if you do avoid driving between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and then again between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m, you should be able to escape the worst jams.
- 25% of our users found a car hire in Santa Ana for £38 or less
- Book your car hire in Santa Ana at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport car hire locations in Santa Ana are around 24% cheaper than airport locations on average
- Intermediate car hire in Santa Ana are around 47% cheaper than other car types, on average
Santa Ana car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
FAQs about car hire in Santa Ana
What type of car is recommended for driving in Santa Ana?
If you're just driving within the city or Orange County, a compact car is a good option as it's easy to park downtown. But if you're embarking on a road trip along the Californian coast, a convertible is a fun option, especially when the weather is good. If you're traveling with the whole family, a minivan is a good choice as it provides space for everyone.
What’s the speed limit in Santa Ana?
The speed limit in the city is typically 35 miles per hour, but it may lower to 25 mph in certain residential areas and school zones, in which case the speed limit signs will be posted. Two-lane undivided highways have a speed limit of 55 mph, while most highways have a 65 mph limit. However, some highways allow drivers to go as fast as 70 mph.
Where are the best places to park in Santa Ana?
Street parking in Santa Ana is paid from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday, but it is free outside of those hours, all day on Sunday, and on public holidays. The average meter prices are $0.75 per hour in the downtown area (East End), while the approximate rate at parking lots and garages is $1.50 per hour, and $18 for 24 hours.
How much does it cost to hire a car in Santa Ana?
On average a car hire in Santa Ana costs £53 per day.
What is the best car hire company in Santa Ana?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Santa Ana are Enterprise Rent-A-Car (8.7, 59 reviews), Dollar (7.3, 93 reviews), and Hertz (6.8, 121 reviews).
How much is the price of fuel in Santa Ana?
The average price of fuel in Santa Ana is £3.10 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between £37 and £50, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular car hire in Santa Ana?
Intermediate (Mazda Mazda3 or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Santa Ana.
How can I find car hires near me in Santa Ana?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does an Intermediate car hire cost in Santa Ana?
An Intermediate car hire in Santa Ana costs £26 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car hire cost in Santa Ana?
A Standard car hire in Santa Ana costs £26 per day, on average.
How much does an Economy car hire cost in Santa Ana?
An Economy car hire in Santa Ana costs £27 per day, on average.
What is the most popular car hire location in Santa Ana?
In Santa Ana, cars are most frequently hired at Thrifty 18601 North Airport Way (4 miles from city centre).
How much does a car hire in Santa Ana cost for a week?
On average a car hire in Santa Ana costs £371 per week (£53 per day).
How much does a car hire in Santa Ana cost for a month?
On average a car hire in Santa Ana costs £1,590 per month (£53 per day).
Should I get insurance when hiring a car in Santa Ana?
Most car hire providers in Santa Ana offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car hire in Santa Ana, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.
Santa Ana car hire reviews and directory
Alamo
9.2
Wonderful
124 reviewsCleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.2
Value for money
9.0
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
19051 Airport Way North
+1 833 679 2046
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2024
10.0 Wonderful
May 2017
Pros:
service was great6.4 Okay
May 2017
Cons:
No accommadation for drive up customer only for airport customer. I will not use this location again.8.0 Very Good
May 2017
Pros:
nice carCons:
i booked it for $46 and some cents(I pre payed for the car)...but when I returned it they charged be $47 and some cent.....although not a big difference in the amount...but still they should honour what they agreed for...its the most basic principle of any business transaction10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2017
Pros:
They were great to deal with easy and quick processing collection and drop offCons:
Nothing10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2017
Pros:
No problem rental, unlimited millage, flexibility in pick up and drop off locations, excellent employees, great all the way aroundEnterprise Rent-A-Car
8.6
Very Good
183 reviewsCleanliness
8.7
Comfort
8.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
8.5
3 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
1714 E Mcfadden Ave Ste L
+1 714 541 4862
18601 Airport Way
+1 833 659 1917
2025 S Main St
+1 714 481 7700
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2024
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
This rental did not happen, they did not have the car available I was attempting to renf10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
Staff was very accommodating and helpful. Got me a good fair deal, and the customer service was excellent.Cons:
They overbooked the car I rented, but they made up for it 10 fold. No complaints.10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2021
Pros:
How quick they can get you out of there with your rental car, especially during Covid times. No need to step inside the office.Cons:
Overall it was well done. Limited vehicle choice but I was at a smaller office location. Also customer service said we could get a 4x4 but the office staff were more up front and honest about that. So I’m glad I called ahead.10.0 Wonderful
Dec 2020
Pros:
Nice car and friendly service.Cons:
Price could be less.10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2020
Pros:
The staff at the rental counter and the auto check out were very friendly and professional. It could not have been simpler.Cons:
They probably say the same thing every time there is a new customer, but I would suggest they take a little bit of time explaining the charges when renting a car. The masks don't help, but also the fact that I don't rent cars very often makes it important to explain it fully.Dollar
7.0
Good
333 reviewsCleanliness
7.6
Comfort
7.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.5
Value for money
7.1
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way
+1 866 434 2226
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2024
2.0 Poor
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
The staff was helpful and the line was short.Cons:
I actually needed help finding the car, which a staff member eventually did.10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
Yes For sure despite heavy rush .Cons:
Definitely more work force were needed to handle the heavy rush4.0 Mediocre
Mar 2021
Pros:
Staff was super friendlyCons:
If there are hour long waits, there should be special accommodations to make people comfortable. They had 20 people waiting for Cars and only sitting areas for 3-4 people4.0 Mediocre
Dec 2020
Cons:
The car really smelled bad of weed. I thought if I rolled the windows down it would air out so I took the car but nope. It was so strong and I noted it when I dropped the car back off. I don’t smoke weed so I thought it was horrible. I know it’s legal and I don’t care if people do but I don’t want to drive around all the time smelling it. It was really bad.Budget
6.8
Okay
217 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
7.7
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.8
Value for money
6.9
3 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way, Suite 73
+1 949 252 6240
2701 Hotel Terrace Drive
+1 714 549 0451
4101 South Main Street
+1 714 957 6501
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Apr 2024
2.0 Poor
Oct 2023
8.0 Very Good
Oct 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
When it takes 2 hours for Budget to get a car for you at twice the normal rate. Ya, that could of been better.10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
The employees were very pleasant and accommodating. Dropoff was simple and straightforward.Cons:
Newer more comfortable vehicleHertz
6.8
Okay
285 reviewsCleanliness
7.8
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.5
Value for money
6.7
3 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
1614 S Main St
+1 714 541 5822
18601 Airport W. North
+1 949 224 6700
19051 Airport Way North
+1 949 224 9700
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Apr 2024
2.0 Poor
Jan 2024
2.0 Poor
Nov 2023
6.0 Okay
Oct 2022
4.0 Mediocre
Jan 2022
4.0 Mediocre
Jan 2022
Avis
7.2
Good
98 reviewsCleanliness
7.4
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.1
Value for money
6.9
3 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way
+1 949 660 5200
2701 Hotel Terrace Drive
+1 714 708 3485
4101 South Main Street
+1 714 957 6521
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Nov 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Apr 2021
Pros:
Staff was friendly & niceCons:
We had reserved a mini van only to be told it was not available an hour before. We then accepted the alternative since we were pressed for time. Everything seemed ok until we loaded all our luggage, kids & grandma buckled up ...within minutes there were trails of ants all over!! Totally disgusting...this has never happened before. I called to complain but was told by the agent that this happens when cars are parked in grassy areas. When I first got in the car , I noticed some crumbs & just brushed it off. Looking back there is absolutely no excuse for this neglect in properly & throughly cleaning a car . This was unacceptable & we then drove to another location to swap the car for the minivan I reserved in the first place 😫 This whole ordeal set us back over an hour & in turn we missed our evening reservation. This caused so much inconvenience. That I will definitely think twice about renting from this company again :(2.4 Poor
Feb 2020
Cons:
Upgraded me to a larger car because they didn't have what I wanted in stock then billed me for it. Will never do business with this company again.4.0 Mediocre
Jan 2019
Cons:
The way Inwas treated at drop off. Also the extra charges that they tried to charge - filled up gas tank with receipt across st and they tried to charge me 20 extra then a drop off fee, and extra taxes after drop off. Dont think I will rent from them again. Bad experience dont honor what employees say10.0 Wonderful
Jan 2018
Pros:
great price, and great service.National
9.4
Wonderful
5 reviewsCleanliness
8.8
Comfort
9.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.7
Value for money
9.4
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
19051 Airport Way North
+1 833 679 2045
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Nov 2015
Pros:
Love the Pick your car and the no paper work.GREEN MOTION
7.6
Good
8 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
8.2
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
8.0
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
3195 Airport Loop Dr. D-2
+1 949 752 6664
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
May 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2023
8.0 Very Good
Jan 2023
2.0 Poor
Jan 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2022
10.0 Wonderful
Jun 2021
Pros:
The pick up and drop off was quick and easy. The man at the counter was friendly and efficient. I would highly recommend!Midway
6.4
Okay
No reviews available
2 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
Filters
No reviews available
Thrifty
6.0
Okay
No reviews available
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
Filters
No reviews available
Easirent
4.6
Mediocre
No reviews available
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
Filters
No reviews available
MAGGIORE
9.0
Wonderful
No reviews available
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
John Wayne airport
+1 310 645 2100
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
1333 S Main Street
+1 714 835 4990
201 E. MacArthur Blvd.
+1 714 850 0900
Filters
No reviews available
2 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way, Thomas F. Riley Terminal, Santa Ana, California
+1 949 752 7832
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
2015 N.Tustin Avenue
(714) 667-0841
Filters
No reviews available
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way
+1 800 940 9332
Filters
No reviews available
Car hire locations in or near Santa Ana
Good to know
Most popular agency | Budget |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Intermediate |
Average price | £53/day |
Good deal | £38/day |
When to book a car hire in Santa Ana
Car hire insurance in Santa Ana
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver
Some Santa Ana car providers already include Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Waiver into the hire price but not all of them. We recommend being aware of your coverage when hiring a car in Santa Ana.
Deductible
Keep in mind that car hire insurances often have a deductible clause, which is the amount you’ll have to pay if something happens during the time of your hire. If you want to avoid unwanted surprises, you should consider adding a non-deductible option to your Santa Ana car hire.