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 Ana with a pick-up date of 25/7 and drop-off date of 8/8. 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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Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Santa Ana with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Santa Ana?
You should book your car hire in Santa Ana around 7 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Santa Ana?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest hire cars were found at Budget (£38.24/day), Avis (£43.20/day), and Dollar (£43.20/day). The cheapest car hire price was found at Budget 2701 Hotel Terrace Drive (2.5 mi from city centre).
What is the most popular car to hire in Santa Ana?
Hires in the Medium category (Toyota RAV4 or similar) are the most popular option in Santa Ana, costing £31/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as £19/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Santa Ana?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Santa Ana is January at an average cost of £34/day. June is the most expensive month to hire a car in Santa Ana when prices are £45/day on average, which tends to be 15% above the yearly average hire price for Santa Ana.
Which car hire company in Santa Ana has the most locations?
Avis and National each operate 3 locations in Santa Ana, more than any other car hire company.
Santa Ana car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in Santa Ana by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
SUV
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
£25 - £33
All Car Types
£51 - £63
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Santa Ana?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Santa Ana?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Santa Ana?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Santa Ana?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Santa Ana?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Santa Ana?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Santa Ana?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Santa Ana?
Small car hire in Santa Ana typically costs around £30 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average £25 per day, which is about 17% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 49% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Ana, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Santa Ana typically costs around £42 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £36 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 28% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Ana, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Santa Ana typically cost around £46 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average £39 per day, which is about 16% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 21% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Ana, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Santa Ana typically costs around £55 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average £49 per day, which is about 11% less than the yearly average. SUVs can be 6% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Ana, providing extra space and capability for groups or road trips at a reasonable price.
Van hire in Santa Ana typically costs around £127 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £108 per day, which is about 15% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 55% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Ana but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Santa Ana typically costs around £46 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £36 per day, which is about 22% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 21% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Ana, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Santa Ana typically costs around £59 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average £45 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 2% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Ana but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Santa Ana typically costs around £61 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £50 per day, which is about 19% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 5% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Ana but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular agency
Most popular car type
Average price
Good deal
Turo
Medium
£46/day
£37/day
Santa Ana car hire experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users
Insights shared by verified travellers who hired a car in Santa Ana
Most renters own auto policies cover any damages, and are first to be used in the event of an accident, even if more coverage is purchased from the car rental company.
Verified travelerNov 2024
Make sure to ask and check prices with the rental company before signing or taking the key
Verified travelerOct 2024
Inspect the car before leaving with it.
MichaelAug 2024
Remember, extras such as insurance, Express lane toll access, and gas are OPTIONAL, despite what the rental agency staff would have you believe.
AmritMay 2024
Book with other rental companies such as Enterprise, Alamo, National, Avis, etc who are located at Airport and you won’t have to go outside the airport to pick up rental car. Green Motion office is not on Airport and you have to go outside the airport to pick up or drop off rental and moreover they can close their office anytime.
ShelbyAug 2023
Easy to rent. Rental cars onsite in the airport, no need to shuttle offsite.
Verified travelerJul 2023
Don’t start in the garage. Go up to the arriving flights
Verified travelerJun 2023
4 out of 5. Only because of strong cologne smell.
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 £37 or less
Small hire cars in Santa Ana are around 68% cheaper than other car types, on average
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 £46 per day.
Which car hire agencies are at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
How much does a Medium car hire cost in Santa Ana?
A Medium car hire in Santa Ana costs £31 per day, on average.
How much does a Luxury car hire cost in Santa Ana?
A Luxury car hire in Santa Ana costs £133 per day, on average.
How much does a Small car hire cost in Santa Ana?
A Small car hire in Santa Ana costs £20 per day, on average.
What is the most popular car hire location in Santa Ana?
In Santa Ana, cars are most frequently hired at Budget 2701 Hotel Terrace Drive (3 miles from city centre).
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.
The rental pick up was quick, easy and friendly agent .. the drop off was even quicker and the agent was super nice even at 430 in the morning and very cold ..great experience
1 out of 3
Avis
7.0
Good
Cleanliness
7.2
Comfort
7.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.9
Value for money
6.7
3 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way
+1 949 660 5200
Monday
06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday
06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday
06:00 - 23:00
Thursday
06:00 - 23:00
Friday
06:00 - 23:00
Saturday
06:00 - 23:00
Sunday
06:00 - 23:00
2701 Hotel Terrace Drive
+1 714 708 3485
Monday
08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 16:00
Thursday
08:00 - 16:00
Friday
08:00 - 16:00
Saturday
08:00 - 12:00
Sunday
09:00 - 12:00
4101 South Main Street
+1 714 957 6521
Monday
08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 15:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 12:00
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2026
Intermediate SUV
Upon dropping off my car rental, I was told there was another $195 charge. I asked the front desk & said I signed for the daily protection of $25. I know I didn’t and refused it at the day of pickup. When I confronted the service desk, they just told me I signed it but wouldn’t give me proof and told me to contact customer service myself. Luckily I checked upon return of car when they guy had me signed the iPad for drop-off. Called the customer service hotline and they said they would send to dispute but no resolution as of yet. So check your drop-off receipt to see if if they tacked on unnecessary fees. You could be getting ripped off
10.0 Wonderful
Amy, Dec 2024
Intermediate
Easy pick up. Really fast. I just extended my rental. I would recommend.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Standard
Horrible the car was filthy all dented up trash the inside when we were supposed to get an SUV the car was to small to get in & out of. Poor service
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Aug 2024
Supplier choice
The final bill was quite a difference from expected. The agent looked at the breakdown and said , “taxes and fees” but the numbers still didn’t match up.
4.0 Mediocre
Mark, Nov 2023
Intermediate SUV
b
4.0 Mediocre
Joel, Oct 2023
Standard
The car made a ton of noise, it sounded like it needs a new muffler. The car also vibrated at highway speeds. It made driving it quite uncomfortable.
1 out of 7
Dollar
6.3
Okay
Cleanliness
7.3
Comfort
6.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.7
Value for money
6.2
2 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
1614 S Main St
+1 714 541 5822
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
18601 Airport Way
+1 866 434 2226
Monday
06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday
06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday
06:00 - 23:00
Thursday
06:00 - 23:00
Friday
06:00 - 23:00
Saturday
06:00 - 23:00
Sunday
06:00 - 23:00
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Caitlyn, Jan 2026
Intermediate
Even though I'd reserved a car a couple months in advance and already paid, they didn't have any cars available when I went to pick it up. We ended up using Uber all weekend because it was 2.5x as expensive to rent a car from another agency day of as what I'd originally spent.
2.0 Poor
Denise, Dec 2025
Standard SUV
I reserved a car and when we arrived was told they had no cars. That was it - we rented a car, Dollar confirmed our reservation, and then simply said there was nothing they could do about it. Very difficult circumstances after a long day of cross country travel. We will never rent from Dollar again.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jul 2024
Full-size
Up charges were unreal
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Full-size SUV
Fantastic!!
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Intermediate SUV
The whole experience was horrible. I went to the rental counter after arriving, waited 30 mins in a queue of only a few people, only to be told my card couldn’t be accepted (Apple MC), nor could my debit (BoA). I made the reservation with this same card even. I was then told he could get me a good deal with another company offsite (Stop then Go). Same thing occurred to the people in line behind me. We wait for a shuttle to the offsite company and I did get a car. But at this point, I am hour behind schedule, and now no longer in the electric car I’d chosen with Dollar, and in a very basic gas Hyundai. And the Dollar rep said I’d have to contact Dollar myself to cancel the reservation I’d already paid for. So that was another chunk of my time spent dealing with it all, and now I have to wait like 10 days for the investigation into why I asked to cancel, before I get my money back for the car I was never given. An absolute nasty process overall, with no consideration for the customers time whatsoever.
1 out of 7
Hertz
6.2
Okay
Cleanliness
7.4
Comfort
6.8
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.1
Value for money
6.3
2 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
1614 S Main St
+1 714 541 5822
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
19051 Airport Way North
+1 949 224 9700
Opening times not available
Filters
Reviews
4.0 Mediocre
Chris, Apr 2024
Supplier choice
I’m not sure where the problem resides, but our reservation on KAYAK was not clear and accurate. We called Hertz to inquire about possibly picking a car up earlier. They informed us that the car that we had rented was a managers, special and that deal was an electric car. We did not realize that we would have to drive an electric car 400 miles to return it at another location. We had to get another car and that raised our rental by $50 not including tax.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2024
Compact
Car was 4 yrs.old not washed, tape on front glass and window, did not run smooth, check engine light came on after just a couple days! Tried to exchange or even get downgrade for better car! Closed me out early, which I did not want to do?! Lost 2 days of rental lost 2 grays lf work and left stranded at Hertz office!! Plus on top of that !! Charged me even more!! Than agreed price.
1 out of 3
Budget
6.0
Okay
Cleanliness
7.0
Comfort
7.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
6.3
Value for money
6.2
3 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way, Suite 73
+1 949 252 6240
Monday
06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday
06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday
06:00 - 23:00
Thursday
06:00 - 23:00
Friday
06:00 - 23:00
Saturday
06:00 - 23:00
Sunday
06:00 - 23:00
2701 Hotel Terrace Drive
+1 657 210 0730
Monday
08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 16:00
Thursday
08:00 - 16:00
Friday
08:00 - 16:00
Saturday
08:00 - 12:00
Sunday
09:00 - 12:00
4101 South Main Street
+1 714 957 6501
Monday
08:00 - 15:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 15:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 15:00
Thursday
08:00 - 17:00
Friday
08:00 - 17:00
Saturday
08:00 - 12:00
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very Good
Patricia, Jul 2026
Luxury
Customer service was excellent
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jul 2026
Supplier choice
the extra charge for the EV charging 🙃🙃
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
They could've gone over the terrified procedure with me on the first day, but everything else was quick easy and laid back.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Standard SUV
Had a pretty horrendous experience with roadside assistance when my rental got a flat tire, had no spare, and had to be towed. Spent hours on the phone before I could get anyone to tell me where to go to get another rental car. Wasted an entire day of my rental cost. Horrible.
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Mar 2026
People carrier
Booked and paid online, still waited 30 minutes at the desk (with and agent) as they tried to find the car. They then tried to upsell me on a larger car because they couldn’t find the one I booked.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Jan 2026
Pick-up truck
bad and no bueno
1 out of 23
National
9.0
Wonderful
Cleanliness
8.0
Comfort
9.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
9.5
Value for money
9.0
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
19051 Airport Way North
+1 833 679 2045
Monday
07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday
07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday
07:00 - 23:30
Thursday
07:00 - 23:30
Friday
07:00 - 23:30
Saturday
07:00 - 23:30
Sunday
07:00 - 23:30
Filters
No reviews available
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
8.3
Very Good
Cleanliness
9.3
Comfort
8.5
Pick-up/Drop-off
8.6
Value for money
8.3
3 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
1714 E Mcfadden Ave Ste L
+1 714 541 4862
Monday
07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday
07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday
07:30 - 17:30
Thursday
07:30 - 17:30
Friday
07:30 - 17:30
Saturday
Sunday
18601 Airport Way
+1 833 659 1917
Monday
07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday
07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday
07:00 - 23:30
Thursday
07:00 - 23:30
Friday
07:00 - 23:30
Saturday
07:00 - 23:30
Sunday
07:00 - 23:30
2025 S Main St
+1 714 481 7700
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 - 12:00
Sunday
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Bob, Oct 2024
Intermediate SUV
Fast friendly service on both ends of our one-way rental. Vehicle performed as needed. Awesome job!
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Luxury
Really friendly and on task staff @ John Wayne Enterprise
Sixt
7.6
Good
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way
+1 888 749 8227
Monday
07:00 - 23:00
Tuesday
07:00 - 23:00
Wednesday
07:00 - 23:00
Thursday
07:00 - 23:00
Friday
07:00 - 23:00
Saturday
07:00 - 23:00
Sunday
07:00 - 23:00
Filters
No reviews available
Midway
6.3
Okay
3 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
1221 E Warner Ave, Santa Ana
+1 310 330 4600
Monday
00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 23:59
3131 S. Standard Ave
Opening times not available
Santa Ana Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
York Car Rental
4.1
Mediocre
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way
+1 949 252 5200
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Firefly
2.0
Poor
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
3500 Irvine Avenue, Orange County
+1 888 296 9135
Monday
00:00 - 23:59
Tuesday
00:00 - 23:59
Wednesday
00:00 - 23:59
Thursday
00:00 - 23:59
Friday
00:00 - 23:59
Saturday
00:00 - 23:59
Sunday
00:00 - 23:59
Filters
No reviews available
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
John Wayne Airport-Orange County
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Allied
No score available yet
2 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
1333 S Main Street
+1 714 835 4990
Opening times not available
201 E. MacArthur Blvd.
+1 714 850 0900
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
2 locations in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way
Opening times not available
19051 Airport Way North
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Advance Car And Truck Rental
No score available yet
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way, Thomas F. Riley Terminal, Santa Ana, California
+1 949 752 7832
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Avr
No score available yet
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
Santa Ana Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
ICAR LIFESTYLE
No score available yet
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way, Santa Ana, CA, 92707
+1 310 926 6999
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
MAGGIORE
No score available yet
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
John Wayne airport
+1 310 645 2100
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
North Car Rental
No score available yet
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
Airport W. North
+1 949 224 6700
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Rent-4-Less
No score available yet
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
2015 N.Tustin Avenue
(714) 667-0841
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Zeeba Rent-A-Van
No score available yet
One location in Santa Ana
Locations in Santa Ana
18601 Airport Way
+1 800 940 9332
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
311 travellers who hired a car in Santa Ana gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.5
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.
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.
Medium, Small, SUV, Large, Pickup truck, Luxury, Van
Hire locations
33
Airport locations
19
Popular agencies
Dollar, Turo, Alamo, Budget, Avis
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