United Kingdom
GBP

Santa Monica car hires from £40/day

Driver's age: 25-65

Save up to 40% on car rentals. Compare deals from all over the web.

Never overpay with our price tracking tools.

Filter searches by price, agency and more to find your best car rental.

Car Rental Deals
Booking Insights
Car Rental Deals

Cheap car hire in Santa Monica

Kia Soul car
Kia Soul
or similar Small
4
2
4-5
£40/day
View deal
Chrysler Pacifica car
Chrysler Pacifica
or similar Van
5
5
4-5
£65/day
View deal
GMC Yukon car
GMC Yukon
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
£85/day
View deal
Class Luxury Car car
Class Luxury Car
or similar Luxury
5
5
4-5
£65/day
View deal
Jaguar F-Pace car
Jaguar F-Pace
or similar SUV
5
5
4-5
£75/day
View deal
Booking Insights

KAYAK’s insights & trends for Santa Monica car hire

Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Santa Monica with confidence.

How far in advance should you book car hire in Santa Monica?

You should book your car hire in Santa Monica around 32 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.

What is the most popular car to hire in Santa Monica?

Hires in the Luxury category (BMW X1 or similar) are the most popular option in Santa Monica, costing £59/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as £57/day.

What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Santa Monica?

The cheapest month to hire a car in Santa Monica is January at an average cost of £32/day. March is the most expensive month to hire a car in Santa Monica when prices are £45/day on average, which tends to be 18% above the yearly average hire price for Santa Monica.

Which car hire company in Santa Monica has the most locations?

Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates 5 locations in Santa Monica, more than any other car hire company.

Find deals

Santa Monica car hire price comparison by vehicle type

Find the right car hire in Santa Monica by comparing prices across vehicle types.

Small cars

£23 - £37

All Car Types

£45 - £61

How much does it cost to hire a small car in Santa Monica?

How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Santa Monica?

How much does it cost to hire a large car in Santa Monica?

How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Santa Monica?

How much does it cost to hire a van in Santa Monica?

How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Santa Monica?

How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Santa Monica?

How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Santa Monica?

Small car hire in Santa Monica typically costs around £30 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £23 per day, which is about 24% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 44% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Monica, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.

Medium car hire in Santa Monica 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. Medium cars are usually 14% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Monica, offering a good balance of space and value.

Large car hire in Santa Monica typically cost around £49 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £33 per day, which is about 33% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 8% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Monica, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.

SUV hire in Santa Monica typically costs around £57 per day. The best time to book is November, when prices average £39 per day, which is about 32% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 8% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Monica but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.

Van hire in Santa Monica typically costs around £85 per day. The best time to book is April, when prices average £58 per day, which is about 32% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 38% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Monica but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.

Pickup truck hire in Santa Monica typically costs around £48 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average £24 per day, which is about 50% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 10% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Monica, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.

Luxury car hire in Santa Monica typically costs around £68 per day. The best time to book is February, when prices average £53 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 23% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Monica but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.

Convertible hire in Santa Monica typically costs around £75 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average £60 per day, which is about 20% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 30% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Monica but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.

Good to know

Most popular agency

Most popular car type

Average price

Good deal

Budget
Medium
£49/day
£39/day

KAYAK’s top tips for hiring 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 a car hire in Santa Monica for £39 or less
  • Medium hire cars in Santa Monica are around 47% cheaper than other car types, on average

FAQs about car hire in Santa Monica

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Santa Monica?

    As Santa Monica is a busy city with limited parking, a compact vehicle can be a convenient choice for a rental car. Not only will it be easier for you to weave in and out of traffic, you will also be able to better navigate the narrow streets in the city’s downtown area.

  • What’s the speed limit in Santa Monica?

    Speed limits for streets within the city often range from 25 to 45mph depending on where they are located and how busy they are. If you are driving near a school, you can expect the speed limit to drop to 20mph. Freeways usually have a maximum of 65mph, while the maximum for the Pacific Coast Highway is closer to 55mph, depending on how windy the section of road is. Many of the city’s intersections have their own traffic cameras, and police officers are frequently stationed both within the city and along the main freeways. Always make sure to follow traffic laws in order to drive safely and avoid receiving a fine.

  • Where are the best places to park in Santa Monica?

    While you might be able to find some free street parking in Santa Monica, it is usually easiest to opt for a paid parking lot or garage. The Santa Monica Pier deck parking lot is open 24h a day, with fees ranging from around $2.50 to $3.75 per hour. There are also several beach parking lots, such as the Annenberg Community Beach House, which is open from 6am to midnight and charges approximately $3 per hour. Parking is available 24h a day at the Civic Center and Main Library, and the first 30min are free.

  • How much does it cost to hire a car in Santa Monica?

    On average a car hire in Santa Monica costs £49 per day.

  • Which car hire agencies are at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car hire companies onsite at Los Angeles airport include Ace, Fox, Europcar, EL8 Luxury Car Rental, Yesaway, Midway, Movly, Sixt, U-Save and FlexWays.

  • Which car hire companies will pick you up at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Los Angeles airport to off-airport locations include Europcar, Midway, Sixt, U-Save, NU Car, Economy Rent a Car, Alamo, National and Thrifty.

  • How can I find car hires near me in Santa Monica?

    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 Monica?

    A Medium car hire in Santa Monica costs £35 per day, on average.

  • What is the most popular car hire location in Santa Monica?

    In Santa Monica, cars are most frequently hired at Enterprise Rent-A-Car 5251 W 98th St (8 miles from city centre).

  • Should I get insurance when hiring a car in Santa Monica?

    Most car hire providers in Santa Monica 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 Monica, check out KAYAK's car hire insurance guide.

Santa Monica car hire reviews and directory

 

Midway

9.7

Wonderful

Cleanliness

10.0

Comfort

9.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.7

Value for money

9.7

2 locations in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1719 Santa Monica Blvd

Opening times not available

1901, Ocean Avenue

Opening times not available

Filters

Reviews

8.0 Very Good

bjorn, May 2025

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Finding car drop off at LAX not very clear but otherwise easy, convenient and affordable

10.0 Wonderful

Robert, Mar 2025

Intermediate

KAYAK
Excellent rental experience all the way around. The customer service and general manager were terrific. She upgraded me because they did not have the car rented currently on the lot. It was a The customer service and general manager were terrific. She upgraded me because they did not have the car rented currently on the lot. It was an excellent Experience and a great value. Midway is the best.!

1 out of 2

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

9.3

Wonderful

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

9.3

5 locations in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1702 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 310 395 4941

Opening times not available

1719 Wilshire Blvd

+1 310 395 4941

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 13:00
Sunday

1723 Wilshire Blvd

+1 310 478 5216

Monday08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday08:00 - 18:00
Thursday08:00 - 18:00
Friday08:00 - 18:00
Saturday09:00 - 14:00
Sunday

2700 Lincoln Blvd

+1 310 452 9100

Opening times not available

2703 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 424 416 5073

Monday08:00 - 17:30
Tuesday08:00 - 17:30
Wednesday08:00 - 17:30
Thursday08:00 - 17:30
Friday08:00 - 17:30
Saturday
Sunday

Filters

No reviews available

Avis

9.3

Wonderful

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.6

Value for money

8.0

3 locations in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1027 Broadway

+1 310 453 4421

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 14:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

1700 Ocean Avenue

+1 424 272 7305

Monday13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 12:00
Tuesday08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Wednesday13:00 - 16:0008:00 - 12:00
Thursday08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Friday08:00 - 12:0013:00 - 16:00
Saturday08:00 - 14:00

2423 Lincoln Blvd

+1 424 428 0216

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

John, Oct 2023

Convertible

KAYAK
Excellent no issues whatsoever

1 out of 1

Sixt

7.6

Good

Cleanliness

8.3

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.6

Value for money

7.6

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1515 Ocean Ave

+1 888 749 8227

Monday09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 17:00
Friday09:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 15:00
Sunday09:00 - 15:00

Filters

No reviews available

Budget

6.0

Okay

Cleanliness

7.0

Comfort

5.5

Pick-up/Drop-off

5.5

Value for money

6.0

2 locations in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1027 Broadway

+1 310 393 9194

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 14:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

2423 Lincoln Blvd

+1 424 428 0219

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 13:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Full-size

KAYAK
The rental office was closed at the time of my reservation. I waited for 25 minutes then called Budget. The phone rep said he would transfer my reservation to another location 15 miles away “for no charge” and then put me on hold. 10 minutes later (still on hold) someone showed up. At this point we were running more than 30 minutes behind schedule and I had to press the agent to confirm that I would be returning the car 30 minutes later as well. She begrudgingly adjusted the contract. She told me the car’s fuel tank was at 3/4 and to return it with 3/4 full. When I returned the car, a different agent checked everything and noticed the fuel tank wasn’t full, it was 7/8 full and that I would be charged to top it up. I told him that I actually was returning it with more gas than I got it with and also 30 minutes early and that I should be charging him for my time and the extra fuel I just gifted Budget. Every single person I interacted with at Budget was completely sour, confrontational and trying to nickel and dime me out of time, money and fuel. This was a very expensive rate and at that price point, you really need to show up on time and not threaten charges when you are being gifted fuel and given an early return. What you should really do is say “thank you.”

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Nothing really

1 out of 1

Hertz

6.0

Okay

Cleanliness

5.5

Comfort

6.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.2

Value for money

6.0

2 locations in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1426 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 310 394 2449

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

2519 Lincoln Blvd.

+1 310 578 9700

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Apr 2025

Intermediate

KAYAK
Paid for a car was told he didn’t have any and to call customer services for a refund then told me he had electric I said that’s not what I ordered and isn’t any good.

2.0 Poor

Gia, Feb 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Did not have car available for us that we rented and pre paid for. Only car available was $40 more dollars a day. Total rip off. Terrible service. Never using Hertz again. Not surprised they are bankrupt.

6.0 Okay

Thomas, Oct 2022

KAYAK
The car was not cleaned before handing to me.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2021

KAYAK
Excellent people working in that office!

1 out of 2

Thrifty

5.3

Fair

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1426 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 310 394 2449

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

No reviews available

Dollar

5.2

Fair

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1426 Santa Monica Blvd

+1 310 394 2449

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

Filters

No reviews available

Eagle Rent A Car

No score available yet

3 locations in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

4110 Lincoln Blvd

Opening times not available

Santa Monica Airport

Opening times not available

Santa Monica airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Rent-4-Less

No score available yet

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

3202 Lincoln Blvd

(310) 395 8010

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

VIPCars Recommendation

No score available yet

One location in Santa Monica

Locations in Santa Monica

1901 Ocean Ave. Santa Monica CA UNITED STATES

+1 914 368 0091

Monday08:00 - 16:59
Tuesday08:00 - 16:59
Wednesday08:00 - 16:59
Thursday08:00 - 16:59
Friday08:00 - 16:59
Saturday09:00 - 11:59

Filters

No reviews available

32 travellers who hired a car in Santa Monica gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.3

Car hire locations in or near Santa Monica

Go to map view

Travelling to a place near Santa Monica?

Hire a car at Santa Monica if you plan to visit one of these locations
Universal City
Manhattan Beach
Buena Park
Dana Point
Garden Grove
Calabasas
Big Bear Lake
Brea
Westlake Village
Hermosa Beach
Sherman Oaks
Woodland Hills
Agoura Hills
Monterey Park
Avalon
Aliso Viejo
Carpinteria
Loma Linda
Compton
Montebello

Car hire insurance in Santa Monica

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) & Theft Protection Waiver

Some Santa Monica 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 Monica.

See Collision Damage Waiver offersSee Theft Protection Waiver offers

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 Monica car hire.

See deductible offers

More options for your car hire in Santa Monica

Santa Monica car hire information

Pick-up locationSanta Monica
Car typesSmall, Van, Luxury, SUV
Hire locations22
Airport locations1
Popular agenciesBudget, Avis