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Finding a rental car in Santa Barbara is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands across California with no reservation fees. Pick up at Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) or downtown and be on Highway 101 in minutes, ready for beach hopping, wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley or a run up the Pacific Coast.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
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| Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) |
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| Downtown Santa Barbara |
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| Upper State Street |
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Additional Notes: Santa Barbara is served by Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight routes, and the train station is downtown. Rental locations are often in walking distance or a short ride from the station. Major rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz and Avis have multiple locations throughout the city.
On average, car rentals in Santa Barbara cost around $76 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $29 per day.
Compare pickup spots: SBA adds ~10-15% in airport fees. If you're staying downtown, a $15–$20 rideshare to a city branch can wipe those fees out fast.
Watch local events: Rates spike during Fiesta (early Aug), Film Festival (Jan/Feb) and UCSB graduation. Shifting pickup a day or two outside these windows often drops the price.
Test "weekly" pricing: Even on a 4-5 day trip, a 7-day rental can be cheaper. Always run both options before you book.
Leverage free parking: Downtown garages give you the first 75-90 minutes free. Park, wander State Street on foot, and keep daily mileage (and fuel) low.
Finding a Spot:
Local Driving Rules:
Having your own wheels lets you explore the coast, mountains and wine country beyond the compact downtown.
Santa Ynez Valley – vineyards, tasting rooms
Los Olivos – boutiques, wine bars
Solvang – Danish village, bakeries
Gaviota Coast – beaches, ocean vistas
Ojai – art galleries, farmers market
Los Padres National Forest – trailheads, scenic overlooks
What's the best vehicle for exploring Santa Barbara and surrounding areas?
A standard sedan is enough for most visitors. You might want a convertible to enjoy the famous scenic drives along the coast and through wine country. An SUV will give you a better view on mountain roads and can be more comfortable for longer day trips.
Is parking difficult in downtown Santa Barbara?
You can find plenty of parking in city-owned garages, and most give you the first 75 minutes free. You have to pay at a meter for street parking, and it can be hard to find a spot during busy times. During big events like the Summer Solstice Parade or Old Spanish Days Fiesta, you should expect parking downtown to be much harder.
What is the drive like from Santa Barbara to wine country?
For the best views, you can take Highway 154 over San Marcos Pass. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the middle of the Santa Ynez Valley. The road has mountain curves and goes up and down hills, but the state keeps it in good shape. Another option is taking Highway 101 to Buellton then Highway 246 east. This way is a little longer but has fewer curves.
Are there any driving restrictions I should be aware of?
The city turned parts of State Street in downtown into a walkway for people, so you can't drive on them. You should pay attention to signs because the traffic flow has changed in the last few years. Also, in some neighborhoods near downtown and the beach, you might need a permit to park on the street or can only park for a limited time.
How far in advance should I book a rental car?
For busy times like summer and during special events like the Film Festival, Fiesta or UCSB graduation, you should book 2–3 weeks ahead to get the best choice of cars and prices. During slower times like winter (not including holidays), booking one week ahead is usually enough. You can rent a car at the last minute, but you may have fewer cars to choose from and it might cost more.
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