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Finding a rental car in Santa Cruz is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of suppliers around California with no booking fees. Pick up downtown or at nearby San Jose Airport and cruise Highway 1 to redwood parks, surf breaks and Monterey. Summer inventory goes fast, so lock in your Santa Cruz car rental early for more choice and low prices.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz City Locations | • No airport fees • Convenient for downtown stays • Multiple providers (Enterprise, Hertz, Budget) • Located near hotel clusters |
• Limited operating hours (usually 8am-6pm) • Closed Sundays at most locations • Smaller selection of vehicles • Book ahead - smaller fleets can sell out |
| San Jose Airport (SJC) | • Larger selection of vehicles • Competitive pricing due to more providers • 24/7 availability at most counters • Only 35 miles (56 km) from Santa Cruz |
• 11% airport concession fee • Additional customer facility charge • Need to drive Highway 17 (mountain road) • 45-60 minute drive to Santa Cruz |
| Monterey Airport (MRY) | • Closer than SFO • Less traffic than San Jose route • Scenic drive to Santa Cruz • Smaller, less crowded airport |
• Fewer rental options than major airports • Higher rates due to limited competition • Limited flight options if flying in • 45 minutes from Santa Cruz |
On average, car rentals in Santa Cruz cost around $78 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $42 per day.
Compare pickup spots: Check rates for Santa Cruz downtown versus San Jose Airport. Airport bases can look cheaper until you add the 11 % concession fee and facility charges. Local city counters skip those fees but stock sells out fast in summer.
Shift your calendar: Starting a rental on Mon-Thu is usually cheaper than a Friday/Saturday pickup around the Beach Boardwalk rush. Even a one-day shift can drop the price.
Watch the calendar spikes: UCSC graduation, move-in weekends and summer holidays send prices soaring. If your dates are flexible, slide a day or two before/after the event window.
Check weekly pricing: In Santa Cruz a 5-7 day "weekly" rate often costs less than paying the daily rate for 4-5 days. Always run both quotes on the comparison page.
Go small, save big: Compact and economy cars are not only cheaper to rent but fit Santa Cruz's tight downtown and beach parking. Less fuel used on Highway 1 adventures too.
Refuel smart: Top up at inland gas stations (Mission St or Soquel Ave) before returning. They run 30-50 cents cheaper than pumps near Highway 1 or the airports.
Places to Park:
| Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Santa Cruz | Hourly metered rates | • Metered street spaces • Time limits usually 1-2 hours • Enforced most days until evening • Free on some holidays |
| Municipal Parking Lots | Hourly and daily rates | • Several city lots downtown • Soquel/Front garage convenient for downtown • River Front garage near shopping and river |
| Beach Area Parking | Hourly and daily rates | • Lots at Main Beach, Cowell's Beach, Natural Bridges • Can fill by midday during peak season • Some nearby street spaces (read signs carefully) |
| UC Santa Cruz | Hourly and daily visitor permits | • Visitor permits required • Pay stations in designated lots • Limited availability during academic year |
| State Parks/Beaches | Day-use fee | • Day use fees at most state beaches and parks • Annual passes available for frequent visitors |
Important Local Driving Rules:
Get a car so you can see:
Henry Cowell & Big Basin Redwoods – redwood groves
Monterey & Carmel – Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel Village
Big Sur – Highway 1 vistas
Santa Cruz Mountains – wineries, Felton, Boulder Creek
Highway 1 State Beaches – Natural Bridges, Wilder Ranch
Silicon Valley/San Jose – tech campuses, museums
Should I rent from Santa Cruz or from San Jose Airport?
If you're flying in, you'll find more car options and often better prices at San Jose Airport (SJC), even with the airport fees. If you're already in Santa Cruz, renting from a local place saves you a trip to the airport and you might avoid airport fees, but they have fewer cars to choose from.
Is Highway 17 difficult to drive for visitors?
Highway 17 is a curvy, four-lane mountain highway that sometimes has heavy traffic. Most drivers can handle it if they are careful. Drive defensively, stay in the right lane if you're driving slower and avoid rush hour (southbound in the morning, northbound in the evening). You can take another route like Soquel–San Jose Road when the weather is bad or traffic is heavy.
Do I need a 4WD or special vehicle for visiting local attractions?
A standard 2WD car will work for most attractions in Santa Cruz. You can reach all the main roads and state parks in a regular car. A car that sits a little higher off the ground might feel more comfortable on some park roads, but you don't need one. We suggest you choose a car that has the comfort and space you need for what you plan to do.
Where's the best place to park for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk?
The Boardwalk has its own parking lots where you have to pay ($20–$30 in summer), which fill up fast on weekends and summer days. You should arrive before 11 a.m. to get a spot. You can also park at the River Front or Soquel/Front city garages downtown or find metered street parking a few blocks away. In the busy season, a vintage trolley (25 ¢ fare) runs between downtown and the Boardwalk, so you can easily get a ride.
Is it worth getting a convertible in Santa Cruz?
You might enjoy driving a convertible along the coast, especially on West Cliff Drive and Highway 1. However, you should know that the coast is often foggy and cool, mostly in the mornings and evenings. If you really want to take scenic drives and you're visiting during the clearer months (Aug–Oct), you'll have fun in a convertible.
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