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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals in Santa Maria, California. Compare rates and make bookings in one place. Choose from airport or downtown pick-ups and hit Highway 101 for quick drives to Pismo Beach, Solvang and the Santa Maria Valley wine trail.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Maria Public Airport (SMX) |
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| City Center (South Broadway) |
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Additional Notes: At SMX, rental car counters are located in the terminal and vehicles parked in an adjacent lot. The airport is approximately 3 miles (5 km) from downtown, accessible by taxi or rideshare if you prefer renting from a city location.
On average, car rentals in Santa Maria cost around $84 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $43 per day.
Compare SMX Airport vs. South Broadway pickups. City-center desks often dodge airport facility fees, so run both quotes and see if the taxi or rideshare into town still leaves you ahead.
Shift your rental window. Rates dip mid-week and on winter weekdays. If your trip is flexible, try a Tuesday-to-Tuesday search instead of the classic Fri-Mon.
Lock in a cancelable booking for summer & festival weekends. Tiny SMX fleets sell out fast, and prices jump. Reserve early, then keep re-checking and re-booking if cheaper deals pop up.
Weekly deals can beat short rentals. In Santa Maria you'll often pay less for 5-7 days than for 4. Add an extra day, then drop off early—most suppliers refund unused time on a weekly rate.
Finding a Spot:
Local Driving Rules:
Book a car rental to get to:
Pismo Beach – pier, shoreline, seafood spots
Los Olivos and Solvang – wineries, shops
Foxen Canyon Road – vineyards, tasting rooms
Los Padres National Forest – hiking trails, campgrounds
What documents do I need to rent a car in Santa Maria?
You'll usually need a valid driver's license and a major credit card in your name. You don't often need to show proof of insurance, but bringing it can speed things up. If you're visiting from another country, bring your passport. You may also need an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English, as some companies require it.
Are there any age restrictions for renting in Santa Maria?
Most companies require you to be at least 21 years old. If you're under 25, they will usually charge a young driver fee. You might need to be 25 or older to rent certain types of cars.
Can I drive my Santa Maria rental to Mexico?
Most rental companies don't let you take their cars into Mexico. If a company does allow it, you would need to buy special Mexican car insurance and get written permission from them.
What happens if I return the car after hours?
Most airport locations have a secure drop box for your keys. Follow the rental company's instructions and take time-stamped photos of the car's condition and fuel level for your records.
Is it worth upgrading to an SUV?
A standard car is fine for driving on city streets and highways. You should consider an SUV if you plan to explore rougher roads in Los Padres National Forest or need extra space for luggage and outdoor gear.
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