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A hybrid car is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint while driving through Santa Barbara, but a convertible is a great option when cruising along the coast, especially in the summer, as you can drop the top and enjoy some scenic views. If you're going on a road trip with family or friends, a minivan offers more comfort and space for all the passengers.
The speed limit in Californian cities is usually 25 mph, unless the posted signs say otherwise, particularly in school zones and other residential areas. Two-lane highways have a speed limit of 55 mph, while most highways have a 65 mph limit. However, some highways allow drivers to go a maximum speed of 70 mph.
There are several parking lots in the downtown and waterfront areas. Downtown parking also provides access to State Street and its surroundings, the Old Town, and the Waterfront areas. Parking is paid between 7:30 a.m. and 11 p.m., Sunday to Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The first 75 minutes are free and the following hours have a $1.50 hourly rate.
On average a rental car in Santa Barbara costs $60 per day. But prices differ between operators and you can save money through a price comparison of car rental deals from different agencies. The cheapest price for a car rental in Santa Barbara found in the last 2 weeks is $31.
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest rental cars were found at Hertz ($26/day), Budget ($35/day) and Enterprise Rent-A-Car ($45/day).
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental company in Santa Barbara is Budget (7.1, 83 reviews).
The average gas price in Santa Barbara is $3.89 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between $47 and $62, depending on the car size.
Economy (Chevrolet Aveo Sedan or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Santa Barbara.
Car rental companies onsite at Los Angeles airport include Kyte, Sixt, Priceless, Ace, Fox, Airport Van, NextCar, Budget, Hertz and GREEN MOTION.
Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Los Angeles airport to off-airport locations include Sixt, Priceless, Airport Van, Budget, Hertz, Midway, Thrifty, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo, and Dollar.
Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.
An Economy car rental in Santa Barbara costs $20 per day, on average.
An Intermediate car rental in Santa Barbara costs $22 per day, on average.
A Mini car rental in Santa Barbara costs $23 per day, on average.
On average a rental car in Santa Barbara costs $436 per week ($62 per day).
On average a rental car in Santa Barbara costs $1,867 per month ($62 per day).
Most car rental providers in Santa Barbara offer insurance but the level of protection can differ substantially. If you're unsure whether to get extra protection for your car rental in Santa Barbara, check out KAYAK's car rental insurance guide.
KAYAK has deals for you to compare from 8 car rental agencies in Santa Barbara.
Finding the right price, understanding the add-ons and staying up to date with policy changes can be a challenge. That’s why KAYAK has produced the ultimate guide to renting a car to help you cut though the jargon and make the right choice for your rental car. Find tips and insights for how to book your rental, what car rental insurance you’ll need, how to deal with a car rental agency and what extra fees to expect (and avoid!).
KAYAK searches thousands of car rental agencies to provide you with offers from all car rental agencies operating in Santa Barbara so that you can compare car rental rates, reviews and pick-up and drop-off locations to find the best deal for you.
The recommended speed limit in Santa Barbara is 35 to 55 mph. However, depending on location, it's safe to drive at 35 mph on city highways, but rural interstates allow up to 75 mph. Therefore, confirm and comply with the designated speed limits on the road signs.
The average gas price in Santa Barbara is $5.89 per gallon. Conserve Fuel, Fuel Depot, and Exxon are a few examples of gas stations in Santa Barbara selling gas at a reasonable price. You can also fuel your car at various stations at the airport, but the prices may be higher.
2 locations in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
305 East Haley Street
+1 805 965 1070
500 Fowler Road
+1 805 964 6792
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2024
2.0 Poor
Nov 2023
6.0 Okay
Oct 2023
4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2023
6.0 Okay
Oct 2023
2.0 Poor
Oct 2022
One location in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
500 Fowler Road
+1 866 434 2226
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Apr 2024
2.0 Poor
May 2021
Pros:
My flight got in at6pm, the desk had closed at 5pm. No car for me!Cons:
Knowing that I cannot get a car from Dollar after 5pm, I would have rented from Budget.10.0 Wonderful
May 2021
Pros:
The check in and check out was very quick and easy, and they were very helpful when I had questions on the vehicle.10.0 Wonderful
Mar 2021
Pros:
Yes, staff was terrific. Very helpful.Cons:
Nothing it was perfect2.0 Poor
Dec 2020
Cons:
i made a reservation only to arrive and be told there are no vehicles. once i made the reservation, the desk could have at least called to let me know. people make plans and rely on companies to have the product they reserve3.6 Poor
Jul 2020
Pros:
Drop off was easy.Cons:
I paid for a full size vehicle at least a week in advance. When I arrived to pick it up they didn't have one. We got stuck in a smaller car and couldn't get ahold of any customer service at priceline or kayak.2 locations in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
305 East Haley Street
+1 805 965 1079
500 Fowler Road
+1 805 964 4848
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Feb 2024
4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Cons:
The staff at pickup in Santa Barbara used deceitful tactics to pressure us into paying for an upgrade.4.0 Mediocre
Jun 2020
Pros:
Staff Sue gave me a car that needed an oil change and didn’t apply insurance to vehicle. Then when I swopped the cars I needed to make a new contract That didn’t honor the daily rate and cut my trip by 2 daysCons:
Honesty and accountability of the staff8.4 Very good
Jun 2019
Pros:
Friendly and professional staff.Cons:
The rental car was not in the space on my card. No car was parked in that space. Luckily there was an attendant in the lot who approached me and found my car, and I did not have to return to the terminal.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2019
Pros:
Accommodated special request2.4 Poor
Nov 2018
Cons:
I have lieved in SB for 40 years and have driven to the airport many times. I drove past the Avis return 2x before finding it. The parking area is very poorly lit at night and the sinage is terrible. There are no arrows, signs,etc as to where to return the keys, the car, etc. The staff at the Avis desk was most unhelpful. The attendant appeared lazy and like I was bothering her to return the keys. I had the impression I had really interrupted her evening and she had more important things to do than check me out ad take the keys back. Very poor expereince.3 locations in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
3210 State St
+1 805 966 3097
500 James Fowler Rd
+1 805 683 3012
601 Chapala St
+1 805 966 3097
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Oct 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Sep 2023
10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2020
Pros:
Very helpful staff, pick up and drop-offCons:
Nothing. Really appreciated the savings offered by using Kayak on the catastrophic coverage!8.0 Very good
Nov 2020
Pros:
Staff was really friendly and very accommodating. The pick up and drop off was fast and easy4.0 Mediocre
Oct 2020
Pros:
The staff was able to point me in the right direction after they recognized their mistake.2.0 Poor
Sep 2020
Pros:
A refund on the vehicle i never usedCons:
You guys couldve been more prepared with more vehiclesOne location in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
500 James Fowler Rd
+1 805 692 0939
Filters
Reviews
8.0 Very good
May 2021
Pros:
The woman who helped me with drop off was incredibly helpful2.0 Poor
May 2021
Cons:
They did not have my car available and said they tried to call me, but I never got a call. I needed a 12 person van, so it was not easy to find another one. Thankfully AVIS helped me out at the last minute!2.0 Poor
Dec 2020
Cons:
Vehicle that I reserved was not available when I went go pick up.10.0 Wonderful
Nov 2020
Cons:
I liked the small airport with car pick up right outside the terminal. Very convenient, quick, and simple. Would probably choose a slightly larger car than a Toyota Corolla for four adults.9.6 Wonderful
Aug 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly and efficientCons:
Car was a little dirty inside.9.6 Wonderful
Jun 2020
Pros:
Easy, fast, and safe.2 locations in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
16 S. La Cumbre Road
+1 805 967 1927
633 E Cabrillo Blvd
+1 805 962 5305
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Dec 2021
2.0 Poor
Dec 2021
4.0 Mediocre
May 2021
Cons:
The car had not been cleaned. The customer service was lacking.10.0 Wonderful
Apr 2021
Pros:
Easy pickup8.0 Very good
Aug 2020
Pros:
Car had been smoked in. It reeked.9.6 Wonderful
Jul 2020
Pros:
Friendly staff, accommodating.Cons:
I chose the wrong pick up location by accident.One location in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
500 James Fowler Rd
+1 805 692 0939
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Nov 2021
One location in Santa Barbara
Locations in Santa Barbara
Filters
No reviews available
Pick-up location | Santa Barbara |
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Car types | Compact, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, Minivan, Pickup truck, Premium, Standard, Standard SUV, Supplier choice |
Rental locations | 13 |
Airport locations | 7 |
Popular agencies | Turo, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, Avis, Budget |