Santa Clara Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Clara

Renting a car in Santa Clara offers freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting key attractions such as California's Great America, an amusement park perfect for family outings, and the Winchester Mystery House, a historic site located just 4 km away. If you're interested in the tech scene, Silicon Valley is a mere 5 km away, providing exciting outdoor experiences.

A rental car also simplifies travel to nearby destinations like Sunnyvale, which is 7 km from Santa Clara and features Historic Murphy Avenue, or San Jose, located 6 km away, where you can find the same attractions with added convenience. For those travelling for business or sports, having a car allows for easier access to venues such as the Santa Clara Convention Center, situated in Newhall, just 3 km away. Overall, a rental car enhances your experience by allowing you to explore the diverse offerings in and around Santa Clara without the constraints of public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Clara

• Premium: Ideal for business travellers and couples, the Premium car option accommodates up to 5 travellers and can hold up to 4 large suitcases. This option is perfect for those who value comfort and space while travelling in and around Santa Clara, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable ride.
• Midsize: This car type is a great fit for couples and families, as it comfortably seats 5 travellers and provides space for up to 3 large suitcases. The Midsize option strikes a balance between comfort and practicality, making it suitable for various travel plans while exploring the Santa Clara area.
• Economy: Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families, the Economy option accommodates 5 travellers and allows for up to 2 medium suitcases. This choice is particularly appealing for those looking for a cost-effective yet reliable vehicle while enjoying the freedom to explore Santa Clara at their own pace.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Clara

• Enterprise: Enterprise is a popular choice among travellers in Santa Clara, offering 2 convenient rental locations within the area. Known for its excellent customer service, Enterprise provides a wide selection of vehicles, with Midsize and Premium cars being the most booked options. With a focus on flexibility and customer satisfaction, Enterprise ensures a smooth rental experience, making it an ideal choice for those looking to explore the region comfortably.
• Hertz: Hertz is another top car rental supplier in Santa Clara, featuring 2 rental locations throughout the city. This supplier is well-regarded for its diverse fleet, with Midsize SUVs and Economy cars being the most popular among customers. Hertz is appreciated for its efficient service and well-maintained vehicles, allowing travellers to enjoy their journeys with ease and confidence.
• Dollar Rent A Car: Dollar Rent A Car operates 1 rental location in Santa Clara, offering a more focused selection of vehicles. The most booked option is the Fullsize Pickup, catering to those who may need extra space or flexibility for their travels. Known for its competitive rates and straightforward process, Dollar Rent A Car provides a solid option for travellers seeking reliable transportation in the area.

Where to stay around Santa Clara

• San Jose: Located 6 km away from Santa Clara, San Jose offers a vibrant city experience ideal for families and business travellers. Key attractions include the historic Winchester Mystery House and California's Great America amusement park, both perfect for outdoor and adventure activities. With a variety of shopping centres and dining options, including wineries and restaurants, San Jose provides a well-rounded stay close to several local landmarks like the convention centre and sports facility stadium.
• Sunnyvale: Just 7 km from Santa Clara, Sunnyvale is an excellent choice for families seeking outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the amusement park California's Great America or stroll along Historic Murphy Avenue, which is filled with shops and dining choices. The city also boasts proximity to sports facilities and a historic college university, making it a convenient spot for both leisure and business travellers looking for a lively atmosphere.
• Milpitas: Situated 10 km away from Santa Clara, Milpitas caters to families and business-themed travellers with its shopping malls and theme parks. Highlights include the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a cultural temple, and the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, which offers entertainment for families. The city is also close to California's Great America amusement park, providing more options for outdoor fun, making it a versatile destination for various types of visitors.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Santa Clara

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you discover the perfect vehicle for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars tend to be more affordable to rent and are easier to manoeuvre and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years old may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is generally the most favourable. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car at airports, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unexpected events during your trip. It’s simple to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning on taking long road trips, look for rental agreements that include unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Santa Clara

The best value period to rent a car in and around Santa Clara is September, when prices are moderately low and demand is high. August also offers low demand, making it a quieter choice for rentals. Following that, June and April have average prices and demand, providing decent options. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with moderately high prices and average demand. October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	50.9°F (10.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
February	52.0°F (11.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately Low
March	53.6°F (12.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Moderately High
April	56.8°F (13.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	60.6°F (15.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
June	66.6°F (19.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	70.0°F (21.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Moderately High
August	70.2°F (21.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Average
September	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Moderately Low
October	64.8°F (18.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
November	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
December	50.5°F (10.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Moderately Low