Santa Ana Car Rental

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Santa Ana

Renting a car in Santa Ana offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as the Bowers Museum and the historic Old Orange County Courthouse, both located in the city. If you are looking for family-friendly entertainment, Disneyland® Resort is only 9 km away, making it convenient to plan a day filled with fun. Additionally, you can venture to nearby cities like Anaheim, just 11 km away, where you can experience Knott's Berry Farm and Disney California Adventure® Park. Newport Beach, located 15 km from Santa Ana, provides beautiful coastal experiences at Newport Beach Pier and Crystal Cove Beach. For a quick getaway, the city of Orange is only 5 km away and offers options like Irvine Regional Park. Renting a car allows for easy luggage management and the ability to create flexible travel plans, making it an appealing choice for families and those seeking entertainment or cultural experiences in and around Santa Ana.

Most popular car rentals in Santa Ana

• Midsize SUV: This car accommodates up to 5 travellers and offers space for up to 3 large suitcases. It's ideal for families, couples, or small groups looking for comfort and convenience while exploring Santa Ana. With its versatile size, the Midsize SUV provides ample room for passengers and luggage, making it a popular choice for those who value both space and manoeuvrability.
• Standard SUV: Perfect for couples, families, or groups, this vehicle also accommodates 5 travellers but has space for up to 2 medium suitcases. The Standard SUV strikes a great balance between size and comfort, allowing for an enjoyable ride while providing sufficient cargo capacity for your journey in and around Santa Ana. It's an excellent option for those who want a reliable vehicle with enough room for essentials.
• Fullsize: This spacious car can accommodate 5 travellers and carry up to 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, making it ideal for families and groups. The Fullsize vehicle offers generous space for both passengers and luggage, ensuring a comfortable travel experience. Whether you're embarking on a longer trip or need extra room for your belongings, this option is a top choice among travellers in Santa Ana.

Top rated car suppliers in Santa Ana

• Enterprise: Enterprise stands out with 3 rental locations in Santa Ana, providing travellers with convenient access to their services. Known for friendly service and clean vehicles, Enterprise boasts an impressive overall rating of 8.8 out of 10. Customers appreciate the short wait times and the variety of vehicle options, with the Midsize SUV and Premium SUV being the most booked choices. This supplier is an excellent option for travellers looking for a reliable and pleasant rental experience.
• Thrifty Car Rental: Thrifty Car Rental also features 3 locations in the Santa Ana area, making it easy for tourists to pick up their vehicles. The supplier is particularly popular for offering Midsize SUVs and Fullsize cars, catering to a wide range of traveller needs. While specific ratings are not provided, Thrifty is known for its competitive pricing and convenient service, appealing to those seeking budget-friendly car rental solutions in the area.
• Avis: With 3 rental locations in Santa Ana, Avis provides travellers with a variety of vehicle options and easy accessibility. Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs are the most popular choices among customers. Avis is recognized for its efficient service and well-maintained cars, making it a solid choice for those looking to explore Santa Ana and its surroundings comfortably. The combination of convenience and quality service makes Avis a preferred supplier for many visitors.

Where to stay around Santa Ana

• Anaheim: Located 11 km from Santa Ana, Anaheim is a vibrant city perfect for families and those seeking entertainment. Visitors can explore iconic attractions such as the Disneyland® Resort and Disney California Adventure® Park, both ideal for family holidays. The city also features shopping centres and a variety of dining options, making it a convenient base for your adventures in Southern California.
• Newport Beach: Situated 15 km from Santa Ana, Newport Beach is renowned for its beautiful waterfront and outdoor activities. Families can enjoy the scenic Newport Beach Pier and the pristine Crystal Cove Beach. The area also offers shopping centres and an array of restaurants, providing a delightful blend of beach relaxation and urban amenities for a memorable stay.
• Huntington Beach: Also 15 km away from Santa Ana, Huntington Beach is known for its lively atmosphere and outdoor activities. The Huntington Beach Pier serves as a popular gathering spot, while the nearby Disneyland® Resort offers additional entertainment options. With a range of shopping centres and restaurants, this city is an excellent choice for families looking to enjoy both beach time and city life.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer outings, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, leverage the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary depending on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. Booking in advance often leads to lower rates and improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically more affordable to rent and easier to 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 types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may 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 rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is generally the most favourable option. Others might offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are also acceptable; just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: There is often a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the convenience may justify the added cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provide peace of mind in case of unforeseen events during your trip. Adding rental insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning extensive road trips, look for rentals that offer 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 Ana

The best value period to rent a car in and around Santa Ana is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand remains manageable. May also offers good value with similar pricing and low demand. In contrast, March tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand pushing rental costs up. June through August see average prices and demand, making them a busy time for rentals. Meanwhile, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	57.2°F (14.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	57.4°F (14.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly Low
March	59.4°F (15.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
April	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	65.1°F (18.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly High
July	74.3°F (23.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
August	75.9°F (24.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	69.8°F (21.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	63.1°F (17.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
December	56.8°F (13.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average