Car Rental Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO)

Reasons to book a car rental at Santa Monica Airport

Renting a car at Santa Monica Airport is a practical choice for your trip, offering the freedom to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, managing your luggage becomes easy, and you can enjoy flexible travel plans. You can visit key attractions such as Santa Monica Beach, located 5 km away, where you can relax and soak up the sun. The iconic Santa Monica Pier, situated 4 km from the airport, provides a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and picturesque views. Additionally, you can explore Rodeo Drive, a shopping destination just 7 km away, ideal for those looking to experience the city vibe. Having a rental car also allows you to venture further into popular destinations such as Los Angeles, home to Universal Studios Hollywood, and the vibrant city of Santa Monica, which features more stunning beaches and attractions. Just 3 km away, Venice offers unique experiences like Muscle Beach and more beach fun. With a rental car, you can enjoy the convenience of visiting these attractions comfortably and efficiently, making your trip both enjoyable and memorable.

Most popular car rentals near Santa Monica Airport

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice for travellers at Santa Monica airport, accommodating up to 5 passengers and allowing for up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it ideal for families, couples, or small groups who need extra space for luggage while enjoying the comfort of a larger vehicle. With its versatile size, a Midsize SUV offers the perfect balance between spaciousness and manoeuvrability, making it great for exploring the surrounding areas.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is another well-booked option at Santa Monica airport, accommodating 5 travellers and fitting up to 2 medium suitcases. It’s a fantastic choice for couples, families, or groups looking for a vehicle that provides ample room without being overly large. This car is designed for those who want a comfortable ride while maintaining the flexibility needed to navigate the local attractions easily.
• Economy: The Economy car is an excellent option for solo travellers, couples, or families, accommodating up to 5 passengers with space for 2 medium suitcases. Known for its efficiency, this car type is perfect for those wanting a budget-friendly rental without sacrificing comfort. It’s ideal for navigating the Santa Monica area while ensuring that you have enough room for your essentials, making it a practical choice for various travel needs.

Top rated car suppliers near Santa Monica Airport

• Sixt: Sixt is a popular choice for travellers seeking a premium car rental experience. With 2 rental locations within 3 km of Santa Monica airport, Sixt provides a convenient option for those arriving in the area. Their most booked vehicles include Midsize SUVs and Luxury cars, catering to those who desire comfort and style during their travels.
• Budget: Budget stands out with over 5 rental locations situated within 3 km of Santa Monica airport, making it a convenient option for various travel plans. Known for offering competitive prices, Budget's most popular rentals include Midsize and Standard SUVs, ideal for families or groups looking for space and versatility on their adventures.
• Avis: Avis is another excellent rental option, featuring more than 5 locations within 3 km of Santa Monica airport. With a reputation for quality service, Avis offers a selection of Midsize SUVs and Standard vehicles that are frequently booked by travellers. This supplier is well-suited for those looking for reliable transportation while exploring the Santa Monica area.

Where to stay near Santa Monica Airport

• Santa Monica: Known for its stunning beachfront, Santa Monica offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Stay close to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, where you can enjoy local shops and restaurants. The popular Santa Monica Beach is ideal for sunbathing and beach activities, making it a prime destination for leisure. With its central location, visitors can easily explore nearby attractions like Venice Beach, which is also a short distance away.
• Hollywood: Located approximately 14 km from Santa Monica, Hollywood is a must-visit for those intrigued by film and entertainment. A stay here puts you within reach of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the famous Hollywood Boulevard. The area is rich in cultural experiences, with numerous theaters and shopping areas to explore. Families can also take advantage of nearby attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood, ensuring a fun-filled visit.

9 tips to save on your Airport car rental near Santa Monica

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 drives, or a compact car for extra luggage, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance for some of the best rates: It’s generally advisable to secure your SMO car rental as early as possible for better rates and a wider selection. Booking 1-3 months ahead is optimal, particularly before peak seasons.
3. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and the availability of certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might be restricted. This can also apply to renters over 70 years of age. Always verify the age requirements before finalising your booking.
4. Consider a budget-friendly car for savings: Smaller vehicles, like economy or compact cars, are generally more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best approach. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling options, which are also acceptable. Just ensure to return the car empty in such cases.
6. Know your payment options: Most rental companies require a credit card in the name of the driver for security deposits. Debit cards may not always be accepted.
7. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unexpected occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
8. Check for unlimited mileage: If you plan to spend considerable time on the road, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges on longer journeys.
9. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car from Santa Monica Airport

The best value period to rent a car from Santa Monica Airport is December, when prices are lower and demand remains average. November also offers moderately low demand, making it a good option. May presents slightly low prices but average demand, serving as another shoulder period. In contrast, July tends to be the most expensive month with average demand, while March sees high demand and prices that are slightly elevated. August experiences slightly low prices but remains moderately busy.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
February	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
April	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	69.8°F (21.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
July	74.3°F (23.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	75.7°F (24.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
September	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low