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Car rental Santa Barbara
At a glance
Locations: Find all Hertz car rental locations in Santa Barbara, CA including at Santa Barbara Airport (SBA).
Fleet: Browse the full range of rental cars in Santa Barbara and find the right one for your trip.
Things to do: Discover the best things to do in Santa Barbara and how a rental car gets you there, like the Santa Barbara Waterfront.
FAQs: Everything you need to know about car rental in Santa Barbara, from one-way options to long-term rental and FAQs.
Renting a car at Santa Barbara
Roam Santa Barbara, California with a Hertz car rental, picking up from Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), around 8 miles and a 15-minute drive from downtown.
Santa Barbara’s attractions are spread along miles of coastline, from the Funk Zone to Montecito, and the city’s transit options don’t cover all of it well. A rental car means you can move between the beach, the wine country inland, and the American Riviera’s Spanish colonial streets on your own schedule.
Book an SUV rental car in Santa Barbara if you need more room for luggage or passengers. Convertibles are a popular choice here too, with the coastal roads and Pacific views making the most of open-top driving.
Santa Barbara rental locations
Santa Barbara rental car options
Popular vehicles to rent in Santa Barbara
Things to do in Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Waterfront
132-A Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Experience the scenic vistas of the Pacific Ocean at the charming Santa Barbara Waterfront. Listen to the waves hitting the shoreline as you sit or stroll along, taking in the breathtaking views. It’s located on the coast, just a little off the center of downtown. Here, there are 252 acres of tidelands and submerged lands, comprising Harbor and Stearns Wharf. Some activities you can do here are kiteboarding, sailing, paddling, and more. It’ll be a fun day out for the family, something the kids will love. There’s plenty of parking nearby.
The Lark Santa Barbara
131 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
If you’re by the waterfront, pop into The Lark Santa Barbara if you’re in the mood for food. Located in the Funk Zone arts district, it serves New American and California farm-to-table cuisine. The setting is trendy, and the service quality is exceptional. Choose from a delectable menu that includes Morro Bay grassy bar oysters, jidori free range fried chicken, New Orleans shrimp toast, and much more. It’s a foodie haven, with the offerings looking as good as they taste. Add it to your places to visit in Santa Barbara for an unforgettable dining experience.
Santa Barbara Inn
901 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Santa Barbara Inn is a boutique hotel with amazing coastal views by East Beach and Sycamore Creek, with a private parking lot for your rentals. Also, if you’re renting an EV, there’s a spot to charge up for your ride. Room options include standard rooms with a king bed, premium suites with a balcony view (partial ocean view), and luxury suites with a full ocean view, to name a few. If you’re after something with a bit more flair, there’s even a penthouse. Relax in the swimming pool, top up your tan on the sun loungers, and unwind in the hot tub at this luxury hotel in Santa Barbara.
Long term car rental
If you’re planning on staying in Santa Barbara for a temporary period, a long term car rental can provide you with a set of wheels to help you get around while you’re here. There’s no long-winded, multiple step booking needed, book once, and drive throughout your stay, with flexible end dates.
One-way car rental
Book a one-way car rental if you’re planning on starting in Santa Barbara but ending it in another location. This saves you from doubling back and gives you more flexibility to plan journeys. So, if you’re flying back from another location, or planning a linear trip, a one-way car rental is the solution.
Business rental
Traveling for work doesn’t need to leave you relying on others. Having your own business rental gives you your own mode of transportation, so getting to meetings, client visits, sales leads and networking events, as well as dinners with colleagues and prospects, becomes simple. Collect your keys by skipping the line with a Hertz Gold+ membership.
Popular road trips from Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara to Los Angeles
94.7 miles & 1 hour and 42 minutes
Drive along US-101 and, via Highway 1, pass Ventura, Oxnard, Point Mugu and Malibu, with Pacific views and the Santa Monica Mountains. In Los Angeles, expect beaches, Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood, Downtown LA and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Santa Barbara to San Diego
218 miles & 3 hours and 27 minutes
Follow US-101/Highway 1 past Ventura, Malibu, Santa Monica and Orange County’s coastal cities, then I-5 through North San Diego County. Along the way are beaches, piers and ocean views. In San Diego, see La Jolla, Balboa Park, and the waterfront.
Santa Barbara to Las Vegas, NV
359 miles & 5 hours and 28 minutes
The route heads east through the Los Angeles area before joining I-15 toward the Mojave Desert, passing Barstow and the Calico Ghost Town area. In Las Vegas, expect the Strip’s resorts, fountains, themed hotels, and major entertainment venues.
FAQs when renting a car in Santa Barbara
How much does it cost to rent a car in Santa Barbara?
The cost to rent a car in Santa Barbara depends on your choice of vehicle, when you book it, optional extras, and how long the rental period is. Start a reservation to get an idea of how much it could cost you.
Where can I pick up a Hertz rental car at Santa Barbara Airport?
You can pick up a Hertz rental car at Santa Barbara Airport inside the baggage claim area. Vehicle drop-off and pick-up is in the adjacent lot south of the terminal.
Do you need a rental car in Santa Barbara?
Having a rental car in Santa Barbara can be advantageous due to the distance between downtown, the surrounding beaches, and drives along Highway 101 and the Central Coast. Having one gives you the freedom to roam on your own terms.
Can I rent a convertible in Santa Barbara?
Yes, convertibles are part of the wider Hertz fleet and may be available to rent in Santa Barbara. Browse convertibles to see the range on offer. Availability at this specific location can’t be guaranteed, as vehicles move between Hertz lots. Reserve in advance and confirm availability for your dates through the booking widget.
What types of car can I rent in Santa Barbara?
There are lots of types of car you can rent in Santa Barbara. With an array of different options, you’re spoiled for choice with the vast Hertz fleet. Pick a vehicle that satisfies your personal needs.
Can I rent a car one-way from Santa Barbara?
Yes, you can rent a car one-way from Santa Barbara. It opens up possibilities to start and finish your rental period in different places, giving you the flexibility to travel to other places without needing to drive back to Santa Barbara.
