Car hire in Santa Ana, United States

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Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Santa Ana car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Santa Ana pick-up location

There are 47 car hire providers in Santa Ana. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Santa Ana

Hiring a car in Santa Ana: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyUnited Auto Rental
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceRs17,785
Best time to book3 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Santa Ana

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Santa Ana car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santa Ana

  • Whether you need a compact for cruising around town or a bigger ride for the open road, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Santa Ana. Pick from options averaging Rs17,785 a day and travel your way for less.

  • Daily rental prices in Santa Ana start from just Rs10,505.

  • For longer trips, book a weekly rental from Rs49,495 and pack in more adventures.

  • Consider this your cheat code for when to book. Three weeks in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a Santa Ana car hire.

  • Check out the offers available with Stop N Go Rent A Car, Hertz and Green Motion. They're some of the top providers in the city.

  • Whether you book with Stop N Go Rent A Car or another supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Santa Ana car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid extra.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to score a good deal if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Spend less on fuel by choosing a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and bring it back full, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Want to explore freely without worrying about how many miles you clock up? Find rentals with 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and go as far as you like without the extra charges.

Best value car hire options right now

  • Coming in first for value is this company, with prices averaging Rs19,546 a day.

  • Taking second place is this provider, offering daily rates of around Rs25,285.

  • The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly Rs33,221 a day with this supplier.

  • The Intermediate rental category is a dependable choice if you can't decide which ride is right for you. It's also the vehicle type that's booked more than any other in Santa Ana.

Flying to Santa Ana? Think about an airport pick-up

  • Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at John Wayne Airport. If you're flying to Santa Ana through this hub, simply collect your ride after landing and be on your way. The drive to the city centre is about 6 kilometres and takes around 10 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Santa Ana

  • Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or just planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect good fuel efficiency and easy handling.

  • Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that has a few more features but is still easy to drive. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.

  • Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for longer drives, this Santa Ana car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV answers. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also come with extra space and improved safety features.

  • Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Santa Ana makes light work of big hauls and group travel. They're spacious, functional, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Santa Ana car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Make life easier when you rent a car in Santa Ana by adding a few handy extras. Think things like a navigation system to make wrong turns a thing of the past, or reverse cameras that take the pain out of parking.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may offer rentals to younger drivers at an extra cost, so carefully review the policies before locking in your ride.

  • If you're bringing the kids along, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Santa Ana car hire reservation. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.

  • Make sure you have the necessary documents when you get to the rental counter. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.

  • Spend some time getting acquainted with your rental. Set up your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get comfortable with its handling before you set off. And don't forget to stick to the right side of the road in the United States.

  • Local speed limits can vary, but it's normally around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always obey the posted signs.

  • A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The most reliable way to be safe to drive is to avoid drinking completely.

  • One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 5pm. Make life easier by steering clear of rush hours in general.

  • The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and excursions. Pay with a credit or debit card when it's convenient, but carry a little cash when electronic payments aren't accepted.

  • English is the language most often spoken across the country.

Best hotels in Santa Ana for drivers

  • Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time enjoying the comfort of Motel 6 Garden Grove. About 5 kilometres from central Santa Ana, it comes with parking, Wi-Fi and an outdoor swimming pool.

  • Magnolia Tree Hotel-Maingate/Anaheim Convention Centre is another good fit if your plans involve plenty of exploring. It features parking, plus air conditioning and luggage storage. Base yourself here and you'll be roughly 6 kilometres from the city centre.

  • Browse the full range of hotels in Santa Ana for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to tailor your results to your trip. You can also use the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to limit results to EV-friendly stays.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Santa Ana and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Heritage Park, Santa Ana Artist's Village and Bowers Museum are classics for any first-time visitor.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Santa Ana

  • Los Angeles should be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit Hollywood Sign and Hollywood Bowl. This city is about 48 kilometres northwest of central Santa Ana.

  • Popular accommodation options with parking in Los Angeles include The Biltmore Los Angeles and Freehand Los Angeles.

  • Or pick up your cheap car hire in Santa Ana and travel around 31 kilometres west to Long Beach. Featuring Queen Mary and The Queen Mary, its attractions are worth the drive.

  • Vagabond Inn San Pedro and DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles are comfy places to stay in Long Beach if you're planning to stick around. Go for one of these and take the hassle out of finding a spot for your ride.

  • There's plenty of road left if you're up for more. Cruise on over to Chula Vista, around 145 kilometres southeast of Santa Ana. From San Diego Aquatica to Chula Vista Bayfront Park, your journey will end on a high note.

  • Catch up on sleep in Chula Vista at either Loews Coronado Bay Resort or Rambler Motel. They've got a room waiting for you and parking availability too.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Santa Ana will set you back around Rs17,803 per day or Rs50,234 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Santa Ana is a full-size van or truck. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Santa Ana are currently Green Motion and U-Save.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Santa Ana is currently April.
On average, around Rs50,234. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Santa Ana is Rs49,544.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Santa Ana for a whole month is Rs375,178. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Santa Ana, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Santa Ana that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Santa Ana.
Most places – Santa Ana included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is Rs10,857 per day. The average price per day is around Rs36,230.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like United Auto Rental, Green Motion and Icar Lifestyle offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated United Auto Rental as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Santa Ana.