Santa Ana car rentals

Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Santa Ana

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Economy car
Economy
M
Compact car
Compact
M
Intermediate car
Intermediate
M
Standard car
Standard
M
Full-size car
Full-size
M
Luxury car
Luxury
M
Minivan car
Minivan
M
Passenger van car
Passenger van
M
Commercial car
Commercial
M
Pickup truck car
Pickup truck
M

Santa Ana car rental experiences: the best tips from KAYAK users

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Santa Ana 
Verified travelerNov 2024
Make sure to ask and check prices with the rental company before signing or taking the key
MichaelAug 2024
Remember, extras such as insurance, Express lane toll access, and gas are OPTIONAL, despite what the rental agency staff would have you believe.
ShelbyAug 2023
Easy to rent. Rental cars onsite in the airport, no need to shuttle offsite.
Verified travelerJul 2023
Don’t start in the garage. Go up to the arriving flights
Verified travelerJun 2023
4 out of 5. Only because of strong cologne smell.

KAYAK’s top tips for renting a car in Santa Ana

  • A hire car is the perfect way to explore not only Orange County's largest city, but also other major destinations along the Californian coast. The Santa Ana River is just a short 10-mile ride from the center, and some of the most famous beaches are located about 20 minutes to the south, including Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. Hop in the car to visit the world famous Disneyland theme park, which is only 6 miles away from Santa Ana.
  • All the big car hire agencies can be found at John Wayne International Airport (SNA), which is located about 9 miles from the city center. Car hire services are conveniently situated in the Arrivals hall, which is on the lower level between Terminals A and B. A good point of reference is the John Wayne statue, as the desks can be found right across from it. When returning the vehicle, head to the lower level of Parking Structures A2 and B2.
  • The city of Santa Ana itself is pretty straightforward to navigate, and it's also quite safe. But it is densely populated, and the downtown area is the main entertainment hub, which means it's probably best to avoid driving in that area and try walking instead. Orange County also observes a rise in visitors and outdoor activities during the summer, so bare in mind there will be more people on the road as well as more tourists walking around.
  • Traffic in California is world-famous, but traffic patterns in Orange County aren't as simple because lots of people travel to different places, and traffic heads to different directions at different times of the day, including to Irvine, Los Angeles, and Anaheim. However, if you do avoid driving between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and then again between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m, you should be able to escape the worst jams.
  • Book your rental car in Santa Ana at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
  • Intermediate rental cars in Santa Ana are around 14% cheaper than other car types, on average
See more tips

FAQs about renting a car in Santa Ana

  • What type of car is recommended for driving in Santa Ana?

    If you're just driving within the city or Orange County, a compact car is a good option as it's easy to park downtown. But if you're embarking on a road trip along the Californian coast, a convertible is a fun option, especially when the weather is good. If you're traveling with the whole family, a minivan is a good choice as it provides space for everyone.

  • What’s the speed limit in Santa Ana?

    The speed limit in the city is typically 35 miles per hour, but it may lower to 25 mph in certain residential areas and school zones, in which case the speed limit signs will be posted. Two-lane undivided highways have a speed limit of 55 mph, while most highways have a 65 mph limit. However, some highways allow drivers to go as fast as 70 mph.

  • Where are the best places to park in Santa Ana?

    Street parking in Santa Ana is paid from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday, but it is free outside of those hours, all day on Sunday, and on public holidays. The average meter prices are $0.75 per hour in the downtown area (East End), while the approximate rate at parking lots and garages is $1.50 per hour, and $18 for 24 hours.

  • What is the best rental car company in Santa Ana?

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car rental companies in Santa Ana are Dollar (6.7, 67 reviews), and Budget (6.5, 92 reviews).

  • How much is gas price in Santa Ana?

    The average gas price in Santa Ana is ₪12.15 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between ₪146 and ₪194, depending on the car size.

  • What is the most popular rental car in Santa Ana?

    Intermediate (Jeep Compass or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Santa Ana.

  • Which car rental companies are at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car rental companies onsite at Los Angeles airport include Fox, Sixt, Ace, Thrifty and Avis.

  • Which car rental companies will pick you up at Los Angeles airport (LAX)?

    Car rental companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Los Angeles airport to off-airport locations include Sixt, Thrifty, Alamo, and Avis.

  • How can I find car rentals near me in Santa Ana?

    Take a look at our extensive car rental location map to find the best rental cars near you.

  • How much does an Intermediate car rental cost in Santa Ana?

    An Intermediate car rental in Santa Ana costs ₪187 per day, on average.

  • How much does an Economy car rental cost in Santa Ana?

    An Economy car rental in Santa Ana costs ₪148 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Standard car rental cost in Santa Ana?

    A Standard car rental in Santa Ana costs ₪225 per day, on average.

See more FAQs

Santa Ana car rental reviews and directory 
All ratings and reviews are collected from KAYAK users with a verified car rental booking. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.

Hertz

Best rated

Cleanliness

7.7

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.4

Value for money

6.7

3 locations in Santa Ana

Show locations

Locations in Santa Ana

1614 S Main St

+1 714 541 5822

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

18601 Airport W. North

+1 949 224 6700

Monday06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday06:00 - 23:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:00
Friday06:00 - 23:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:00
Sunday06:00 - 23:00

19051 Airport Way North

+1 949 224 9700

Opening times not available

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2024

Pickup truck

KAYAK
Polite, fast, helpfull.

2.0 Poor

Matthew, Aug 2024

Compact SUV

KAYAK
Impossible to find drop off location on a Saturday. No key box, all parking lots blocked off with barriers

4.0 Mediocre

Chris, Apr 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
I’m not sure where the problem resides, but our reservation on KAYAK was not clear and accurate. We called Hertz to inquire about possibly picking a car up earlier. They informed us that the car that we had rented was a managers, special and that deal was an electric car. We did not realize that we would have to drive an electric car 400 miles to return it at another location. We had to get another car and that raised our rental by $50 not including tax.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Compact

KAYAK
Car was 4 yrs.old not washed, tape on front glass and window, did not run smooth, check engine light came on after just a couple days! Tried to exchange or even get downgrade for better car! Closed me out early, which I did not want to do?! Lost 2 days of rental lost 2 grays lf work and left stranded at Hertz office!! Plus on top of that !! Charged me even more!! Than agreed price.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Nov 2023

Economy

KAYAK
I reserved an economy car in advanced and when I went to Hertz to get the car, I was told that they were all out of economy cars. I had to pay additional money to upgrade to the next available grade car since they wouldn't upgrade me for free. Really unhappy about this switch and bait tactic.

6.0 Okay

Anonymous, Oct 2022

KAYAK
When pick up car, the rep didn’t clearly give information on the return location. The car is 36k miles and condition is under expectation .

1 out of 26

Alamo

9.3

Cleanliness

9.3

Comfort

9.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.2

Value for money

9.0

One location in Santa Ana

Show locations

Locations in Santa Ana

19051 Airport Way North

+1 833 679 2046

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday07:00 - 23:30
Sunday07:00 - 23:30

Filters

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
The rental pick up was quick, easy and friendly agent .. the drop off was even quicker and the agent was super nice even at 430 in the morning and very cold ..great experience

1 out of 3

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.6

Cleanliness

8.9

Comfort

8.7

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.5

Value for money

8.4

3 locations in Santa Ana

Show locations

Locations in Santa Ana

1714 E Mcfadden Ave Ste L

+1 714 541 4862

Monday07:30 - 17:30
Tuesday07:30 - 17:30
Wednesday07:30 - 17:30
Thursday07:30 - 17:30
Friday07:30 - 17:30
Saturday00:00 - 00:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

18601 Airport Way

+1 833 659 1917

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday07:00 - 23:30
Sunday07:00 - 23:30

2025 S Main St

+1 714 481 7700

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday09:00 - 12:00
Sunday00:00 - 00:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Bob, Oct 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Fast friendly service on both ends of our one-way rental. Vehicle performed as needed. Awesome job!

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Luxury

KAYAK
Really friendly and on task staff @ John Wayne Enterprise

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Cons:

This rental did not happen, they did not have the car available I was attempting to renf

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was very accommodating and helpful. Got me a good fair deal, and the customer service was excellent.

Cons:

They overbooked the car I rented, but they made up for it 10 fold. No complaints.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

How quick they can get you out of there with your rental car, especially during Covid times. No need to step inside the office.

Cons:

Overall it was well done. Limited vehicle choice but I was at a smaller office location. Also customer service said we could get a 4x4 but the office staff were more up front and honest about that. So I’m glad I called ahead.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Dec 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

Nice car and friendly service.

Cons:

Price could be less.

1 out of 8

Avis

Cleanliness

7.3

Comfort

7.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

7.0

Value for money

6.7

3 locations in Santa Ana

Show locations

Locations in Santa Ana

18601 Airport Way

+1 949 660 5200

Monday06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday06:00 - 23:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:00
Friday06:00 - 23:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:00
Sunday06:00 - 23:00

2701 Hotel Terrace Drive

+1 714 708 3485

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

4101 South Main Street

+1 714 957 6521

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

10.0 Wonderful

Amy, Dec 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Easy pick up. Really fast. I just extended my rental. I would recommend.

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Standard

KAYAK
Horrible the car was filthy all dented up trash the inside when we were supposed to get an SUV the car was to small to get in & out of. Poor service

8.0 Very good

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Supplier choice

KAYAK
The final bill was quite a difference from expected. The agent looked at the breakdown and said , “taxes and fees” but the numbers still didn’t match up.

4.0 Mediocre

Mark, Nov 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
b

4.0 Mediocre

Joel, Oct 2023

Standard

KAYAK
The car made a ton of noise, it sounded like it needs a new muffler. The car also vibrated at highway speeds. It made driving it quite uncomfortable.

4.0 Mediocre

mariel, Apr 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was friendly & nice

Cons:

We had reserved a mini van only to be told it was not available an hour before. We then accepted the alternative since we were pressed for time. Everything seemed ok until we loaded all our luggage, kids & grandma buckled up ...within minutes there were trails of ants all over!! Totally disgusting...this has never happened before. I called to complain but was told by the agent that this happens when cars are parked in grassy areas. When I first got in the car , I noticed some crumbs & just brushed it off. Looking back there is absolutely no excuse for this neglect in properly & throughly cleaning a car . This was unacceptable & we then drove to another location to swap the car for the minivan I reserved in the first place 😫 This whole ordeal set us back over an hour & in turn we missed our evening reservation. This caused so much inconvenience. That I will definitely think twice about renting from this company again :(

1 out of 7

Dollar

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.0

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.3

Value for money

6.8

2 locations in Santa Ana

Show locations

Locations in Santa Ana

1614 S Main St

+1 714 541 5822

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00

18601 Airport Way

+1 866 434 2226

Monday06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday06:00 - 23:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:00
Friday06:00 - 23:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:00
Sunday06:00 - 23:00

Filters

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Reviews

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Jul 2024

Full-size

KAYAK
Up charges were unreal

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Jan 2024

Full-size SUV

KAYAK
Fantastic!!

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
The whole experience was horrible. I went to the rental counter after arriving, waited 30 mins in a queue of only a few people, only to be told my card couldn’t be accepted (Apple MC), nor could my debit (BoA). I made the reservation with this same card even. I was then told he could get me a good deal with another company offsite (Stop then Go). Same thing occurred to the people in line behind me. We wait for a shuttle to the offsite company and I did get a car. But at this point, I am hour behind schedule, and now no longer in the electric car I’d chosen with Dollar, and in a very basic gas Hyundai. And the Dollar rep said I’d have to contact Dollar myself to cancel the reservation I’d already paid for. So that was another chunk of my time spent dealing with it all, and now I have to wait like 10 days for the investigation into why I asked to cancel, before I get my money back for the car I was never given. An absolute nasty process overall, with no consideration for the customers time whatsoever.

10.0 Wonderful

Susan, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff was helpful and the line was short.

Cons:

I actually needed help finding the car, which a staff member eventually did.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, May 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Yes For sure despite heavy rush .

Cons:

Definitely more work force were needed to handle the heavy rush

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Mar 2021

KAYAK

Pros:

Staff was super friendly

Cons:

If there are hour long waits, there should be special accommodations to make people comfortable. They had 20 people waiting for Cars and only sitting areas for 3-4 people

1 out of 13

Budget

Cleanliness

7.4

Comfort

7.4

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.6

Value for money

6.5

3 locations in Santa Ana

Show locations

Locations in Santa Ana

18601 Airport Way, Suite 73

+1 949 252 6240

Monday06:00 - 23:00
Tuesday06:00 - 23:00
Wednesday06:00 - 23:00
Thursday06:00 - 23:00
Friday06:00 - 23:00
Saturday06:00 - 23:00
Sunday06:00 - 23:00

2701 Hotel Terrace Drive

+1 657 210 0730

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00
Sunday09:00 - 12:00

4101 South Main Street

+1 714 957 6501

Monday08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday08:00 - 17:00
Thursday08:00 - 17:00
Friday08:00 - 17:00
Saturday08:00 - 17:00

Filters

Show reviews that mention

Reviews

4.0 Mediocre

Anonymous, Jan 2025

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Staff at the desk looks sad no smile, I booked for child seat when I asked where is the child seat the person at the airport location (parking) told me to get it from their storage instead of assisting me. Storage was dark and child seat on top of each other I needed to dig for it. The car interior was clean but the outside especially the wind shield is dirty. I got upgraded because the type of vehicle I book is not available for same rate is something positive.

2.0 Poor

Raj, Dec 2024

Convertible

KAYAK
Budget did not provide me with a convertible as booked and paid over $160 per day and after making me wait for one hour gave me a SUV. They could not predict any wait time, this seems like a scam. The SUV had 3/4 gas when given and I was charged $55 for not filling uopp to full since I topped off to 3/4. Luckily the attendant waived off $50 but I still ended up paying $5 gas fine when I returned the SUV as got at 3/4 gas tank. Overall a scam to wait one hour, not get my convertible and get charged for it and extra.

2.0 Poor

Toffy, Oct 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Bad. At car pickup, had to follow up with girl 2x before we got our car. Seems like car was actually ready when we asked the second time, not sure why she didn’t tell us and made us wait. At car drop off in lax, didn’t know location changed. GPS sent us to wrong location. Guy at check in should’ve given us heads up since he knew we were dropping off at lax. And at lax, old signs still point to old location

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Oct 2024

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
First car I was given was dusty and has a lot of watermarks. When driving it feel right. The stereo will be playing but the screen was completely black. Switched the car but the new car keys had an issue with the battery. Car would not read it and was hard to turn on car.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, Aug 2024

Luxury

KAYAK
Keeping my car instead of it being taken would have been ideal. I appreciate not using this service! Thanks

8.0 Very good

Michael, Aug 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
The rental counter was closed, as it seems it always is at SNA. We had to go down to the basement to the subterranean office in the parking lot. Out wait was not long at all. The car we were given had not been washed. Thankfully the interior was reasonably clean.

1 out of 21

National

9.2

Wonderful

Cleanliness

8.4

Comfort

9.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.6

Value for money

9.2

One location in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

19051 Airport Way North

+1 833 679 2045

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday07:00 - 23:30
Sunday07:00 - 23:30

Filters

No reviews available

Sixt

7.2

Good

One location in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

18601 Airport Way

+1 888 749 8227

Monday07:00 - 23:30
Tuesday07:00 - 23:30
Wednesday07:00 - 23:30
Thursday07:00 - 23:30
Friday07:00 - 23:30
Saturday07:00 - 23:30
Sunday07:00 - 23:30

Filters

No reviews available

Midway

6.2

Okay

2 locations in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

3131 S. Standard Ave

Opening times not available

Santa Ana Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Thrifty

5.6

Fair

One location in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

18601, Airport Way

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

York Car Rental

4.1

Mediocre

One location in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

18601 Airport Way

+1 949 252 5200

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Easirent

4.6

Mediocre

One location in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

John Wayne Airport-Orange County

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

MAGGIORE

7.6

Good

One location in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

John Wayne airport

+1 310 645 2100

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Allied

No score available yet

2 locations in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

1333 S Main Street

+1 714 835 4990

Opening times not available

201 E. MacArthur Blvd.

+1 714 850 0900

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Sunnycars

No score available yet

2 locations in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

18601 Airport Way

Opening times not available

19051 Airport Way North

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Advance Car And Truck Rental

No score available yet

One location in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

18601 Airport Way, Thomas F. Riley Terminal, Santa Ana, California

+1 949 752 7832

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Avr

No score available yet

One location in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

Santa Ana Airport

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Rent-4-Less

No score available yet

One location in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

2015 N.Tustin Avenue

(714) 667-0841

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

Zeeba Rent-A-Van

No score available yet

One location in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

18601 Airport Way

+1 800 940 9332

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

449 travelers who rented a car in Santa Ana gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.7

Car rental locations in or near Santa Ana

Traveling to a place near Santa Ana?

Rent a car at Santa Ana if you plan to visit one of these locations
Universal City
Camarillo
Solana Beach
Oxnard
Big Bear Lake
San Pedro
Malibu
Laguna Beach
Lancaster
Carlsbad
Huntington Beach
El Segundo
San Juan Capistrano
Calabasas
West Hollywood
Monterey Park
San Fernando
Santa Clarita
Pasadena
Oceanside

Good to know

Most popular car type

Intermediate

When to book a rental car in Santa Ana

Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches

Santa Ana car rental information

Pick-up locationSanta Ana
Car types
Rental locations30
Airport locations18

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