KAYAK’s insights & trends for Santa Barbara Airport car hire
Check out the latest trends and booking tips to hire a car in Santa Barbara Airport with confidence.
How far in advance should you book car hire in Santa Barbara Airport?
You should book your car hire in Santa Barbara Airport around 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price.
What is the most popular car to hire in Santa Barbara Airport?
Hires in the SUV category (Dodge Durango or similar) are the most popular option in Santa Barbara Airport, costing €67/day on average. Some users have found deals as low as €44/day.
What is the cheapest month to hire a car in Santa Barbara Airport?
The cheapest month to hire a car in Santa Barbara Airport is January at an average cost of €38/day. October is the most expensive month to hire a car in Santa Barbara Airport when prices are €44/day on average, which tends to be 7% above the yearly average hire price for Santa Barbara Airport.
Santa Barbara Airport car hire price comparison by vehicle type
Find the right car hire in Santa Barbara Airport by comparing prices across vehicle types.
Small
Medium
Large
4x4
Van
Pickup truck
Luxury
Convertible
Small cars
€43 - €54
All Car Types
€73 - €90
How much does it cost to hire a small car in Santa Barbara Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a medium car in Santa Barbara Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a large car in Santa Barbara Airport?
How much does it cost to hire an SUV in Santa Barbara Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a van in Santa Barbara Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a pickup truck in Santa Barbara Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a luxury car in Santa Barbara Airport?
How much does it cost to hire a convertible in Santa Barbara Airport?
Small car hire in Santa Barbara Airport typically costs around €49 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average €43 per day, which is about 13% less than the yearly average. Small cars are usually 39% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Barbara Airport, making them ideal for budget-conscious travellers.
Medium car hire in Santa Barbara Airport typically costs around €65 per day. The best time to book is July, when prices average €49 per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Medium cars are usually 19% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Barbara Airport, offering a good balance of space and value.
Large car hire in Santa Barbara Airport typically cost around €66 per day. The best time to book is July, when prices average €50 per day, which is about 25% less than the yearly average. Large cars can be 18% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Barbara Airport, offering more comfort for longer trips at a reasonable price.
SUV hire in Santa Barbara Airport typically costs around €86 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average €64 per day, which is about 26% less than the yearly average. SUVs are typically 7% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Barbara Airport but provide extra space and capability for groups or road trips.
Van hire in Santa Barbara Airport typically costs around €145 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average €105 per day, which is about 28% less than the yearly average. Vans are typically 45% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Barbara Airport but are the best choice for families or groups needing maximum passenger capacity.
Pickup truck hire in Santa Barbara Airport typically costs around €76 per day. The best time to book is September, when prices average €46 per day, which is about 40% less than the yearly average. Pickup trucks are 5% cheaper than the average car hire in Santa Barbara Airport, making them a practical choice for hauling gear or outdoor adventures.
Luxury car hire in Santa Barbara Airport typically costs around €93 per day. The best time to book is January, when prices average €72 per day, which is about 23% less than the yearly average. Luxury cars are typically 14% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Barbara Airport but deliver premium comfort and style for special occasions.
Convertible hire in Santa Barbara Airport typically costs around €104 per day. The best time to book is December, when prices average €88 per day, which is about 16% less than the yearly average. Convertibles are typically 24% more expensive than the average car hire in Santa Barbara Airport but are perfect for scenic drives and warm-weather destinations.
Good to know
Most popular car type
Small
Top tips for hiring a car at Santa Barbara airport
Car rental at Santa Barbara Airport is a preferred option for many people, especially for business or pleasure trips. The car rental companies offer you the opportunity to rent a car and enjoy your trip with absolute freedom and flexibility. You get to drive at your own pace, take a break when you feel like and visit all the places that are on the itinerary. With a rental car at this airport, you get to pick the kind of vehicle that you feel comfortable driving. This gives you the freedom to explore all the nooks and corners of the city at your own comfort.
The common car types available for rental are compact, intermediate, and standard cars. Since the Santa Barbara Airport is small, you will find it easy to navigate around with any of these models. However, if you prefer something that offers more space, then you can go for a mid-size or luxury car. These cars require a higher fee but are worth it for those who like to have a lavish journey or have a large group. You can even take your pick from the four-wheel-drive vehicles that give you an added advantage if you wish to explore some of the rough terrains in this part of Southern California.
Santa Barbara Airport is usually busy between November and January. But this also means that you get to experience some spectacular deals for a rental vehicle at this time. The Santa Barbara Airport has one runway, and it is usually open between the hours of 6 am and 10 pm. Do not forget that booking your rental car through KAYAK will give you the best possible deals. The entire car rental at the Santa Barbara Airport can be done right from your home with a click of a few buttons.
When you need to return your rental car, the process is as simple as you picking it up, if not easier. You will be asked to hand over the car at the same office where you picked it up from. When returning the car to the airport, remember to keep your keys and make sure that you have cleaned of all trash. Also, before signing anything, make sure that there are no excess charges or extra penalties mentioned in your contract. Different car rental companies at this airport may have their own requirements for returning vehicles, but most of them are similar.
Book your car hire at Santa Barbara airport at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
FAQs about hiring a car at Santa Barbara airport
Which of the rental car companies at the airport are the easiest to use?
For a rental car, Budget and Hertz are some of the easiest and least time-consuming to use. You get good deals when you book online through KAYAK, without any hassles of going to their offices and waiting for hours on end to get a car. These are some of the most preferred options because of their flexibility. You can choose from its large fleet and make your choice depending on your requirement.
What kind of documentation is required for a car rental at Santa Barbara Airport?
You will need to carry a valid driving license and a credit card. It is also important that you have a telephone number with the area code of Santa Barbara. If your home country does not have an international dialing code, then make sure that you request one before going to this airport because without it, you may not be able to rent a car. Another important requirement is to have a standard photo ID card that has your picture and name clearly printed on it.
Where is the Santa Barbara Airport car rental center located?
The rental car center at the airport is located on the first floor of the terminal building. The location may be different for each car rental company, but they are usually close to each other and within easy walking distance from your landing point. From the arrivals door where you would be coming out from, walk straight towards Highway 101 on the left.
Which car hire companies will pick you up at Santa Barbara airport?
Car hire companies that offer shuttle or pick-up services from Santa Barbara airport to off-airport locations include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
Santa Barbara Airport car rental reviews and directory
Promised a Tesla model 3, had no evidence available, or needed to wait for 20-30 mins. Gas car is more expensive! And charged me more to get a gas car. WTF, forgive my French.
8.0 Very Good
Jason, Jun 2026
Intermediate SUV
It.was quick and easy to rent. Employees were informed and helpful. Attaching to the car with my phone was simple.
2.0 Poor
Leslie, Apr 2026
Intermediate SUV
The third-party that we used through Kayak (QEEC) gave us one price and then we got a bill for $100 more than we signed up for.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2026
Standard SUV
Nothing
10.0 Wonderful
Margaret, Oct 2025
Luxury
Fun driving the Telsa. A slight learning curve but I picked using all the bells and gadgets quickly. The Budget person dropping it of was excellent.
I was given a Ford F250 truck instead of economy car. The agent was rude and insisted that it's my only option or a minivan. The lot was full of cars and despite asking several times I was told this is the only option, or wait for 40 minutes or more to see if anything comes available. Very disappointed with the customer service, However drop off was smooth.
We had to rent somewhere else. There was a line that the person in front of me said they had been waiting over an hour in. There was only one person at the counter and over 10 parties in line. The other car companies had no wait. I paid slightly more but it was worth not waiting over and hour
There were no instructions given for the car return which took us over 45 minutes and should have taken 10 minutes. That was a major pain for sure.
10.0 Wonderful
Jennifer, Nov 2025
Supplier choice
Great
6.0 Okay
Dr. Ibrahim “R”, Jun 2025
Compact
Car wasn’t ready when arrived. Waited a long time 20-30 minutes to have the car brought around. Finally the counter person chose to give me a different car which had less than an 1/8 of tank of gas. They charged me for a complete tank of gas when returned. I tried to call about this but couldn’t reach anyone. I haven’t rented from Hertz in a long time. I was very surprised by the service. I’ll give them one more chance but if the same things happens I’ll go elsewhere
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Apr 2024
Intermediate
Pick up was fine but drop off could have been a little smoother.
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Dec 2023
Compact
We rented a “midsize” SUV to take our family of 5 to airport in LA with luggage for a long trip. Arrived at the counter and they gave me a Chevy bolt?? Which is a tiny car that will not accommodate our needs. I showed them the rental confirmation that showed confirmation of a mid size suv and the guys at the counter said yeah that’s our midsize suv? I told them our situation with the kid’s and luggage and asked if there was anything they could do to accommodate with another vehicle and they said yes but the next level up was a Chevy traverse (what I would consider an actual midsized suv) however, it was over 75% more for that vehicle than what I initially paid. I was bent over a barrel with my hands tied so I had to do it but it didn’t seem right. I felt very mislead and bait and switch…. Chevy Bolt…Ha!
8.0 Very Good
Anonymous, Oct 2023
Compact
Overall good. The first person I interacted with was very friendly. A few issues arose in terms of picking up my car. They did not have a car available when I arrived, so in addition to waiting in line, I had to wait 30+ minutes to get a car. The person who processed my rental was less friendly and I realized after the fact, did not go through my rental agreement, etc. and just had me electronically sign a contract that I had not actually seen. I reserved a compact car and ended up with a Mustang. On one hand, this was fun, but difficult to drive/park in tiny spaces and also not very fuel efficient.
1 out of 5
National
6.0
Okay
Cleanliness
10.0
Comfort
10.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
5.0
Value for money
6.0
One location in Santa Barbara Airport
Locations in Santa Barbara Airport
500 James Fowler Rd
+1 805 692 0939
Monday
08:00 - 22:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 22:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 22:00
Thursday
08:00 - 22:00
Friday
08:00 - 22:00
Saturday
08:00 - 22:00
Sunday
08:00 - 22:00
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jun 2024
Intermediate
Amazing!
Thrifty
4.0
Mediocre
Cleanliness
6.6
Comfort
6.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.0
Value for money
6.0
One location in Santa Barbara Airport
Locations in Santa Barbara Airport
500 Fowler Road
+1 866 434 2226
Monday
07:00 - 21:00
Tuesday
07:00 - 21:00
Wednesday
07:00 - 21:00
Thursday
07:00 - 21:00
Friday
07:00 - 21:00
Saturday
07:00 - 18:00
Sunday
07:00 - 18:00
Filters
Reviews
2.0 Poor
Anonymous, Mar 2023
Economy
The car was dirty, the pick up experience was terrible.
Easirent
4.5
Mediocre
Cleanliness
5.2
Comfort
5.3
Pick-up/Drop-off
4.5
Value for money
5.1
One location in Santa Barbara Airport
Locations in Santa Barbara Airport
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
AutoEurope
No score available yet
One location in Santa Barbara Airport
Locations in Santa Barbara Airport
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
North Car Rental
No score available yet
One location in Santa Barbara Airport
Locations in Santa Barbara Airport
114 Moffett Pl
+1 805 967 0411
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
Sunnycars
No score available yet
One location in Santa Barbara Airport
Locations in Santa Barbara Airport
500 James Fowler Rd
Opening times not available
Filters
No reviews available
VIPCars Recommendation
No score available yet
One location in Santa Barbara Airport
Locations in Santa Barbara Airport
500 Fowler Rd, Goleta, , USA California
+1 914 368 0091
Monday
08:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
08:00 - 18:00
Wednesday
08:00 - 18:00
Thursday
08:00 - 18:00
Friday
08:00 - 18:00
Saturday
08:00 - 18:00
Sunday
08:00 - 18:00
Filters
No reviews available
123 travellers who hired a car in Santa Barbara Airport gave the car agency they used an average rating of 4.7
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