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Santa Ana car hires from AED 114

This price is the cheapest per day rate found by a KAYAK user in the last 48 hours by searching for a car hire in Santa Ana with a pick-up date of 22/9 and drop-off date of 6/10. Fares are subject to change and may not be available at all agencies or on all dates of hire. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
Driver's age: 26-65

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Cheap car rentals in Santa Ana

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Chevrolet Spark car
Chevrolet Spark
or similar SMALL
2
2
4-5
M
AED 128/day
Kia Soul car
Kia Soul
or similar SMALL
4
2
2/4
M
AED 138/day
Toyota Corolla car
Toyota Corolla
or similar MEDIUM
5
3
2/4
M
AED 114/day
Ford Fusion car
Ford Fusion
or similar LARGE
5
2
4-5
M
AED 151/day
Dodge Grand Caravan car
Dodge Grand Caravan
or similar VAN
5
5
4-5
M
AED 227/day
Nissan Armada car
Nissan Armada
or similar SUV
5
2
4-5
M
AED 230/day
Nissan Maxima car
Nissan Maxima
or similar LARGE
5
5
2/4
M
AED 254/day
Infiniti Q50 car
Infiniti Q50
or similar LUXURY
5
5
4-5
M
AED 188/day
Toyota RAV4 car
Toyota RAV4
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
M
AED 137/day
Buick Encore car
Buick Encore
or similar SUV
4
2
4-5
M
AED 151/day
Ford Edge car
Ford Edge
or similar SUV
5
3
4-5
M
AED 185/day
Best prices found by KAYAK users in the past 48 hours.

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
  • Economy rental cars in Santa Ana are around 49% cheaper than other car types, on average

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

Insights shared by verified travelers who rented a car in Santa Ana 
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.

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 cheapest car hire company in Santa Ana?

    In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at Thrifty (AED 114/day), Dollar (AED 121/day) and Budget (AED 138/day). In the last 72 hours the cheapest rental car price was found at Thrifty 18601, Airport Way 92707 (7 kilometers from city center).

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

    Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire companies in Santa Ana are Dollar (7.2, 86 reviews), Hertz (6.8, 117 reviews), and Budget (6.8, 94 reviews).

  • How much is the price of fuel in Santa Ana?

    The average price of fuel in Santa Ana is AED 13.33 per litre over the past 30 days. Filling up a tank of fuel costs between AED 160 and AED 213, depending on the car size.

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

    Economy (Ford Fiesta or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Santa Ana.

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

    Car rental companies onsite at Los Angeles airport include Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, Fox, Avis, Sixt and Ace.

  • 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 Budget, Dollar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Alamo, Europcar, Hertz, Avis, and Sixt.

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

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

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

    An Economy car hire in Santa Ana costs AED 118 per day, on average.

  • How much does a Compact car hire cost in Santa Ana?

    A Compact car hire in Santa Ana costs AED 143 per day, on average.

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

    A Standard car hire in Santa Ana costs AED 170 per day, on average.

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

Cleanliness

7.8

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
Saturday09:00 - 12:00

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

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 .

4.0 Mediocre

Simone, Jan 2022

KAYAK
We received a car that wasn’t what we ordered. We would have liked to have been given what we ordered or something similar.

1 out of 26

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

8.5

Cleanliness

8.7

Comfort

8.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

8.5

Value for money

8.3

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

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.

10.0 Wonderful

Wes, Oct 2020

KAYAK

Pros:

The staff at the rental counter and the auto check out were very friendly and professional. It could not have been simpler.

Cons:

They probably say the same thing every time there is a new customer, but I would suggest they take a little bit of time explaining the charges when renting a car. The masks don't help, but also the fact that I don't rent cars very often makes it important to explain it fully.

1 out of 8

Avis

Cleanliness

7.2

Comfort

7.2

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.8

Value for money

6.8

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

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Reviews

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 :(

2.4 Poor

John, Feb 2020

KAYAK

Cons:

Upgraded me to a larger car because they didn't have what I wanted in stock then billed me for it. Will never do business with this company again.

1 out of 7

Dollar

Best rated

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.5

Value for money

7.1

One location in Santa Ana

Show locations

Locations in Santa Ana

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 18

Budget

Cleanliness

7.6

Comfort

7.6

Pick-up/Drop-off

6.8

Value for money

6.8

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

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.

10.0 Wonderful

David, Jun 2024

Convertible

KAYAK
As advertised and good value. One issue, the vehicles was very dirty when picked up. Not properly prepared.

2.0 Poor

Anonymous, May 2024

Standard SUV

KAYAK
Lady behind counter was extremely rude. Wouldn’t let me stand in building beside my husband. Downgraded our car to small suv but didn’t reduce the price. Spoke down to us like we were children. Never again will i use budget. Im sure not all staff are rude like her but it was enough to in future take my buisiness else were.

8.0 Very Good

Anonymous, Apr 2024

Intermediate

KAYAK
Over priced

2.0 Poor

Donald, Oct 2023

Intermediate SUV

KAYAK
Canceled 24 hours before scheduled pickup but was still charged the $50 late cancelation penalty.

1 out of 20

Alamo

9.3

Cleanliness

9.4

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

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Apr 2023

Intermediate

KAYAK
Pricey for 3 days but all went well

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Nov 2022

KAYAK
Checkout with Dino at John Wayne airport was flawless. I loved the car and Phoenix Checkin was a breeze. I plan to lease with Alamo again as the entire process was seamless.

10.0 Wonderful

Cris, Oct 2022

KAYAK
Super friendly staff, quick rental and return at the Orange County Airport.

8.0 Very Good

Noah, Aug 2022

KAYAK
The documents received from the Alamo Rental Car desk team at SNA did not include their particular location’s phone #. Once finding the SNA Alamo Rental Car phone # on the web, their hours of operation were listed incorrectly, and I then needed to phone the MAIN ALAMO CUSTOMER SERVICE # to reach an agent to extend my reservation for another day. It would be helpful for the SNA Airport Alamo Rental Car franchise to include their office phone # and update the corrected regular business hours on all documentation given to clients and on the internet. Thank you.

10.0 Wonderful

Anonymous, Feb 2022

KAYAK
I like customer service is excellent

1 out of 3

National

9.3

Wonderful

Cleanliness

8.6

Comfort

9.3

Pick-up/Drop-off

9.6

Value for money

9.3

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

Midway

6.3

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

5.8

Fair

One location in Santa Ana

Locations in Santa Ana

18601, Airport Way

Opening times not available

Filters

No reviews available

York Car Rental

3.5

Poor

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

7.5

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

392 travellers who rented a car in Santa Ana gave the car agency they used an average rating of 5.5

Car hire locations in or near Santa Ana

Good to know

Most popular car type

Economy

When to book a car hire in Santa Ana

Average daily price per month
Car hire prices as pick-up date approaches

Santa Ana car hire information

Pick-up locationSanta Ana
Car typesCompact, Compact SUV, Economy, Full-size, Full-size SUV, Intermediate, Intermediate SUV, Luxury, People carrier, Premium, Standard SUV
Hire locations29
Airport locations18
Popular agenciesDollar, Budget, Alamo, Hertz, Thrifty