Car hire in Santa Rosa, United States

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There are 14 car hire providers in Santa Rosa. Check out the map below to find the most convenient pick-up spot.

The most popular car rental companies in Santa Rosa

Hiring a car in Santa Rosa: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyBudget
Most popular carPremium/Luxury, Pickup Regular Cab
Average daily price$168
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Santa Rosa

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 Rosa car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santa Rosa

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Santa Rosa and get on your way for around $168 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll match you with a rental that works for you.

  • $97 is the cheapest daily price offered for a rental in Santa Rosa.

  • Planning to stay longer? Pick up a weekly rental from $475 and explore more than just the top attractions.

  • Score the best price on a Santa Rosa car hire by booking in advance. You're more likely to get a better deal and more choice.

  • Check out the offers available with Budget, Hertz and Avis. They're some of the top providers in the city.

  • Whether you book with Budget or a different supplier, be sure to check the coverage on your Santa Rosa car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others sell it as a separate extra.

  • Booking a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for cheaper deals. Simply check 'Return car to a different location.' Providers often have to move vehicles between branches, which means you can snag some awesome one-way prices on a car for rent in Santa Rosa.

  • Cut down on fuel costs by choosing a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You pick up the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Go wherever the road takes you by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.

Best value car hire options right now

  • The best value can be found with this company, with average prices at $184 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around $191, this provider is next in line.

  • The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Ride away in one of their rentals for roughly $156 a day.

  • If you're having trouble deciding which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Premium rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of car in Santa Rosa.

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

  • Make arrival day easier by picking up a car hire at Sonoma County Airport. If you're flying to Santa Rosa through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and head out. The drive to the city centre is about 10 kilometres and takes around 10 minutes.

Compare car hire types in Santa Rosa

  • Small: Whether you're zipping around the city or taking a short trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.

  • Medium: A smart pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.

  • Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and enhanced tech features, this Santa Rosa car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier rear seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.

  • SUV: Get a higher ground clearance and a wide-angle view of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or cruising along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.

  • Van: Go for this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Santa Rosa that can handle the big jobs. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're made to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or whoever's along for the ride.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Santa Rosa car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.

  • From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Weigh up which features could make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Santa Rosa.

Good to know

  • To rent a vehicle in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some places may allow younger drivers to rent vehicles for a higher fee, so always go over the policies before locking in your reservation.

  • Add a car seat to your Santa Rosa car hire reservation if you're bringing the kids. Requirements change from one location to another, but using a child seat suited to their age and size is always the safest way to go.

  • Bring the right documents to avoid delays at pick-up. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no screenshots) plus another photo ID. Also bring a credit card that can cover the deposit. If extra documents are required, they'll be listed in your booking.

  • Driving in the United States may take some getting used to if it's your first time. Don't forget all vehicles travel on the right side of the road.

  • Keep within the local speed limits. Usually that's around 40kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.

  • In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, pass the keys to someone else or use public transport instead.

  • Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run in general. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

  • You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) here. As well as your credit and debit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.

  • English is the language that most people speak in this country.

Best hotels in Santa Rosa for drivers

  • Offering parking, Best Western Garden Inn makes it easy to come and go as you please. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Santa Rosa and also comes with room service and internet access.

  • Americas Best Value Inn Santa Rosa gets the details right with parking and features like a golf course and Wi-Fi. It's roughly 2 kilometres from the city centre.

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

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Santa Rosa and your hotel, it's time to plan your first stops. Safari West Tour, Safari West and Paradise Ridge Winery are the perfect introduction to the city.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Santa Rosa

  • Shift gears and make tracks to San Francisco. Around 80 kilometres south of central Santa Rosa, it's home to must-sees like Golden Gate Bridge and Painted Ladies - Alamo Square.

  • They've perfected the guest experience at BEI San Francisco, Trademark Collection by Wyndham and Hotel G San Francisco, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in San Francisco.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Santa Rosa and then set out for Oakland. About 80 kilometres southeast of Santa Rosa, Fox Theatre and African American Museum and Library are top attractions that make the drive worthwhile.

  • Take it easy after a day spent exploring Oakland at Bay Breeze Inn or Executive Inn & Suites Oakland. These hotels cater to guests with cars.

  • Extend your journey and road-trip it to Stockton, roughly 137 kilometres southeast of Santa Rosa. First, swing past Historic Stockton Chinatown, then follow it up with Stockton Art League Goodwin Gallery.

  • Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. University Plaza Waterfront Hotel and Red Roof Inn Stockton have room for both you and your wheels while visiting Stockton.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Santa Rosa will set you back around $168 per day or $819 per week. 
The cheapest car hire companies in Santa Rosa are currently Hertz and Thrifty.
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 Rosa is currently September.
On average, around $819. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Santa Rosa is $474.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Santa Rosa for a whole month is $5,818. 

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 Rosa, 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 Rosa 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 Rosa.
Most places – Santa Rosa 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 $97 per day. The average price per day is around $142.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Budget, NextCar and Enterprise offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Turo as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Santa Rosa.