Santa Barbara Municipal Airport car hire

Compare car hire deals at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport from across the web

Find the best car hire price, fuel policy and more from hundreds of providers

Book with flexibility. Look for cars with free cancellation in case your plans change.

Car hire near Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

If it's easier for you, there are lots of car hire pickup locations in Santa Barbara from R 715.

The most popular car rental companies in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

Santa Barbara Municipal Airport car hire: Facts on the fly

Average daily priceR 1,777
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Cheapest price foundR 899
Cheapest month to rentDecember
Providers at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport10
Most popular providerAvis
Best time to book2 weeks before

All you need to know about Santa Barbara

First time driving in Santa Barbara? Here’s a heads-up on local driving laws, Santa Barbara speed limits and more so you can stay on the right side of the road — and the rules.
Side of the roadRight
CurrencyUS Dollar
LanguageEnglish
Age to rent a car21
The information here is based on our understanding as of July 2025. For the most current and accurate information, check official government sources.

How to get the best car hire deal in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy after you've touched down in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. 

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)

  • Looking for a cheap Santa Barbara Municipal Airport rental car? You're right where you need to be. With prices averaging R 1,777 a day, we compare all the best offers so you can book faster, spend smarter, and feel good about what you paid.

  • September is the cheapest month to rent a car in SBA. With average daily rates of R 543, you're riding easy with savings like these.

  • It's all about the timing when it comes to finding a cheap SBA rental car. Book around three weeks before your departure date to score the best price.

  • At Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, you'll have your pick of leading rental brands such as Dollar, Alamo and Hertz.

  • Always check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Santa Barbara Municipal Airport car hire policy, whether you book with Dollar or another supplier. Some may leave it out of the standard package and offer it as an extra.

  • Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to shift cars between sites. Find the best available rates for a car for rent in SBA by selecting 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Spend less on fuel by picking a car hire in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your vehicle with a full tank and drop it off full, so you only pay for what you use.

  • Hit the highway without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a car that lets you roam without limits.

  • Once you've picked up the keys to your SBA car hire, the road is yours to conquer. Central Santa Barbara is about 16 kilometres east and a drive of roughly 15 minutes if that's where your journey begins.

  • If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you arrive, consider picking up a car hire in Santa Barbara instead of at the airport. Simply collect your ride when it works for you and avoid paying for unused rental days.

Compare car hire types from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Santa Barbara Municipal Airport rental car is all about getting you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are ideal for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are popular with small families and couples.

  • Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Great for longer journeys, this SBA car hire category includes full-size cars.

  • SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel ticket to adventure. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.

  • Van: Choose this vehicle category when you need a car for rent in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport that makes light work of heavy loads. With options like commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or the whole travel crew.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your SBA car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it helps cover you in a tough spot. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.

  • Make life easier when you rent a car in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport by adding a few nifty extras. Think things like a GPS unit to keep you headed the right way, or reverse cameras that'll help you park like a pro.

Good to know

  • To rent a car in the United States, you typically have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may rent vehicles to younger drivers for a higher fee, so carefully review the policies before confirming your booking.

  • If the kids are coming with you, see if you need to add a car seat to your SBA car hire booking. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)

  • Begin with some of the most popular attractions in Santa Barbara, such as Old Mission Santa Barbara and East Beach, Santa Barbara, CA. Whether you roll up in your rental or get there another way, you'll want to tour these highlights before moving on.

  • Keep travelling to Oxnard. Around 64 kilometres south-east of SBA, you'll find favourite sights like Santa Monica Mtns National Recreation Area and McGrath State Beach.

  • Up for a bonus adventure? Long Beach is a popular road trip destination that's about 161 kilometres south-east of SBA. SkyThrills! - Fly a Real Fighter Aircraft & Become A Fighter Pilot For A Day! Long Beach, CA and Queen Mary make perfect pit stops.

Hiring a car at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport: FAQs

On average, car hire from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is around R 1,777 per day.
No. It's a little higher than United States's average daily car rental price, which is around R 1,225.
There are lots of car hire companies to choose from at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport - including Avis, Turo, Dollar, Thrifty, Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise, National, and Dollar diamond.
Currently, the lowest price for car hire at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport we found is R 899. And the cheapest rate for car hire nearby is from R 715. It can often be cheaper to hire a car from somewhere near to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, especially if there's an extra airport pick-up fee. But when you consider the cost of travelling from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport to the pick-up location, and back again at the end of your stay, collecting your wheels as soon as you touch down might still work out more economic, faster and easier.
Yes – you can hire a car when you touch down in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport and drop it off in another location, which can save you time and money.
The most popular according to travellers is Avis, with a 1.0 rating for things like cleanliness, customer service and value. The cheapest company is currently Avis.
Currently, it looks like Avis has the cheapest car hire deal in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport – for R 1,877 per day. Turo also has car hire deals from R 2,016 per day.
Although you can often find a cheaper car hire deal away from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, remember to consider: extra cost of public transport, a taxi to your hotel, or on to that pickup location on top of that price.
Yes. We understand that plans can change last minute, or you might even find a better car rental deal from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport. That's why we highlight the rental cars you can book now and cancel later when you search.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals in and around Santa Barbara. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Santa Barbara Municipal Airport.
When you rent a car near Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, most major providers require you to be at least 21 years old. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25, so make sure you check before booking.
You can book car hire at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport in three simple steps. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.
The documents you need to rent a car at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport vary depending on the car hire provider. In most cases, you’ll need a valid driving licence, photo ID and a credit card. You can check with the car hire provider when you book.
Finding the best car hire deal at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is quick and easy with Skyscanner. First, explore the range of available cars, from family-friendly SUVs to small compact cars. Next, narrow down your choices by comparing features like fuel policy, mileage, and customer reviews to find the best deal. Then, once you’ve found the perfect car, you’ll be redirected to the provider’s website to book, with no extra fees.