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Car rental Santa Maria, CA

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Extraordinary selection

From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget

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Liability insurance included

Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans

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Easy airport pickup

You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada

Rental cars in Santa Maria, CA

Average daily prices for a 3-day trip

Subaru Outback AWD car rental in Santa Maria on Turo

Rent a car in Santa Maria on Turo

Car rental in Santa Maria unlocks a world of possibilities, whether you’re road-tripping to Pismo Beach, exploring the valley, or planning a weekend on the Central Coast. Whatever brings you here, Turo makes it easy to find the right vehicle — without the headaches of traditional car rental agencies.

Choose from a wide range of rental cars in Santa Maria, from budget-friendly rides to luxury cars, and book for as long as you need. With convenient pickup spots near Santa Maria Airport, downtown, and beyond, you’re always ready to roll. Need a child seat or GPS? No problem. Renting on Turo gives you the flexibility to visit Santa Maria your way, making every trip easy.

Santa Maria, CA car rental: How it works

On Turo, renting a car in Santa Maria is easy. Browse cars online, choose your preferred pickup location, book your car, and get on the road sooner. With pickup locations all across Santa Maria, California, and beyond, you’ll be able to find the right car for whatever you have planned.

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1. Find the perfect car

Enter a date and location in Santa Maria, CA (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.

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2. Select a pickup location

Rent a car nearby or get one delivered to various destinations, including many airports, train stations, hotels, or maybe even your home.

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3. Hit the road

Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Santa Maria, CA! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.

Recent Santa Maria, CA car rental reviews

JANAE
Hyundai Accent 2017

Super awesome will be doing TURO my host was awesome.

JANAE
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Nicole
Toyota Camry 2016

The host was amazing, the car was wonderful, and I had a great trip.

Nicole
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Jackie
Hyundai Accent 2017

My CenCal Group's Hyundai was absolutely amazing! Communication was excellent—he responded instantly and was incredibly helpful throughout the entire rental. The check-in and check-out process was seamless and by far the quickest I've experienced on Turo. The car was clean, arrived with a full tank of gas, and drove incredibly smoothly. It also had plenty of power and was a pleasure to drive. I highly recommend renting from this host if you're looking for a hassle-free, top-notch Turo experience. Thank you again!

Jackie
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BEAU
Tesla Model 3 2023

Car is in great shape. The full service driving was incredible. Would definitely recommend for anyone. The owner provided great instructions and was easy to communicate with.

BEAU
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Hyundai Accent 2017

Car was exactly as described, in excellent condition and drove very smooth!!

Naomi
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Hyundai Accent 2017

Car worked great and communication was on point. 👍👍

Eli
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Hyundai Accent 2017

Car was really great did good on a road trip, great on gas. owner was very nice and responded in a timely manner . 10/10 will be renting from him again

Natalie
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Nissan Altima 2025

Car was in perfect condition and the host were very flexible with me changing my trip and always fast to respond if I needed anything.

Cameron
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Tomi M.
Tesla Model 3 2023

Very nice owner and great car. Had a good trip using it!

Tomi M.
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Tesla Model 3 2023

Amazing owner ! Easy pick up and drop off !! Super clean car !! Would definitely do again !

Vincent M.
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RICHARD G.
Tesla Model 3 2023

Booked with Francisco once again and it was Great, communicated really well. The trip with the Tesla is always great and relaxing will definitely be booking again with him

RICHARD G.
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Rent a car and explore Santa Maria, CA

Things to do and places to see in Santa Maria, CA

Nestled on California’s spectacular Central Coast, Santa Maria is packed with endless things to see and do — all easily explored by car. Whether you’re hiking, wine tasting, or sampling the famous Santa Maria barbecue, adventure is never far away. Looking for culture? Browse a local art gallery or settle in with a book at the Santa Maria Public Library. With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and foodie delights, Santa Maria is a gem waiting to be discovered.

Rent the perfect car
Santa Maria, California

Foxen Canyon Wine Trail

Cruise the rolling hills of Santa Maria’s picturesque Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, where more than 20 tasting rooms dot the countryside. It’s an easy, scenic drive with plenty of parking at every stop, so you can take your time and soak up the views. A day trip down to San Luis Obispo pairs nicely if you want to explore more of the coast.

Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes

Take a quick 15-minute drive to the breathtaking Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes. With 18 miles of scenic trails and jaw-dropping ocean views, it’s a blissful place to stretch your legs and soak up the California sunshine.

Santa Maria Valley Natural History Museum

This family-friendly museum is a local favorite. Kids and adults alike will love exploring ancient fossils, wildlife exhibits, and interactive displays that bring the area’s natural wonders to life. Just a short drive from downtown, it’s the ideal rainy-day activity.

Why Rent a car on Turo?

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Cheap Santa Maria, CA car rental

Find deals on all kinds of drives in Santa Maria, CA and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.

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Convenient Santa Maria, CA car rental pick up options

Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest in Santa Maria, CA, like airports, train stations, and hotels.

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Relax with support & damage protection

24/7 support and roadside assistance mean help is just a call away, plus you can choose from a range of protection plans.

Santa Maria car rentals for any occasion

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Vacation car rental

Dreaming of cruising the wineries in a convertible or exploring the coast with the whole crew? Turo lets you skip the hassle of traditional rental companies to find the right car for your getaway. Consider a spacious SUV or minivan with room for the family, luggage, and everything in between.

Event car rental

Got a big day on the calendar? Whether you’re saying “I do” at the Santa Maria Country Club or Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard, or making an impression on a business trip, book something that fits the moment. A classic car or sleek convertible suits a wedding, while a polished sedan takes you from downtown to the boardroom in style.

Long-term car rental

Staying a while or relocating along the Central Coast? Turo makes longer trips simple with flexible durations, including monthly rentals, so you can settle in without committing to a purchase. Explore long-term car rental in California and book by the week or month.

Turo car rental vs. traditional rental

Turo Car rental

  • App-based experience

  • No waiting in line

  • 1,600+ unique makes & models

  • Get the exact car you choose

  • Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations

  • Cars rented out by local small businesses

  • Vehicles and hosts rated by guests

Traditional rental

  • Standard rental counter experience

  • Waiting in line

  • Limited selection

  • Get a type of vehicle “or similar”

  • Pickup at retail locations

  • Owned by large corporations

  • No vehicle ratings

Rental car pickup locations throughout Santa Maria

Forget the traditional rental counters. On Turo, you can have a car delivered right to you. Whether you’re arriving at the airport, staying at a local hotel, or beginning your trip from downtown, Turo offers flexible options to match your schedule and make pickup easy.

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Santa Maria Public Airport

Flying in? Grab your rental car near Santa Maria Public Airport for a smooth start to your trip. Skip the long lines at the traditional airport car rental counter — once you land, simply meet your host at a designated area for pickup near the airport. All the details are sent to you through the Turo app, so you’ll be on the road to wine country or La Purísima Park in no time. A day trip south to Santa Barbara is an easy drive from here, too.

Santa Maria Town Center Mall parking lot

Get your rental vehicle delivered to the parking lot at Santa Maria Town Center Mall. With plenty of parking and direct access to major roads, it couldn’t be easier to head to attractions like Santa Margarita Lake or nearby beaches. Just book on the Turo app and you’re good to go.

Old Town Orcutt

On the Turo app, choose a custom pickup spot that works for you. Want a quieter, small-town feel? Have your rental car delivered to your accommodation in Old Town Orcutt. Just a short drive from Santa Maria — and close to Arroyo Grande — this charming neighborhood is packed with antique shops, tasting rooms, and local events year round.

Car rental locations near Santa Maria, CA

Top tips for renting a car in Santa Maria


With so much to explore, renting a car in Santa Maria is a no-brainer. Get road-ready with our top car rental tips for a smooth experience on the roads of California.


What are the road rules and driving conditions in Santa Maria?


Driving in Santa Maria is pretty laid-back, but it has its moments. Broadway (State Route 135) and Main Street can back up during rush hour, so plan your trips accordingly.

Speed limits are simple here: 25 mph in residential areas, 35–45 mph on major roads, and up to 65 mph on highways — but always follow the posted signs.

The weather is mostly mild and sunny, though winter rain can make the roads slippery, so check the forecast before you set off.


What is parking like in Santa Maria?


Parking in Santa Maria is generally easy to find. The Town Center Mall and the Historical Museum offer plenty of parking, and there’s street parking along Broadway and Main Street too. Just be ready for a little competition for spaces on weekends.


Are there toll roads in Santa Maria?


Santa Maria itself has no toll roads, so you won’t rack up extra fees while you’re in town. If you drive to other parts of California, keep an eye on the posted signs.


Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Santa Maria?


Need to refuel or charge up? You’ll find plenty of gas stations around Broadway and Main Street, plus charging stations for electric cars, including at the Town Center Mall and the library.


Do I need to rent a car in Santa Maria?


Absolutely. Public transport in Santa Maria is limited, and with so much to explore nearby — like Oso Flaco Lake or Avila Beach — your own rental car gives you the freedom to go wherever, whenever.


Turo vs traditional car rental in Santa Maria

Traditional agencies mean counters, lines, and a lot full of look-alike cars. On Turo, you book online, pick from a wide range of rental cars, and choose pickup or delivery that fits your plans — often without ever setting foot in a rental office. It’s car rental built around where you’re going and when you need a vehicle.

Frequently asked questions about Santa Maria car rentals

What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car in Santa Maria on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo, you must create a Turo account, have a valid driver’s license, get approved to drive on Turo, and be 18 years old or older in the US, 21 years old or older in Australia, or 23 years old or older in Canada.

In the UK, you must be 21 years old or older and have held a UK or EU license for at least one year, or another driver’s license for at least two years. In France you must be 18 years old or older and have held a driver’s license for at least 2 years, longer for certain makes and models of vehicles.

When you’re booking your first trip, you’ll go through a quick approval process by entering your driver’s license and some other information. In most cases, you’ll get approved immediately, and you’ll be set for all future road trips, day trips, and business trips!

What kind of license do I need to rent a car in Santa Maria on Turo?

Turo accepts valid licenses (not expired, suspended, or revoked) that allow for full driving privileges; this includes driver’s licenses issued outside of the US. Licenses that Turo doesn’t accept in the US include any that have expired, have been altered, are conditional, probational, provisional, or restricted. Learner’s permit/instruction permits are not accepted.

Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car in Santa Maria on Turo?

To rent a car on Turo in the US, you must be 18 years old or older.

How does car rental insurance work in Santa Maria on Turo?

No, you don’t need personal insurance coverage to rent a car on Turo.

In the US, any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your Turo protection plan. When booking a car in the US, you’ll choose between three protection plans — Premier (eligibility requirements apply), Standard, or Minimum — to get the level of protection that’s right for you. On each trip, you’re covered with third-party automobile liability insurance provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company.*

In New York state, you’ll also choose between Premier (if available), Standard, or Minimum. With each plan, you’re covered with liability insurance of $1,250,000.* Protection plans for New York trips also include access to roadside assistance, priority phone support, and 24/7 customer assistance.

Can I get car rental discounts in Santa Maria on Turo?

You can get discounts and low cost car rental on Turo.

On your Account page, make sure you’ve checked the box to receive email notifications, and enable push notifications from the Turo app in your phone settings — we’ll send you occasional promo codes, discounts, and deals.

Additionally, frequent travelers on Turo can get rewarded with the loyalty bonus — earn a promo code for one bonus day when you take trips totaling 10 days in a 90-day period.

See more about promotions and discounts

Is there long-term car rental in Santa Maria on Turo?

Yes there is - whether you want to rent a car for three days, three months, or even longer, you can on Turo. You’ll find discounted prices on bookings lasting 3+, 7+, or 30+ days, so you can get the best deals and lowest rates possible by booking longer trips.

Is there unlimited mileage car rental in Santa Maria on Turo?

Some hosts offer unlimited distance for a trip; others set a daily distance limit — you’ll need to check on each rental car individually to see if this service is provided. On the vehicle pages, you’ll see the total miles or kilometres you’re allowed to drive under the heading “Distance included.” You can find cars offering unlimited mileage with every trip by using the “Unlimited distance” filter.

Can other people drive the car that I rented in Santa Maria?

Yes, multiple guests can drive the car you rent on Turo, as long as they are all approved to drive. The primary driver (whoever rented the car) can add additional drivers with no fees or additional charges. Only the primary driver can request to add drivers; Turo hosts cannot do it for you. We encourage you to request to add additional drivers before your trip starts, though guests can request to add a driver while a trip is in progress.

To speed up the process, have your additional driver create a Turo account and get approved to drive before you request to add them. All drivers must have a valid driver’s license and meet the age requirements for the car you’ve booked. You can request to add drivers via the “Trips” tab in the Turo app without additional driver charges or extra costs.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Santa Maria?

The cost of car rental in Santa Maria can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in Santa Maria, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.

What types of cars can I rent on Turo in Santa Maria?

Find car rentals to suit every vibe on Turo. Whatever the adventure, here’s a rundown of the vehicle types available in Santa Maria, which include but aren’t limited to:

Budget-friendly car rental: Need something cheap and cheerful for zipping around the valley? A Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic will do the trick.Luxury car rental: Not your average rental car, a Chevrolet Corvette or Ford Mustang will certainly turn some heads down Main Street.SUV rental: A Mercedes-Benz GLA or Toyota Highlander is perfect for families or groups with plenty of gear — think of all that trunk space.

Can I rent a car monthly in Santa Maria?

Yes. If you need a car in Santa Maria for a few weeks or a few months, Turo offers flexible durations, including monthly rentals, with discounted rates on longer bookings. You’ll find the best value by booking trips of 30 days or more.

Explore long-term and monthly car rental in California

* Any personal insurance you may have that covers damage to the host’s vehicle would kick in before your protection plan, except in limited situations for trips booked in Maryland, but this protects your own wallet. In the US, liability insurance is provided under a policy issued to Turo by Travelers Excess and Surplus Lines Company. Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. The policy does not provide coverage for damage to a host’s vehicle.

For questions or information about the third party liability insurance that is included in protection plans, consumers in Maryland and the licensed states listed here may contact Turo Insurance Agency at (415) 508-0283 or claims@turo.agency. For questions about how damage to a host’s vehicle is handled, visit the Turo Support site.