Car rental Santa Monica, CA
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Extraordinary selection
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Rent a car in Santa Monica on Turo
Cruising through Santa Monica with the ocean breeze in your hair? Yes, please. Car rental in Santa Monica is your key to sun-drenched freedom — and with Turo, you can skip the chaos of traditional rental counters and book a rental vehicle that actually suits your vibe. Whether you're riding the Ferris wheel at the pier, shopping along Third Street Promenade, or heading to Venice Beach for tacos and people-watching, you'll find the perfect rental car for every kind of coastal adventure.
This iconic beachside city blends laid-back charm with a touch of Hollywood sparkle. Take a convertible down Santa Monica Boulevard, detour to Marina Del Rey for fresh seafood and harbor views, or load up an SUV for a beach day with the crew. There are options on Turo to match your plans (and your playlist). Santa Monica is all about living in the moment — and with your own wheels, you’ll never miss a beat.
Santa Monica, CA car rental: How it works
On Turo, renting a car in Santa Monica 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 Monica, California and beyond, you'll be able to find the perfect car for whatever you have planned.
1. Find the perfect car
Enter a date and location in Santa Monica, CA (or beyond), filter to find the best car for you, and read reviews from previous renters.
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.
3. Hit the road
Your host sends you pickup details, and you’re all set to hit the roads of Santa Monica, CA! If you have questions, you can easily chat with your host or contact support.
Recent reviews
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Rent a car and explore Santa Monica, CA
Things to do and places to see in Santa Monica, CA
From golden-hour beach strolls to celeb-spotting in boutique cafés, Santa Monica delivers that picture-perfect blend of SoCal sunshine and laid-back luxury. You could spend the morning browsing indie shops on the Third Street Promenade, grab a smoothie bowl with ocean views in the background, and still have time for a detour down the PCH. Whether you're here to chill, explore, or do a bit of both, here are three iconic stops that complete the Santa Monica experience.
Rent the perfect carSanta Monica Pier & Pacific Park
Welcome to the quintessential postcard moment of this city. The Santa Monica Pier isn't just a pier — it’s a slice of classic California nostalgia mixed with oceanside energy. Take a spin on the vintage carousel, hop on the solar-powered Ferris wheel at Pacific Park, or try your luck at the arcade games. There's a little magic for everyone, whether you're catching a sunset with a soft serve cone, or snapping selfies under the iconic neon signs before heading down to the beach below.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Craving a little excitement to go with your coastline adventure? Just an easy, breezy drive south of Santa Monica, Venice Beach brings the energy with bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, fortune tellers in makeshift tents, and rollerbladers in rhinestones. Wander past the iconic Venice sign at Windward Avenue, catch tricks at the world-famous Venice Skate Park, or browse local art along Ocean Front Walk. Grab a smoothie at the Venice Ale House or people-watch from a bench as live music drifts through the salty air. It’s quirky, creative, and unapologetically LA — you’ll love every second of it.
Montana Avenue
For a more low-key (but still delightfully chic) vibe, cruise up to Montana Avenue. This leafy, boutique-lined boulevard is a favorite for locals who prefer indie shops and slow mornings over crowds and chaos. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find handwritten menus, handmade candles, and the best almond croissants you didn’t know you needed. Stop by Brentwood General Store for a quirky gift or homeware find, pop into Caffe Luxxe for an oat milk latte, and soak up the sunshine from a patio where time moves just a little slower.
Why rent a car on Turo?
Cheap Santa Monica, CA car rental
Find deals on all kinds of drives in Santa Monica, CA and throughout the US - from the everyday to the extraordinary. Rent the perfect vehicle for your budget.
Convenient Santa Monica, 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 Monica, CA, like airports, train stations, and hotels.
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.
Top hosts in Santa Monica, CA
Igor T.
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Santa Monica car rentals for any occasion
Beach day car rental
Planning a surf session, beach picnic, or just want to catch the sunset with the top down? Rent a convertible like a Ford Mustang or a roomy SUV to handle all your towels and boards — perfect for bringing those beach-day vibes.
Production or photoshoot car rental
Santa Monica is home to more than just sun and surf — it's a hub for creators and brands. If you're managing a photoshoot, music video, or need a camera-ready vehicle for a scene, book something striking: think vintage convertible, sporty coupe, or anything that brings your vision to life. Plenty of Turo hosts offer standout options for your creative needs.
Special event car rental
Whether you're rolling up to a wedding at a Malibu vineyard or heading to an invite-only rooftop event in West LA, you'll want a car that makes an entrance. A luxury model adds sophistication (and some serious photo appeal) to your arrival. Because when the dress code says "elevated," your car should match.
Turo vs. Traditional car rental
Turo
App-based experience
No waiting in line
Get the exact car you choose
Delivery options & thousands of pickup locations
Contactless pickup and dropoff available
Traditional car rental
Standard rental counter experience
Waiting in line
Get one type of car “or similar”
Pickup at retail locations
Requires in-person handoff
Rental car pickup locations throughout Santa Monica
Get your car delivered right to you or wherever you’re going in Santa Monica, CA, including Santa Monica, CA airport. Many hosts offer delivery to custom locations or popular points of interest, like airports, train stations, and hotels. Popular Santa Monica, CA pickup locations include:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Landing at LAX and need an airport car rental? Turo makes it easy to bypass the rental counter circus. Refer to the Turo app to find out whether your rental car is parked at the LAX Budget Parking Lot or the Sunrise Parking Lot, both of which are approved pickup zones. If it’s Budget, hop on the pink LAX shuttle right outside Arrivals and ride over — your host will have left a ticket or QR code so you can exit smoothly. If it’s Sunrise, just call the shuttle at 310-410-2025 when you’re ready and follow staff directions to your car.
Hollywood Burbank Airport
Touching down at Hollywood Burbank Airport? This low-key airport is a dream for travelers who prefer smaller crowds and easier exits. Arrange a pick-up from a nearby location once you land, and you'll be on your way to Santa Monica — usually in under an hour, depending on traffic — via scenic canyon roads or a smooth run along the 101. This spot is ideal for short-haul flyers, business travelers, or anyone who values a stress-free start (and don't we all).
Downtown Santa Monica
Looking for the perfect rental location to collect your car from? If you're staying near the Third Street Promenade, the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, or one of the many walkable beachside stays, picking up your rental car right in downtown Santa Monica is the perfect spot. You’ll be steps from Palisades Park, The Georgian Hotel, and buzzing brunch spots like Huckleberry Bakery & Café. Once you’ve grabbed your keys, it's a straight shot down Ocean Avenue, the PCH, or Lincoln Boulevard — perfect for heading to Venice, cruising up to Malibu, or exploring canyon roads inland.
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Top tips for renting a car in Santa Monica
From cruising down Ocean Avenue with the top down to taking a spontaneous detour up the Pacific Coast Highway, renting a car in Santa Monica gives you freedom that's hard to beat. But before you hit the road, here are a few helpful things to keep in mind.
What are the road rules and driving conditions in Santa Monica?
Speed limits hover around 25–35 miles per hour (mph) on city streets, especially in pedestrian-heavy zones like Downtown, Main Street, and near the Santa Monica Pier. Freeways like the I-10 typically have limits that go up to about 55–65 mph, though traffic can slow things down — especially during rush hour, weekends, or basically anytime the beach looks good (so, most days).
Santa Monica weather is famously mild, but don't be surprised by coastal fog in the mornings or evenings — especially if you're driving near Ocean Avenue, the PCH, or through canyon routes like Topanga or Mandeville. It can roll in quickly and limit visibility, so keep your lights on and go easy on the gas until it clears.
Finally, if you're heading up into the nearby hills, keep your eyes peeled for critters crossing the road, especially in less-developed areas or along scenic routes. It doesn't happen often in the middle of town, but raccoons, skunks, and the occasional coyote are known to wander around residential neighborhood locations — particularly in the early morning or after dark.
What is parking like in Santa Monica?
Parking in Santa Monica is all right if you know where to look. Downtown Parking Structures 1 through 8 offer free 90-minute parking and flat rate fees after a certain amount of time, making them a solid bet for shopping or dining near the Promenade. You’ll also find lots near the pier, Tongva Park, and along Ocean Avenue, though they can fill up quickly on sunny weekends.
Pro tip: For metered street parking you can download the Park Santa Monica app to manage your meter from your phone and avoid ticket drama.
Are there toll roads in Santa Monica?
Not within Santa Monica itself — but if you're heading east on the I-10 or south on the I-110, you’ll come across express lanes that charge a toll. These lanes are meant to speed up your drive through LA’s busiest corridors, so watch for signage and lane markings as you travel through the greater Los Angeles area.
Are there gas stations and EV chargers in Santa Monica?
Absolutely. Gas stations are plentiful along main roads like Lincoln, Wilshire, and Pico Boulevard so you're never far from a fill-up.
If you're driving electric, Santa Monica is super EV-friendly. Look for chargers in city garages like those on 2nd Street and Broadway, hotel parking lots, and even at spots like Santa Monica Place or all along Main Street. Just remember to top up your car before longer drives to Malibu or down to Long Beach.
Do I need to rent a car in Santa Monica?
If your plans include more than the immediate beach zone — yes, 100%. While Santa Monica is walkable and has solid local transit, SoCal was built for cars. Whether you're cruising to Runyon Canyon, hopping between food spots in Koreatown, or escaping to Ojai or Joshua Tree for the weekend, having your own ride is the ultimate freedom.
Frequently asked questions about Santa Monica car rentals
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car on Turo?
What documents and paperwork do you need to rent a car 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 on Turo?
What kind of license do I need to rent a car 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 on Turo?
Do I need to be a certain age to rent a car 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 on Turo?
How does car rental insurance work 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 on Turo?
Can I get car rental discounts 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.
Learn how the loyalty bonus worksIs there long term car rental on Turo?
Is there long term car rental 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.
See more about promotions & discountsIs there unlimited mileage car rental on Turo?
Is there unlimited mileage car rental 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?
Can other people drive the car that I rented?
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 Monica?
How much does it cost to rent a car in Santa Monica?
The cost of car rental in Santa Monica can vary depending on car type, booking length, extras, and delivery. For cheap car rental in Santa Monica, look out for discounts on longer-duration bookings and early bookings.
What rental car types are there in Santa Monica?
What rental car types are there in Santa Monica?
There is a wide range of vehicles available from local hosts in Santa Monica to suit your preferences and travel plans. So whether you're cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, running errands downtown, or just heading inland for a weekend getaway, here are some rental car types to look out for in the area:
- Economy and compact cars: Think Toyota Corolla, Nissan Versa, or Hyundai Accent. Easy to park, fuel-efficient, and perfect for zipping around city streets or squeezing into tight beachside spots.
- Midsize and standard sedans: Models like the Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, or Volkswagen Jetta offer comfort and space without going overboard — great for daily drives, casual road trips, or commuting across LA.
- SUV rentals: Choose from the Toyota RAV4, Jeep Wrangler, or Subaru Outback for extra room and versatility. Ideal for families, beach days with gear in tow, or exploring Malibu’s hillside trails.
- Pickup trucks: Vehicles like the Ford F-150 or Toyota Tacoma offer hauling power for surfboards, event setups, or weekend DIY projects.
- Minivans and passenger vans: Traveling with the whole crew? Go for a Dodge Grand Caravan, Chrysler Pacifica, or similar model with plenty of seating and space for beach chairs, coolers, or strollers.
- Luxury and premium cars: Roll through Beverly Hills or along Ocean Avenue in style with a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, or Tesla Model S — perfect for special occasions or just turning heads.
- Sports and convertibles: Soak up the California sunshine in a Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, or Mazda MX-5 Miata. These rides are made for scenic routes and open-air drives along the coast.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles: Go green with options like the Tesla Model 3, Toyota Prius, or Chevy Bolt. Ideal for eco-conscious travelers who want smooth, quiet rides with charging stations easy to find across Santa Monica and greater LA.
* 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.