EV rental at Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
- Car rental
- Electric rental
- Santa Barbara Airport
Extraordinary selection
From standard cars to supercars, find the perfect car for any occasion or budget
Liability insurance included
Third-party liability insurance comes standard, and choose from a range of vehicle protection plans
Easy airport pickup
You can skip the rental counter at 100+ airports across the US and Canada
Rental cars in Santa Barbara Airport
Average daily prices for a 3-day trip
Tesla Model Y
2023
•New listing
Tesla Model Y
2023
•4.96
(54)
Tesla Model 3
2018
•5.0
(21)
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
2025
•5.0
(21)
Tesla Model Y
2024
•5.0
(71)
Rivian R1S
2025
•New listing
Audi e-tron
2023
•5.0
(2)
Tesla Model S
2023
•5.0
(53)
Porsche Taycan
2021
•5.0
(4)
Electric car rental at Santa Barbara Airport
Santa Barbara captivates visitors with its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, pristine beaches, and rolling hills dotted with world-renowned vineyards. This coastal California gem offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, from the historic downtown's Spanish colonial charm to the dramatic Santa Ynez Mountains. An electric rental car enhances your Santa Barbara experience by providing whisper-quiet drives along scenic coastal routes while supporting the region's commitment to environmental sustainability. You'll glide effortlessly through wine country and beachside communities, enjoying zero emissions as you explore this picturesque destination.
Why choose Turo?
Enjoy a streamlined airport experience
100+ airports across the US and Canada let Turo hosts bring cars to airport parking lots and garages. Some smaller airports even allow curbside pickup at the terminal.*
Get personalized service from a local host
Turo hosts are everyday entrepreneurs who share cars in their communities.
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.
Discover Santa Barbara's coastal treasures and mountain adventures from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport
From Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to explore California's American Riviera. The stunning coastline stretches for miles, offering pristine beaches, charming harbor areas, and scenic cliff-top drives. Venture inland to discover rolling vineyard landscapes, historic missions, and quaint mountain communities. Your electric rental car provides the ideal way to experience these diverse attractions, delivering silent operation that lets you fully appreciate the natural sounds of crashing waves and rustling oak trees while maintaining an eco-friendly approach to exploration.
Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara Harbor
Stearns Wharf stands as California's oldest working wooden pier, extending into the Pacific Ocean with restaurants, shops, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center. The adjacent harbor buzzes with sailing boats, kayakers, and waterfront dining options. You'll find convenient parking areas near the wharf, making it easy to explore on foot after your drive. The quiet operation of your electric rental car perfectly complements the serene harbor atmosphere, allowing you to arrive refreshed and ready to enjoy fresh seafood while watching sea lions play in the marina waters.
Santa Barbara Mission and the historic downtown district
Known as the "Queen of the Missions," this 1786 Spanish colonial masterpiece features stunning architecture, peaceful gardens, and fascinating historical exhibits. The surrounding downtown area showcases red-tile roofs, white stucco buildings, and tree-lined streets perfect for leisurely exploration. Parking is readily available in the area, and the short drive from various parts of the city makes it easily accessible. Your electric rental car ensures a peaceful arrival at this sacred site, maintaining the tranquil atmosphere as you discover centuries of California history.
Santa Ynez Valley wine country and Los Olivos
The Santa Ynez Valley unfolds as a patchwork of vineyards, rolling hills, and charming small towns like Los Olivos and Solvang. This renowned wine region produces exceptional Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah varieties across dozens of boutique wineries. Winding country roads connect tasting rooms, art galleries, and farm-to-table restaurants throughout the valley. Your electric rental car provides the perfect companion for wine country touring, offering silent operation that enhances the peaceful rural atmosphere while eliminating emissions in this pristine agricultural landscape. Many wineries now feature charging stations, supporting sustainable tourism practices.
Butterfly Beach and Montecito's exclusive coastal enclave
Butterfly Beach offers one of Santa Barbara's most picturesque stretches of sand, framed by palm trees and luxury estates in the exclusive Montecito community. This tranquil beach provides stunning sunset views over the Channel Islands and gentle waves perfect for swimming. The nearby Montecito area features upscale shopping, gourmet restaurants, and beautiful residential streets lined with magnificent gardens. Your electric rental car fits perfectly with Montecito's sophisticated, environmentally conscious atmosphere, providing quiet transportation through this prestigious coastal neighborhood.
Lotusland and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Lotusland presents one of the world's most extraordinary private gardens, featuring rare plants, stunning topiary work, and themed garden rooms that transport visitors across continents. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden showcases California's native flora across 78 acres of canyons, meadows, and woodland trails. Both destinations require advance reservations and offer peaceful settings for nature appreciation. The silent operation of your electric rental car ensures you arrive in harmony with these tranquil botanical environments, maintaining the serene atmosphere while supporting sustainable practices that protect these precious plant collections and natural habitats.
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
Nearby electric vehicle rental alternative locations Santa Barbara Airport
Frequently asked questions in Santa Barbara Airport
What should I know before I start driving?
California requires all drivers to carry valid identification and proof of insurance while operating any vehicle. Right turns on red lights are permitted after coming to a complete stop, unless posted signs indicate otherwise. Santa Barbara features numerous one-way streets downtown, so familiarize yourself with local traffic patterns before exploring the area.
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.
What are the most popular road trip routes from Santa Barbara Airport?
The scenic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 101) runs directly through Santa Barbara, connecting you to stunning coastal destinations north toward San Luis Obispo and south toward Ventura. Highway 154 through the Santa Ynez Mountains offers access to wine country and charming towns like Solvang. Your Santa Barbara rental car provides easy access to both mountain and coastal driving routes throughout Southern California.
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 kilometers 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.
Should I rent an electric vehicle from Santa Barbara Airport?
Electric car rental works well for exploring Santa Barbara's compact downtown area and nearby coastal attractions. The region features a growing network of charging infrastructure, making electric rental cars practical for local sightseeing and short trips. Consider your planned destinations and charging needs when selecting between electric and traditional car rental options at SBA.
How do you get to downtown from Santa Barbara Airport by car?
From Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), head southeast on Fowler Road toward Hollister Avenue, then turn right onto Hollister Avenue westbound. Continue straight as Hollister becomes Cabrillo Boulevard, which leads directly into downtown Santa Barbara along the waterfront. Your rental car provides convenient access to State Street and the historic downtown core.
Are there toll roads near Santa Barbara Airport?
No toll roads operate in the Santa Barbara area or anywhere in Santa Barbara County. California's toll facilities are primarily located in the San Francisco Bay Area and parts of Southern California, but not near SBA or the central coast region. You can drive freely throughout Santa Barbara and surrounding areas without encountering any toll charges.
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.
Where can I find gas stations and EV chargers near Santa Barbara Airport?
Several gas stations operate along Hollister Avenue and Fairview Avenue near Santa Barbara Airport, providing convenient fuel options for your rental car. Electric car charging stations are available at various locations throughout Goleta and Santa Barbara, including shopping centers and public parking areas. The airport area offers multiple fuel and charging options within a short drive from the terminal.
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.
* Est. daily price. Search for up to date price information.