SUV rental at Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
Discover the Turo car rental marketplace
- Car rental
- SUV 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
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
2022
•5.0
(46)
BMW X1
2018
•4.91
(74)
BMW X1
2023
•5.0
(13)
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
2021
•5.0
(25)
Audi Q7
2021
•4.97
(34)
BMW X3
2018
•4.96
(33)
Tesla Model Y
2024
•5.0
(93)
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
2020
•5.0
(158)
Porsche Macan
2019
•5.0
(105)
SUV rental at Santa Barbara Airport
Santa Barbara captivates visitors with its Mediterranean-inspired architecture, pristine beaches, and rolling wine country hills. This coastal paradise offers everything from scenic mountain drives to beachfront adventures, making it an ideal destination for exploration. Booking an SUV rental enhances your Santa Barbara experience by providing the comfort and space needed for beach gear, wine country excursions, and family adventures. The elevated seating position offers stunning views of the Pacific coastline, while the versatile cargo space accommodates everything from surfboards to shopping finds along State Street.
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.
Recent reviews
Owner had accidentally locked a vehicle when I arrived. Had a little trouble with getting in touch with them, but problem was resolved. Was not terribly clean, but on the bright side, price was right and the location was great! Would most definitely recommend
The car was clean and easy to find. No problems during the trip. They responded very quickly, which was great 😊
Host was great. Had great offerings and was very communicative. I’ll definitely rent this car again. An easy, smooth drive and cool features with the speakers.
This car was perfect, easy to drive, well maintained and very clean. From start to finish was easy and top notch! Very professional, would rent again.
Had a great time with this Honda and Brandon was wonderful to work with. Definitely will rent again.
I rent this vehicle whenever it’s available! Great travel vehicle. Very communicative and helpful host.
This was a fantastic turo rental! Super easy to pick up and drop off at the airport. Thank you!
The car is wonderful, and was a pleasure to drive. Max is an amazing host, and this experience was super positive. Max delivered the car to my home, and answered a few questions. I contacted him directly because of some trouble I was having with the Turo app, and he was very responsive. Great Trip!
Super nice host! The car was clean and well maintained, and it drove smoothly with no issues. I’d definitely rent from this host again.
Great car, comfortable, Good for road trips Great communication with host thank you 🙏
These hosts are great! Always super accommodating and the car is always perfect.
Great host with very clear instructions, easy to pick up and drop off!! Highly recommend!
Discover Santa Barbara's coastal charm and wine country adventures from Santa Barbara Airport
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) serves as your gateway to one of California's most enchanting destinations. From here, you can easily access world-renowned wineries in the Santa Ynez Valley, explore the historic downtown waterfront, and venture into the scenic Santa Barbara Mountains. A rental SUV provides the perfect combination of comfort and capability for navigating coastal highways and winding mountain roads. Whether you're planning beach days at East Beach, wine tasting in Los Olivos, or hiking in the Los Padres National Forest, having a spacious rental SUV ensures you can carry all your gear while enjoying panoramic ocean and mountain views.
Stearns Wharf and the Santa Barbara waterfront
Stearns Wharf stands as California's oldest working wooden wharf and serves as the heart of Santa Barbara's waterfront district. This historic pier extends into the Pacific Ocean, offering spectacular views of the coastline and Channel Islands. You'll find charming shops, restaurants, and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sea Center along the wharf. Parking near the waterfront can be limited during peak seasons, so arriving early in your rental SUV is recommended. The wharf connects seamlessly to East Beach and the harbor area, making it easy to explore multiple attractions in one visit while enjoying the Mediterranean climate.
Santa Barbara Mission and the historic downtown district
Known as the "Queen of the Missions," Santa Barbara Mission represents one of California's most beautiful Spanish colonial landmarks. The mission's twin bell towers and rose garden create a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Downtown Santa Barbara surrounds the mission with its distinctive red-tile roofs and white stucco buildings, creating a cohesive architectural theme throughout the area. State Street offers excellent shopping and dining opportunities, while the courthouse and its clock tower provide panoramic city views. Street parking and public lots make it convenient to explore this historic area at your own pace.
Santa Ynez Valley wine country and Los Olivos
The Santa Ynez Valley beckons wine enthusiasts with its rolling hills, boutique wineries, and charming tasting rooms. Los Olivos serves as the valley's picturesque hub, featuring art galleries, wine shops, and farm-to-table restaurants housed in Victorian-era buildings. The scenic drive through wine country reveals stunning vineyard landscapes and mountain vistas that perfectly complement the elevated perspective a rental SUV provides. Numerous wineries dot the valley, from family-owned operations to renowned estates, each offering unique varietals and tasting experiences. The winding country roads and varied terrain make this region ideal for leisurely exploration, with plenty of space to transport wine purchases and picnic supplies back to your accommodation.
Butterfly Beach and Montecito's exclusive coastline
Butterfly Beach in Montecito offers one of Santa Barbara's most pristine stretches of sand, framed by dramatic bluffs and luxury estates. This secluded beach provides a more intimate coastal experience compared to the busier downtown beaches. The nearby Montecito area features upscale shopping at the Coast Village Road and beautiful residential neighborhoods with stunning architecture. Limited parking near the beach makes having your own transportation essential for accessing this hidden gem. The scenic Cabrillo Boulevard provides a beautiful coastal drive connecting Butterfly Beach to other Santa Barbara attractions.
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and the foothills
Nestled in Mission Canyon, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden showcases California's native plant communities across 78 acres of natural beauty. The garden features diverse ecosystems from coastal sage scrub to redwood groves, connected by scenic walking trails. The location in the Santa Barbara foothills provides cooler temperatures and stunning views back toward the ocean. Ample parking makes it easy to visit with your rental SUV, and the garden serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the nearby mountains and hiking trails. The peaceful setting offers a perfect contrast to the bustling downtown area and beachfront activities.
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
Nearby SUV rental alternative locations Santa Barbara Airport
Frequently asked questions in Santa Barbara Airport
How do you get to downtown from Santa Barbara Airport by car?
From Santa Barbara Airport, head southeast on Hollister Avenue toward the city center, passing through residential neighborhoods and local shopping areas. Continue straight as Hollister Avenue becomes Carrillo Street, which leads directly into downtown Santa Barbara's main district. The route takes you past the Santa Barbara Mission and through the heart of the city's historic adobe architecture and palm-lined streets.
What should I know before I start driving?
California requires drivers to keep right except when passing, and cell phone use while driving must be hands-free for all drivers. Parking meters in downtown Santa Barbara are strictly enforced, with many areas requiring payment until 6 PM on weekdays. Always carry your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance documentation, as California law enforcement conducts regular traffic safety checks.
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.
Are there toll roads near Santa Barbara Airport?
Santa Barbara Airport area features no toll roads, as California's Central Coast region relies primarily on state highways and local roads funded through gas taxes. The major routes including Highway 101, Highway 154, and local surface streets like Hollister Avenue operate without tolls or electronic payment systems. This makes exploring Santa Barbara's beaches, wine country, and mountain areas straightforward without additional road fees.
What documents and paperwork do I 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 are the most popular road trip routes from Santa Barbara Airport?
The Pacific Coast Highway northbound leads to charming coastal towns like Pismo Beach and Morro Bay, offering stunning ocean vistas and seaside dining opportunities. Wine enthusiasts frequently drive inland to the Santa Ynez Valley, home to world-renowned vineyards and tasting rooms in Los Olivos and Solvang. The scenic route through the Santa Barbara backcountry provides access to hiking trails, mountain lakes, and panoramic valley views perfect for photography.
Why should I rent an SUV at Santa Barbara Airport?
An SUV rental from Santa Barbara Airport provides elevated seating for better coastal views along scenic Highway 101 and ample cargo space for beach gear, wine country purchases, and outdoor equipment. The higher ground clearance proves beneficial when exploring Santa Barbara's hillside neighborhoods and accessing trailheads in the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains. Rental SUVs offer enhanced comfort for families visiting local attractions like the Santa Barbara Zoo or Stearns Wharf.
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.
Where can I find gas stations and EV chargers near Santa Barbara Airport?
Several gas stations operate along Hollister Avenue between the airport and downtown Santa Barbara, providing convenient fuel stops for your rental SUV. Electric vehicle charging stations are available at various locations including shopping centers, hotels, and public parking areas throughout the Santa Barbara metropolitan area. The Santa Barbara Airport terminal area also features charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in designated parking zones.
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.
* Est. daily price. Search for up to date price information.