Cheap National Car Hire in Santa Barbara

Before leaving the rental location, inspect the car for any existing damage and ensure it’s documented. Take photos if necessary to avoid disputes when returning the vehicle.

Before booking, review the rental agreement for any hidden fees such as airport surcharges, additional driver fees, or late return penalties. Understanding these can help you budget more effectively.

A compact vehicle is easier to park and maneuver in congested city streets.

When hiring a car in Santa Barbara, choose a car hire deal with a “Full-to-Full” or “Same-to-Same” fuel policy from suppliers like National. These policies ensure you only pay for the fuel you use, helping you avoid unnecessary costs. While a “Full-to-Empty” policy might seem convenient, it can often be more expensive if you don’t use all the fuel.

If you're traveling with pets, confirm the rental company's pet policy before booking. Some companies allow pets but may have specific fees or restrictions, so it’s best to clarify in advance.

When hiring a car, especially if you’re arriving in Santa Barbara by flight, plan for extra time at pickup to accommodate any potential delays. Suppliers like National typically offer a grace period of 30-60 minutes. Providing your flight number can be helpful, but if you’re running late, be sure to call the supplier to inform them.

Choose car hire suppliers with high ratings, as these often indicate better service, newer cars, and more convenient pickup locations. For Santa Barbara, we have car hire deals from 8 suppliers. Among them, National has a rating of 4.6, Alamo has a rating of 4.6, Budget has a rating of 4.6 and Dollar has a rating of 4.6.

Car hires from National in Santa Barbara are charged per day. If you rent for more than 24 hours, you will be charged for an additional day, so plan accordingly.