Cheap Budget Car Hire in Santa Barbara

When renting a car, understand the fuel policy. A 'Full-to-Full' policy means you return the car with a full tank, while 'Same-to-Same' means you return it with the same level of fuel. Full-to-Full is often more cost-effective.

Knowing where to park can save you both time and money; check for fees and space.

Before finalizing your booking, check if the rental company offers free cancellation. This can provide peace of mind if your travel plans change unexpectedly.

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, Budget has a rating of 4.6, Alamo has a rating of 4.6, National has a rating of 4.6 and Dollar has a rating of 4.6.

If sharing driving responsibilities, check the policies regarding additional drivers. Some companies charge fees for each extra driver, while others may include it for free under certain conditions.

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.

Before returning the vehicle, clarify the return procedures with the rental company. Knowing where to drop off the car and any required inspections can streamline the process.

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 Budget 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.