Car Rental - Santa Rosa

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Locations: Find out exactly where to pick up your Hertz Santa Rosa rental car at Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS).

Fleet: Browse the Hertz fleet to find the right vehicle for your Santa Rosa trip, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, SUVs and trucks.

Things to do:  Explore museums, the best place for steak and seafood, and much more with our guide to the best things to do in Santa Rosa.

FAQs: Find out everything you need to know before you rent a car in Santa Rosa, including long-term, one-way and business options.

Santa Rosa car rental

Santa Rosa sits in the heart of Sonoma County, with US 101 connecting the city to San Francisco and the wider North Bay. Land at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), around 68 miles south, and enjoy a smooth one-and-a-half-hour drive to downtown Santa Rosa. Hertz also serves Santa Rosa at Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS), with a range of vehicle categories and pick-up options. Explore more of California, from Sonoma and Healdsburg to the coast and San Francisco, with a rental car giving you easier access to destinations beyond the city and limited public transport routes.

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Popular vehicles to rent in Santa Rosa

Things to do in Santa Rosa

Museum
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center

2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center celebrates the life and work of the creator of Peanuts, who lived and worked in Santa Rosa for more than 40 years. Inside, you’ll find original artwork, rotating exhibitions and displays exploring the history of the comic strip. The museum sits alongside Snoopy’s Home Ice, where visitors can watch skating or take to the rink themselves. Parking is available on site, making it convenient to visit by car. Its location also puts you close to other Santa Rosa attractions, so it’s easy to combine a visit with time elsewhere in the city.

seafood
Stark's Steak & Seafood

521 Adams Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Stark's Steak & Seafood is a Santa Rosa restaurant known for seasoned steaks and an extensive seafood menu. The restaurant is located on Adams Street in Railroad Square, making it convenient to reach from different parts of the city. It is a useful choice for dinner after exploring downtown or spending the day visiting nearby neighrborhoods. Having a car also makes it easier to continue elsewhere once you’ve had your fill and ready to move on. 

hotel
Hotel E

37 Old Courthouse Square, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Hotel E sits on Santa Rosa's historic Courthouse Square, putting guests close to downtown restaurants, shops, bars and local events. The boutique hotel occupies a restored 1920s building and combines original architectural details with contemporary rooms and public spaces. Its central location makes it easy to explore downtown on foot, while having a car gives you access to the countryside and coastal destinations beyond Santa Rosa. Valet parking is available at the hotel, providing a convenient option if you're using a rental car during your stay.

Long term car rental

Book long-term car rental for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Get all the convenience of having your own car without the hassle of buying. Ideal for longer business trips, extended vacations, temporary relocations and more.

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One-way car rental in Santa Rosa 

A one-way rental makes it easier to leave Santa Rosa without retracing your route. Pick up locally and return at another participating Hertz location, useful for trips to San Francisco, Sacramento or across California. Airport connections are also simpler when your final destination differs from your original pickup point.

Business rental 

Business travellers can move between Santa Rosa, Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport and Sonoma County’s business districts without relying on limited public transport. Hertz Gold+ members can skip the line at select locations, while Business Rewards offers corporate benefits for eligible companies, helping streamline frequent work trips around the region.

Popular road trips from Santa Rosa

Bodega Bay
Santa Rosa to Bodega Bay

23 miles & 36 minutes

Bodega Bay is an easy coastal escape from Santa Rosa, with beaches, seafood restaurants, harbour views and access to Bodega Head. The drive takes around 23 miles and 36 minutes, making it practical for a half-day or full-day trip. Continue along the Sonoma Coast for more beaches and viewpoints before returning to Santa Rosa.

Sacramento
Santa Rosa to Sacramento

90 miles & 1h 51m

Sacramento offers a change of pace with its historic Old Sacramento district, museums, restaurants and riverside setting. The drive from Santa Rosa is around 90 miles and takes approximately 1 hour 51 minutes. It works well as a day trip, with plenty to explore once you arrive and flexibility to travel beyond the city.

Reno, Nevada
Santa Rosa to Reno, Nevada

220 miles & 4h 6m

Reno makes a longer road trip across Northern California and into Nevada, with casinos, restaurants, outdoor recreation and access to the Sierra Nevada. The drive covers around 220 miles and takes approximately 4 hours 6 minutes. A rental car gives you the flexibility to make stops along the route and explore beyond central Reno.

FAQs when renting a car in Santa Rosa

The cost of renting a car in Santa Rosa will vary depending on the length and time of your booking, the type of car you want, and any optional extras. You can start a booking to get a no-obligation live price for your specific trip.


The nearest airport to Santa Rosa is Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS). You can collect your Hertz rental car by heading to the desk, which is right inside the terminal just by baggage claim.

 


Having a rental car in Santa Rosa is very useful if you want to explore any further afield than the central downtown area. Public transport is limited, and many of the most popular attractions are spread out. Buses and trains are available in some regions, but getting to top spots such as Wine Country is far easier with your own set of wheels.


Hertz has a vast fleet, with many different types of cars available in Santa Rosa. Choose a convertible for hitting the open road and heading into Wine Country, or a roomy SUV for family road trips. Check out the entire fleet to see what’s available.


A convertible in Santa Rosa is an excellent choice for soaking up that famous California sunshine while you explore. Availability is not always guaranteed, so book  early to avoid disappointment.


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