Ready to hit the road in LA? Use the search form above, just enter your Los Angeles pick-up location (LAX Airport, Burbank, Downtown, etc.), travel dates, and click Search. In seconds, you’ll see real-time offers from dozens of rental companies in LA. Filter by car type to find exactly what you need, whether it’s a compact car for city driving, a spacious SUV for a group outing, or a stylish convertible for cruising the Pacific Coast Highway. Booking is fast and secure. Most rentals let you reserve now, pay later at pick-up, and offer free cancellation if your plans change. In just a few clicks, you’ll lock in the ideal ride for your Los Angeles adventure, at a price that leaves room in your budget for an extra theme park ticket or a nice dinner in Beverly Hills!
Welcome to Los Angeles, the City of Angels and the car capital of the world! From the Hollywood Sign to the beaches of Santa Monica, having a rental car in LA gives you the freedom to see it all at your own pace. This page is your complete guide to renting a car in Los Angeles, packed with money-saving deals and local expertise to help you navigate LA like a pro. Whether you’re flying into LAX for a family vacation, cruising down Sunset Boulevard, or planning day trips to Disneyland and Malibu, we’ll help you find the perfect car quickly, easily, and affordably. Get ready to drive through LA’s sunny freeways and iconic streets with confidence and extra cash in your pocket.
Why Rent a Car in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with attractions spread across a huge area. Renting a car is by far the easiest way to experience everything LA and Southern California have to offer. Here are some top reasons to have your own set of wheels in Los Angeles:
Our Los Angeles Car Rental Benefits
Why book your LA ride with AirportVanRental? We specialize in California car rentals and offer some unique perks for Los Angeles travelers:
(Los Angeles customers give AirportVanRental high ratings, we’re proud to be a trusted choice, with many repeat renters using us every time they visit California!)
Today’s Top Los Angeles Car Rental Deals
(Here are a few sample deals available in Los Angeles right now. These change frequently, but they showcase the kind of low rates you can find. Search above for the latest offers!)
(“From” rates are base prices recently seen, actual prices depend on your dates and availability. Taxes and fees are not included in the above rates but will be shown in your total quote. In Los Angeles, expect roughly 10%–15% in combined taxes/fees on top of the base rate. Book early for peak seasons like summer and holidays, when demand is high.)
Driving in Los Angeles: Tips and Local Insights
Driving in LA can be an adventure, one moment you’re cruising a wide boulevard lined with palm trees, the next you’re inching along the 405 in rush hour. Here are essential tips to navigate Los Angeles like a local and stay safe on the road:
Traffic & Rush Hours: It’s no secret that Los Angeles traffic is legendary. Weekday rush hour typically peaks from 7–10 AM and 4–7 PM, but congestion can happen at almost any time in certain areas. The major freeways, I-405 (the San Diego Fwy), I-10 (Santa Monica Fwy), US-101 (Hollywood Fwy), I-5, and others, can become parking lots during peak periods. Plan your drives during off-peak times if you can. A navigation app (like Waze or Google Maps) is your friend; it may route you along side streets to evade freeway jams. LA drivers are accustomed to these app-guided detours, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself winding through residential neighborhoods as a shortcut. Also, be aware of events: if there’s a Lakers or Dodgers game, a concert, or a big festival, traffic near the venue will spike. Adjust your schedule or route accordingly on those days.
HOV Lanes (Carpool Lanes): Many LA freeways have carpool lanes (marked with a diamond ♦ symbol) that require 2 or more people in the car (some stretches require 3+ during certain hours). These High-Occupancy Vehicle lanes can save you a lot of time if you qualify to use them. Solo drivers: do not be tempted to sneak in, fines for illegal HOV lane use are very steep (nearly $500 for a violation in California!). Some carpool lanes double as ExpressLanes that allow solo drivers if they have a FasTrak transponder and pay a toll (for example, parts of the I-10 and I-110 downtown). Unless you’ve arranged a rental car toll program and have a transponder, you should avoid those toll express lanes when alone. Follow the signs: if it says “FasTrak ONLY” during certain hours, don’t enter without a transponder. When in doubt, stick to the regular lanes.
Parking in LA: Compared to some other big cities, Los Angeles is actually pretty car-friendly when it comes to parking, but it varies by neighborhood. Downtown LA has plenty of parking structures and surface lots, expect to pay around $10–$20 per day on weekdays (evenings and weekends can be cheaper). Always read street parking signs carefully: many streets have street cleaning restrictions (certain days/hours when you cannot park) and some areas near popular districts (like West Hollywood or near UCLA) are permit parking only for residents at night. At tourist hot spots like Hollywood Boulevard or Santa Monica Pier, parking lots can fill up quickly and charge premium rates (upwards of $20). If you’re headed to the beaches, go early for easier parking; lots at places like Venice Beach or Santa Monica State Beach charge a fee ($10–15 typically) and can fill by afternoon on sunny weekends. One hack: use mall parking garages or large shopping centers as overflow parking (for example, The Grove, Beverly Center, etc., often have paid public parking that’s safe and convenient to certain attractions). And remember the golden rule: never leave valuables visible in your car. LA is generally safe, but a GPS or purse left on the seat can tempt a break-in anywhere.
Fuel and Gas Prices: California fuel prices are among the highest in the nation, and Los Angeles is no exception. Expect to pay a premium for gas, often $1 or more per gallon above the U.S. average. As of mid-2025, LA gas hovers around ~$5 per gallon for regular. Plan accordingly if you’re budgeting for a long trip. You’ll find gas stations everywhere in the city, but prices can vary block to block. Generally, stations near freeways and in Beverly Hills or Santa Monica tend to charge more, whereas stations a bit further from tourist zones or in the Valley might be a bit cheaper. Tip: fill up before returning your rental car to avoid the rental company’s high refuel fees. Also, note that in California, pay-at-pump is standard (you’ll likely need to enter your ZIP code for credit card, for international visitors without a ZIP, you may need to pay inside).
Toll Roads: The Los Angeles area itself doesn’t have traditional toll roads like on the East Coast, but there are a few toll facilities in broader Southern California. In Orange County (southeast of LA), there are several toll highways (like the 73, 133, 241), these use a cashless system. If you don’t have a toll transponder, you can still drive on them, but the toll will be charged via license plate. Your rental car company will likely bill you later with an added service fee unless you pay the toll online the same day. Within LA County, the main toll-style system is the aforementioned ExpressLanes on I-10 and I-110. Again, unless you’ve opted into your rental’s toll program, it’s best to avoid those or any clearly marked toll lane. There are no toll booths anywhere, everything is electronic. If you accidentally use a toll road, you can often go online (for example, The Toll Roads of OC website) and pay the fee within 5 days to avoid the rental company’s surchargethetollroads.com.
Navigating LAX’s Rental Car Center: If you’re picking up at LAX Airport, be prepared for a short shuttle ride. LAX’s new Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility is opening soon (bringing all rental companies into one huge center), but in the meantime, rental car shuttles will take you from the terminals to your agency’s lot. Follow the signs for “Rental Car Shuttle” after you exit baggage claim. The shuttles are free and run frequently, but during peak times you might wait 5–10 minutes. The ride to the rental center areas (along Aviation Blvd/96th St) takes about 10–15 minutes. Plan a little extra time when returning the car, as you’ll need to shuttle back to the airport. Once the new LAX ConRAC opens (expected to be fully operational by 2025), it will streamline this process with a direct people-mover train to the terminals, but for now, allocate that buffer time for the shuttle, especially during rush hour.
Driving Habits & Road Conditions: Los Angeles drivers are generally used to traffic and tend to be moderately aggressive but not outright crazy. You’ll see a fair share of lane changing and “California rolls” (rolling through stop signs slowly) in residential areas. Stay alert, especially for motorcycles lane-splitting (legal in CA) on freeways, they may zip between cars in slow traffic. In the rare event of rain, roads can become slick with oil, slow down, as LA drivers aren’t the best in wet conditions (and the first rains after a dry spell are the most slippery). In the mountains around LA (like heading to Big Bear or Angeles Crest Highway), winter snow can occasionally be an issue, check conditions; you might need chains or AWD on certain days, though this is infrequent for casual visitors sticking to main routes.
Overall, driving in Los Angeles opens up a world of possibilities. Yes, the traffic can be daunting, but with patience and our tips above, you’ll navigate like a local in no time. Keep your favorite radio station on (try 97.1 FM for some classic rock as you cruise) and embrace the quintessential LA driving experience, scenic palm-lined roads, diverse neighborhoods, and the freedom to go anywhere whenever you want.
Road Trip Ideas from Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a perfect starting point for some epic road trips. Whether you want coastal beauty, desert adventure, or mountain scenery, there’s a route for you. Here are three itinerary ideas to get you inspired:
Each of these road trips showcases a different side of California, all starting from Los Angeles. Whether you’re chasing ocean sunsets, neon lights, or serene deserts, a rental car will get you there. Pro tip: We provide complimentary maps for many popular routes and can recommend stopovers, just ask our team or check our online Road Trip Guides for more ideas. Now, fuel up, queue a great playlist, and hit the open road!
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the type of car and season, but rental rates in Los Angeles can start as low as $18–$25 per day for an economy car during off-peak times. Average prices for a standard car are around $40–$60/day. Prices fluctuate with demand, for example, summer or holiday periods might be higher, whereas mid-week in off-season can yield ultra-low deals (we’ve seen ~$19/day at LAX for a basic car). Always search for your specific dates to get the current rate. The good news: with so many rental companies in LA, there’s lots of competition to drive prices down, especially at LAX Airport where agencies regularly undercut each other for the cheapest headline rate.
When you rent, the company will offer you optional insurance like a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) which covers damage/theft of the rental car, and supplemental liability or personal accident insurance. Whether you need these depends on your situation. If you have a personal auto insurance policy, it often extends to rentals (check with your insurer). Many credit cards also provide collision damage coverage if you use the card to book and decline the rental company’s LDW, this can cover damage to the car. However, non-US visitors or those without existing car insurance might want to purchase the coverage for peace of mind. California does require that renters have liability coverage. You can choose to add more liability protection at the counter if you want higher limits. In summary: you don’t have to buy insurance from the rental company if you’re otherwise covered, but make sure you are covered (for damage and liability) either via your personal insurance or credit card. When in doubt, a Collision Damage Waiver from the rental company can save you hassle in case of an incident, as it typically means you won’t pay out-of-pocket for damage to the car.
Absolutely, LAX has a large selection of rental car companies serving it. While rental counters aren’t inside the terminals, free shuttles will take you from your arrival terminal to your chosen rental agency’s location just outside the airport. All the major brands (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, Thrifty, etc.) and several smaller ones operate near LAX. The process is straightforward: after you land and collect your luggage, follow the signs to the purple “Rental Car Shuttle” stops. Shuttles run frequently and will bring you to the rental facility. If you’ve booked with us, just find the shuttle for your specific rental brand (they usually have their name on the bus). Within 10–15 minutes you’ll be at the lot and ready to pick up your car.
For most visitors, renting a car is worth it in Los Angeles because of the freedom and time saved. LA’s public transportation has improved (the Metro rail/bus can get you to some major areas), and rideshare services like Uber/Lyft are plentiful, but they only cover limited areas conveniently. If your plan is to stay in one neighborhood (say, downtown) and not venture far, you might manage without a car. However, if you want to explore multiple areas, for example, a day in Disneyland (Anaheim), an afternoon in Venice Beach, dinner in Hollywood, doing that by transit or multiple rideshares will be time-consuming and possibly more expensive overall. Los Angeles is a city of spread-out attractions. Having a car means door-to-door access to wherever you want to go, whenever you want. Plus, many of LA’s gems (hiking to the Hollywood sign, surfing in Malibu, foodie spots in the San Gabriel Valley) are not easily reachable without a vehicle. In short: while you can see a slice of LA without a car, renting one greatly expands what you can comfortably see in a given amount of time. The convenience, especially for families or groups, usually outweighs the costs of rental and parking. Just plan around traffic and you’ll be glad to have your own wheels.
: It depends on your plans. If you’re mostly sticking to city streets and solo or a couple, a compact or mid-size car is perfect, easy to drive and park, and fuel efficient for LA’s stop-and-go traffic. Parking spaces in older parts of town (and beach parking lots) can be tight, so smaller is easier. That said, if you have a family or a lot of luggage, an SUV or minivan provides comfort and cargo space (many locals drive SUVs, so you won’t feel out of place). Visiting in summer and dreaming of the sunshine? A convertible can be a fun choice to enjoy the weather, especially for coastal drives, just remember convertibles have limited trunk space. Environmentally conscious or tech enthusiast? Los Angeles has lots of electric vehicle (EV) rentals (like Teslas) and plenty of charging stations, especially on the westside and downtown. If you plan to head to the mountains (Big Bear in winter, etc.), consider an SUV for possible AWD, but for 99% of LA city driving, any regular car will do. One thing you don’t need is a manual transmission, almost all rentals in LA are automatics, which is good because LA traffic involves a lot of shifting if you were manual. In summary: choose a car that fits your group size and luggage, and maybe add a bit of LA flair (luxury or convertible) if it suits your trip. All rental cars have A/C (a must-have for the heat) and will handle the freeways fine.
In Los Angeles proper, there are no standard toll roads, you can drive the highways without paying tolls. The only “tolls” in LA County are optional ExpressLanes on the I-10 and I-110 freeways, which we discussed earlier (they require a transponder and are avoidable). However, if your travels take you to Orange County or down toward San Diego, note that there are some toll highways (for example, CA-73, 133, 241, 261 in Orange County). These have no toll booths; fees are collected via license plate. As a renter, if you use those, the rental company will charge you later (often adding a service fee). You can also pay those tolls online yourself the same day to avoid extra fees. If heading to San Diego from LA, an alternative is to stick to I-5 which is free (the coastal route) rather than the inland toll road 73. To sum up: in the LA region you generally won’t encounter tolls unless you intentionally take a tolled route. And if you’re not sure, ask us or the rental counter about a toll pass option or guidance on avoiding toll roads.
Most attractions in LA have parking available, the question is usually cost and availability. Here are a few quick insights: Universal Studios Hollywood has large parking garages ($30+ for general parking, more for preferred, and it’s on a hill so be prepared for escalators up to the park). Disneyland (in Anaheim, about 1 hour from LA) has massive parking structures ($30/day) with trams to the park, plenty of space, just arrive early for closer spots. Griffith Observatory has very limited parking on-site on busy days; you may have to park along the road and walk, or use their shuttle from a lower lot. Dodger Stadium and other sports venues offer parking (Dodger Stadium is ~$25–$30, and it’s a big open lot, traffic can be heavy exiting). Beach areas like Santa Monica and Venice: there are city lots at the beach which charge by the day or hour (Santa Monica’s main lots are $15–$20 in summer; Venice Beach lot around $10–$15). Get there early on weekends as they fill up by midday. In Hollywood, if you’re seeing the Walk of Fame or Chinese Theatre, consider parking in one of the public structures on Orange Drive or at Hollywood & Highland Center, a few bucks with validation, much better than private lots that charge $20 flat. Many malls in LA offer 2-3 hours free parking (e.g., The Grove, Beverly Center) which can be handy if you combine shopping with sightseeing. Always double-check signs, LA loves towing cars that violate posted rules (especially on narrow canyon roads or during street cleaning times). Lastly, if you’re unsure, use a parking app (like ParkMe or SpotHero) to find rates and even reserve a spot in advance. With a bit of planning, parking in LA is manageable and you can get remarkably close to most attractions with your rental car.
Yes, one-way rentals are commonly available from Los Angeles. You can pick up a car in LA and drop it off in another city, popular choices include San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego, or even out-of-state destinations. When booking, you’ll need to specify your drop-off city by choosing a different return location. Most rental companies allow this, though one-way fees (drop charges) will apply in many cases. The fee can vary: a one-way to San Francisco or Vegas might be relatively modest (sometimes even waived during certain promotions), whereas a one-way clear across the country will be quite expensive. Always check the rental quote for any drop fee included. With AirportVanRental’s search, we factor in the one-way fee so you see the total cost up front. One upside: California to Nevada/Arizona one-ways are usually easy to find because lots of travelers do road trips ending in another city. Just make sure you return the car to the specified location to avoid extra charges. And of course, you can drive your LA rental anywhere in the U.S. and back, unlimited mileage is standard, so if you’re doing a big loop (say LA -> Grand Canyon -> Vegas -> back to LA), that’s fine with a round-trip rental. One-way or not, enjoy the road, just plan the logistics in advance.
Many rental locations in Los Angeles do allow debit cards, but with some extra conditions. The policies vary by company. Generally, if you use a debit card (Visa/Mastercard logo and tied to your bank account), you’ll need to pass a security screening, this could mean showing proof of return travel (like a flight itinerary) and/or an extra form of ID. Some companies require the debit card name to match your driver’s license exactly. Additionally, a hold (security deposit) will be placed on your account, often $200 or more above the rental cost, and it can take a week or longer after drop-off to get that hold released. Note that debit card renters usually must be 25 or older (quite a few companies won’t accept debit for under-25 renters). Also, luxury or specialty cars might not be rentable on a debit card at all. Our advice: read the payment policy of the rental company when booking with a debit card (we often note if a credit card is required). And make sure you have enough funds in the account for the deposit hold. Using a credit card tends to be smoother and avoids those hurdles, but if debit is your only option, it’s doable, just come prepared with the documentation and expect the deposit on your account.