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Finding a car rental in Los Angeles is simple with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers in the United States with no booking fees. Pick up at LAX, Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB) or Orange County (SNA), or choose the city centre, Hollywood or Santa Monica locations to avoid airport surcharges. Book early for peak periods and check wait times and after-hours return policies for your pick up and drop off.
The Los Angeles area has several rental locations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| LAX Airport | • Wide vehicle selection • Extended hours (many 24/7) • Multiple companies to compare |
• Higher rates due to airport fees (10-15%) • Shuttle required to reach rental facilities • Can experience long waits during peak times |
| Burbank Airport (BUR) | • On-site rental centre has 10 brands • No shuttle needed - walk to cars • Often cheaper than LAX • Lower fees |
• Limited hours (usually 6am-11pm) • Smaller vehicle selection • May run out of vehicles during peak periods |
| Long Beach Airport (LGB) | • On-site rental counters • Quick pickup process - walk to cars • Lower airport fees than LAX |
• Limited hours (usually 7am-10pm) • Smaller fleet availability • Fewer rental companies |
| Orange County (SNA) | • On-site rental facilities • Convenient for Disneyland/Anaheim • Lower surcharges than LAX |
• Operating hours usually 5:30am-11:30pm • May have higher rates than city locations |
| LA City Centre | • No airport fees • Easily accessible by Metro |
• Limited hours (often closed Sundays) • May require rideshare to reach location |
| Hollywood/West Hollywood | • Save on airport fees • Convenient if staying in the area |
• Mostly business hours only • Limited Sunday availability |
| Santa Monica | • Convenient for beach stays • No airport fees |
• Usually business hours only • Higher rates during summer |
On average, car rentals in Los Angeles cost around USD $65 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from USD $14 per day.
Compare pickup locations. LAX adds about 10-15% in airport fees. Burbank (BUR) and Long Beach (LGB) are often cheaper, and city spots like the city centre or Hollywood avoid airport surcharges. Weigh lower rates against business-hour limits and any rideshare cost to get there.
Pick midweek and check weekly rates. Tuesday or Wednesday pickups are often cheaper. If renting 5+ days, a weekly rate can beat the daily total.
Choose a smaller car. Economy or compact usually gives the best value in LA. SUVs and minivans are priced higher.
Travel off-peak. LA rental prices peak in summer and holidays. If you can, target Oct-Nov or Jan-Feb for lower rates.
Skip extras you won’t use. Use your phone instead of paid GPS. Keep drivers to a minimum. In California, spouses can be added at no charge.
Save on fuel and parking. Refill a few miles from the airport and keep the receipt to avoid refill charges. Costco has cheap petrol. For parking, Beverly Hills public garages offer the first 2 hours free and Santa Monica city garages give 90 minutes free.
Finding a spot to park in Los Angeles varies by neighbourhood. Here are essential tips for different areas:
| Area | Parking Options | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| LA City Centre | • Public garages • Metred street spots |
• Read all street signs carefully - strict tow-away zones during rush hours (7-9am, 4-7pm) • Overnight spots available in garages |
| Hollywood | • Ovation Hollywood • Public car parks |
• Street spots limited and often permit-restricted • Car park spaces recommended for tourist areas |
| Beverly Hills | • Public garages • Metred street spots |
• Overnight street spots prohibited (2:30-5am) • Follow city garage signs for free short-term spaces |
| Santa Monica | • City garages • Beach car parks |
• Beach car parks fill by midday on weekends • City centre structures more reliable than street spots |
| West Hollywood | • Municipal car parks • Restaurant valet service |
• Residential streets heavily permit-controlled • Use public car parks for nightlife visits |
| Universal Studios | • Theme park car parks | • Arrive early for better spots • Consider rideshare for evening visits |
Key Local Driving Rules:
Street Cleaning & Restrictions:
Rent a car so you can get to:
Santa Monica – beach, pier
Hollywood – Hollywood & Highland Centre
Universal Studios Hollywood – theme park
Disneyland (Anaheim) – theme park
Santa Barbara – Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
San Diego – I-5
Do I need a car in Los Angeles?
Yes, most visitors find a car is necessary. While you can use ride-sharing and public transport, a hire car gives you the most freedom because LA is very spread out and its public transport system is limited.
What documents do I need to rent a car?
You'll need a valid driver's licence and a credit card in your name. If you're an international visitor, you'll need a valid licence from your home country. We recommend getting an International Driving Permit, but it's not always required. You don't need to provide your own car insurance; you can buy coverage from the rental company if you prefer.
Can I use carpool lanes as a tourist?
Yes, as long as you have enough people in the car (usually two or more). During busy times, some lanes need three or more people. If you rent an electric vehicle, it might have a sticker that lets you use these lanes even when you're driving alone.
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Los Angeles?
Most companies require you to be 21. If you're under 25, they will charge you an extra fee of about $25-30 per day. Some companies let people aged 18-20 rent cars, but the fees are higher and you have fewer cars to choose from.
How much should I budget for parking in tourist areas?
You should plan to spend about $10-20 per day for parking at most tourist spots. Some hotels will charge you $30-50 a night for parking. Parking at the beach usually costs between $10 and $15 for the whole day.
Are one-way rentals allowed?
Yes, most companies will let you rent a car one-way inside California and they charge little or no extra fee. If you drop the car off in Las Vegas or Arizona, they will usually add extra charges.
What happens if I get a parking ticket with my hire car?
You have to pay for any tickets you get. If you don't pay the ticket yourself, the rental company will charge the fine to your credit card plus an admin fee of about $25-50.
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