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Finding a car rental in Downtown Los Angeles is easy with Road Genius. Compare prices from dozens of brands across California with no reservation fees. Pick up a car at walkable downtown branches or Union Station, skip airport surcharges and reach Hollywood, Santa Monica or Disneyland in under an hour. Real-time availability and verified reviews make choosing the right vehicle simple.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Branches | • No airport fees • Multiple locations throughout downtown • Walkable from hotels |
• Limited hours (most close by 6PM) • Many closed on Sundays • Some locations closed overnight |
Hertz (Union Station), Enterprise, National/Alamo and Sixt (Wilshire Blvd) all have downtown locations |
| LAX Airport | • 24/7 availability • Largest selection of vehicles • All major companies |
• Approximately 18 miles (29 km) from downtown • Higher rates (airport fees) • Possibly long wait times |
Off-site rental lot requires shuttle from terminals (10-15 min) |
| Union Station | • Central location • Accessible by public transit • Convenient for train arrivals |
• Limited vehicle selection • Smaller facilities • May have higher downtown rates |
Hertz has a location at Union Station |
On average, car rentals in Los Angeles Downtown cost around $51 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $33 per day.
Compare DTLA vs LAX pickup – downtown branches skip airport surcharges and can be 15-20 % cheaper. Only catch: most close by 6 PM, so plan your pickup/return within business hours.
Peak dates? Book 3-4 weeks out – summer and big conventions push prices up fast. In quieter Jan-Feb you can often snag < $50/day deals just a week ahead.
Rent only for the days you'll leave downtown – parking runs $35-50/night at many hotels. Use transit while in DTLA, then grab a car for beach or theme-park days.
Do a quick "daily vs weekly" check – if you need wheels 5+ days, weekly rates can beat piecemeal rentals by 20-30 %. Under 5 days, single-day pricing usually wins.
Downtown Los Angeles has more complex rules than other areas:
Street Parking: Metered and time limits vary. Many meters accept credit cards and mobile payment
Parking Structures: Numerous public lots and garages offer daily access
Hotel Parking: Most downtown hotels charge for it; valet service is common
Evening/Weekend Rates: Many lots offer reduced rates after 5 PM and on weekends
Speed Limits:
One-Way Streets: Downtown has many one-way streets; pay close attention to signage
Toll Lanes: I-10 and I-110 have ExpressLanes that require a transponder for use. Solo drivers pay a toll; carpools (2+) can use them by setting the transponder to carpool mode
Get a car rental to get to:
Hollywood and West Hollywood – Sunset Strip, Walk of Fame
Santa Monica – Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade
Universal Studios Hollywood – CityWalk
Disneyland Resort Anaheim – Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure
What are the main rental companies in Downtown LA?
You'll find all the major rental companies downtown, including Hertz (at Union Station), Avis/Budget, Enterprise/National/Alamo (with a few downtown spots), Sixt (on Wilshire Blvd) and Midway (a local company).
Do I need a car if I'm staying in Downtown LA?
You probably don't need a car if you're only staying downtown. You can walk around DTLA and use public transit. But if you want to explore the rest of Los Angeles, a car makes it much easier.
When is the best time to pick up a rental car downtown?
Mid-morning (10–11 AM) is a good time because you'll usually find shorter lines at the rental counter. Try to avoid picking up your car late in the day, since most downtown offices close around 6 PM.
Is parking expensive in Downtown LA?
Yes, parking can be expensive. Hotels charge about $35–50 a night for valet service. Public lots will cost you between $8 and $25 for the day. It's hard to find street parking and you'll have to pay at a meter.
Are there any downtown driving challenges I should know about?
When you drive downtown, you'll have to deal with many one-way streets and a lot of people walking. Roads also close often for construction or special events. We strongly suggest you use a navigation app to help you get around.
What's the minimum age to rent a car in Downtown LA?
You must be 21 to rent a car. If you are under 25, the rental company will charge a young driver fee. The fee is usually about $25–$30 per day, but it changes depending on the company.
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