How much does it cost to rent a car in Los Angeles Downtown?

On average, car rentals in **Los Angeles Downtown** cost around **$51** per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at **$33** per day.

Car Rental Downtown

Q: 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).

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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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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.

Car Rental Locations & Options

Los Angeles Airport

Key Rental Locations and OptionsLocation TypeProsConsNotes
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 overnightHertz (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 timesOff-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 ratesHertz has a location at Union Station

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

Car Rental Prices

Average: $51/day
From: $33/day

Low-cost rental tips

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.
Smaller car = smaller bill (and stress) – compact cars cost less, sip gas and slip into tight LA parking spots. Upgrade only if you truly need the space.

Car rental prices in Los Angeles Downtown 2025/2026

Parking Tips

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:
- Downtown streets: 25–35 mph
- Major boulevards: 35–45 mph
- Highways: 65 mph
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

Why rent a car in Downtown Los Angeles

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
Long Beach – Aquarium of the Pacific, waterfront

Local Rental Locations

FAQs

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.