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Torrance offers several rental options focused around commercial centers:
| Location Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Del Amo Fashion Center Area | • Central to shopping and hotels • Multiple rental companies • Near restaurants and amenities |
• Mall traffic congestion • Limited premium selection • Business hours only |
| Hawthorne/Torrance Blvd | • Often lower rates • Easier parking for pickup/drop-off • Good selection of vehicles |
• Less pedestrian-friendly area • May require transportation to reach • Limited weekend hours |
| Western Ave/PV Drive | • Near south beaches • Convenient for PV peninsula • Often less crowded |
• Limited rental company options • Reduced hours • Fewer vehicle categories |
Major Rental Companies in Torrance:
On average, car rentals in Torrance cost around $71 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Shop several Torrance spots (Del Amo mall, Hawthorne Blvd, Western Ave) in the search results. Same Corolla can be $40 at one counter and $55 two miles (3 km) away.
Skip the airport mark-up. Land at LAX, grab a $25 rideshare south, then rent in Torrance and dodge the 10–20 % airport fee pile-on.
Mid-week pickup + 5-7-day booking = "weekly" rate. Grabbing the car Tue-Thu often flips the system into a lower weekly price that beats weekend daily rates.
Include the independents in your compare. Local agencies in Torrance sometimes undercut the big brands by 5–15 %. Ratings matter, so sort by both price and reviews.
Use the free pickup service. Some branches will collect you from your hotel or office, saving the Uber fare and keeping the off-airport savings intact.
Fill up cheap before drop-off. Hit Costco on Lomita Blvd or Arco on Crenshaw for the lowest gas in the South Bay, then return the car full and avoid refuel charges.
Torrance offers much easier parking than central Los Angeles:
| Area | Parking Options | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Del Amo Fashion Center | • Free mall parking • Structure and surface lots |
• Rarely full except holidays • Covered parking available • Some sections designated for specific stores |
| Beach Areas | • Beach lots (paid) • Limited free street parking • Some metered areas |
• Early arrival recommended summer weekends • Redondo/Torrance Beach paid lots • RAT Beach has free spots |
| Old Torrance | • Free street parking • Public lots • Time limits in business district |
• 2-hour limits common during business hours • Residential areas usually unrestricted • Special event restrictions for farmers markets |
| Business Districts | • Free parking at most offices • Ample space in commercial areas |
• Some office parks have visitor restrictions • Straightforward navigation in most lots • Few paid lots in Torrance business areas |
Local Driving Regulations:
Torrance's central South Bay location gives you fast freeway and coastal-route access to beaches, business zones and top Southern California sights.
Rent a car to get to:
Redondo, Hermosa, Manhattan Beaches – South Bay coastline
Palos Verdes Peninsula – coastal viewpoints, hiking trails
Del Amo Fashion Center – shopping, dining
Long Beach & Aquarium of the Pacific – harbor, family attractions
Catalina Express terminal, San Pedro – ferry to Catalina Island
Disneyland, Anaheim – theme park day trip

Is Torrance a good location for renting a car in the Los Angeles area?
Yes, especially if you want to visit the South Bay beaches, Palos Verdes Peninsula or Long Beach. In Torrance, you'll find lower rental rates than at airport locations, easy freeway access and a great spot between LAX and Long Beach/Orange County.
How far is Torrance from major attractions?
You can get to LAX in about 20–30 minutes (10 miles/16 km), downtown LA in 35–50 minutes (20 miles/32 km), Disneyland in 35–55 minutes (25 miles/40 km) and Hollywood in 40–60 minutes (25 miles/40 km). These drive times all depend on traffic.
Are there any toll roads near Torrance?
The only toll roads near Torrance are the optional ExpressLanes on I-110, north of the city. You'll need a FasTrak Flex transponder to use them. If you have three or more people in your car, you can travel on them for free. Carpools with two people get a discount but still pay a toll most of the time. If you're driving alone, you'll pay the full toll.
How is parking in Torrance compared to central Los Angeles?
You'll find it's much easier and usually free. Shopping centers, restaurants and attractions in Torrance almost always offer free parking and you'll find plenty of spots. This is a big advantage compared to central LA.
Can I easily take day trips to the beach from Torrance?
Absolutely. You can drive to Torrance Beach and Redondo Beach in just 10–15 minutes, since they're only 3–5 miles (5–8 km) away. You can also reach all the South Bay beach cities like Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan in about 15 minutes.
Is it worth renting a car in Torrance if I'm primarily here for business?
Yes, especially if you need to visit several places in the South Bay business area. While you can walk around some business parks, you'll need a car to travel between most industrial and office areas. A rental car can save you a lot of time and give you more freedom than using rideshare services when you have many stops.
What's the best vehicle for exploring both beaches and Los Angeles attractions?
For most visitors, we'd say a midsize car is a good choice. It gives you enough room, gets good gas mileage and is easy to park. If you plan to stick just to the coast, a convertible can make the drive more fun, but you might have less space for your luggage.