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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Compare rental car prices from major companies in Whittier with Road Genius. From affordable cars to premium SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at great prices in convenient locations. Neighborhood branches here usually cost less than LAX or downtown rentals and many offer free local pickup service. With fast access to I-605 and I-5 you can reach Disneyland, Long Beach or downtown Los Angeles in under an hour.
Whittier's rental options are mainly neighborhood locations focused around commercial corridors:
| Location Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Whittier Blvd Corridor | • Central to shopping and dining • Multiple rental companies • Near hotels and businesses |
• Limited premium selection • Business hours only • Weekend hours restricted |
| Whittwood Town Center Area | • Ample parking for pickup/return • Shopping center convenience • Less congested |
• Fewer rental companies • Limited luxury options • May require advance reservations |
| La Habra/East Whittier Border | • Sometimes lower rates • Easy Orange County access • Possibly less wait time |
• Limited selection • Reduced hours • Fewer company options |
Major Rental Companies in Whittier:
On average, car rentals in Whittier (AK) cost around $79 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $22 per day.
Compare neighborhood vs LAX pickups: Whittier branches skip airport surcharges, often saving 15-25 %. Check both before locking in.
Shift to a weekday start: Prices usually dip Monday-Thursday when locals are at work and theme-park crowds haven't hit.
Scan East Whittier/La Habra listings: Crossing the city line can uncover cheaper daily rates and shorter counters.
Test the weekly rate box: A 5-6 day trip can cost less on a "weekly" promo than paying the standard daily price.
Leverage free local pickup: Many Whittier outlets will collect you from your hotel or home, killing rideshare costs.
Refuel smart: Top off at Costco La Habra or side-street stations instead of pricey pumps on Whittier Blvd before returning the car.
Whittier offers much easier parking than central Los Angeles:
| Area | Options | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Uptown Whittier | • Metered street spots • Public lots • Some time limits |
• Meters enforced until 6pm • Public lots often free after business hours • Special event restrictions during parades/festivals |
| Whittwood Town Center | • Free shopping center spots • Ample space |
• Never completely full except during holidays • Convenient for rental pickup/return • Time limits rarely enforced except at restaurants |
| Residential Areas | • Street spots generally available • Few permit restrictions |
• Watch for street cleaning days • School zone restrictions during school hours • Some overnight restrictions in specific areas |
| Whittier College Area | • Limited street spots • Campus restrictions |
• Avoid during special events • Permit requirements during business hours • Time limits in commercial areas nearby |
Local Driving Rules:
Book a rental so you can visit:
Disneyland Resort – Anaheim
Downtown Los Angeles – museums, arenas
Long Beach waterfront – Aquarium of the Pacific, Catalina ferry terminal
Huntington and Newport Beaches – Orange County coast
San Gabriel Mountains – trailheads, viewpoints
Hollywood – Walk of Fame, studios
Is Whittier a good location for renting a car in the Los Angeles area?
Yes, especially if you want to visit attractions in both Los Angeles and Orange County. You'll find lower rental rates in Whittier than at the airport locations. It also gives you easy freeway access in multiple directions and puts you right between the main tourist areas.
How far is Whittier from major attractions?
Disneyland is about 15 miles (24 km) (25–40 minutes), downtown Los Angeles is roughly 18 miles (29 km) (30–45 minutes), nearby beaches are 15–25 miles (24–40 km) away (25–50 minutes) and Hollywood is around 28 miles (45 km) (45–65 minutes). All these drive times depend on traffic.
Are there any toll roads near Whittier?
No toll roads start right in Whittier, but you'll find several nearby. The closest are the 91 Express Lanes on SR-91 and Orange County's 73, 133, 241 and 261 toll roads. You'll likely run into them only if you're driving toward Anaheim, south Orange County or the Inland Empire. Farther west, the I-10 and I-110 Express Lanes near downtown Los Angeles also have tolls.
How is parking in Whittier compared to central Los Angeles?
It's much easier and often free. Uptown Whittier has some meters, but in most other places you'll find plenty of free parking. This is a big plus compared to the tourist spots in LA.
What's the best vehicle for visiting both theme parks and beaches?
Most people find a midsize car is a good balance. It gives you enough room and gets good gas mileage. If you have a family of four or more, you might prefer an SUV or minivan for more comfort and storage space.
Can I easily take day trips to the beach from Whittier?
Yes. From Whittier, you can easily get to beaches in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties. You can drive to Long Beach in just 25 to 35 minutes. Huntington and Newport beaches are about 35 to 50 minutes away.
Is public transportation a viable alternative to renting a car in Whittier?
Not for most visitors. Local buses do run in the Whittier area, but it's hard and takes a long time to get to the major attractions. We strongly recommend you rent a car to easily visit theme parks, beaches and other Los Angeles sights.
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