How to find a cheap car hire deal in Los Angeles
Whether you need a compact for cruising the city streets or an SUV built for road trips, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Los Angeles. Pick from options averaging 89 € a day and go where you want for less.
The cheapest daily price for a rental in Los Angeles is 10 €.
For longer trips, pick up a weekly rental from 64 € and fit more into your itinerary.
If smart timing is part of your strategy, book about one week ahead to grab the best price on a Los Angeles car hire.
Browse the offers available with Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty. They're some of the top providers in the city.
Whether you choose Dollar or a different supplier, double-check the coverage on your Los Angeles car hire. Some companies include a collision damage waiver (CDW), while others offer it as a paid add-on.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply click 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one location to another, which means you can bag some excellent one-way prices on a car for rent in Los Angeles.
Spend less on fuel by picking a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and bring it back full, so you only pay for what you use.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and click 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
Coming in first for value is this company, with average prices of 132 € a day.
Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around 68 €.
The third option won't stretch your budget either. You'll pay roughly 131 € a day with this supplier.
The Compact rental category is a dependable pick if you're not quite sure which wheels are right for you. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Los Angeles.
Flying to Los Angeles? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Los Angeles, hit the road sooner by picking up a car hire at Los Angeles International Airport. The drive time from this airport to the city centre is around 29 kilometres and takes about 35 minutes.
Or make an early exit with a car hire from Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport. After you've grabbed the keys, it'll take roughly 35 minutes to drive the 29 kilometres or so to the centre.
Compare car hire types in Los Angeles
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or simply planning a quick trip, this car category delivers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.
Medium: A smart pick when you need something that's easy to drive but doesn't skimp on features. This category covers compact and intermediate models that come with a little extra leg space compared to smaller options.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the space to pack it all in without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance trips, this Los Angeles car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and anything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Featuring options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Los Angeles is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready for whatever the journey demands.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Los Angeles car hire offers peace of mind. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary between rental providers, so check how each one stacks up.
From navigation systems to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can totally transform your drive. Think about which features will make your trip more comfortable when you rent a car in Los Angeles.
Good to know
The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is generally 21 years old. However rules can vary by provider, so always double-check your rental company's policy to know where you stand.
If you've got the kids in tow, check if you should add a child car seat to your Los Angeles car hire reservation. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to ride.
Bring the right documents and keep pick-up quick and easy. You'll generally need your physical driver's licence (no copies) and another form of photo ID. Also keep a credit card handy to cover the required excess. If anything else is expected, it'll be listed in your booking.
Driving in the United States might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind traffic flows on the right side of the road.
Local speed limits are usually about 40kph in built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in the United States is 0.08%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the only way to be certain you're safe to drive is to skip the drinks.
Aim to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run. 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) on your trip here. As well as your credit and debit cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Los Angeles for drivers
Offering parking, Abode Los Angeles - Downtown Historic Core adds extra convenience to your stay. This hotel is around 2 kilometres from central Los Angeles and also comes with Wi-Fi and tour services.
Motel 6 Los Angeles, CA - Downtown is also a smart pick if a few road trips are on your itinerary. It features parking, along with a 24-hour front desk and internet access. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Browse the lineup of hotels in Los Angeles for even more choice. Use the 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' and 'Outdoor parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.
After you've found a car hire deal in Los Angeles and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl give you a real taste of the city.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Los Angeles
Long Beach should be on your to-do list if you're eager to visit The Queen Mary and Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA). This city is around 32 kilometres south of central Los Angeles.
Vagabond Inn San Pedro and Best Western Los Angeles Worldport Hotel are reliable accommodation options with parking in Long Beach.
Add Anaheim to your travel plans. Pick up your cheap car hire in Los Angeles and drive about 40 kilometres southeast to explore major highlights such as Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
Hilton Anaheim and Sonesta Anaheim Resort Area are comfortable places to stay in Anaheim if you're sticking around for a bit. Choose one of these and have somewhere handy to leave your ride.
Why slow down now? Take off to Chula Vista, around 193 kilometres southeast of Los Angeles. From San Diego Aquatica to Chula Vista Bayfront Park, it'll bring your trip to a memorable close.
Next up: catching some z's. Loews Coronado Bay Resort and The Rambler Hotel have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Chula Vista.
