Los Angeles Car Rental
LA car rentals are a widely preferred transit option by travelers visiting the City of Angels. After all, Angelenos don’t ride transit or walk, but they drive! Verily, it seems that the LA public transit network can’t get you anywhere in LA, at least not hassle-free. The long distances between the various city’s attractions often require train or bus line changes, making journeys rather tedious. On the other hand, LA taxis, though safe and adequate, end up rather pricey when used for multiple trips. Conversely, car rental in Los Angeles is one of the most comfortable and relaxed ways to explore the city and its nearby destinations, provided that you don’t mind the notorious LA traffic jams.
Can I Get Around LA Without a Car?
LA’s public transit system isn’t considered a top-rated one. It does offer safe and efficient services, but it can lead to tedious and time-consuming journeys, often requiring passengers to change between buses and trains and/or walk a significant distance to their journey’s end. Moreover, although LA is known for its heavy traffic levels, parking isn’t such a hard task as in other big cities. Thus, car rentals are recommended even for journeys within LA limits, to the Sunset Strip, Hollywood Hills, or Venice Broadwalk, for instance. It is no secret that LA isn’t a walkable city after all! Even more so, if you are planning to leave Los Angeles and explore nearby destinations, you shouldn’t think twice before renting a car. Disneyland, Joshua Tree National Park, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and even Mexico are a few hours away.
How to Rent a Car in Los Angeles?
All the major international car rental agencies, along with many local providers, have desks in LA. Thus, you should search and compare the options to come up with the best LA rental car that suits your needs and preferences. You may even find previous customers’ reviews to shed light on each company’s provided services. Once you make up your mind, you’ll have to fill out the booking form. A confirmation email will be sent to you as soon as you complete the procedure. Please make sure to keep it, as it might be the voucher for your reservation.
How to Avoid Extra Charges on Car Rental in Los Angeles?
Even if you carefully search and contrast the offers of the LA car rental companies, there are a few tips and hints to avoid any unnecessary expenses. Thus, you should:
- Book your LA car rental as soon as possible. In-advance bookings usually come with better fares, while customers have access to more vehicle models.
- Before starting your ride with your rental car, you should take some pics to have evidence of any existing damages.
- Please remember that you’ll be charged per day (per 24 hours, that is). Therefore, you should return the vehicle before that time to avoid getting charged extra.
- The fuel-to-fuel policy is always recommended, as LA car rental companies tend to overcharge gas.
- Should you want any additional products (additional driver, GPS, etc.), you may have to pay extra fees. Hence, you should check if there are car rental packages offering those add-ons out of charge.
- Renting a car one-way is also an option. As a matter of fact, many LA car rental companies won’t charge you extra if you drop off the vehicle at a different location than the one you picked it up.
What do I Need to Rent a Car in LA?
If you want to rent a car in Los Angeles, you’ll have to hand over your ID/passport, your at least 1 year driver’s license, and a credit card in your name (provided you are the main driver). Some car rental companies may also accept debit cards. In that case, they usually withhold the entire amount of money. If your driver’s license isn’t issued in the U.S. or isn’t written in the Roman alphabet, you may be asked for an International Driving Permit as well.
How Old do I Have to Be to Get a Rental Car in Los Angeles?
Most LA car rental companies set up 21 years as the age limit, whereas others establish higher limits (usually 25 years of age). In any case, almost all car rental providers don’t rent luxury car models to drivers younger than 25, while all young drivers (21-25), regardless of the vehicle type, usually have to pay an extra fee.
Where to Rent a Car in Los Angeles?
You’ll find several pick-up locations around LA, usually close to the major attractions and transit hubs. Verily, LA car rental agencies have desks all over the city. LAX Airport and Union Station are the locations where most travelers rent their cars.
What Type of Car Should you Rent in LA?
Los Angeles car rental companies have fleets consisting of all car types, from luxurious vehicles, full-size cars, and SUVs to compact cars, convertibles, and even vans. Thus, depending on the schedule during your stay in LA, you should choose a compact car if you are planning on wandering around LA or a spacious SUV if you are in for trips outside the city limits. In any case, the California sun always calls for a convertible! Please keep in mind that most car rentals are automatic, while LA seems to “love” electric vehicles. Therefore, you’ll find various EV rental cars (and numerous charging stations around the city).
Our Tip: The Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Yaris are two of the most popular car models.
How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in LA?
The price of a rental car in Los Angeles depends on various factors. Firstly, each car type is priced differently. What’s more, the time of the year, the car renting duration, and any required add-ons also affect fares. Overall, the price of an intermediate car is around 45$/42.10€ per day.
Is it Right Right-Hand Drive in Los Angeles?
Yes, Angelenos drive on the right side of the road.
What is the Speed Limit in Los Angeles?
The speed limit in LA freeways is 65mph/104.6km/h. Nevertheless, you may find a 70mph/112.60km/h limit on some highways. Moreover, motorists can drive at up to 55mph/88.50km/h on two-lane highways, whereas the speed limit in residential areas is 25mph/40km/h.
Can you Rent a Car in LA and Drive to Mexico?
Most LA car rental companies allow crossing the borders to Mexico. In that case, a valid passport will definitely be required. Furthermore, you’ll most probably have to purchase Mexican automobile liability insurance.
Can you Pick up or Drop off the Rental Car if the Car Rental Offices are Closed?
If you want to drop off your rental car at LAX Airport, you can return it no matter the day or time. Verily, after-hours drop-offs are allowed. In that case, drivers return the vehicle and leave the keys in the company’s lockbox. However, when it comes to off-airport drop-offs, they are usually allowed only during business hours.
Do you Need Insurance to Rent a Car in Los Angeles?
Liability insurance is required when renting a car in Los Angeles and is usually included in the rental car’s price. Nevertheless, various other insurance packages are available, such as collision damage waiver, loss damage waiver, roadside assistance protection, and personal accident insurance. Although it may raise the final fare, a full insurance package is recommended to be fully covered in case of damage or accident.
Our Tip: If you want to save money on insurance expenses, you should check if any of your credit cards offer car rental insurance coverage.
Is Driving Around LA Difficult?
If you don’t mind the traffic during the rush hours, driving around LA shouldn’t trouble you much. Even parking isn’t as hard as you might think. On the other hand, if you avoid peak hours (that is, from 05:00 am to 10:00 am and from 03:00 pm to 07:00 pm on weekdays and on Saturday and Sunday evenings), even the road congestion won’t be a problem for you. However, you should keep in mind that LA freeways are massive, usually consisting of 6 lanes! Moreover, they often change names. Thus, it is always advisable to use GPS.
Our Tip: If you carry 2 or more passengers, you can use the Carpool Lane (marked with diamonds on the road) or the High Occupancy Vehicle Lane. They will save you some time when roads are congested.
Where to Park my Rental Car in LA?
Parking isn’t such a hard task as one may think. To begin with, many private car parks are to be found, both in downtown LA and the surrounding neighborhoods. Moreover, metered parking on the street is possible. In that case, fares are calculated per hour and can be paid only with bank cards. Last but not least, even free street parking is an option, but on the city’s outskirts. However, some parking spaces require a permit. Therefore, you should always check out the road signage.
More Info About Car Rental in Los Angeles
- You should always keep the car’s documents inside the vehicle.
- All passengers are obligated to wear seatbelts.
- The use of a mobile phone is prohibited while driving. You can talk to your phone only if you use Bluetooth or similar equipment.
- The alcohol limit is 0.08%.