How to find a cheap car hire deal in Los Angeles
Whether you need a small car for zipping through the city streets or a bigger ride for the open road, we'll help you find a cheap rental car in Los Angeles. Pick from options averaging ج.م. 6,058 a day and hit the road for less.
ج.م. 546 is the cheapest daily price for a rental in Los Angeles.
Taking a longer break? Grab a weekly rental from ج.م. 3,019 and explore beyond the usual highlights.
Here's your clue on when to book. One week in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a Los Angeles car hire.
Get behind the wheel with Dollar, Hertz or Thrifty. They're some of the most reliable providers in the city.
The coverage Dollar or another supplier offers for your Los Angeles car hire can vary, so always check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Choosing a one-way car hire can be your secret weapon for finding a deal. Simply select 'Return car to a different location.' Providers sometimes have to move vehicles from one branch to another, which means you can snag some fantastic one-way prices on a car for rent in Los Angeles.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. No surprise refueling fees tacked on at the end either.
Hit the road without counting the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and pick 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you travel without limits.
Best value car hire options right now
Taking the top spot for value is this company, with average prices of ج.م. 6,295 a day.
Offering daily rates of around ج.م. 5,211, this provider comes in next.
The third option won't break the bank either. You'll pay roughly ج.م. 3,958 a day with this supplier.
If you're having trouble deciding what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Intermediate rental category. It's the most commonly booked type of car in Los Angeles.
Flying to Los Angeles? Think about an airport pick-up
Make an early start on your Los Angeles plans by booking a car hire at Los Angeles International Airport. The city centre is about 29 kilometres from this airport, which is a drive of around 35 minutes.
Or grab the keys and make a swift exit with a car hire from Van Nuys Airport. 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 zipping around the city or just planning a quick trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can look forward to good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the Goldilocks of rentals! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they strike a balance of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to small families and couples.
Large: Long drives are effortless in this Los Angeles car hire category. Also known as full-size, they're built with bigger engines for better driving. The extra space and comfort make them an excellent option for groups of friends and families.
SUV: When adventure calls, an SUV says, 'let's go.' It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for backroads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also deliver on space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Los Angeles that can handle the heavy stuff. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's supplies, baggage or whoever's along for the ride.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your Los Angeles car hire is damaged or stolen. While not mandatory, it's worth considering for extra protection. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
From GPS units to mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Consider which add-ons could enhance your trip 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 providers may have their own rules, so check your rental company's terms to be sure you satisfy the requirements.
If you're bringing the kids along, find out if you need to add a 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 travel.
You'll have to provide some documents when you pick up your ride. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with room for the security deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
Take a few moments to get used to your rental. Adjust your seat and mirrors, find the lights and wipers, and get a feel for its handling before you drive away. And importantly, stick to the right side of the road in the United States.
Keep within local speed limits of about 40kph in built-up areas and around 110kph on highways. Road signs will show if a different limit applies.
In the United States, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%. If you expect to drink, get someone else to do the driving or arrange a taxi or ride-share instead.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for day-to-day expenses and activities. Pay by card when it's convenient, and keep a little cash when electronic payments aren't accepted.
The language most widely spoken in this country is English.
Best hotels in Los Angeles for drivers
Offering parking, Lincoln Park Motel takes the stress out of finding a place for your car. This hotel is around 5 kilometres from central Los Angeles and also comes with air conditioning and internet access.
Tuscan Garden Inn gets the details right with parking and features such as air conditioning and luggage storage. It's roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Explore the full range of hotels in Los Angeles and pick the stay that matches your trip. Filters make it easy to tailor your search to what you need — like 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' There's even an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to find hotels with on-site charging.
It's time to get out and explore now you've locked in a car hire deal in Los Angeles and your hotel. From Hollywood Sign to Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Bowl, the city's packed with places worth visiting.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Los Angeles
Shift gears and take off to Long Beach. Around 32 kilometres south of central Los Angeles, you'll find must-sees like Queen Mary and The Queen Mary.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Long Beach include Vagabond Inn San Pedro and DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro - Port of Los Angeles.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Los Angeles and then head out to Anaheim. About 40 kilometres southeast of Los Angeles, Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park are highlights that are worth going out of your way for.
Hilton Anaheim and Sonesta Anaheim Resort Area are comfortable places to stay in Anaheim if you're settling in for a while. Choose one of these and enjoy an easy pull-up-and-check-in experience.
Still got fuel in the tank? Set out for Chula Vista, about 193 kilometres southeast of Los Angeles. From San Diego Aquatica to Chula Vista Bayfront Park, it's the grand finale your trip deserves.
Browse the room options at Loews Coronado Bay Resort or Rambler Motel. Make one of them your base and enjoy everything Chula Vista has to offer. They also come with a place to park.
