Hire a car in Los Angeles
If you have been to Los Angeles before, you would know there is so much to explore, from the Hollywood Walk of Fame to Santa Monica Pier, scenic Mulholland Drive, and more. Even for first-time visitors, the city has a way of making every neighborhood, coastline, and scenic drive worth seeing. Simply put, Los Angeles is best experienced with a rental car.
That is where Car Hire Hub comes into the picture. Instead of browsing through multiple sites, our platform allows you to search, compare, and choose your ride from a wide range of vehicles at best prices. From mini cars to economy, compact, SUVs, luxury, vans, and convertibles, you will get options from all popular categories.
Without depending on fixed transport schedules, get on the road to explore the beauty of Los Angeles at your own pace. Your journey deserves a perfect ride and we, at Car Hire Hub, assure you to help you find the best car depending on your travel needs.
Major car rental companies in Los Angeles
Many local and international suppliers serve Los Angeles at different locations across the city. On our platform, enter details such as your pickup location, drop-off location (if different), travel dates and age requirements to get available deals from major suppliers.
Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Alamo, Thrifty, National, Ace, Dollar, and Fox.
Popular car rental categories in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is perceived differently by different travelers; hence, your car should also match your itinerary. It is not that, if you are a couple or a group of 4 people, you will hire a minivan. Mini, economy, and even compact cars are the best fit for couples or groups of 4 to 5 people. So, choose your perfect ride from the popular car rental categories in Los Angeles.
Economy cars
Economy cars
If you are following a budget, and you want to keep your rental cost as well as fuel cost low, economy cars are the best fit. Getting around Los Angeles also becomes easier, especially in busy areas of the city.
Compact cars
Compact cars
Compact cars offer a perfect balance between comfort and efficiency. Travelers visiting Los Angeles on short trips and everyday city travel, often choose Toyota Corolla or Nissan Versa, top sellers in this category.
SUVs
SUVs
If your plan includes road trips to Las Vegas, San Diego, or San Francisco, an SUV is the practical option. With high clearance, better performance, ample space and comfort, SUVs are perfect for families and groups of 5 to 7 people.
Luxury cars
Luxury cars
Business people mostly prefer luxury vehicles to attend their meetings or events. They say luxury cars make a lasting impression, offering an elevated driving experience. If you are one of those travelers, consider hiring a luxury car.
Convertibles
Convertibles
Convertibles are a perfect choice if you enjoy open-top driving while cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway or exploring the city's iconic neighborhoods under the California sun. Ford Mustang is one of the top sellers in this category.
Minivans/Vans
Minivans/Vans
If you are 7, 8 or 9 people traveling together, consider a minivan or van for comfortable seating and ample luggage space. You do not have to book multiple rides, just one vehicle and you are set to explore LA with your family & friends together.
Top car rental locations in Los Angeles
Where you pick up your rental car can shape the rest of your journey. Whether you are arriving by air, staying in the heart of the city, or planning to head straight for the California coast, Los Angeles offers various pickup locations to get you on the road.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Los Angeles Downtown
- Beverly Hills
- West Hollywood
- Santa Monica
- Venice Beach
Flexible car rental deal types
Short-term car rental
(one day/weekend)
Short-term bookings are perfect for quick city breaks, business meetings, or a spontaneous day out. No matter what your itinerary includes, exploring Hollywood, spending the day in Santa Monica, or driving to Malibu, a short-term deal gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace.
Long-term car rental
(weeks to months)
If you are planning an extended stay, relocating temporarily, or working in Los Angeles for a while, a long-term booking offers both flexibility and value (lower daily rental rate). It also makes it easy to travel beyond the city to San Diego, Las Vegas, or California's scenic coastline.
Last-minute car rental
(unplanned trips)
Some travelers like spontaneous plans and that's perfectly fine. With that being said, if you have booked a last-minute flight, you will also need a last-minute rental car. This is where you go through available options across Los Angeles and choose the one that suits best.
Holiday car rental
(peak season)
Los Angeles is a popular destination to explore throughout the year, especially during summer holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break. Booking your vehicle in advance if traveling during peak season means you get wider choice and better deals.
One-way car rentals in Los Angeles
One-way bookings mean you pick up your car from one location, let's say, LAX Airport and drop-off to another, for example, LA Downtown. This deal is popular among travelers who plan multiple trips from one place to another instead of backtracking. Availability and one-way fee vary by supplier.
Drop-off locations within the city
Return your vehicle to a different location other than your pickup within the city, depending on your supplier’s availability. Here are popular city drop-off locations that you can consider.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Hollywood
- Santa Monica
- Downtown Los Angeles
- Burbank
- Beverly Hills
Drop-off locations outside the city
One-way drives are highly popular in LA, given the top attractions of the city people often travel from one place to another. Here are popular one-way routes from LA that you can consider for your travel plan.
| Drop-off location | Distance (approx.) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego | 193 km | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Santa Barbara | 153 km | 2 hours |
| Las Vegas | 435 km | 4 to 5 hours |
| Phoenix | 595 km | 5.5 to 6 hours |
| San Francisco | 612 km | 6 to 7 hours |
| Sacramento | 620 km | 6 to 7 hours |
Top things to do in Los Angeles
You can explore Los Angeles beyond its famous attractions with your rental car. From scenic coastal drives and iconic viewpoints to nearby beach towns and entertainment hubs, there is so much that the city has to offer.
Griffith Observatory
Take in sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline, the Hollywood Sign, and the stars above from one of the city's most iconic landmarks.
Santa Monica Pier
Spend a day by the Pacific Ocean enjoying the beach, amusement rides, waterfront restaurants, and the lively Third Street Promenade.
The Getty Center
Explore impressive art collections, beautifully landscaped gardens, and panoramic city views, all set atop the Santa Monica Mountains.
Malibu
Escape the city's bustle with a scenic drive to Malibu, where sandy beaches, coastal cafes, and oceanfront viewpoints await.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Combine thrilling rides, live entertainment, and behind-the-scenes movie experiences at one of Los Angeles' most visited attractions.
Los Angeles’ car rental tips
Watch out for traffic
Distances in Los Angeles can look short on map, but traffic often tells a different story. Leave extra time whenever stepping out, especially one week-days, as well as consider traveling outside peak hours whenever possible.
Use navigation apps
Road closures, congestion, and alternate routes can change throughout the day in LA. Apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you find the quickest route and avoid unnecessary delays.
Know the HOV (Carpool) lane rules
Many Los Angeles freeways have high Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes reserved for vehicles carrying two or more people during designated hours. Always check the posted signs before using these lanes to avoid penalties.
Keep an eye out for street parking restrictions
Parking rules vary from one neighborhood to another. Pay close attention to curb markings and street signs, especially in Los Angeles Downtown, Hollywood, and Santa Monica, where parking restrictions are strictly carried out.
Be prepared for cashless toll roads
While most Los Angeles freeways are toll-free, some express lanes use electronic toll collection only. Check with your rental supplier to understand how toll charges are processed during your rental.
Frequently asked questions
Renting a car in Los Angeles is simple. Search, compare, and choose a vehicle from available deals that suits your trip, provide the details of the required documents, and complete your booking. You can collect your car from the selected pickup location on your travel date.
The cost of renting a car in Los Angeles depends on factors such as the vehicle type, rental duration, travel season, pickup location, and supplier. Booking in advance often gives you access to better rates and wider choice.
Yes, many suppliers allow drivers under 25 to rent a car. However, a Young Driver Surcharge may apply and the renter must adhere to supplier's terms and conditions during his rental duration.
Deposit requirements vary by supplier. While some rental companies may offer low or no deposit options, others require a security deposit at the time of pickup. Always review the supplier's rental terms before booking.
Many rental suppliers require a credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit. However, some suppliers may accept debit cards or other payment methods. Accepted payment options vary, so check the supplier's terms before booking.