Car Rental in Los Angeles

Pacific Coast Highway Travel’s guide to car rental in Los Angeles including airport rentals, rental requirements, insurance, parking, and more.

Car rental is a popular choice for travelers in Los Angeles providing the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. Here's more information about car hire in Los Angeles:

Red Convertible Ford Mustang

Car Rental in Los Angeles

Rental Agencies

Los Angeles is home to a wide variety of car rental agencies, including major international companies like Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, and National, as well as local and boutique rental companies. These agencies have multiple locations, including at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and throughout the city.

Our Pick of the LA Guides

Airport Rentals

Los Angeles Airport at Night

Many visitors choose to rent a car at LAX due to its convenience. You can easily pick up your rental car at the airport and start your journey. Rental counters are located in the airport terminals, and the car rental center is just a shuttle ride away.

Vehicle Options

Car rental agencies in Los Angeles offer a diverse range of vehicles, from compact cars and sedans to SUVs, luxury cars, and even specialty vehicles like convertibles and electric cars. You can select a vehicle that suits your travel needs and budget.

Check out this Fodor's guide to Los Angeles, which also covers Santa Monica, Malibu, and Disneyland

Rental Requirements

To rent a car in Los Angeles, you typically need a valid driver's license, a credit card in the driver's name, and sometimes an international driver's permit if your license is not in English. The minimum age for renting a car is usually 21 or 25, and additional fees may apply for drivers under 25.

Insurance

Most rental cars come with basic insurance coverage, but you can opt for additional coverage, including collision damage waiver (CDW) and supplemental liability insurance (SLI), for added peace of mind. Check with the rental agency to understand the insurance options available.

Reservations

It's a good idea to make a reservation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the type of vehicle you want and to lock in the best rental rates.

Parking

Keep in mind that parking in Los Angeles can be challenging, particularly in popular areas like Downtown and Hollywood. Many hotels charge for parking, and street parking may require careful attention to local regulations and metered parking.

Traffic

Los Angeles is known for its traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Plan your travel times accordingly to avoid the worst traffic, or use navigation apps to find the best routes.

Fuel

Gas stations are plentiful in Los Angeles, and you'll have no trouble finding one when you need to refuel. Gas prices can vary, so it's a good idea to keep an eye out for the best deals.

Renting a car in Los Angeles provides flexibility and convenience for exploring the city and the many attractions in the surrounding area.

With a rental car, you can also drive the Pacific Coast Highway, visit beach towns, explore national parks, and enjoy the freedom to customize your itinerary as you see fit.

Other Los Angeles pages

Los Angeles Travel Guide
The Los Angeles travel guide book from Lonely Planet also covers San Diego and Southern California, including Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and Disneyland.
Culture Trails
Pacific Coast Highway Travel reviews the book Culture Trails by Lonely Planet, which has a section on Vintage Hollywood alongside 51 other perfect weekends.
Most Romantic Hotels in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the most romantic hotels in Los Angeles, including beach-front beauties as well as those in the heart of the city.
Best Hotels for Families in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best hotels for families in Los Angeles, whether you want to be close to Universal Studios or the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Best Budget Hotels in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best budget hotels in Los Angeles so you can have a cheap stay in LA and still be near Hollywood or Universal Studios.
Soul of Los Angeles
Soul of Los Angeles from French publishers Jonglez is a travel guide to 30 Exceptional Experiences in California's largest city.
Los Angeles Airport Hotels
Los Angeles Airport hotels include Hilton, Radisson, Marriott, Embassy Suites, Crowne Plaza and other top names, all of them within a mile or so of LAX.
Public Transport in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel brings your guide to public transport in Los Angeles to show how you can get around in the city without a car, even to the beaches.
Best Museums in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best museums in Los Angeles including the top art museums and museums for families.
Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel’s travel guide to Los Angeles, including dining and accommodation options, public transport, and the city’s best things to do.
Best Spa Hotels in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel recommends the best spa hotels in Los Angeles including the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Hotel Bel-Air, Four Seasons, and Ritz-Carlton.
LA to Hearst Castle
Pacific Coast Highway travel offers advice on driving from LA to Hearst Castle, including distance, journey time, and route.
Ten Best Views in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks ten of the best views in Los Angeles, including Malibu, Santa Monica, the Griffith Observatory and the Getty Center.
Cheap Flights to Los Angeles
Cheap flights to Los Angeles International Airport LAX with JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and Virgin America.
Must-See Hollywood
Pacific Coast Highway Travel reviews 111 Places in Hollywood That You Must Not Miss, a guide that includes iconic attractions and hidden secrets too.
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway travel suggests the best time to visit Los Angeles with information about the weather and climate month by month and season by season.
Vintage Hollywood
Vintage Hollywood in Los Angeles is an extract from the Lonely Planets book Culture Trails.