Compare car hire Los Angeles offers from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and city pick-ups, and learn what to check before you drive.
Why rent a car in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is spread across a huge area, and its beaches, studios, mountains and neighbourhoods are far apart. Public transport exists, but for most visitors a car is the practical way to get around. If you want to see Hollywood, Santa Monica, Griffith Observatory and Malibu in one trip, it makes sense to rent a car in Los Angeles.
Use the search box above to compare car rental Los Angeles offers for your dates.
Where to collect your car
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): most rental companies operate from a rental centre reached by shuttle bus, so allow extra time
- Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB) and Orange County (SNA): smaller airports that can be easier to use
- City branches: useful if you are spending your first days in one area
What you need to rent a car in Los Angeles
- A valid driving licence. Visitors can often use a licence from their home country, and an International Driving Permit is recommended if your licence is not in English.
- Your passport.
- A credit card in the main driver’s name. Debit cards are not always accepted.
- To meet the minimum age. Many suppliers require 21 and charge a young renter fee for drivers under 25.
Insurance and extras
Rental offers usually include basic liability cover, but the amount and the excess vary. Check what is included, and decide whether you need extra cover before you reach the counter. Toll roads are limited in the area, but some express lanes need a transponder, so ask your supplier how they work.
Driving rules and tips
- Drive on the right, and distances and speeds are in miles and mph.
- Traffic is heavy at weekday rush hours, so plan your timing.
- Right turns on red are allowed after a full stop unless a sign says otherwise.
- Pay close attention to parking signs. Coloured curbs, street cleaning days and time limits are strictly enforced.
- Never leave valuables visible in a parked car.
- Fuel is sold by the gallon.
Road trips from Los Angeles
- Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu: classic coastal driving
- Santa Barbara: about two hours north
- Palm Springs and Joshua Tree: desert landscapes
- San Diego: beaches and a relaxed city, roughly two to three hours south
- Anaheim: theme parks nearby
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car in Los Angeles?
For most visits, yes. The city is very spread out.
Is it hard to drive in Los Angeles?
Traffic can be heavy, but roads are well signed. A navigation app helps a lot.
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
Policies vary. A credit card is the safest option.
Ready to go? Enter your dates above to compare car hire Los Angeles deals and choose your car.