Car Rentals in Los Angeles, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Los Angeles

Renting a car in Los Angeles offers a great way to explore this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. With the freedom to travel when you want, you can easily manage your luggage and adapt your plans as needed. This flexibility is particularly appealing for families seeking entertainment and city-themed experiences. With a rental car, you can visit key attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood, which is perfect for family fun, or enjoy the sun at Santa Monica Beach. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, ideal for city exploration, is also within easy reach. Beyond the main attractions, a car allows you to venture to other popular destinations such as Long Beach, where you can explore the Waterfront and Disneyland® Resort, or Santa Monica, known for its beach and pier. Hollywood, featuring famous landmarks like Hollywood Boulevard and Universal Studios Hollywood, is just a short drive away. Overall, renting a car in Los Angeles provides the convenience and freedom to discover the best of what this dynamic city has to offer.

Most popular car hires in Los Angeles

• Midsize SUV: The Midsize SUV is a popular choice for those exploring Los Angeles, accommodating up to 5 travellers along with 3 large suitcases. This option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups seeking comfort and space for their luggage. With its versatility, you can easily navigate through the city or embark on longer journeys with ease, making it an ideal vehicle for those looking to enjoy the sights at their own pace.
• Standard SUV: The Standard SUV is another highly booked option in Los Angeles, catering comfortably to 5 travellers and allowing for 2 medium suitcases. This vehicle is suitable for couples and families alike, providing a balanced mix of space and manoeuvrability. Whether you're planning a short trip or a longer adventure, the Standard SUV offers the flexibility needed to make your travel experience enjoyable and hassle-free.
• Fullsize: The Fullsize car is designed to accommodate 5 travellers with the capacity to hold 3 large suitcases or up to 5 medium suitcases. This makes it an exceptional choice for families or groups who need extra room for their belongings. Its spacious interior ensures that everyone can travel comfortably, and it's well-suited for those who appreciate having ample space for luggage while exploring all that Los Angeles has to offer.

Top rated car suppliers in Los Angeles

• Alamo Rent A Car: With 4 rental locations in the area of Los Angeles, Alamo Rent A Car is known for its friendly service and clean vehicles. It has an overall rating of 7.8 out of 10, making it a popular choice among travellers. The most booked cars with Alamo are the Midsize SUV and Standard SUV, perfect for those looking for comfort and space while exploring the city at their own pace.
• Hertz: Offering over 35 rental locations throughout Los Angeles, Hertz provides unparalleled convenience for your car hire needs. Renowned for its extensive fleet, the most popular choices among customers include the Midsize SUV and Fullsize vehicles. With a solid reputation, Hertz ensures that you can easily find a suitable vehicle to navigate the bustling streets of Los Angeles.
• Thrifty Car Hire: Thrifty Car Hire has 4 rental locations within the Los Angeles area, catering to a wide variety of customer needs. Known for its competitive options, the Midsize SUV and Compact SUV are the most booked vehicles, allowing for flexibility and ease of manoeuvrability in the city. Thrifty's convenient locations make it an excellent choice for travellers seeking reliable transport.

Where to stay in Los Angeles

• Long Beach: Long Beach is a vibrant city that offers a family-friendly and outdoor experience. With attractions like the Long Beach Waterfront, which is ideal for family and outdoor holidays, and the nearby Disneyland® Resort, it caters perfectly to those seeking entertainment. Visitors can also explore Naples Island and enjoy local shopping centres and restaurants, all within proximity to the beautiful beaches and theme parks.
• Santa Monica: Santa Monica is renowned for its beautiful beaches and family-friendly atmosphere. The Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier provide excellent spots for relaxation and entertainment. This area is also home to Venice Beach, making it a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of nearby restaurants and wineries, Santa Monica is perfect for those looking to enjoy a lively coastal experience.
• Hollywood: Hollywood is a cultural hub that attracts visitors interested in entertainment and family experiences. The Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood Boulevard are iconic attractions that showcase the area’s rich film history. Universal Studios Hollywood, a major theme park, is also nearby, making it a prime location for those seeking exciting entertainment options. Numerous restaurants and wineries enhance the experience, offering a taste of local flavours.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Los Angeles

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal match for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices vary according to demand, so it’s advisable to secure your vehicle well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically less expensive to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals offer a good compromise between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure that you return the vehicle empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: A surcharge is often applied for picking up your rental car at airports, though it may be worthwhile for the added convenience.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire providers exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should something unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is straightforward.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extended road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is essential to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Los Angeles

The best value period to rent a car in and around Los Angeles is November, when prices are lower and demand is moderate. October also offers slightly reduced prices with steady demand. January and February are typically quieter months, making them good options as well, although prices remain average. However, July and August see slightly higher prices due to increased demand from summer travellers. December tends to be the most expensive month, with prices rising and demand remaining moderate.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	56.3°F (13.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
February	56.7°F (13.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
March	59.0°F (15.0°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
April	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
May	65.3°F (18.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	69.8°F (21.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
July	74.3°F (23.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	75.7°F (24.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
September	75.0°F (23.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly Low
October	69.6°F (20.9°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	62.6°F (17.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly High