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Explore Unforgettable Journeys with Your One-Way Car Rental

Seamlessly travel from Chicago to Los Angeles with tailored tips and resources

Document required for international visitors
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-3 years.

    Notes: North Korean driving licenses were not accepted for insurance purposes.

  • Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years, depending on the rental provider. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees ranging from US$ 25.00 to US$ 84.00 per day, depending on the provider. Fees may vary based on age and location.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted documents include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Note: IDP is only a translation, and the original licence must also be presented. 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation on the back. 3) Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, etc.) is acceptable without IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese) must be accompanied by an IDP. 4) Original driving licence + Official embassy translation in English (authorized by the embassy).

    Notes: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket. Renters with a non-U.S. driver's license (written in Roman alphabet) may be required to present a valid passport or other government-issued ID as a second form of identification.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years, depending on the rental provider. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees ranging from US$ 25.00 to US$ 84.00 per day, depending on the provider. Fees may vary based on age and location.
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One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 1429-1439US$ 1365.30-1365.30US$ 1519-1519Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 1439-1439US$ 1365.30-1365.30US$ 518-1494Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 1430-1556US$ 1365.30-1365.30US$ 676-1721Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 1429-2140US$ 0.00-1365.30US$ 560-2704Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 1556-1556US$ 1365.30-1365.30US$ 1721-1721Families, comfort seeker

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • Understand One-Way Fees: One-way rentals often include additional fees for dropping the car at a different location. Ensure to check these costs beforehand.
  • Verify Drop-Off Policies: Check if the rental service allows drop-offs at your intended destination and prefer locations close to your stay or travel points.
  • Mileage Limits: Some rentals impose mileage restrictions. Consider companies with special offers or unlimited mileage options.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: If your route passes through different states, confirm if the rental allows interstate transfers.
  • Ensure Adequate Insurance Coverage: Verify the type and limits of insurance provided, and consider additional top-ups for peace of mind.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Consider Off-Peak Seasons: Travel during off-peak times to enjoy lower fees and availability of vehicles.
  • Book In Advance: Early booking not only guarantees vehicle availability but may also reduce overall rental costs.
  • Know Your Fuel Policy: Choose a policy matching your preferences like full-to-full, saving proxies on refueling costs.
  • Plan Your Route Carefully: Opt for scenic routes to enhance your road trip experience. Apps can assist in navigation and journey optimization.
  • Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: Carry contacts for roadside assistance and the car rental customer service for immediate help if needed.
  • Budget Wisely: Account for surcharges, tolls, and additional expenses to stay within your planned travel budget.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Tolls
Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

ARCO - 9200 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90045, USA

Shell - 7360 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90045, USA

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain steady speeds and avoid rapid acceleration.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to improve mileage.

Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle to reduce fuel consumption.

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Chicago Parking

Consider using public transit to avoid high parking costs in central areas.

Parking in downtown Chicago can be expensive, with rates ranging from $20 to $50 per day in garages.

Los Angeles Parking

Look for parking lots near Metro stations for cheaper rates and easier access to the city.

Parking in Los Angeles varies by area, with hourly rates around $2-$4 and daily rates up to $20.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero and ParkWhiz are excellent apps for locating and reserving parking spots in both cities.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental vehicle is registered for toll payment to avoid fines.

Using a toll transponder like FasTrak can simplify toll payments.

Toll roads may be encountered on the route, especially near urban areas in California.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Exploring Different Routes from Chicago to Los Angeles:
Historic Route 66
Scenic Historic 35 hours

This route follows the classic Route 66, packed with historic landmarks and vintage Americana.

Springfield, IL , St. Louis, MO , Albuquerque, NM , Flagstaff, AZ
Interstate 80 and 15
Fast and Direct 30 hours

Take Interstate 80 then switch to I-15 to save time while crossing major cities like Denver and Las Vegas.

Des Moines, IA , Denver, CO , Las Vegas, NV
The Southern Route
Warm Southern 38 hours

Heading southward, this route offers warmer climates and scenes of the southeastern US.

Nashville, TN , Dallas, TX , Phoenix, AZ
Road Trip Planning Tips

Organizing Your Rental Vehicle: Ensure the vehicle matches your trip needs, especially regarding luggage capacity and mileage policy.

Planning Your Route Strategically: Plan segments of the trip to include interesting landmarks and convenient stops.

Fuel Management: Identify fuel stops along the route to avoid running low in remote areas.

Safety Precautions: Carry a road emergency kit and familiarize yourself with the weather patterns of the areas you pass through.

Budget Carefully: Calculate all potential expenses including tolls, fuel, and overnight accommodations.

Navigating Efficiently: Use GPS navigation systems and maps as backups to stay on track.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for your one-way trip from Chicago to Los Angeles, consider factors like additional fees, vehicle availability, and location suitability. Below we list companies that offer consistent one-way rental options.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExtensive Convenient airport locations , Wide range of vehicle choices
Enterprise$$ModerateNationwide Affordable plans , Customer-friendly policies
Budget$SufficientNationwide Low-cost options , Decent vehicle variety
Avis$GoodWide Competitive rates , Efficient customer service
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Rental Car Center Information for Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Location of Rental Car Center:

Rental car facilities are accessible via a dedicated shuttle from all terminals at O'Hare Airport. Look for signs directing to 'Rental Car Center' after claiming baggage.

Shuttle Details:

Shuttles operate 24/7, with an average waiting time of 10 minutes during peak hours.

Operating Hours:

Car rental desks are typically open daily from 6:00 AM to midnight; check with specific providers for extended service hours.

To save time, always book your rental car in advance and confirm the operating hours of your selected rental agency, especially for late or early pickups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main car rental agencies offering one-way rentals from Chicago to Los Angeles?

Major car rental companies like Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and Alamo frequently provide one-way rental services for this route. It's recommended to check availability and fees on their respective websites.

Is there an additional fee for one-way car rentals?

Yes, most rental companies include a drop-off fee for one-way rentals. This can vary significantly depending on the company and the distance. For Chicago to Los Angeles, the additional fee can range from $100 to $500.

What documents are required to rent a car for this route?

You generally need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and in some cases, an additional form of identification. Check the rental company's requirements prior to booking.

Can I rent a car without a credit card?

Most car rental companies require a credit card for security purposes. However, some companies may allow debit cards under specific conditions, such as a credit check or providing additional ID.

What insurance options are recommended for this trip?

It is advisable to review available insurance options, such as collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW). Additionally, personal accident insurance and supplementary liability insurance may offer added protection. Consult your rental agency for details.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes