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Explore Los Angeles with Ease

Discover the convenience of one-way car rentals from Irvine

Can I rent a car from Irvine to Los Angeles?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Irvine to Los Angeles. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for US residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 may incur an additional fee, which varies by provider: US$ 35.00 per day, US$ 27.00 per day, or US$ 22.99 per day.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an International Driving Permit is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    • Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (Original Driver's Licenses printed in Roman alphabet such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc., are acceptable for car rental without the need for an International Driving Permit. Driver's licenses printed in a non-Roman alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, etc., must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit.)
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version) (An English translation must be provided on the back of the driver's license).

    Notes: 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. 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.

  • 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 Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 may incur an additional fee, which varies by provider: US$ 35.00 per day, US$ 27.00 per day, or US$ 22.99 per day.
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How much does renting a car from Irvine to Los Angeles cost?

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

US$ 40/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 40/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 40-US$ 202US$ 0US$ 118-US$ 388Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 41-US$ 202US$ 0US$ 122-US$ 388Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 41-US$ 247US$ 0US$ 122-US$ 475Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 40-US$ 228US$ 0US$ 119-US$ 439Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 55-US$ 119US$ 0US$ 164-US$ 355Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 133US$ 0US$ 398Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 55-US$ 68US$ 0US$ 164-US$ 202Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Be aware that some rental companies may charge an extra fee for one-way rentals. Confirm this while booking.
  • Drop-Off Location Accessibility: Ensure the drop-off location in Los Angeles is convenient for your travel plans.
  • Drive Restrictions: Verify any limitations or restrictions on driving route preferences, especially when crossing state borders.
  • Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policy of your rental. Some require returning the vehicle with a full tank.
  • Vehicle Selection: Choose a car type that suits your travel needs and offers good fuel efficiency for the route.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Early for Better Deals: Reserve your one-way rental early to secure availability and potentially lower costs.
  • Plan Your Route: Know your preferred route to avoid extra miles and ensure a smoother trip.
  • Check Mileage Limits: Understand if the rental includes unlimited mileage or any mileage caps.
  • Coordinate With Your Lodging: Ensure your vehicle drop-off aligns with your accommodation in Los Angeles.
  • Check Insurance Cover: Verify what insurance policies come with the rental and consider additional coverage if necessary.
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
Refuel Policy Basic

Always refuel the car before returning it to avoid additional charges.

Keep the receipt as proof of refueling for the rental company.

Use nearby gas stations to ensure the tank is full at the time of drop-off.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost for this route is approximately $4.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Minimize the use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.

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Irvine Parking

Many public parking lots are available in Irvine with affordable hourly rates.

Some areas offer free parking after 6 PM.

Consider using parking apps to reserve spots in advance.

Los Angeles Parking

Parking in Los Angeles can be expensive, with rates ranging from $10 to $20 per hour in busy areas.

Street parking is available but often limited and metered.

Look for parking lots offering flat rates for longer stays.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz can help find and book parking spots.

LA Express Park provides real-time parking availability in downtown Los Angeles.

Google Maps also displays parking lot locations and rates.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes for Irvine to Los Angeles:
Pacific Coast Highway Route
Scenic Drive Approximately 2 hours

Enjoy breathtaking ocean views as you embark on this coastal drive.

Newport Beach , Huntington Beach , Santa Monica
Inland Freeway Route
Expressway Approximately 1 hour

A quick and direct route via major freeways for efficiency.

Anaheim , Fullerton , Downtown LA
Mountain Canyon Route
Adventure Route Approximately 2.5 hours

An adventurous journey through winding roads and scenic canyons.

Tustin Foothills , San Fernando , Griffith Park
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choosing a Suitable Vehicle: Select a vehicle that's comfortable and appropriate for your travel needs.

Plan Your Route: Use up-to-date maps and plan key stops to avoid missing highlights.

Refuel Strategically: Locate affordable gas stations along your route to avoid running low on fuel.

Time Management: Set aside ample time for breaks and heavy traffic periods.

Budget Appropriately: Account for tolls, fuel, parking, and other expenses in your budget.

Ensure Safety: Adhere to traffic laws and ensure the vehicle is in good condition before the trip.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the right rental company for a one-way trip involves evaluating factors such as additional fees, vehicle variety, and operational coverage. The following companies are excellent choices for a journey from Irvine to Los Angeles, offering one-way rental services.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$High qualityNational Wide range of vehicles including luxury and eco-friendly options , Available in multiple convenient locations , Strong customer service reputation
Enterprise$$Extensive varietyComprehensive regional network Flexible pickup and dropoff options , Competitive booking deals , Efficient customer support
Avis$Moderate varietyCitywide availability Affordably priced vehicles , Several rental conditions to fit varied needs , Quick reservation process
Alamo$$$ModerateAccessible in major cities Great for informal or leisure trips , Options for unlimited mileage , Frequent user perks
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

Key Details About Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers are open from 8 AM to 10 PM; please check specific location hours.

Rental Location Accessibility:

Rental centers in Irvine and Los Angeles are conveniently located near main transport hubs and adjacent to downtown areas.

Shuttle and Transportation:

Shuttle services from proximity points are available every 15 minutes at Los Angeles.

Refueling Options:

Remember to refuel the vehicle before returning it. Convenient gas stations include Chevron and Shell along the route.

Pro Tips for Irvine Car Rentals

Book in advance and verify operational hours at both pickup and dropoff rental centers to ensure a seamless experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an extra fee for dropping the rental car off at a different location?

Yes, many car rental companies charge a one-way fee if you drop the car off at a different location than where you picked it up. This fee can vary depending on the company and the distance between the locations.

How far is the drive from Irvine to Los Angeles?

The distance between Irvine and Los Angeles is approximately 40 miles, which typically takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions.

Can I choose the type of car for this one-way trip?

Certainly! Most rental companies offer a wide range of vehicles to fit your needs, from economy cars to luxury models. Availability may vary based on location and demand.

Are there restrictions on where I can take the rental car?

Some rental agreements may include territorial restrictions. Typically, you are allowed to travel anywhere within the state, but crossing state lines or international borders might require prior approval from the rental company.

Do I need to refill the fuel before returning the vehicle?

Most rental agreements require you to return the car with the same amount of fuel as you received it. Failing to do so might result in additional refueling charges.

Ready to Book Your Irvine to Los Angeles Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes