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Discover Santa Monica: Your Journey Begins in Las Vegas

An unforgettable one-way car rental experience, from the lively streets of Las Vegas to the serene beaches of Santa Monica.

Can I rent a car from Las Vegas to Santa Monica?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Las Vegas to Santa Monica. 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. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).
  • 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 card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00 per day.
  • 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 1-2 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version). An English translation must be provided on the back of the driver's license.
    • 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 IDP. Driver's licenses printed in a non-Roman alphabet (such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, etc.) must be accompanied by an IDP.

    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.

  • 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 card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00 per day.
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How much does renting a car from Las Vegas to Santa Monica 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$ 41/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 42/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 41-US$ 230US$ 0US$ 123-US$ 1,728Solo travelers, couples
LargeUS$ 41-US$ 249US$ 0US$ 123-US$ 480Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 42-US$ 309US$ 0-US$ 150US$ 125-US$ 575Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 72-US$ 75US$ 0US$ 622Families, comfort seeker

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Rental Fee: Be aware of the additional fees usually associated with returning the car at a different location than the pick-up point.
  • Cross-State Travel Policies: Ensure that your rental agreement permits travel across state lines if applicable for your route.
  • Insurance Coverage: Verify if your insurance is valid in the destination state or if additional coverage is needed.
  • Refueling Requirements: Understand the refueling terms; some contracts may require you to return the car with a full tank from certified stations.
  • Return Time Flexibility: Check whether the rental company offers a grace period for late returns or operates 24/7 drop-offs.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Route Wisely: Research the best roads and scenic routes from Las Vegas to Santa Monica for a smoother trip.
  • Book in Advance: Pre-booking your rental car often results in better deals and availability.
  • Choose the Right Vehicle: Select a vehicle that matches your trip needs, whether it's a compact car or a larger SUV for comfort.
  • Be Aware of Drop-Off Locations: Familiarize yourself with the exact drop-off location and its operating hours in Santa Monica.
  • Take Note of Traffic Regulations: Learn the local traffic laws and parking rules in both Las Vegas and Santa Monica.
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

Refuel the vehicle before returning to avoid extra charges.

Keep the last refueling receipt as proof.

Use the same fuel grade as specified by the rental company.

Fuel Cost

Estimated average fuel cost in Santa Monica is $4.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for better mileage.

Avoid excessive use of air conditioning on the route.

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Las Vegas Parking

Free parking is available at many hotels and casinos.

Valet parking services are common but may incur fees.

Use parking garages for secure overnight parking.

Santa Monica Parking

Public parking structures are available near the beach.

Metered street parking is an option in some areas.

Consider using parking apps for real-time availability.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkWhiz for booking parking in advance.

SpotHero for finding discounted parking spots.

The official Santa Monica parking app for local garages.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Best Scenic Routes Between Las Vegas and Santa Monica:
Route 66 Classic
Historic and Scenic 7-8 hours

Travel along the historic Route 66, experiencing iconic roadside attractions and stunning desert landscapes.

Victorville , Barstow , San Bernardino
Mojave Desert Express
Scenic and Direct 6-7 hours

Drive through the heart of the Mojave Desert, witnessing unique natural formations and expansive views.

Primm , Ivanpah Valley , Edwards Air Force Base
Pacific Paradise Route
Coastal Adventure 8-9 hours

Experience the transition from desert to ocean, culminating in the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.

Ventura , Santa Clarita , Malibu
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Selection: Choose a vehicle type based on passenger number, cargo needs, and desired comfort level.

Budget Management: Compare rental prices and ensure to account for potential additional fees like tolls or mileage limits.

Travel Distance Planning: Estimate daily driving times and plan breaks at scenic or interesting stops along the way.

Fuel Considerations: Fill up gas before entering remote areas; prices may be higher in isolated parts of the route.

Navigation and Tools: Use GPS apps for real-time traffic updates and offline maps in areas with poor connectivity.

Packing Essentials: Bring water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and any tools necessary for unexpected situations.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Las Vegas to Santa Monica, consider factors such as cost, convenience, and customer experience. This list highlights companies offering one-way services for this route.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$Highly diverseExtensive Proximity to major routes , Frequent deals for one-way rentals
Enterprise$$Broad rangeNationwide presence Flexible pickup and drop-off options , Strong customer service reputation
Budget$ModerateGood coverage in urban areas Economical pricing , Frequent promotions for savings
Avis$$$Comprehensive selectionStrong urban and suburban presence Premium vehicles available , Loyalty program benefits
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

Car Rental Centers: Key Information

Operating Hours:

Most car rental centers in Las Vegas operate from 6:00 AM to midnight, seven days a week.

Pick-Up Locations:

Rental car centers are mostly clustered near McCarran International Airport, offering a free shuttle service for travelers.

Driving Directions:

Follow I-15 South to begin your journey to Santa Monica. Comprehensive road signs aid in navigation with ease.

Fleet Options:

Choose from sedans, SUVs, convertibles, and more, depending on the rental company.

Pro Tips for Harry Reid International Airport(LAS) Car Rentals

Book your car rental in advance to secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability for your one-way trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a one-way car rental from Las Vegas to Santa Monica?

A one-way car rental between Las Vegas and Santa Monica allows flexibility in your travel plans. You can explore scenic drives such as through the Mojave Desert or along Route 66 without worrying about returning to your starting point. It’s especially advantageous for visitors looking to visit multiple destinations in different cities.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, rental companies typically charge a drop-off fee for one-way rentals. This fee varies by company and can depend on factors such as the specific route and car availability.

Can I choose the specific car for my rental?

Rental companies often allow you to select a vehicle within your reserved class, but specific car models may not be guaranteed. Luxury or specialty vehicles can sometimes be requested in advance, subject to availability.

How long does the drive from Las Vegas to Santa Monica take?

The drive typically takes about four to five hours without major stops. However, travel time can increase with sightseeing stops or heavy traffic, especially around metropolitan areas.

Do I need to return the car with a full gas tank?

Most rental companies require you to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas. Alternatively, they may offer a pre-paid fuel option where you pay for a full tank in advance, allowing you to return the car without refueling.

Ready to Book Your Las Vegas to Santa Monica Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes