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One-Way Car Rental: Long Beach to San Diego

Discover seamless travel with convenient one-way car rentals from Long Beach to San Diego.

Can I rent a car from Long Beach to San Diego?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Long Beach to San Diego. 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.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur a 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. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an International Driving Permit(IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    • Original South Korea Driving Lisense (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 International Driving Permit (IDP). 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 driving licence + Official embassy translation in English (Please note that your English translation should be authorized by the embassy.)

    Notes: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will be also 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.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur a fee of US$ 25.00 per day.
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How much does renting a car from Long Beach to San Diego 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$ 37/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 39/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 37-US$ 147US$ 0US$ 110-US$ 283Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 52US$ 0US$ 132Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 42-US$ 179US$ 0US$ 125-US$ 344Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 39-US$ 169US$ 0US$ 117-US$ 355Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 67-US$ 93US$ 0US$ 201-US$ 262Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 136-US$ 140US$ 0US$ 392-US$ 420Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 62-US$ 90US$ 0US$ 186-US$ 268Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Be aware that most rental companies charge an additional one-way fee, which is the cost of returning the vehicle to a different location.
  • Cross-State Restrictions: Some rental agreements have restrictions when crossing state lines; check your agreement if traveling across multiple states.
  • Fuel Policy: You are required to return the car with the same fuel level as provided. Refueling charges can be more costly than filling up yourself.
  • Drop-Off Location Hours: Ensure the drop-off location in San Diego is open when you plan to return the car.
  • Additional Taxes: Locations such as airports may include extra surcharges; budget accordingly for your drop-off.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Compare Multiple Rental Providers: Shop around for quotes from different companies for one-way rentals; pricing can vary significantly.
  • Book in Advance: Secure a booking early to ensure availability and potentially lower prices for your route.
  • Consider Vehicle Type: Opt for a car that's suited to the length and nature of your journey, balancing comfort with fuel efficiency.
  • Plan the Route: Have a clear understanding of your travel route and any potential delays or detours.
  • Check Insurance Coverage: Confirm whether your insurance covers one-way rentals, or if additional coverage is needed.
  • Pack Accordingly: Weather and road conditions can change; prepare accordingly for an enjoyable and safe ride.
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

Refueling before returning the car is usually more cost-effective than paying for a full tank from the rental company.

Always save the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Ensure the fuel level matches the level at the time of pickup to avoid additional charges.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel price in San Diego is approximately $4.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady driving speed, ideally between 55-65 mph, to maximize fuel efficiency.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance.

Avoid excessive use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.

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Long Beach Parking

Street parking is available but may have time restrictions and fees.

Public parking garages are located throughout the city, offering hourly and daily rates.

Consider parking near the downtown area for convenience to nearby attractions.

San Diego Parking

San Diego offers a mix of metered street parking and public parking lots.

Parking near the Gaslamp Quarter is convenient for dining and entertainment.

Use park-and-ride facilities for economical long-term parking options.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkMobile: Allows users to find and pay for parking via their mobile device.

SpotHero: Offers reserved parking options at discounted rates.

BestParking: Helps locate available parking spots in real-time.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between Long Beach and San Diego:
Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1)
Scenic Coastal Route 2 hours 30 minutes

A scenic route along the California coastline featuring beaches and ocean views.

Huntington Beach , Laguna Beach , Dana Point
Interstate 5 (I-5)
Direct Highway Route 2 hours

The fastest direct route between Long Beach and San Diego.

Irvine , San Clemente , Carlsbad
State Route 73 and Interstate 5
Toll Road Plus Interstate 2 hours 10 minutes

A combination of toll roads and the Interstate to avoid traffic during peak times.

Newport Beach , Laguna Hills
Advice for Your Trip

Choose the Right Vehicle: Pick a car that suits your travel needs, whether it's a compact for quick travel or an SUV for comfort.

Know Your Route: Familiarize yourself with the main and alternative routes between Long Beach and San Diego to be prepared.

Plan Gas Refills: Research and locate reliable gas stations along your route to avoid running out of fuel.

Understand Toll Costs: Some routes include toll roads; make sure to have a suitable payment method ready.

Check Insurance Options: Review rental car insurance policies to ensure you're properly covered for one-way trips.

Consider Traffic Patterns: Avoid peak hours, especially within metropolitan areas, to reduce travel time.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the perfect car rental company for your one-way trip can make your journey smooth and hassle-free. Here's what you need to know about top companies and their offerings.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$ExcellentHigh Wide range of vehicles, including luxury options , Extensive network for convenient drop-off , Hertz Gold Membership benefits
Enterprise$GoodMedium Affordable options , Great customer service , Easy online reservations
Avis$$$ExcellentHigh Premium fleet selection available , Quick pickup and drop-off process , Loyalty program with discounts
Budget Car Rental$GoodMedium Economical pricing , Focus on fuel-efficient vehicles , Convenient rental policies
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

Long Beach Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Most rental centers operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Location Information:

Rental car facilities are located adjacent to Long Beach Airport.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttles run frequently between the airport terminals and rental centers every 10 minutes.

Additional Services:

GPS devices, child safety seats, and protection plans are available upon request.

Pro Tips for Long Beach Airport(LGB) Car Rentals

Always confirm shuttle services upon booking to ensure a seamless transition to your rental center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up a rental car in Long Beach and drop it off in San Diego?

Yes, most car rental companies allow one-way rentals where you can pick up a vehicle in Long Beach and return it in San Diego. It's best to confirm this option with the rental agency during your reservation process.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals?

Many rental companies charge a one-way rental fee to cover vehicle transfer costs. It's recommended to inquire about any such fees when making your reservation.

What types of vehicles are available for this route?

Rental companies typically offer a variety of vehicles including economy cars, sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars. It's best to confirm availability based on your specific needs and preferences.

Do I need to refuel the car before returning it in San Diego?

Most rental companies require you to return the car with the same level of fuel as when picked up. Some also offer prepaid fueling options for convenience.

Can I modify or cancel my one-way rental reservation?

Yes, modifications and cancellations are usually possible, but policies regarding fees and timeframes vary by company. Check with your rental provider for detailed terms and conditions.

Ready to Book Your Long Beach to San Diego Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes