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Embark on a Remarkable Journey from Los Angeles to San Diego

Explore the beauty of coastal California with a one-way car rental

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.

    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 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 Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported attributes include XpCard and DcCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 will incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Note that an IDP is only a translation, and the original driving licence must also be presented. Alternatively, Original Driver's Licenses printed in Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, etc.) are acceptable without an IDP. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese) must be accompanied by an IDP.

    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.

  • 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, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 will incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.
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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$ 104-121US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 142-234Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 121-121US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 234-234Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 106-148US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 153-322Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 111-1147US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 140-2196Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 230-230US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 446-446Families, comfort seeker

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Drop Fees: Many car rental companies charge a one-way fee when dropping off the vehicle at a different location.
  • Location Restrictions: Some rental agencies may have specific pick-up or drop-off location limitations, especially with international routes.
  • Vehicle Availability: Not all vehicles may be available for one-way routes. Plan ahead to find suitable options.
  • Rental Agreement Terms: Understand all terms, fees, and charges outlined in your rental agreement to avoid surprises.
  • Border Restrictions: Check if your route includes borders, as additional permissions or policies may apply.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Compare Rates Across Companies: Shop around for the best one-way rental deals from reputable companies.
  • Plan Your Route in Advance: Know your planned stops, fuel stations, and driving times to optimize the travel experience.
  • Refuel Before Drop-Off: Avoid additional charges by returning your car with the required fuel level.
  • Understand Mile Limits: Some rentals come with mileage caps. Check for unlimited mileage options for longer trips.
  • Utilize Membership Discounts: Use rental memberships or credit card rewards to secure discounts on rentals.
  • Ensure Proper Insurance: Verify that you have adequate insurance coverage for one-way travel.
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

Shell - 2521 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101, United States

Chevron San Diego - 4180 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Minimize the use of air conditioning.

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Los Angeles Parking

Look for early bird specials in parking garages for discounted rates.

Parking in Los Angeles can be expensive, especially in downtown areas. Consider using public parking structures for more affordable rates.

San Diego Parking

Use parking apps to find available spots and compare prices.

San Diego offers various parking options, including street parking and public garages. Be aware of time-restricted zones.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz can help you find and reserve parking in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is registered for toll payments or use a personal FasTrak transponder.

Avoid toll roads by planning your route using a map application with traffic information.

There are toll roads in the region, such as the 73 Toll Road. Charges vary based on the time of day and type of vehicle.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Scenic Routes from Los Angeles to San Diego:
Pacific Coast Highway
Coastal Route ~3 hours

A beautiful drive along California's coast.

Santa Monica , Laguna Beach , Del Mar
Interstate 5
Highway Route ~2.5 hours

Direct route passing through urban and suburban landscapes.

Anaheim , Carlsbad , Encinitas
Inland Route via Interstate 15
Inland Route ~3 hours

Travel through diverse inland terrains and communities.

San Bernardino , Escondido , Poway
Road Trip Planning Tips

Vehicle Selection: Choose a vehicle suitable for your travel needs and route preferences.

Route Pre-planning: Decide on your preferred route and stops beforehand.

Budget Awareness: Be mindful of tolls, gas prices, and additional rental fees.

Road Safety: Familiarize yourself with traffic rules and road conditions.

Gas Stations: Know the locations of rest stops and refill stations along your route.

Timing Is Key: Avoid peak hours and plan for extra travel time during holidays.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to selecting a car rental company that provides one-way rental services for routes from Los Angeles to San Diego.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$ExcellentExtensive Wide range of vehicles, from economy to luxury , Frequent rental promotions , 24/7 customer support
Enterprise$$GoodExtensive Best for long-term rentals , Convenient urban and suburban locations , Excellent damage coverage plans
Alamo$GoodModerate User-friendly online booking process , Affordable rates , Family-friendly services
Sixt$$$PremiumLimited High-quality vehicle selections , Contemporary designs , Exclusive membership discounts
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

Los Angeles and San Diego Rental Car Centers

Rental Centers Operating Hours:

Typically open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Pickup Location:

Available at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Dropoff Location:

Available at San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Shuttle Service Availability:

Free shuttle buses end-to-end every 15 minutes within airport facilities.

Relevant Fees:

$50-75 one-way surcharge depending on season and availability.

To save on one-way rental fees, book in advance, preferably in the low seasons, and compare quotes from different providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car in one location and drop it off in another. This can be convenient for trips where returning to the starting point is not planned.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, most rental companies charge an additional fee, known as a drop-off or one-way rental fee. The exact amount depends on the distance between locations and company policies.

What are the age requirements for renting a car one-way?

Most rental companies require renters to be at least 25 years old. However, some allow renters aged 21-24 with additional fees.

Which car rental companies offer one-way rentals from Los Angeles to San Diego?

Several major car rental providers, such as Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, and Budget, offer one-way rentals between these cities. Be sure to check their policies and fees.

What should I consider about fueling the rental car before returning it?

It is typically more cost-effective to refuel the vehicle yourself before returning it to the drop-off location, as rental companies often charge higher rates for refueling services.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes