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Experience Seamless Car Rentals from Los Angeles to Santa Ana

Enjoy the flexibility of a one-way rental journey with our tailored tips and insights.

Can I rent a car from Los Angeles to Santa Ana?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Los Angeles to Santa Ana. 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.

    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.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. XpCard and DcCard are also accepted.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21 to 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. Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version)
    • Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet or Original Driver's License + International Driving Permit (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. 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. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard are also accepted.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 will incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.
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How much does renting a car from Los Angeles to Santa Ana 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$ 39/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$ 39-US$ 83US$ 0US$ 115-US$ 161Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 42-US$ 83US$ 0US$ 161Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 42-US$ 102US$ 0US$ 125-US$ 260Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 39-US$ 95US$ 0US$ 117-US$ 680Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 67US$ 0US$ 201Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 140-US$ 146US$ 0US$ 393-US$ 420Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration:
  • Be Aware of One-Way Fees: Many rental companies charge an additional fee for dropping off the car at a different location.
  • Check for Route Restrictions: Ensure the company allows rentals between your chosen locations and inquire about any road limitations on the route.
  • Plan for Optimal Timing: Factor in traffic patterns between Los Angeles and Santa Ana to avoid delays during peak times.
  • Compare One-Way Rental Options: Shop around for competitive pricing across various car rental providers in the area.
  • Verify Insurance Coverage: Confirm that your rental includes comprehensive coverage for the entire route.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Your Rental Early: Reserving your car in advance can ensure better prices and availability.
  • Choose A Suitable Vehicle Type: Consider the purpose of your trip and road conditions when selecting a car.
  • Locate Refueling Stations: Plan where to refuel along the way to avoid last-minute searches.
  • Understand Additional Costs: Be aware of extra charges like toll fees, GPS rental, or optional equipment.
  • Declare Additional Drivers: Inform your rental agency if multiple persons will drive to ensure compliance with their policy.
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 car before returning it to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use recommended fuel types to ensure vehicle performance.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel price along the route is around $4.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated before starting the trip.

Avoid excessive use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.

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Los Angeles Parking

Parking in downtown Los Angeles can range from $5 to $20 per hour.

Street parking is limited; consider using parking garages.

Check for parking restrictions to avoid fines.

Santa Ana Parking

Parking near the drop-off location is generally available for $2 to $10 per hour.

Some areas offer free parking on weekends.

It's advisable to use parking lots for longer durations.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero helps find and reserve parking spaces.

ParkMobile allows you to pay for parking via your phone.

The Parking Panda app offers pre-booking options for parking.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Scenic and Efficient Routes Around the Area:
Coastal Highway Route
Scenic coastal drive 2 hours

A breathtaking drive along the Pacific coast connecting Los Angeles to Santa Ana.

Long Beach , Huntington Beach , Newport Beach
Freeway Direct Route
Highway route 1.5 hours

A quick and straightforward drive using the I-5 highway.

Downtown LA , Orange , Tustin
Historic Landmark Route
Cultural and historic 2.5 hours

Drive through historic areas and iconic landmarks between Los Angeles and Santa Ana.

Hollywood , Disneyland , Lake Forest
Road Trip Planning Tips

Route Selection Tips: Always choose routes that align with your schedule and preferences for a smoother experience.

Fuel Efficiency Awareness: Monitor fuel levels and locate fuel stations on your route to avoid interruptions.

Budget and Costs: Compare one-way rental options to find the best deals and avoid unforeseen fees.

Driving Safety: Ensure safety by following traffic laws, resting when needed, and focusing on driving.

Route Highlights: Research the key destinations along your path for a more enjoyable trip.

Vehicle Preparation: Check the vehicle's condition before starting, including tires and fuel levels.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting a reliable car rental company for one-way trips ensures convenience and flexibility. Here are some companies that offer this service from Los Angeles to Santa Ana.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExtensive Large selection of vehicles, including luxury and eco-friendly options. , Well-maintained fleet with modern amenities and safety features.
Enterprise$$ExtensiveVery high Great customer service and personalized support. , Various pickup and drop-off points across cities.
Budget$ModerateWide Affordable rentals with competitive pricing. , Frequent promotions and discount opportunities.
Avis$$DiverseHigh Multiple vehicle types available suited for various needs. , Easy and efficient booking and return procedures.
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 Centers at Los Angeles and Santa Ana

Operating Hours:

Most car rental centers operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Extended hours are available in some locations.

Rental Locations:

Rental car centers are located near both Los Angeles and Santa Ana transit hubs for convenience.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttles are provided every 10-15 minutes connecting main airports to rental locations.

Booking and Pickup:

Advanced bookings can reduce waiting times. Have your ID and confirmation ready at pickup.

Pro Tips for Los Angeles Airport(LAX) Car Rentals

Verify the one-way drop-off fee and other charges beforehand to avoid surprises at the end of the rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are required for a one-way car rental from Los Angeles to Santa Ana?

You will need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name, and potentially proof of insurance to complete the rental process.

Are there additional fees for a one-way car rental?

Yes, most car rental companies charge a one-way fee for returning the car to a different location. It's recommended to check with your chosen rental company for specific pricing.

Can I choose the type of car for my one-way rental?

Yes, you can select from the available car categories when making a reservation. Availability might vary based on the location and the date of the rental.

Is it possible to extend the duration of my one-way car rental?

Extensions are typically permitted, but you must contact the rental company beforehand to adjust the agreement. Additional charges may apply.

What should I do if I have an accident during the rental period?

In case of an incident, contact local authorities immediately to file a report and notify your car rental company as soon as possible to follow their protocol for accidents.

Ready to Book Your Los Angeles to Santa Ana Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

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