One-Way Car Rental from Los Angeles to Seattle | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Los Angeles to Seattle

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. XpCard and DcCard are supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 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 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. XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard are supported.
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. Young drivers aged 21 to 24 incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.

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 Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 86-100	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 167-576	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 100-100	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 194-194	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 88-123	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 170-622	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 83-430	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 160-836	Large groups, long drivers

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fee: Most one-way rentals come with an additional fee to cover the cost of returning the car to its original location. Confirm this cost upfront.
Drop-Off Location Policies: Ensure the designated drop-off location in Seattle is accessible and confirm any specific timing or requirements for return.
Cross-State Regulations: Check if there are state-specific restrictions or documentation required when driving from California to Washington.
Refueling Policies: Verify the fuel return policy. It's usually economical to refill the tank just before returning the car.
Vehicle Availability and Suitability: Book a vehicle that is appropriate for your group size and the type of terrain along your route.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Fuel Stops: Check for gas stations along the route, especially in remote stretches, to avoid running out of fuel.
Utilize Navigation Tools: Use reliable GPS navigation or mobile apps to optimize your travel route and avoid unnecessary detours.
Book Early for Better Rates: Booking your rental car well in advance can help lock in better deals on one-way rentals.
Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly: Before leaving Los Angeles, inspect the car for any pre-existing damages and report them to avoid penalties.
Prepare for Weather Variations: Consider the potential changes in weather conditions from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest and pack accordingly.
Know the Contact Details of Car Rental Support: Have the customer support number of the car rental company handy, in case of emergencies.

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.

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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.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

76 - 16850 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188, United States

Shell - 17010 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain steady speeds to improve mileage.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

Los Angeles Parking

Use parking apps like SpotHero to find affordable parking spots.

Parking in Los Angeles can range from $5-$20 per hour depending on the area.

Seattle Parking

Consider parking outside the downtown area and using public transportation.

Seattle parking rates vary, with downtown areas averaging $3-$8 per hour.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps such as ParkWhiz and SpotHero can help users find or book parking in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental vehicle is equipped with a toll transponder to avoid fines.

Plan your route to minimize toll road usage if you wish to save costs.

Toll roads are present along some parts of the route, such as I-5 Express Lanes.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between Los Angeles and Seattle:

Pacific Coast Highway

Scenic Coastal Route 19 hours

This breathtaking coastal route winds along the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views and key stops.

Santa Barbara , San Francisco , Redwood National Park

Interstate 5

Fastest Route 17 hours

A direct highway route ideal for those prioritizing time efficiency.

Sacramento , Portland , Olympia

Cascades Loop

Nature and Mountains 20 hours

Experience beautiful mountain vistas and lush forests on this loop route.

Mount Shasta , Crater Lake , Mount Rainier

Popular Stops Around the Route:

Yosemite National Park

7 hours from Los Angeles

Renowned for its stunning granite cliffs and waterfalls.

Portland, Oregon

2 hours from Seattle

Known for its eco-friendly vibe, coffee culture, and street food.

San Francisco, California

6 hours from Los Angeles

Iconic for its Golden Gate Bridge and vibrant districts.

Olympic National Park

3 hours from Seattle

Offers diverse ecosystems from rainforests to mountains.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Vehicle Inspection: Ensure your rental car is thoroughly inspected for conditions before starting the trip.

Budget Management: Account for rental fees, fuel costs, tolls, and accommodation.

Route Planning: Plan your stops, potential detours, and alternative routes in advance.

Safety: Familiarize yourself with traffic laws specific to each state you travel through.

Tourist Attraction Research: Learn about the must-visit attractions and seasonal highlights along your route.

Fueling Stations: Identify frequent and convenient gas stations along your selected route in case of emergencies.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Finding the best car rental company for your trip from Los Angeles to Seattle can depend on several factors including one-way service, fleet options, and extra benefits.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	High	Extensive	Wide range of vehicles , Excellent loyalty program , Numerous pickup and dropoff locations
Enterprise	$$	High	Extensive	Exceptional customer service , Large fleet including luxury options , Convenient city and airport locations
Avis	$	Moderate	Extensive	Flexible rental terms , Wide network coverage , Affordable one-way deals
Budget	$$	Moderate	Extensive	Competitive pricing , Broad range of vehicles , Many airport locations

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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

Important Features of Rental Centers

Rental Car Centers:

Most rental car centers are located adjacent to airports or in city centers, ensuring ease of access for travelers.

Operating Hours:

Typically, rental centers at airports operate 24/7, but city locations may have varying hours.

Shuttle Services:

Airport rental centers generally provide free shuttle services from terminals.

Search Tip:

Use the rental center’s location proximity to your journey start and end points as a factor for selection.

Book your vehicle in advance to secure better deals and ensure availability of your preferred model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental vehicle in one location and return it in another. For the route from Los Angeles to Seattle, this means you can rent a car in Los Angeles and drop it off in Seattle without needing to return to the original rental location.

Are there extra fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, many car rental companies charge an additional fee, often called a 'drop-off' fee, for one-way rentals. This fee varies depending on the rental agency and distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations.

What are the average driving times and distances for this route?

The route from Los Angeles to Seattle is approximately 1,135 miles and takes about 17-18 hours of driving without significant stops. The exact time depends on traffic, stops, and your specific itinerary.

Can I customize the rental period for this trip?

Yes, rental companies typically allow you to schedule the rental period based on your needs. Confirm the rental availability and pricing for the specific dates you intend to travel.

Is it possible to find environmentally friendly vehicle options?

Absolutely. Many rental companies offer hybrid or electric vehicles as part of their fleets, which can be a more sustainable choice for your trip. It's a good idea to request these options when booking your car rental.

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Epic One-Way Adventure: Los Angeles to Seattle