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Epic One-Way Adventure: Los Angeles to Seattle

Experience the scenic views and diverse geography on this unforgettable road trip!

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.
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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$ 86-100US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 167-576Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 100-100US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 194-194Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 88-123US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 170-622Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 83-430US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 160-836Large 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.

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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
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.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExtensive Wide range of vehicles , Excellent loyalty program , Numerous pickup and dropoff locations
Enterprise$$HighExtensive Exceptional customer service , Large fleet including luxury options , Convenient city and airport locations
Avis$ModerateExtensive Flexible rental terms , Wide network coverage , Affordable one-way deals
Budget$$ModerateExtensive Competitive pricing , Broad range of vehicles , Many airport locations
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

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.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes