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One-Way Car Rentals: Los Angeles to Seattle

Explore the scenic route from the City of Angels to the Emerald City

Can I rent a car from Los Angeles to Seattle?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Los Angeles to Seattle. 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.
  • 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 also supported.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. 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). 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 License (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.

    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 Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard are also supported.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80. 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 Seattle 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 SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 316/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 885-US$ 899US$ 835US$ 956-US$ 983Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 899US$ 835US$ 983Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 888-US$ 918US$ 835US$ 961-US$ 1,090Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 880-US$ 1,191US$ 835US$ 946-US$ 1,542Large groups, long drivers

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Be aware that most rental companies may charge an additional fee for one-way rentals. This fee can vary depending on the pickup and drop-off locations.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: Before booking, check if taking the car across state or national borders is allowed, as this can impose restrictions or additional fees.
  • Car Return Policies: Ensure you are aware of the return policies, including hours of operation for the drop-off location and procedures for after-hours returns.
  • Rental Insurance: Consider purchasing rental insurance to cover potential damages or accidents. Verify if your personal car insurance or credit card offers any coverage.
  • Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policy for your rental. Options typically include full-to-full or pre-purchased fuel.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Choose Drop-Off Locations Wisely: Select a drop-off location that is convenient and avoids potential extra fees imposed for airports or specific cities.
  • Plan Your Stops Along the Route: Include scenic routes and must-see landmarks like Redwood National Park or Crater Lake National Park on your journey.
  • Check for Road Conditions: Depending on the season, some mountain passes or routes might have restrictions or closures.
  • Book Early: Secure your rental in advance to ensure availability and potentially lower rates.
  • Familiarize Yourself with Traffic Laws: Each state may have different traffic laws and regulations. Ensure you are well-equipped to follow them.
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 vehicle before returning it to avoid additional charges from the rental company.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling near the drop-off location.

Ensure the fuel level matches the level noted in the rental agreement.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel price along the route is approximately $4.20 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Check tire pressure regularly to ensure optimal performance.

Use air conditioning sparingly to reduce fuel usage.

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Los Angeles Parking

Parking in downtown Los Angeles can cost around $10-$30 per day.

Street parking may have time restrictions and require permits.

Utilize parking garages for safer and more reliable parking options.

Seattle Parking

Downtown Seattle parking costs range from $15-$35 per day.

Consider using park-and-ride facilities for longer stays.

Street parking in Seattle is metered and subject to time limits.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero: Find and book parking spots in advance.

ParkMobile: Pay for street and lot parking from your phone.

BestParking: Compare parking rates and availability.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Los Angeles to Seattle:
Pacific Coast Highway Route
Scenic Coastal Drive 18 hours

A scenic route following the coastline with picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean.

Santa Barbara , Big Sur , San Francisco , Portland
Inland I-5 Route
Direct Highway Drive 17 hours

A direct and quicker route through major cities.

Fresno , Sacramento , Eugene
Combined Coastal and Inland Route
Mixed Scenic and Highway 19 hours

Combines coastal views with a quicker inland detour.

Monterey , Yosemite , Salem
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Book Early: Reserve your car rental well in advance to secure the best rates and availability.

Prepare a Route: Plan your stops and familiarize yourself with the route to avoid unexpected delays.

Allow Extra Time: Experience the journey instead of rushing; aim to stop at key points of interest.

Pack Essentials: Include a map, snacks, water, and a first-aid kit for a safe journey.

Budget Wisely: Account for fuel, tolls, parking, and accommodations in your road trip budget.

Stay Charged: Bring a car charger and keep gadgets powered for communication and navigation.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

For a one-way journey from Los Angeles to Seattle, selecting a reliable car rental company offering one-way services, affordable fees, and a variety of vehicles is essential. Here are some highlighted options:

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Avis$$Wide selection including compact, SUVs, and luxury vehiclesExtensive with numerous city and airport locations Mobile app for seamless booking , Frequent deals and discounts
Enterprise$$$Comprehensive, focusing on affordability to premium rangesNationwide with many convenience centers Excellent customer service , Flexible rental conditions
Hertz$$Diverse selection including eco-friendly optionsStrong presence in urban and airport locations Frequent flyer miles eligibility , Premium upgrades available
Budget$Economical choices with decent mid-range optionsGood coverage focusing on popular routes Affordable pricing , Often has deals for long-term rentals
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

Information on Rental Centers

Operating hours:

Most rental centers operate from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with some offering 24/7 service.

Rental car center location:

Rental car agencies are predominantly located near Los Angeles International and Seattle-Tacoma International airports.

Shuttle service availability:

Complimentary shuttles connect the terminals with rental car facilities frequently.

Hotline information:

Provide readily accessible customer service hotlines for assistance.

Pro Tips for Los Angeles Airport(LAX) Car Rentals

Be sure to confirm the exact location and hours of operation of your chosen rental center before your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a car in one location, like Los Angeles, and return it to another location, such as Seattle, without needing to bring the vehicle back to its original source.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

One-way rentals often come with a drop-off fee. This fee compensates for the cost of relocating the car back to its original location or to a location where it is in demand.

Can I choose the specific drop-off location in Seattle?

Yes, most rental companies let you select from various drop-off locations in Seattle, including popular spots like the airport or downtown areas. Check with your rental provider for exact options.

What is the typical rental duration for this route?

The route from Los Angeles to Seattle is approximately 1,135 miles. Many renters choose between 3 to 7 days to comfortably complete the drive, with allowances for stops and sightseeing.

What type of vehicle is best for this route?

Choosing a vehicle depends on your needs. Compact cars are economical for solo or couple travelers, while SUVs or larger models are better for families or if you're carrying substantial luggage.

Ready to Book Your Los Angeles to Seattle Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes