One-Way Car Rental from New York to Santa Monica | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals New York to Santa Monica

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. Supported cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Accepted card types include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees ranging from US$ 25.00 to US$ 84.00 per day, depending on the rental terms.

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: An IDP is only a translation; the original driving licence must also be presented. Alternatively, Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an English translation on the back or Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (e.g., English, French, German) is acceptable. Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese) must be accompanied by an IDP.

Notes: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will be 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. Supported cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Accepted card types include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees ranging from US$ 25.00 to US$ 84.00 per day, depending on the rental terms.

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$ 1207-1612	US$ 0.00-1728.51	US$ 1323-1710	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 124-1612	US$ 0.00-1728.51	US$ 247-1710	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 198-1848	US$ 0.00-1728.51	US$ 378-1929	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 215-1638	US$ 0.00-1728.51	US$ 401-1963	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 1848-1848	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 1929-1929	Families, comfort seeker

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

Key Consideration：

Understand One-Way Fees: Some rental companies charge an additional fee for picking up and returning the vehicle to different locations.
Verify Route Restrictions: Ensure your planned route complies with geographic coverage, including country and state boundaries.
Check Vehicle Compatibility: Choose a vehicle with suitable specifications depending on your journey's terrain and distance.
Consider Rental Periods: Extended one-way journeys may entail stricter mileage limits and rental conditions than round trips.
Fuel Policy Awareness: Make sure you understand the fuel policy to avoid unexpected charges upon vehicle return.

Smart Planning Tips:

Book Early: One-way rentals often have limited availability, so secure your preferred vehicle type in advance.
Plan Rest Stops: Identify convenient and economical stops for refueling, rest, and dining along your route.
Review Policies: Carefully review rental agreement terms that pertain to drop-off locations and insurance coverage.
Stay Informed with Notifications: Opt-in for rental updates to ensure you're updated on any modifications or special offers.
Choose Reputable Providers: Look for trustworthy rental companies with positive customer reviews for smooth experiences.

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 - 1776 Cloverfield Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States

ARCO - 332 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405, United States

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the car.

Keep the tires properly inflated.

New York Parking

Utilize parking garages to avoid street parking restrictions.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Santa Monica Parking

Look for public parking lots near the beach for convenience.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have a compatible toll pass to avoid fines.

Plan your route using online maps to identify toll-free alternatives.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Between New York and Santa Monica:

The I-80 West Route

Interstate Route 40 hours

This route follows Interstate 80 through cities like Chicago, Omaha, and Denver, offering a direct and convenient path.

Chicago, IL , Omaha, NE , Denver, CO

Historical Route 66

Historic Route 50 hours

Follow the famous Route 66, experiencing iconic Americana and cultural landmarks.

Springfield, IL , Albuquerque, NM , Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Scenic Route

Scenic Route 48 hours

Experience breathtaking landscapes and national parks along this northern pathway.

Minneapolis, MN , Yellowstone National Park , Salt Lake City, UT

Popular Day Trips Along the Route:

Niagara Falls Detour

7 hours from New York

A scenic detour offering an incredible view of the majestic falls.

Grand Canyon Stop

6 hours from Flagstaff

Explore the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, ideal for a short exploration.

St. Louis Gateway Arch

8 hours from Chicago

Visit the iconic Gateway Arch and learn about westward expansion.

Las Vegas Excursion

4 hours from Death Valley

A brief stop in the glamorous cities to enjoy casinos and nightlife.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Plan Your Route: Choose the most suitable route based on your interest in history, nature, or direct travel.

Fuel Planning: Locate gas stations efficiently to avoid running out on long stretches.

Car Inspection: Ensure your rental vehicle is well-maintained and checked for faults.

Navigation Tools: Equip yourself with dependable maps or GPS to avoid getting lost.

Budget Wisely: Calculate overall costs including tolls, food, accommodations, and activities.

Emergency Preparedness: Have an emergency kit, spare tire, and maintain basic safety protocols.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, only include companies that offer one-way rental service

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Avis Car Rental	$$	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	One-way rentals available nationwide , Wide range of vehicles , Frequent discounts for long trips
Budget Rentals	$$	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	Flexible cancellation policies , Affordable packages for road trips
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	$$$	★★★★★	★★★★☆	High-quality service , Excellent coverage for major city routes , Wide variety of premium cars
Hertz	$$$$	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	Special deals for cross-country trips , Easy online booking process , 24/7 customer support

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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

Details on New York and Santa Monica Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Both New York and Santa Monica centers operate 24/7 for ultimate convenience.

Locations:

New York rental center is located at 123 Main Terminal Drive, and Santa Monica center at 456 Ocean Avenue.

Transportation to Center:

Shuttle services are available every 15-30 minutes from major transit hubs.

Vehicle Pickup Process:

Present your booking details and ID at the rental counter upon arrival.

Book your vehicle in advance to ensure availability, especially during holiday seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for a one-way car rental from New York to Santa Monica?

To rent a car for this journey, you need to have a valid driver's license, a credit card, and meet the minimum age requirements, which typically range from 21 to 25 years old depending on the rental company.

Is there an additional fee for one-way rental services?

Yes, rental companies often charge a one-way fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. This fee can vary depending on the provider.

Can I choose different car models for the route?

Most rental companies allow you to choose from a variety of vehicles. Options typically range from economy cars to larger SUVs or luxury vehicles, depending on availability at the pick-up location.

Are there any mileage limits for this type of rental?

Policies on mileage limits vary. Some rentals include unlimited mileage, while others may impose restrictions. It's best to review the terms with the rental provider before booking.

Do rental agreements cover roadside assistance?

Many rental companies offer optional roadside assistance packages, which can be added to your rental plan. These packages cover services such as towing or lockout assistance.

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