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

Home One-way Car Rentals Oakland to Santa Monica

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

Key Consideration：

Consider One-Way Rental Fees: These fees may apply when renting a car to drop off at a location different from where it originated.
Cross-Border Rental Restrictions: Check if there are any restrictions or extra requirements for crossing state or national borders during your trip.
Vehicle Drop-Off Locations: Ensure the drop-off point at Santa Monica is conveniently located for your itinerary.
Driver Authorization: Verify that all intended drivers are authorized by the rental company and meet the required criteria.
Promotion and Discounts Opportunities: Inquire if discounts are available for one-way rentals or promotions that could offset one-way fees.

Smart Planning Tips:

Book in Advance: Reserve your rental car early to secure availability and potentially better rates.
Plan Your Route Efficiently: Pre-plan your stops and route to ensure you stay within your time and rental agreement deadlines.
Refill Fuel Before Drop-Off: Refill the gas tank to the required level per the rental policy before returning the vehicle to avoid additional charges.
Consider Flexible Hours: Opt for drop-off locations with flexible hours for more convenience.
Plan for Leisure Stops: Take advantage of the one-way rental to explore attractions along your route.
Understand Insurance Policies: Review and make informed decisions about insurance coverage for your rental car.

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 steady speeds on highways.

Avoid unnecessary idling.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Oakland Parking

Consider using public transportation to access central areas.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Santa Monica Parking

Look for early bird discounts in downtown parking garages.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to have FasTrak for smoother toll payments.

Plan your route to avoid toll roads if possible.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Oakland to Santa Monica:

Route via US-101

Scenic Route 6 hours 30 minutes

A coastal route providing breathtaking ocean views and access to charming towns.

San Jose , Monterey , Santa Barbara

Route via I-5

Direct Route 5 hours 45 minutes

The quickest path, going through inland valleys with fewer scenic stops.

Stockton , Fresno , Valencia

Route via CA-99

Cultural Route 6 hours

Explore central California's agricultural heartland and local culture.

Merced , Visalia , Bakersfield

Exciting Trips Along the Way:

San Jose to Monterey

1.5 hours

A short detour offering spectacular coastal vistas and the iconic Cannery Row.

Santa Barbara Coastal Drive

1 hour

Enjoy scenic beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant city life.

Monterey Aquarium Visit

2 hours

World-class marine exhibits and breathtaking views of the Pacific.

Wine Tasting in Santa Ynez Valley

4 hours

Sample fine wines while enjoying scenic vineyard views and rolling hills.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Renting the Perfect Vehicle: Choose a vehicle that suits your group size and comfort for long drives.

Route Planning: Plan your route in advance, considering scenic detours and fuel stops.

Cost Management: Account for gas, food, tolls, and potential parking expenses during your trip.

Familiarize with Traffic Patterns: Check for peak traffic times and road construction in the planned areas.

Prepare for Weather Conditions: Ensure your vehicle's air conditioning or heating systems are in working order.

Allowing Extra Time: Schedule extra hours to explore unexpected attractions or handle delays.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Explore the best companies offering one-way car rental services from Oakland to Santa Monica, featuring competitive pricing and reliable options.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	4.5/5	Extensive	Large selection of car models including luxury options , Wide geographic availability , Streamlined booking processes
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	$$$	4/5	Comprehensive	Exceptional customer service , Convenient rental locations , Practical car selection for all travel needs
Avis	$$	4.2/5	High	Affordable one-way rental options , Frequent deals and promotions , Flexible rental terms
Budget	$	4/5	Good	Competitive pricing , Wide range of economic to premium cars , Simple drop-off process

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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

Car Rental Centers Details

Rental pick-up location in Oakland:

The rental car center is located at Oakland International Airport, with clear signage directing customers to rental agencies.

Drop-off location in Santa Monica:

Santa Monica rental agencies are mostly located downtown for easy accessibility.

Shuttle services:

Shuttle buses run every 15 minutes between the airport and the rental center in Oakland.

Operating hours:

Most agencies operate from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Nearby refueling services:

Gas stations are available near both Oakland International Airport and central Santa Monica.

Ensure to refuel the vehicle before returning to avoid additional charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an additional fee for returning the car at a different location?

Yes, many rental companies apply a one-way fee for this convenience. Ensure you verify this fee during the booking process to avoid surprises.

Do I need to refuel the car before returning it in Santa Monica?

Most car rental agreements require you to return the car with a full tank of gas unless opting for a prepaid fuel option.

What should I do if the car breaks down during the rental period?

Contact the rental company's roadside assistance immediately. The details are usually provided at the time of rental or on a dedicated app.

Can multiple drivers be added for the rental?

Yes, additional drivers can be added for a fee, and they must meet the rental company's age and license requirements.

Are there age restrictions for renting a car for this route?

Typically, the minimum age is 21, but renters under 25 may incur a young driver fee.

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