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Explore Your Journey from Oakland to Santa Monica

Your convenient guide to seamless one-way car rentals between Oakland and Santa Monica.

Can I rent a car from Oakland to Santa Monica?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Oakland to Santa Monica. 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.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 80. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 will incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00 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.)

    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.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 80. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 will incur an additional fee of US$ 25.00 per day.
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How much does renting a car from Oakland to Santa Monica 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 Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 43/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 44/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 43-US$ 60US$ 0-US$ 330US$ 128-US$ 139Solo travelers, couples
LargeUS$ 44-US$ 57US$ 0-US$ 151US$ 130Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 44-US$ 368US$ 0-US$ 330US$ 132-US$ 458Large groups, long drivers

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: One-way rentals typically include an additional fee to cover logistics; confirm this cost during booking.
  • Cross-State Restrictions: Ensure the rental company's policy allows drop-off in a different state, if applicable for your route.
  • Advance Booking: Booking one-way rentals early increases availability and gives better pricing options.
  • Vehicle Selection: Choose a vehicle that fits your comfort and luggage space needs for the long drive.
  • Travel Route Planning: Plan your route to include rest stops, fuel stations, and avoid heavy traffic zones.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Check Rental Policies: Understand the terms regarding fuel, mileage limits, and drop-off process before confirming your rental.
  • Consider Multiple Drivers: Adding another driver can help share the driving load, especially for long-distance routes.
  • Return on Time: Late returns can incur penalties, so ensure prompt arrival at the drop-off location.
  • Fuel Refill Policy: Most rental agencies require the vehicle to be returned with the same fuel level as at pickup.
  • Scenic Stops: Explore scenic spots or landmarks en route to enhance your journey from Oakland to Santa Monica.
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 car before returning it to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use nearby gas stations to save on costs compared to rental company fuel charges.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel price along this route is approximately $4.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce fuel consumption.

Avoid excessive use of air conditioning to save fuel.

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Oakland Parking

Street parking is available but may have time restrictions.

Several paid parking garages are located downtown.

Use parking apps to locate available spots efficiently.

Santa Monica Parking

Public parking structures are available close to the beach.

Metered parking is available throughout the city.

Residential areas may require parking permits.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkMobile for finding and reserving parking spots.

SpotHero for comparing parking prices.

Parking Panda for booking parking in advance.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Driving Routes from Oakland to Santa Monica:
Pacific Coastal Highway
Scenic Coastal Drive Approx. 8 hours

Experience the breathtaking views of the Pacific, lush beaches, and quaint towns along the legendary Route 1.

Big Sur , Monterey , Santa Barbara
Interstate Highway I-5
Fast and Direct Route Approx. 6 hours

A straightforward route suitable for those looking to get from Oakland to Santa Monica efficiently.

Stockton , Fresno , Los Angeles
Central Valley Scenic Route
Agricultural Countryside Drive Approx. 7 hours

Travel through California's fertile central valleys adorned with beautiful farms and vineyards.

Modesto , Bakersfield , Santa Clarita
Road Trip Planning Tips

Vehicle Selection: Choose a reliable vehicle suited to your travel needs and group size for a comfortable journey.

Cost Efficiency: Book in advance and compare prices to secure the best rental rates.

Navigation Tools: Use an updated GPS or a reliable map application for smooth navigation.

Fuel Planning: Identify gas stations along your route to avoid unnecessary stops or emergencies.

Luggage Management: Pack lightweight and utilize the trunk space effectively.

Safety and Insurance: Verify insurance coverage and familiarize yourself with the car's safety features before starting the drive.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Tips on selecting reliable companies for your one-way car rental between Oakland and Santa Monica.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise$$HighWide Wide network of locations , User-friendly booking process , Frequent promotions
Hertz$$MediumWide High-quality vehicles , Membership rewards , Mobile app for ease of use
Budget$MediumModerate Affordable pricing , Reliable vehicles for road trips , No hidden fees
Avis$$$HighWide Exclusive vehicle options , Roadside assistance , Premium customer service
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

Oakland Rental Car Pickup Center Information

Operating Hours:

24/7 operating hours for most major car rental agencies located at the center.

Location:

Rental car center is next to Oakland International Airport, accessible via airport shuttle.

Shuttle Frequency:

Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes between the terminals and rental center.

Nearby Gas Stations:

Multiple refueling stations are situated within a 5-mile radius of the rental center.

Pro Tips for Oakland Airport(OAK) Car Rentals

Consider refueling your vehicle before returning it to avoid additional charges applied by rental companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for a one-way car rental?

To rent a car for a one-way trip, you generally need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card in the renter's name, and sometimes proof of insurance. It's advisable to confirm required documents directly with the rental agency beforehand.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals from Oakland to Santa Monica?

Many rental companies charge a drop-off fee for one-way rentals to cover the cost of returning the car to its original location. These fees vary depending on the provider. Ensure to check this fee when booking.

Is unlimited mileage typically included in one-way rental agreements?

Most rental car services offer unlimited mileage for one-way trips, especially for routes within the same region or state. However, it's important to confirm this when making your reservation.

Can I choose a specific car model for this route?

While rental agencies generally allow you to select a car category (such as economy or SUV), the specific make and model often depend on availability at the time of pick-up. Some companies may let you reserve a specific model for an additional fee.

What should I do if I encounter an issue with the vehicle during my trip?

Rental agencies usually provide roadside assistance for their vehicles, which can address issues ranging from breakdowns to accidents. Be sure to note the contact information for assistance provided by the rental company when picking up the car.

Ready to Book Your Oakland to Santa Monica Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes