One-Way Car Rental from San Diego to Los Angeles | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals San Diego to Los Angeles

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. The licence should be held for at least 1 year.

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 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 UnionPay, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 25.00 - US$ 60.99 per day, depending on the rental policy.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. Accepted documents include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Note: IDP is only a translation; the original licence must also be presented. 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with English translation on the back. 3) Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, etc.) without the need for an IDP. Non-Roman alphabet licenses (e.g., Arabic, Chinese) must be accompanied by an IDP. 4) Original driving licence + Official embassy translation in English, authorized by the embassy.

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 passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 25.00 - US$ 60.99 per day, depending on the rental policy.

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$ 48-266	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 142-550	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 56-236	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 175-490	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 53-236	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 158-490	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 47-252	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 140-500	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 140-140	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 418-418	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 186-186	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 555-555	Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration：

Understanding the One-Way Fee: Check how much fee is charged for returning a car to a different location than the pick-up point.
Cross-Border Restrictions: Verify if there are any limitations or additional charges for crossing state or country borders during your trip.
Fuel Policies: Ensure you understand whether you need to return the car with a full tank or if pre-purchased fuel options are available.
Advance Planning: Book your one-way rental well in advance to ensure availability and to potentially secure a lower rate.
Insurance Options: Review the insurance coverage provided and consider additional protections for peace of mind.

Smart Planning Tips:

Choose the Right Car Size: Select a vehicle that fits your travel needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage space.
Understand Transportation Options: Plan how you'll get from the car drop-off location to your next destination, like the airport or hotel.
Prepare for Traffic: Be aware of rush hour and possible delays, particularly when approaching Los Angeles.
Check Cancellation Policies: Understand the terms if you need to modify or cancel your rental.
Pack a Road Trip Kit: Carry essentials like water, snacks, phone chargers, and maps or a reliable GPS device.

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

ARCO - 9200 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90045, USA

Shell - 7360 La Tijera Blvd, Los Angeles CA 90045, USA

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Keep tires properly inflated to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid rapid acceleration and braking to save fuel.

Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady speed.

San Diego Parking

Consider using public transportation to avoid high parking fees in downtown areas.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Los Angeles Parking

Search for parking structures near your destination for better rates.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz can help users find or book parking in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is registered for FasTrak if you plan to use toll roads.

Plan your route to avoid tolls if you wish to save money.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes for San Diego to Los Angeles Journey:

Coastal Route via Interstate 5

Scenic Highway ~2 hours 30 minutes

A direct route alongside the Pacific shoreline offering breathtaking ocean views.

La Jolla Cove , Carlsbad Village , Dana Point Harbor

Inland Route via Interstate 15

Economic Highway ~2 hours 45 minutes

An inland route through rolling hills and historic towns.

Old Town Temecula , Glen Ivy Hot Springs , Chino Hills State Park

Alternative Scenic Coastal Route via Highways 1 and 101

Historic Route ~3 hours 15 minutes

Combines scenic beauty with stops at iconic locations.

Del Mar Beach , Newport Beach Pier , Huntington Beach

Notable Trips Along the Way:

Day Out to Laguna Beach

1.5 hours from San Diego

Enjoy a day on the pristine beaches and explore the art galleries in Laguna Beach.

Exploration of Disneyland Resort

2 hours from San Diego

A family-friendly trip to the world-famous Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.

Visit to Los Angeles Downtown Attractions

Varies within Los Angeles

Explore cultural sites like The Broad museum, historic Olvera Street, and the beautiful LA Cathedral.

Trip to Hollywood and Beverly Hills

~3 hours from San Diego

Experience the glamour of Hollywood and upscale shopping in Beverly Hills.

Helpful Road Trip Planning Tips

Plan Your Route: Research and select a route based on your interests, whether it’s the fastest or a more scenic option.

Refuel Strategically: Know your vehicle’s fuel consumption and identify cost-effective gas stations along your route.

Check Vehicle Condition: Ensure the rental car is inspected for damage and confirm required documents are available.

Understand Rental Costs: Clarify fees including mileage limits, fuel surcharges, and drop-off charges.

Use Navigation Tools: Utilize GPS or maps to ensure accuracy and avoid traffic-prone areas.

Pack Essentials: Bring sunscreen, water, snacks, and entertainment, especially for family trips.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting an ideal car rental company for a one-way trip from San Diego to Los Angeles involves considering factors like fleet variety, location coverage, and one-way fee policies.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$	High	Excellent	Premium fleet options , Multiple pickup and drop-off locations , Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program
Enterprise	$$	Moderate	Very Good	Wide range of vehicle types , Flexible rental periods , Available at major airports
Avis	$$	High	Very Good	Avis Preferred loyalty program , Unique long-term rental options , Wide range of luxury vehicles
Budget	$$	Moderate	Good	Competitive pricing , Deals on pre-paid rentals , User-friendly reservation 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

San Diego Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

Most car rental centers operate daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, including weekends.

Location:

San Diego Airport Rental Car Center, 3355 Admiral Boland Way, San Diego, CA 92101.

Shuttle Service:

Complimentary shuttle buses run every 10-15 minutes from airport terminals to the rental car center.

Available Facilities:

The center offers Wi-Fi, customer service desks, and waiting areas for a comfortable experience.

To avoid delays, verify the rental center's location and operating hours in advance. Allow extra time when arriving during peak travel periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up a rental car in one location, such as San Diego, and drop it off in a different location, like Los Angeles. This type of rental is convenient for those who only need to travel in one direction.

How can I book a one-way rental from San Diego to Los Angeles?

You can book a one-way rental directly through a car rental company's website or app. Simply specify San Diego as the pickup location and Los Angeles as the drop-off location. Be sure to indicate the desired dates and times of your rental as well.

Are there extra fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, many car rental companies include a one-way fee or drop-off charge for the convenience of not having to return the vehicle to the original location. This fee varies by company and route.

What types of vehicles are available for one-way rentals on this route?

Vehicle availability depends on the rental company, but common types include economy cars, SUVs, luxury vehicles, and vans. It's best to check directly with the rental company to see available options.

Do I need to refuel the car before returning it?

Most car rental agreements require you to return the vehicle with the same fuel level as when it was picked up. Alternatively, you can opt for a pre-paid fuel plan where you pay for a full tank at the beginning of your rental.

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