Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
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.
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. At airport location, if you are holding a foreign driver's license, please show proof of return airline flight that corresponds with your rental.
One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:
Starting from
US$ 43/dayStarting from
US$ 44/day| Vehicle Types | Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included) | One-way Fee | Total(3-day Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | US$ 43-US$ 178 | US$ 0 | US$ 128-US$ 342 | Solo travelers, couples |
| Medium | US$ 54-US$ 160 | US$ 0 | US$ 308 | Small families, light luggage |
| Large | US$ 44-US$ 196 | US$ 0 | US$ 130-US$ 376 | Families, comfort seeker |
| SUV | US$ 44-US$ 405 | US$ 0 | US$ 132-US$ 784 | Large groups, long drivers |
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.
Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.
Refuel the car before returning it to avoid additional charges from the rental company.
Keep the last refueling receipt as proof of refueling, in case the rental company requests it.
Plan refueling stops in advance to avoid high prices at highway gas stations.
The average fuel cost along the route is approximately $4.50 per gallon for regular gasoline.
Maintain a steady speed, ideally around 55-65 mph, to optimize fuel efficiency.
Ensure tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure for better mileage.
Avoid using the air conditioning excessively, especially at lower speeds.
Street parking is available but often limited; check signage for restrictions.
Parking garages in downtown San Francisco typically charge $20-$40 per day.
Consider using public transportation or rideshare services to avoid parking challenges.
Many parking lots near the airport offer daily rates around $15-$30.
Street parking is limited, especially in busy areas; always check for permit requirements.
Use parking apps to find and reserve spots in advance to save time.
SpotHero
ParkMobile
PayByPhone
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Plan Your Timing: Research road conditions and weather forecasts to pick the ideal travel day.
Route Selection: Choose your route type based on interests, such as scenic views or fast travel.
Fuel Planning: Identify gas stations along your route to avoid running low, especially in remote areas.
Budget Management: Account for road tolls, fuel costs, and rental fees in your budget.
Explore Key Stops: Allocate time to visit major landmarks or attractions along your route.
Understand Rental Terms: Check the rental policies for one-way fees, mileage limitations, and fuel refilling rules.
Below are some of the popular car rental companies that offer one-way rentals between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
| Company | One-Way Fee | Fleet Variety | Location Coverage | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | $$ | Highly diverse | Excellent nationwide coverage | Wide selection of vehicles ranging from economy to luxury , Flexible pickup and drop-off locations including airports , Rewards program for frequent renters |
| Enterprise | $$ | Excellent | Extensive coverage across the US | Customer-friendly policies , Convenient locations in cities and airports , No hidden fees |
| Avis | $$ | Good selection | Strong airport presence | Affordable rates for one-way trips , Variety of additional services like GPS rental , User-friendly app to manage bookings |
| Budget | $ | Moderate selection | Available at major locations | Great value for budget-conscious travelers , Seamless booking process , Flexible terms for one-way rentals |
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The rental car centers at both SFO and LAX airports operate 24/7, ensuring flexibility for pick-ups and drop-offs.
At San Francisco International Airport, the rental car center is located at the north section of the airport, accessible via AirTrain. At Los Angeles International Airport, rental companies are accessed via complimentary airport shuttles.
Shuttle buses between terminals and rental car centers are available every 5-10 minutes.
Both rental car centers have direct access to major freeways, expediting your journey to or from the airport.
Ensure to double-check operating hours during holidays and verify shuttle availability upon your arrival.
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