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One-Way Car Rental: San Francisco to Los Angeles

Explore the easiest way to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles with our one-way car rental service.

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(s).

    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. 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. At airport locations, if you are holding a foreign driver's license, please show proof of return airline flight that corresponds with your rental.

  • 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 credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. XpCard and DcCard are also supported.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day or US$ 60.99 per day, depending on the rental provider.
  • 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(s). Accepted documents include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation and must be accompanied by the original driving licence), Original South Korea Driving License (English version with English translation on the back), or Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.). Licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic) must be accompanied by an IDP.

    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. 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. At airport locations, if you are holding a foreign driver's license, please show proof of return airline flight that corresponds with your rental.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, and AMEX. XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard are also supported.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day or US$ 60.99 per day, depending on the rental provider.
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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 TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 46-274US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 138-526Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 52-246US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 155-473Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 53-302US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 158-579Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 47-492US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 141-631Large groups, long drivers
VanUS$ 354-354US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 678-678Large families, groups

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-way rental fees: Be aware of additional fees that may apply for one-way rentals as the drop-off location differs from the pick-up.
  • Restricted destinations: Ensure that the rental company allows travel to all destinations you plan to visit, including cross-border if applicable.
  • Return time policies: Confirm the latest return time for the vehicle at the drop-off location to avoid late fees.
  • Fuel policies: Understand the fuel policy—whether you need to refuel the vehicle before return or if you will be charged for unfilled tanks.
  • Vehicle availability: Book your car early to ensure the availability of specific models suitable for a long-distance journey.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book in advance: Secure your one-way rental early to avoid limited vehicle availability, especially during peak seasons.
  • Check for discounts: Look out for promotional deals on one-way rentals to save on travel costs.
  • Plan the route wisely: Utilize GPS and plan stops along the journey for a safer and stress-free trip.
  • Understand insurance needs: Review what type of insurance is included and consider additional coverage if needed.
  • Contact the rental company: Communicate with the rental provider to clarify details about vehicle pickup, drop-off, and any applicable fees.
  • Prepare for emergencies: Keep a roadside assistance contact and emergency kit ready, especially for long journeys.
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
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

Maintain steady speeds to improve fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce drag.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

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San Francisco Parking

Use parking apps to find and reserve spots in advance to save time and money.

Parking in San Francisco can be challenging. On-street parking is limited, and garages charge around $20-30 per day.

Los Angeles Parking

Check for free parking zones around residential neighborhoods.

Los Angeles offers more parking options. Prices range from $10-20 per day in most areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like ParkWhiz and SpotHero are helpful for finding and booking parking spaces.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is registered for FasTrak to avoid fines.

Use cashless payment options for quicker toll processing.

Toll roads like the 73 Toll Road may be encountered. Charges vary from $5 to $10.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Top Scenic Routes between San Francisco and Los Angeles:
Pacific Coast Highway
Scenic Coastal Drive 8-10 hours

Enjoy breathtaking ocean views, coastal cliffs, and charming towns along the Pacific Ocean.

Monterey , Big Sur , Santa Barbara
I-5 Straight Route
Direct Highway 6-7 hours

A fast and efficient route connecting San Francisco and Los Angeles mainly through agricultural valleys.

Fresno , Bakersfield
CA-99 and SR-152 Route
Cultural and Inland Drive 7-8 hours

Experience California's heartland with vibrant farmlands and quaint communities.

Modesto , Merced , Fresno
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Route Planning: Choose scenic or direct routes as per your schedule. Pacific Coast Highway is popular for its beauty.

Car Rental Options: Book early for a broader selection and better deals. Check terms for one-way rentals.

Fuel Management: Plan gas stops in advance. Coastal routes may have fewer stations.

Time Consideration: Allocate extra time for sightseeing and traffic.

Accommodation: Pre-book stays, especially near popular spots like Big Sur and Santa Barbara.

Safety Measures: Carry an emergency kit, and be aware of road conditions, especially in winter.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Introduction to company selection, only including companies that offer one-way rental service from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExcellent Extensive network of locations , Variety of premium vehicles
Enterprise$MediumVery Good Affordable pricing , Convenient booking options
Avis$$HighExcellent Wide range of vehicles , Speedy check-in and drop-off
Budget$MediumGood Competitive pricing , Frequent discounts and promos
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

San Francisco Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

24/7 availability for most major car rental companies.

Location:

The main rental center is located at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), with shuttle services from the terminal.

Shuttle Frequency:

Shuttles depart every 5-10 minutes connecting terminals to the rental car facility.

Signage:

Clear signage throughout the airport directing to the car rental center.

Book your rental car in advance, and confirm the one-way drop-off policy to avoid unexpected fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up a rental car in San Francisco and drop it off in Los Angeles?

Yes, many car rental companies offer the option of picking up a car in San Francisco and dropping it off in Los Angeles for your convenience.

What is the estimated cost of a one-way car rental for this route?

The cost varies based on the car type, rental period, and season. On average, it can range from $100 to $300, including one-way fees.

Are there any additional fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, many car rental companies apply a 'one-way fee' or 'drop-off charge,' which compensates for returning the car to its original location.

What documents are required for renting a car on this route?

You will typically need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and, for international renters, your passport and an international driving permit might be required.

Can I return the rented car outside normal business hours in Los Angeles?

Many rental agencies provide the option to drop off cars outside business hours. Confirm this with your chosen rental company when booking.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes