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

Home One-way Car Rentals San Jose 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(s).

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 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, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported card attributes: XpCard, DcCard, UnCard.
Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25-27 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) (IDP is a translation and must be presented with the original licence); 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with an 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; 4) Original driving licence + Official embassy translation in English (authorized by the embassy).

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 UnionPay, Visa, MasterCard, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported card attributes: XpCard, DcCard, UnCard.
Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years old. Young drivers aged 21-24 may incur an additional fee of US$ 25-27 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$ 48-310	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 143-611	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 48-295	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 144-581	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 50-359	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 148-706	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 48-390	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 141-767	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 102-102	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 317-317	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 59-59	US$ 0.00-0.00	US$ 175-213	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Rental Fee: Certain rental companies may charge an additional fee for one-way rentals. Make sure to confirm this during booking.
Drop-Off Location Restrictions: Not all rental companies allow you to drop off vehicles at your desired location. Verify before confirming.
Cross-Border Conditions: For routes involving crossing state lines, some restrictions or additional paperwork might apply. Always inquire beforehand.
Rental Timing Flexibility: Ensure the rental duration adheres to what is permissible for a one-way journey to avoid penalties.
Vehicle Availability: One-way rentals may limit vehicle options to those set for one-directional journeys. Check availability before deciding.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Fuel Stops: Knowing your route ahead of time can streamline fuel and rest stops effectively.
Secure Reservations Early: Early booking often helps in securing better deals and availability for one-way journeys.
Utilize Navigation and Map Tools: Knowing the fastest or most scenic routes can enhance your travel experience.
Understand Rental Insurance Options: Check coverage options provided by rental companies to avoid mishaps during your trip.
Optimize Travel Timeframes: Choosing non-peak times for your journey can save costs and reduce travel stress.

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

Maintain a steady speed to improve mileage.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for better fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle.

San Jose Parking

Consider using long-term parking lots near the airport if needed.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Los Angeles Parking

Look for parking garages with flat daily rates for savings.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance

Tolls and FasTrak

Critical advisory about toll behavior or charges

Use a FasTrak device for seamless toll payment.

Actual toll roads and charges

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Notable Routes Between San Jose and Los Angeles:

US-101 Scenic Drive

Coastal route Approximately 7 hours 30 minutes

This scenic route takes you along the Pacific Ocean, offering views of coastal towns and famous beaches.

Monterey Bay , Big Sur , Santa Barbara

I-5 Direct Route

Fastest route Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes

This is the quickest and most direct route with minimal stops, suitable for swift travel.

Grapevine , Rest stations on I-5

CA-1 Pacific Coast Highway

Pictorial coastal drive Approximately 9 hours

A leisurely route with stunning Pacific views and charming coastal towns.

Santa Cruz , Hearst Castle in San Simeon , Malibu

Highlight Trips Along This Route:

San Jose to Monterey Bay

1 hour 30 minutes

Explore the aquarium and scenic views of the Pacific Coast.

Pismo Beach Stopover

4 hours from San Jose

A smaller beach city with beautiful coastlines and great food.

Santa Barbara Tour

6 hours from San Jose

Enjoy the Spanish architecture and vibrant cultural scene.

Malibu Road Trip

7 hours from San Jose

Stroll through stunning beaches and celebrity homes in Malibu.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Understand Type of Routes: Plan your route according to interests—scenic, historic, or efficient driving.

Select Appropriate Vehicle: Choose based on passenger count and preferred comfort level.

Fuel Strategies: Identify fuel stations along the route; Check for reduced fuel prices.

Plan Your Stops: Note significant landmarks and rest areas for breaks and sightseeing.

Budget Management: Include toll roads, parking, and food stops in your budget plan.

Safety Precautions: Carry a first-aid kit, check weather forecasts, and drive responsibly.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Only trusted car rental companies offering one-way rentals between San Jose and Los Angeles are considered. Factors like affordability, availability, and fleet options are evaluated.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Economic Rentals	$	Standard selection of economy cars	Wide network across California	Lowest one-way rental fees , Simple process for pickups and drop-offs
Premium Driving Co.	$$$	Luxury and high-performance vehicles	Limited to major cities	Premium vehicle options , Personalized customer support
Urban Fleet Rentals	$$	Excellent variety of urban cars	Available in major urban centers	Affordable urban vehicles , Strong presence in metropolitan areas
Explorer Car Rentals	$$	Large selection of SUVs and trucks	Available in suburban and urban locations	Best for outdoor enthusiasts , 24/7 road assistance

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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

Key Information About Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Rental centers in San Jose operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Location of Rental Car Centers:

Located at terminals in both San Jose and Los Angeles airports.

Shuttle Frequency:

Airport shuttles to rental car facilities leave every 15 minutes.

Ease of Access:

Both centers are easily accessible via public transport and major highways.

Ensure to confirm your reservation and check for one-way rental fees in advance to avoid surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off the rental car at a different location from where I picked it up?

Yes, one-way car rental services allow you to pick up the vehicle in San Jose and drop it off in Los Angeles. However, additional fees might apply, and availability depends on the rental company.

Are there any extra fees for a one-way car rental?

Typically, rental companies charge a one-way fee or drop-off fee. The cost varies depending on the company and route. It's recommended to review the terms and conditions before booking.

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

Most rental companies offer a wide range of vehicles for one-way rentals, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, and luxury cars. Availability may be subject to demand and specific vehicle models may vary.

Do I need to return the car with a full tank of gas?

Yes, most rental agreements require you to return the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up. Please check the fuel policy of your rental company for specific requirements.

What should I do if I need to extend my rental period?

If you need to extend your rental, contact the rental company directly as soon as possible. They will provide guidance on extending the contract and any additional charges that may apply.

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