Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
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$ 37/dayStarting from
US$ 39/day| Vehicle Types | Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included) | One-way Fee | Total(3-day Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | US$ 37-US$ 52 | US$ 0 | US$ 110-US$ 125 | Solo travelers, couples |
| Large | US$ 42-US$ 62 | US$ 0 | US$ 125-US$ 161 | Families, comfort seeker |
| SUV | US$ 39-US$ 186 | US$ 0 | US$ 117-US$ 574 | Large groups, long drivers |
| Premium | US$ 67 | US$ 0 | US$ 201 | Families, comfort seeker |
| Van | US$ 141 | US$ 0 | US$ 421 | Large families, groups |
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 vehicle before returning it to avoid extra charges from the rental company.
Save the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.
Use nearby gas stations close to the drop-off location for convenience.
The estimated average fuel price along the route is approximately $4.50 per gallon.
Maintain a steady speed and use cruise control where possible.
Ensure your tires are properly inflated to the recommended pressure.
Avoid excessive idling and minimize the use of air conditioning.
Street parking is available in downtown Santa Barbara with hourly rates.
Several parking lots offer daily rates ranging from $5 to $15.
Consider using park-and-ride services for extended stays.
Los Angeles has numerous parking garages with rates starting at $10 per day.
Street parking is metered in most areas and may have time restrictions.
Use parking apps to find and reserve spots in advance.
ParkMobile for easy meter payments.
SpotHero to locate and reserve parking spots.
Parking Panda for discounted rates at select garages.
Relax at the iconic Santa Monica beach, enjoy the pier attractions.
Explore splendid wineries and enjoy wine tasting sessions.
Discover major urban attractions, including museums and theaters.
Explore serene mountainous landscapes and scenic trails.
Understand Rental Policies: Ensure the rental terms allow for one-way travel and review all charges related to drop-off fees.
Plan Your Stops: Familiarize yourself with attractions and stops to avoid unnecessary detours.
Prepare for Fuel: Understand if the rental agreement has a full-to-full or pre-purchase gas policy.
Select The Right Vehicle: Consider the route type and comfort while selecting a rental vehicle.
Allow Extra Time: Factor in potential delays, especially during peak travel times.
Preserve The Environment: Dispose of trash responsibly along your stops, maintaining the natural beauty of routes.
A guide to selecting car rental companies for one-way travel between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, featuring options with convenient services.
| Company | One-Way Fee | Fleet Variety | Location Coverage | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | $$ | Excellent | Extensive | Reliable customer service , Wide range of vehicles suitable for urban and long-distance trips |
| Enterprise | $$ | Strong | Extensive | No-hassle experience , Frequent promotions |
| Thrifty | $ | Moderate | Widespread | Affordable rates , Convenient locations at airports |
| Avis | $$ | High | Extensive | Luxury options available , Frequent flyer program partnerships |
Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates
200+ countries and regions
Compare across providers
Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp
One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector
Most rental centers in Santa Barbara operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Car rental facilities are located near the Santa Barbara Airport terminal, often within walking distance.
Complimentary shuttle services operate every 15 minutes from the terminal to the rental facilities.
Arrive early to complete your paperwork quickly, especially during peak hours.
Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ
