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Embark On A Scenic One-Way Journey

Explore the diverse landscapes on your road trip from Santa Monica to Las Vegas

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 1-2 years.

    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 Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card attributes are XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years. Drivers aged 21-24 are considered young drivers and will incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.
  • 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 1-2 years. Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Note: An IDP is only a translation, and the original driving licence must also be presented. Alternatively, original driver's licenses printed in Roman alphabet (such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.) are acceptable without an IDP. Driver's 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.

  • 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 Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Supported card attributes are XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: The general driving age requirement is 21-80 years. Drivers aged 21-24 are considered young drivers and will incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.
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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$ 164-166US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 143-300Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 197-197US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 157-378Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 167-235US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 162-452Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 175-238US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 140-879Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 206-206US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 396-396Families, comfort seeker

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Ensure you budget for any surcharges since one-way rentals often include extra fees for drop-off at a different location.
  • Cross-State Restrictions: Check your rental agreement for limitations on crossing state lines, as specific policies may apply when driving from California to Nevada.
  • Rental Duration Limits: Verify if your rental company imposes any restrictions on how long you can rent the vehicle for a one-way trip.
  • Vehicle Availability: Understand that certain types of vehicles may not be available for one-way travel or might involve extra charges.
  • Drop-Off Location Navigation: Familiarize yourself with the location of your drop-off point in Las Vegas, including its hours of operation.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Refueling Stops: Identify gas stations along your route to avoid last-minute fuel emergencies, especially in desert stretches.
  • Pack Accordingly: Bring essentials such as snacks and water, and dress comfortably for the heat you'll experience on the way.
  • Leverage GPS Navigation: Use reliable GPS or navigation apps to avoid getting lost and to stay on schedule.
  • Inspect the Car Before Departure: Perform a thorough check of the vehicle for any existing damage and ensure proper functioning to avoid disputes later.
  • Understand Insurance Options: Review the insurance policies offered and decide on additional coverage based on your trip requirements.
  • Review the Rental Agreement: Take time to read through the terms and conditions of your rental contract carefully.
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

Chevron - 3201 W Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89103, USA

Shell - 190 E Flamingo Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, USA

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and avoid excessive acceleration.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated for optimal fuel efficiency.

Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle to improve mileage.

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Santa Monica Parking

Consider parking further from the beach and walking to save on costs.

Parking in Santa Monica can be challenging. Public parking lots are available with hourly rates ranging from $1 to $3.

Las Vegas Parking

Validate your parking ticket at the venue to potentially reduce costs.

Many hotels and casinos in Las Vegas offer free parking, but some may charge fees of $5 to $15 per day.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps such as ParkMobile and SpotHero can help you find and book parking spaces in advance.

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Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you check for any route changes or construction updates that might introduce tolls.

Use a navigation app to confirm toll-free routes.

The route from Santa Monica to Las Vegas does not have any toll roads.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Exciting Route Options for Scenic Adventures:
Pacific Coast Highway to Las Vegas
Scenic Route ~8 hours

Drive along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, leaving Santa Monica and heading towards Las Vegas with stunning ocean views.

Malibu , Santa Barbara , Oxnard
Mojave Desert Route
Desert Adventure ~6 hours

Navigate through the intriguing landscapes of the Mojave Desert from Santa Monica to Las Vegas.

Barstow , Victorville , Primm
Interstate 15 Direct Option
Fastest Route ~5 hours

Opt for the quickest path via Interstate 15, arriving in the city of lights in under 6 hours.

Ontario , Barstow , Baker
Road Trip Planning Tips for Santa Monica to Las Vegas

Route Selection: Determine the best route based on your timeline; for instance, Interstate 15 is quicker but less scenic.

Vehicle Selection: Choose an appropriate car model for your comfort, budget, and track record during long drives.

Gas Management: Stock up on fuel at major stops, as remote areas might have limited fuel availability.

Cost Considerations: Get clarification on one-way rental costs and confirm if drop-off fees apply.

Safety First: Keep a first aid kit in the car and ensure a road assistance plan is active for emergencies.

Destination Tips: Pre-book accommodations in Las Vegas for a seamless end to your road trip.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

The decision-making process for selecting a one-way car rental company depends on factors such as fees, fleet variety, location coverage, and unique services. Choose the best option for your trip from Santa Monica to Las Vegas.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExtensive Premium fleet options , Multiple locations in Santa Monica and Las Vegas
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$ModerateComprehensive in urban areas Affordable rates , Flexible pick-up and drop-off
Avis$$$HighExtensive Luxury car options , Priority customer service support
National Car Rental$ModerateWide coverage with focus on airports Ease of booking , Membership rewards for frequent users
QEEQ

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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

Essential Information About Car Rental Centers

Transportation to Rental Car Center:

Dedicated shuttles available every 10-15 minutes from designated pick-up points.

Location Details:

Located near the parking lot at the last level of the Las Vegas terminal.

Operating Hours:

All rental agencies operate from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Required Documentation:

A valid driving license, passport, and credit card are mandatory for the process.

To save time, complete the online check-in process before arriving at the rental center.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical costs for a one-way car rental from Santa Monica to Las Vegas?

The costs vary depending on the rental company, vehicle type, and dates. It's recommended to compare different providers and book in advance to get the best rates.

Are there additional fees for a one-way car rental?

Yes, most companies charge a one-way fee aside from the base rental cost. This fee is for returning the vehicle to a location different from the pickup point.

What options are available for fuel plans during the rental?

Rental companies often offer pre-paid fuel, return full, or return empty options. Check the fuel plan details when booking to choose the best for your trip.

How far is the drive from Santa Monica to Las Vegas?

The distance is approximately 283 miles (455 km), and the drive takes about 4-5 hours depending on traffic and stops.

Is it necessary to book the car online or can it be done on the spot?

While you can rent a car in person, booking online is advisable to lock in better rates and ensure the availability of the desired vehicle.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes