From United States
+1-8007618913
From Canada
+1-2897685366
From United Kingdom
+44-2035140670
From Japan
+81 3-4578-4029
From Argentina
+54-2657459025
From Chile
+56-226665927
From Colombia
+57-6017940262
From Mexico
+52-7449800692
From New Zealand
+64-99508740
From Peru
+51-17009061
From Switzerland
+41-445514539
From Thailand
+66-25088458
From Singapore
+65-31585008
From Australia
+61-1800-507-258
From Turkey
+90-850-390-7486
From Italy
+39-800729010
From Portugal
+351-304500663
From Brazil
+55-6140426960
From France
+33-970019487
From Israel
+972-23752163
From Germany
+49 6107 6353100
From China
+86-1089171020
From South Korea (Domestic calls only)
00308 491 0209
From other countries or regions
+1-8007618913
Live chat Email us Service Code: 1117013191
logo_img

Explore Los Angeles with Ease

Discover the flexibility of one-way car rentals from Santa Monica

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. Supported credit cards include Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. XpCard and DcCard are also accepted.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 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. Acceptable documents include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Note: IDP is only a translation and must be accompanied by the original driving licence); 2) Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with 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. Driver's licenses in non-Roman alphabets (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese) 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.

  • 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 Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard are also accepted.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 21 and 80 years. Young drivers aged 21-24 will incur a fee of US$ 27.00 per day.
requirements.image

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$ 47-65US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 112-226Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 65-65US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 133-162Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 51-166US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 116-300Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 47-1137US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 120-286Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 124-124US$ 0.00-0.00US$ 253-253Families, comfort seeker

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Be aware of additional fees charged for dropping off the car at a different location than where it was picked up.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: Check if there are restrictions when crossing state or country borders with the rental vehicle.
  • Fuel Policy: Understand the fuel policies associated with the car rental, such as whether to return the tank full.
  • Rental Duration: Verify if there are any minimum or maximum rental duration requirements for one-way rentals.
  • Drop-Off Location Details: Ensure the exact drop-off location is clearly understood to avoid any complications.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Plan Your Route in Advance: Determine the locations you wish to visit along the way to maximize your trip efficiency.
  • Compare One-Way Fees Between Agencies: Different agencies may have varying fees for one-way rentals, so price comparison can save costs.
  • Understand Insurance Coverage: Make sure you have suitable insurance coverage that applies across the locations you will be traveling.
  • Inspect Vehicle Before Departure: Conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle to avoid any misunderstandings about pre-existing damages.
  • Verify Operating Hours of Drop-Off Location: Ensure the drop-off location is open and available at your planned return time.
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

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Avoid rapid acceleration and braking.

Maintain a consistent speed during the drive.

refueling-bg
Santa Monica Parking

Consider parking at garages near 2nd Street for better rates.

Parking in Santa Monica can be challenging, especially near the beach. Parking garages and metered parking are available.

Los Angeles Parking

Use parking apps to locate affordable parking in advance.

Los Angeles offers various parking options, including street parking and private lots. Rates vary significantly by location.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz can help you find and reserve parking spots in advance.

parking-bg
Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is equipped with a FasTrak transponder to avoid fines.

Plan your route to avoid toll roads if you wish to minimize costs.

The route may include toll roads such as the 110 Express Lanes. FasTrak is required for these lanes.

tolls-bg

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Routes Detailing Attractions Around Santa Monica to Los Angeles:
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
Scenic route 1 hour

This iconic route offers stunning ocean views and a leisurely drive.

Santa Monica Pier , Malibu , Will Rogers State Beach
Santa Monica Boulevard
City thoroughfare 40 minutes

Drive through the heart of the city, passing iconic Los Angeles landmarks.

Beverly Hills , Hollywood Walk of Fame , Century City
Interstate 10 (I-10)
Efficient highway 30 minutes

The fastest route connecting Santa Monica to downtown Los Angeles.

Culver City , Downtown LA , USC campus area
Useful Travel Insights for Your Trip

Vehicle options: Choose the right car for your route, considering storage and passenger comfort.

Fueling guidelines: Check if your rental includes prepaid fuel or requires refueling upon return.

Route planning: Use navigation apps like Waze for real-time traffic updates.

Safety precautions: Adhere to local speed limits and avoid rush hour if possible.

Cost optimization: Investigate rental return fees and promotional discounts.

Insurance advice: Understand included waivers and consider additional coverage for peace of mind.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When renting a car for a one-way trip from Santa Monica to Los Angeles, consider companies that provide robust coverage, competitive pricing, and a wide variety of vehicles.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExtensive 24/7 customer support , Wide range of vehicle options , Multiple locations in Los Angeles and Santa Monica
Enterprise$HighExtensive Affordable fees for one-way trips , Flexible booking options , Well-maintained car fleet
Avis$$ModerateGood Convenient pickup and drop-off locations near popular landmarks , Variety of vehicle types
Budget$ModerateGood Economical rental options , Multiple locations in the Los Angeles area
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

companies-img1
Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

companies-img2
Best Rates

Compare across providers

companies-img3
24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

companies-img4
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

Car Rental Center Information

Operating Hours:

Most rental locations operate from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Some locations offer 24-hour services.

Santa Monica Pickup Locations:

Centrally located rental offices near the pier and major transit hubs.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttles are available at most locations to and from transit hubs or accommodations.

Consider scheduling your pickup and drop-off during off-peak hours to avoid congestion and minimize delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up the rental car at one location and drop it off at another. For the route from Santa Monica to Los Angeles, this means getting the car in Santa Monica and returning it in Los Angeles.

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

Yes, many rental companies charge a drop-off fee for one-way rentals. This fee varies depending on the rental company, but it is typically included in the quoted price when booking.

What types of cars are available for this route?

Rental agencies offer a variety of cars ranging from compact to SUVs for this route. Availability depends on the rental company, so it’s best to check their online inventory before booking.

Do I need to refuel the car before returning it?

Most rental agreements stipulate that you return the car with a full tank to avoid refueling fees. Be sure to verify this with your rental provider beforehand.

Is it necessary to book in advance for the Santa Monica to Los Angeles route?

While not required, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak times, to ensure availability and secure the best rates.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes