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Explore The West Coast With Ease

Start your one-way car rental journey from Seattle to Los Angeles effortlessly and hassle-free.

Can I rent a car from Seattle to Los Angeles?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Seattle to Los Angeles. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for US residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID.
  • 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 year(s).
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21-80 years old. Some policies may restrict the maximum age to 70 years or require a minimum age of 25 years.
  • 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 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    or
    • Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (Original Driver's Licenses printed in Roman alphabet (such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.) are acceptable for car rental without the need for an International Driving Permit (IDP). Driver's licenses printed in a non-Roman alphabet (such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, etc.) must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit.)

    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 passport.
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 21-80 years old. Some policies may restrict the maximum age to 70 years or require a minimum age of 25 years.
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How much does renting a car from Seattle to Los Angeles cost?

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

US$ 45/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 41/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 52-US$ 418US$ 0-US$ 405US$ 135-US$ 448Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 57-US$ 413US$ 0-US$ 300US$ 156Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 55-US$ 502US$ 0-US$ 350US$ 138-US$ 450Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 56-US$ 507US$ 0-US$ 350US$ 123-US$ 190Large groups, long drivers

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-way fee: Be aware of any additional charges associated with returning the rental car at a different location.
  • Drop-off restrictions: Some rental providers may have specific policies on drop-off locations. Verify the allowable points.
  • Cross-border policies: Check for restrictions or fees if your route involves crossing international borders.
  • Mileage limits: Confirm if the rental includes unlimited miles or if additional charges apply for excess mileage.
  • Return timing: Plan the drop-off timing properly to avoid late fees or extra charges.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Advance booking: Reserve your car as early as possible to secure better pricing and availability.
  • Compare pricing: Review multiple rental options to find the most budget-friendly choice for your trip.
  • Return with full tank: Ensure the car is refueled as per the policy to avoid high refueling fees.
  • Check insurance: Understand the insurance policies and opt for coverage that suits your travel needs.
  • Plan your route: Familiarize yourself with the best routes and potential stops along the way for a smoother drive.
  • Verify pick-up and drop-off: Confirm the exact locations for car pick-up and drop-off to avoid any confusion.
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
Refuel Policy Basic

Refueling before returning the car is normally cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.

Always fill the tank to the level specified in the rental agreement to avoid extra charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling near the drop-off location.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel price along this route is approximately $4.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed and use cruise control on highways to optimize fuel consumption.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight to reduce fuel usage.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to improve mileage.

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Seattle Parking

Many parking garages in downtown Seattle charge $3-$6 per hour.

Street parking is available but often limited to 2-hour maximums.

Use the Seattle Parking Map app to find available spots and pricing.

Los Angeles Parking

Parking in downtown Los Angeles averages $10-$20 per day.

Street parking is available but often restricted during peak hours.

Consider parking lots near public transit for easier access to the city.

Recommended Parking Apps

ParkMobile: Reserve parking spots in advance.

SpotHero: Compare prices and find deals on parking.

Way: Offers discounted parking rates and valet services.

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Noteworthy Driving Paths in the Area:
Coastal Pacific Drive
Scenic Coastal Route 22 hours (without stops)

A picturesque drive along the Pacific coast with stunning ocean views.

Portland, OR , San Francisco, CA , Santa Barbara, CA
Interior Adventure Path
Inland Scenic Route 20 hours (without stops)

An adventurous path offering diverse landscapes and iconic landmarks.

Eugene, OR , Reno, NV , Bakersfield, CA
Cascade Mountain Traverse
Mountainous Route 23 hours (without stops)

A journey through the majestic Cascade mountains featuring alpine views.

Bend, OR , Mount Shasta, CA , Redding, CA
Road Trip Planning Tips

Time Management: Plan your route and schedule ample time for rest stops and sightseeing.

Fuel Strategy: Research gas station locations to avoid running low in remote areas.

Vehicle Condition: Ensure your rental car is in good condition and suitable for your chosen routes.

Budgeting: Estimate expenses, including gas, food, and accommodation, to keep track of your spending.

Route Familiarity: Use reliable GPS or mapping apps to navigate and explore alternative paths if needed.

Safety Preparation: Bring emergency supplies like a first-aid kit, water, and a flashlight in case of unforeseen situations.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting the right car rental company for a one-way trip between Seattle and Los Angeles is essential. Here are some top companies offering this service.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise$$★★★★☆★★★★★ Extensive fleet options including eco-friendly vehicles , Numerous locations across both Seattle and Los Angeles , Flexible drop-off policies
Hertz$$$★★★☆☆★★★★☆ Luxury car options available , Excellent customer support , Priority check-out for members
Avis$$★★★★☆★★★★☆ Affordable one-way rental fees , Streamlined online booking process , Wide range of vehicles, including family-friendly options
Budget$$★★★☆☆★★★★☆ Cost-efficient and transparent fee structures , Frequent promotions and discounts , Effortless vehicle pickup and drop-off
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

Car Rental Centers Information

Operating Hours:

Most car rental centers operate 24/7, providing round-the-clock convenience.

Location:

Rental car centers are located close to both Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport with dedicated shuttle services.

Shuttle Services:

Shuttles run every 10-15 minutes between the airport terminals and rental car centers, ensuring minimal wait times.

Customer Support:

On-site assistance available to help with car selection, booking queries, and travel recommendations.

Pro Tips for Seattle Airport(SEA) Car Rentals

Book your rental online to secure the best rates and ensure vehicle availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of a one-way car rental from Seattle to Los Angeles?

This type of rental allows flexibility as you can pick up the vehicle in Seattle and drop it off in Los Angeles. It eliminates the need for round trips, saving time and providing convenience for travel itineraries between Washington and California.

Are there additional costs involved in one-way rentals?

One-way rentals often come with a drop-off fee, which compensates the rental company for returning the vehicle to the starting point. The fee varies by company and is typically disclosed at the time of booking.

How long does the drive take from Seattle to Los Angeles?

While driving straight through, the trip typically takes around 18 to 20 hours. However, it's often recommended to split the journey over multiple days to allow for rest and sightseeing.

What documents are required to rent a car for this trip?

You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in the driver's name, and potentially proof of insurance. International drivers may need an International Driving Permit along with their home country’s license.

Can I choose the type of vehicle for the trip?

Yes, rental companies usually offer a variety of vehicle options, such as economy cars, SUVs, and luxury models. The availability of specific categories depends on the rental location in Seattle and may vary.

Ready to Book Your Seattle to Los Angeles Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes