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

Home One-way Car Rentals Seattle 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 1-2 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, Master, DinersClub, Discover, and AMEX. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: The minimum driver age is 21, and the maximum age is 80. Some policies may restrict the maximum age to 70 or require a minimum age of 25.

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). 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 (IDP). An IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original driving licence.

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. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
Age requirements: The minimum driver age is 21, and the maximum age is 80. Some policies may restrict the maximum age to 70 or require a minimum age of 25.

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$ 934-944	US$ 897.18-897.18	US$ 461-1020	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 944-944	US$ 897.18-897.18	US$ 552-1020	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 936-948	US$ 897.18-897.18	US$ 470-1026	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 938-956	US$ 897.18-897.18	US$ 464-1042	Large groups, long drivers

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

Key Consideration：

Understand one-way rentals fees: Check if there is an additional charge for returning the car to a different location than where you picked it up.
Study cross-border restrictions: Verify if your car rental allows crossing state or national borders during your trip.
Early booking benefits: Book your rental car well in advance to secure availability and optimal pricing.
Match car type with journey needs: Consider the size and type of vehicle suitable for your travel comfort and luggage requirements.
Fuel policy compliance: Stay informed about the full-to-full fuel policy to avoid additional fees.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan convenient drop-off locations: Choose a rental company with multiple drop-off points in and around your destination city.
Watch out for limited mileage: Inquire if there’s a mileage cap on the rental to avoid surprise charges.
Pack light for compact cars: Travel light if your rental car is compact to optimize cabin space and comfort.
Consider rental duration discounts: Some companies offer discounts for rentals exceeding a week—check before booking.
Verify driver's license requirements: Ensure that your driver’s license complies with the legal requirements for the states in your travel route.

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 steady speeds to optimize fuel consumption.

Avoid unnecessary idling to save fuel.

Seattle Parking

Consider using parking garages near downtown for better security.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice.

Los Angeles Parking

Look for parking lots near public transit to save on costs.

Parking costs, availability, or specific local advice.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps that help users find or book parking in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure your rental car is equipped with a FasTrak transponder if using toll roads.

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

Some toll roads in California require FasTrak for payment.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Route Options from Seattle to Los Angeles:

Pacific Coast Highway

Scenic Route 20-24 hours

This picturesque route follows the Pacific coastline, offering breathtaking ocean views and charming coastal towns.

Olympia, WA , Portland, OR , San Francisco, CA

Interstate 5 (I-5)

Fastest Route 17-20 hours

The most direct route, featuring major cities and efficient interstate driving.

Eugene, OR , Redding, CA , Sacramento, CA

Cascade Lakes Highway

Scenic Mountains 30-35 hours

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, this route navigates through mountain ranges and state parks.

Bend, OR , Crater Lake, OR , Yosemite National Park, CA

Popular Day-Trip Opportunities Along the Route:

Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park

2 hours from Seattle

Explore the majestic peaks and lush wilderness of Mount Rainier.

Portland to Columbia River Gorge

1.5 hours from Portland

Spectacular waterfalls and scenic hiking trails await you here.

San Francisco to Napa Valley

1 hour from San Francisco

Renowned for its vineyards and premium wine tasting experiences.

Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park

2 hours from Los Angeles

Unique deserts and rock formations offering awe-inspiring views.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Route Selection: Research and select routes that match your interests, such as scenic views or quick travel times.

Point of Interest Planning: Identify key attractions en route to have a balanced trip of driving and sightseeing.

Fuel Stops: Plan stops for gas to avoid running low in remote areas; apps can help find stations.

Local Dining Options: Explore dining spots along the way for a taste of regional cuisine.

Overnight Accommodations: Book hotels or consider campgrounds for overnight stops if the journey spans multiple days.

Emergency Preparations: Carry essentials like spare tires, water, and an emergency kit for unexpected situations.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting a car rental company for your one-way trip from Seattle to Los Angeles involves considering fees, fleet options, and convenience.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$$	Excellent	Wide Coverage	Renowned for extensive vehicle options , Frequent discount offers
Enterprise	$$	Great	Extensive	Good customer service , Flexible rental terms
Avis	$$	Moderate	Wide	Affordable pricing , 24/7 customer support availability
Budget	$	Good	Moderate	Cheapest one-way options , Great for budget-conscious travelers

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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

Information about Rental Services at Los Angeles Airport

Operating Hours:

The car rental center operates 24/7, ensuring flexibility for all travelers.

Location:

Situated within the Los Angeles International Airport campus, accessible by shuttle service.

Shuttle Frequency:

Dedicated shuttles run every 10 minutes between the airport terminals and the rental center.

Rental Center Facilities:

Equipped with waiting lounges, booking counters, and restrooms for customer convenience.

Consider booking your preferred vehicle in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental and how does it work?

A one-way car rental allows you to pick up the vehicle in one city, such as Seattle, and drop it off in another, like Los Angeles. This service provides flexibility for travelers on different routes.

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

Yes, most companies charge a one-way fee, also known as a drop fee, to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. This fee varies depending on the rental company and route.

What should I check before renting a car for this route?

You should confirm the rental company's policies about mileage limits, one-way fees, and fuel requirements. Also, ensure the vehicle is suitable for a long-distance trip in terms of comfort and cargo space.

Can I choose the type of vehicle for a one-way rental?

Yes, rental companies typically offer a range of cars, from sedans to SUVs. Availability may depend on the starting location and the destination.

What’s the best way to book a one-way car rental from Seattle to Los Angeles?

Start by researching local and national rental companies, comparing prices, and checking customer reviews. Use online booking platforms or contact companies directly for special deals.

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One-Way Car Rentals: From Seattle to Los Angeles