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Explore California on Your Way to Los Angeles

Make your one-way car rental experience from South San Francisco to Los Angeles seamless and exciting.

Can I rent a car from South San Francisco to Los Angeles?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from South San Francisco 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 year(s).
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 25.00 per day or US$ 27.00 per day depending on the rental provider.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements.
    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.)
    or
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version) (An English translation must be provided on the back of the driver's license.)

    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. Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will be required to present a return airline ticket. At airport locations, if you are holding a foreign driver's license, please show proof of return airline flight that corresponds with your rental.

  • 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, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 20 and 99 years. Young drivers aged 20-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 25.00 per day or US$ 27.00 per day depending on the rental provider.
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How much does renting a car from South San Francisco 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$ 53/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 49/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 55-US$ 163US$ 0US$ 158-US$ 313Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 53-US$ 163US$ 0US$ 158-US$ 292Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 54-US$ 194US$ 0US$ 161-US$ 348Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 49-US$ 192US$ 0US$ 146-US$ 441Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 74US$ 0US$ 222Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 141US$ 0US$ 421Large families, groups
Pickup TruckUS$ 54US$ 0US$ 160Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Fee: Some rental companies charge additional fees for returning the car to a different location. Check these fees beforehand.
  • Mileage Policies: Ensure the rental policy allows enough mileage for the distance between South San Francisco and Los Angeles.
  • Fuel Policies: Understand whether you need to refuel the car before returning or if a refueling fee will apply.
  • Traffic Restrictions: Be aware of toll roads and congestion zones along the route to Los Angeles.
  • Insurance Coverage: Verify that the rental agreement provides adequate coverage, especially for a long-distance route.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Early for Savings: Reserve your car rental well in advance to secure the best rates and vehicle options.
  • Plan Rest Stops: Identify key locations en route where you can stop for breaks, meals, or scenic views.
  • Choose the Right Travel Dates: Select dates with lower rental demand to potentially save money and avoid peak traffic.
  • Check Roadside Assistance: Ensure the rental provider includes roadside assistance in case of emergencies during your trip.
  • Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Have contact information for the rental office and customer support readily accessible.
  • Familiarize Yourself with the Route: Use GPS or maps to understand the main highways and detours from South San Francisco to Los Angeles.
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

Refuel the car before returning to avoid additional charges.

Save the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use recommended fuel types to prevent engine issues.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost along the route is approximately $4.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to conserve fuel.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for optimal performance.

Avoid excessive use of air conditioning to reduce fuel consumption.

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South San Francisco Parking

Street parking is available but may have time restrictions.

Several public parking lots are accessible near major landmarks.

Consider using Park-and-Ride facilities for extended stays.

Los Angeles Parking

Parking garages are widely available in downtown areas.

Metered parking is available but can be expensive during peak hours.

Use designated parking areas to avoid fines.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero

ParkMobile

ParkWhiz

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Scenic Drives from South San Francisco to Los Angeles:
Pacific Coast Highway
Scenic Route 11-13 hours

A captivating drive along California's coast offering ocean views, beaches, and small towns.

Santa Cruz , Monterey , Big Sur , Santa Barbara
Interstate 5
Direct Route 6-7 hours

A fast and efficient drive straight to Los Angeles using the main interstate.

Stockton , Bakersfield , Grapevine
California State Route 99
Central Valley Route 7-8 hours

Travel through rich agricultural lands, passing historic towns and farmlands in the Central Valley.

Modesto , Fresno , Visalia
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Reserve in Advance: Book your rental car early to secure better rates and availability, especially for one-way rentals.

Plan Your Stops: Check out key stops, gas stations, and eateries along your route to avoid last-minute hassles.

Refuel Strategically: Fuel up in larger towns where gas prices are generally cheaper than remote areas.

Inspect the Vehicle: Check for any preexisting damage and take photos before starting your trip to prevent potential disputes.

Understand the Fees: Be aware of drop-off fees, mileage limitations, and insurance coverage before signing the rental agreement.

Drive Safely: Follow speed limits, take breaks to prevent fatigue, and stay alert, especially on mountainous routes.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting a car rental company for one-way rentals between South San Francisco and Los Angeles can depend on fees, fleet variety, availability, and other unique features.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Hertz$$HighExtensive Large fleet , Frequent promotions , Ease of online booking
Enterprise$ModerateWide Locations in suburban areas , Option for personalized service , Discounts for members
Avis$$HighModerate Luxury vehicle options , Effective rewards program , Comprehensive support
Budget$$ModerateWide Cost-effective options , Straightforward policy , Adequate fleet selection
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

Rental Centers Information at Los Angeles

Operating Hours:

Rental centers are generally open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

Rental Car Center Location:

Located near Los Angeles International Airport at 5333 Aviation Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.

Shuttle Service Frequency:

Shuttles operate every 15 minutes between the airport terminals and the rental car center.

Fleet Availability:

A wide range of vehicles including economy, mid-size, SUVs, and luxury cars.

Pro Tips for Americana Inn Car Rentals

Book your rental car online in advance to ensure availability and secure the best rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the costs associated with a one-way car rental from South San Francisco to Los Angeles?

The costs of a one-way car rental typically include the rental fee, taxes, fuel costs, and potentially a one-way drop-off fee. The drop-off fee is an additional charge for returning the car to a different location from where it was rented. Rental companies often provide an estimated cost during the booking process.

Are there specific requirements for renting a car for this route?

Yes, common requirements include having a valid driver’s license, being over a designated age (usually 21 or 25 for certain categories), and holding a valid credit card for the security deposit. Ensure you meet the rental company's requirements before booking.

How far is the rental drive from South San Francisco to Los Angeles?

The driving distance from South San Francisco to Los Angeles is approximately 385-400 miles depending on the specific route. The journey typically takes about 6-7 hours under normal traffic conditions.

Which companies offer one-way rentals for this route?

Major rental companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, and Budget commonly offer one-way rentals along this route. Check each company’s website or visit a rental location to confirm availability and rates.

Can I add an additional driver to a one-way rental reservation?

Yes, most rental companies allow additional drivers to be added to the reservation. However, additional fees may apply for this service. The additional driver must usually meet the same requirements (age, license, etc.) as the primary driver.

Ready to Book Your South San Francisco to Los Angeles Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes