Car Rentals in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the largest city in California, and the second largest in the US. Getting around the diverse and expansive L.A. Metropolitan area will definitely require a Los Angeles rent a car. Also known as the City of Angels, it is one of the world's centers of business, international trade, culture, fashion, science, technology, and education, but it is most famous for being the center of the world's entertainment industry. Los Angeles car rentals give you the flexibility and convenience to explore popular area attractions like Hollywood, Disneyland, and sunny southern California beaches.

The main airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Los Angeles rent a car services are provided at LAX by Advantage, Thrifty, Enterprise, Dollar, E-Z, Payless, Alamo, Budget, National, Avis, and Hertz. Try Advantage or Enterprise for the lowest rates. Other major nearby airports include LA/Ontario International Airport, Bob Hope Airport, Long Beach Airport, and John Wayne Airport, all of which offer rentals from most major car agencies. Thrifty, Budget, Avis, Hertz and Enterprise also offer several locations downtown, usually with cheaper rates than those at the airport. Try Thrifty of Budget for the best deals. LAX is usually cheapest for flights and car rentals, but the other airports are smaller and not as busy. If you choose one of these instead, you will likely be farther away from your destination, but going almost anywhere in L.A. requires a lot of driving. Public transportation and connections to and from the airport are lacking, making a rental car essential.

Traffic is one of the worst by US standards during peak times, but the typical speeds on the freeway during non-rush hours are much higher than the speed limit. The freeways in L.A. can be confusing and overwhelming, so consider a car equipped with an onboard navigation system/GPS, or make sure you bring along extensive street and freeway maps, like a Thomas Guide. You must present a valid driver's license and credit card issued in your name at most rental car agencies, along with proof of insurance if you decline the vendor's coverage options. Usually age requirements are 21 for compact and economy cars, 25 for all others, and an additional young driver charge may apply for anyone under 25. All Los Angeles car rentals must be kept within California state lines with exceptions for Reno, Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, Nevada, after advance notification and approval from the rental company.