Car hire in Los Angeles, United States

Use the same magic that powers our flight search to find cheap car rental in Los Angeles

Compare car hire on price, ease of pick-up, a fair fuel policy and more

Find Los Angeles car rental deals you can amend or cancel if your plans change

Select your Los Angeles pick-up location

There are 134 car hire locations in Los Angeles. Choose the cheapest or easiest now.

The most popular car rental companies in Los Angeles

Hiring a car in Los Angeles: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companyDollar
Most popular carIntermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors
Average daily priceR 2,101
Best time to book2 weeks before

How to book the best car rental deals in Los Angeles

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Los Angeles car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Los Angeles

  • Grab a cheap rental car in Los Angeles and start your adventure for around R 2,106 a day. From city stays to far-flung escapes, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.

  • December is the cheapest month to rent a car in Los Angeles. With average daily rates of R 424, you're riding easy with savings like these.

  • If you want to get the timing right, book around one week ahead to land a cheap rental car in Los Angeles.

  • Check out car hire deals in Los Angeles from top providers like Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Los Angeles car hire policy, whether you go with Dollar or any other supplier. Some companies might not include it in the base price and instead sell it separately.

  • Look into getting a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Find the best available rates for a car for rent in Los Angeles by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'

  • Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Los Angeles with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.

  • Travel without limits by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you go as far as you want without paying more.

  • If your plans involve jetting into Los Angeles, you might like to skip the trip into the city and choose one of the car rentals in Los Angeles International Airport instead. Alternatively, browse the lineup of car rentals in Van Nuys Airport if that's where you're arriving.

Compare car hire types in Los Angeles

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Los Angeles puts you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient cars are ideal choices for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Not too small, not too big, this is the kind of rental even Goldilocks wouldn't second-guess. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of interior space and fuel efficiency and are suited to couples and small families.

  • Large: Long drives are effortless in this Los Angeles car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra legroom and comfort make them an excellent choice for families and groups of friends.

  • SUV: SUVs are made for plans that change mid-journey. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and rugged backroads alike.

  • Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you want a car for rent in Los Angeles that makes light work of heavy loads. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's equipment, luggage or large groups.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but it's worth considering. If you're in a collision, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a big excess fee. Different Los Angeles car hire providers have varying insurance policies and cover levels, so check the terms before booking.

  • Travel smarter when you rent a car in Los Angeles by adding some nifty extras. Think things like a navigation system to be your go-everywhere guide, or reverse cameras to park like you're pulling off a choreographed routine.

Good to know

  • The minimum age to rent a car in the United States is typically 21 years old. However individual providers may do things differently, so always go over your rental company's policy to know where you stand.

  • If the kids are tagging along, find out if you need to add a child car seat to your Los Angeles car hire reservation. Whether required by local laws or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to travel.

Hit the road: Where to drive from Los Angeles

  • Don't leave town without discovering some of the city's best attractions, like Hollywood Sign and Hollywood Bowl. Snap up a car hire deal in Los Angeles and then start working on your sightseeing game plan.

  • When you're ready to rest your head, The Biltmore Los Angeles and Freehand Los Angeles offer a welcome end to the day in Los Angeles.

  • Shift gears and head toward Long Beach. Around 32 kilometres south of central Los Angeles, it's home to favourite sights like SkyThrills! - Fly a Real Fighter Aircraft & Become A Fighter Pilot For A Day! Long Beach, CA and Queen Mary.

  • Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Hyatt Regency Long Beach are popular accommodation options in Long Beach.

  • Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Los Angeles and travel around 40 kilometres south-east to Anaheim. Featuring Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, its attractions make a strong case for visiting.

  • The Lemon Tree Hotel and TownePlace Suites Anaheim Maingate Near Angel Stadium are comfy places to stay in Anaheim if you're settling in for a while.

  • Looking to cover more ground? Chula Vista is another fun destination that's around 193 kilometres south-east of Los Angeles. Consider making a few pit stops at San Diego Aquatica and Chula Vista Bayfront Park.

  • Snooze the night away in Chula Vista at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Rambler Motel has your room key ready too.

Frequently asked questions

The cheapest car to rent in Los Angeles is a compact SUV. The most popular is Intermediate/Standard, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Los Angeles are currently Rosselot and Zezgo Rent a Car.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Los Angeles is currently December.
On average, around R 7,378. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Los Angeles is R 1,312.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Los Angeles for a whole month is R 17,008. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Los Angeles, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Los Angeles that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Los Angeles.
Most places – Los Angeles included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is R 577 per day. The average price per day is around R 1,909.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Dollar, Hertz and Thrifty offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Dollar as the best overall in terms of experience.
Yes – van hire is available in Los Angeles.