How to find a cheap car hire deal in Los Angeles International (LAX)
Whether you need a small car for zipping through the city streets or a bigger ride for bigger plans, we'll help you find a cheap Los Angeles International rental car. Pick from options averaging £102 a day and get going for less.
Daily rental prices at Los Angeles International start from just £9.
Staying longer in Los Angeles and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? £45 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. One week in advance is your sweet spot for driving off with the best price on a LAX car hire.
At Los Angeles International, you can pick up a ride from leading rental brands such as Dollar, Thrifty and Hertz.
The coverage Dollar or another company offers for your Los Angeles International car hire can vary, so remember to go over the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved between branches. Just click 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in LAX.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Los Angeles International with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.
Hit the road without tracking every mile and racking up extra fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
In the number-one spot for value is this company, with average prices of £88 a day.
Offering daily rates of around £79, this provider is next in line.
The third option won't cost a fortune either. You'll pay roughly £63 a day with this supplier.
The Intermediate rental category is a dependable pick if you're unsure what sort of ride you need. It's also the most commonly booked car type at LAX.
Compare car hire types from Los Angeles International (LAX)
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap Los Angeles International rental car makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These compact, fuel-efficient cars are great for short trips and city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine comfort, fuel efficiency and space. Easy to handle in traffic and with enough space for longer drives, they work well for most trips.
Large: Long drives fly by in this LAX car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great choice for families and groups of friends.
SUV: SUVs are your four-wheel fix for wanderlust. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for city streets and country routes alike.
Van: If you need a car for rent in Los Angeles International big enough for a small crowd (and all their gear), a van has space to spare. Including commercial vans and trucks, they're just the thing for group excursions, business use or moving.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers the cost you'd have to pay if your LAX car hire is damaged or stolen. While not compulsory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Keep in mind that not all insurance policies are the same, so make sure you understand exactly what's included.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. These add-ons can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Los Angeles International.
Good to know
To rent a car in the United States, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some locations may rent vehicles to younger drivers for a higher fee, so always check the terms before confirming your booking.
Kids coming with you? Car seat rules vary depending on where you are, and the correct setup may depend on their weight, age and height. Be sure to add the right one to your LAX car hire booking.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when collecting your rental car: a valid driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards aren't commonly accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
If you've never driven in the United States, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 40kph (25mph) in urban areas and 110kph (70mph) or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% applies in the United States. The only guaranteed way to stay safe to drive is to avoid alcohol completely.
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and excursions. Pay with a debit or credit card when it's convenient, but carry a little cash for places that don't accept electronic payment.
Drive smarter from the start
With a LAX car hire, you're the boss when it comes to where you go. If central Los Angeles is your first stop, it's around 29 kms (18 miles) northeast of the airport and a journey of about 35 minutes.
In rush hour, expect the drive from Los Angeles International to the centre to take as long as 1 hour 10 minutes.
Around 5pm is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination. Try to avoid peak travel times generally for a more relaxed drive.
You can also reserve a car hire in Los Angeles. If you don't need a vehicle as soon as you land, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Expand your search by exploring what's available at other Los Angeles airports. Compare the range of car hire options at Los Angeles Van Nuys.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Los Angeles International (LAX)
Before you move on, do some sightseeing around Los Angeles first. Well-known attractions like Hollywood Sign and Universal Studios Hollywood are a perfect start to your adventure.
Long Beach has to be on your itinerary if you're eager to visit The Queen Mary and Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA). This city is around 27 kms (17 miles) southeast of LAX.
Add Anaheim to your list of stops. About 48 kms (30 miles) east of the airport, head there in your Los Angeles International car hire to see top attractions like Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park.
Want to head even further out? Chula Vista is a fun road trip destination that's around 193 kms (120 miles) southeast of LAX. San Diego Aquatica and Chula Vista Bayfront Park are the perfect pit stops.
