Short answer
Your total depends on the pickup location, dates and car class, plus two costs that are bigger in LA than most places: parking and gas. LAX adds airport fees that Burbank, Long Beach and city branches may not match, and California gas prices are among the highest in the US. Compare Los Angeles prices for your dates.
Los Angeles is a driving city, so most visitors rent — and most of the surprises come after pickup, not in the rental price itself. Here's how to budget.
LAX, Burbank, Long Beach or a city branch
LAX has the biggest choice of suppliers, but airport rentals add airport fees, and getting from the terminal to your car takes time while LAX moves its rental companies into a consolidated facility — see Los Angeles Airport car rental. Hollywood Burbank and Long Beach are smaller and quicker, with their own rates. City branches in Santa Monica, Hollywood and Downtown avoid airport fees if you don't need a car right away.
When LA prices peak
Summer and holiday weeks are busiest, and big conventions, award season and major sports events add local spikes. Book early with free cancellation, then re-check.
The costs after pickup
- Gas: California gas prices are consistently among the highest in the country. For long drives, a hybrid rental can cut fuel spend noticeably.
- Parking: hotels, beaches, Hollywood and Downtown garages all charge, often by the hour. Street parking is limited and heavily signed; street-sweeping and permit-zone tickets are common.
- Tolls: usually small. Most freeways are free; only express lanes and Orange County's toll roads charge, billed through the rental company's program.
One-way trips from LA
Many visitors drive one way to Las Vegas, San Francisco or San Diego. One-way rentals usually add a drop-off fee that varies by route and season — search with both locations to see it. Our one-way car rental page covers how drop fees work.
How to pay less in LA
- Compare LAX, Burbank, Long Beach and a city branch for the same dates.
- Pick a smaller car if you'll park in West LA or Hollywood.
- Choose a hotel with free or reasonable parking.
- Fill up away from the airport before returning the car.
- Check your own insurance before accepting counter coverage.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
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