Los Angeles car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Los Angeles
The best car rental companies in Los Angeles are Alamo, Enterprise, Hertz. Prices start from $40/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 11%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Los Angeles
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Alamo
Best valueFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from $350Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From$40/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#2
Enterprise
Editor's pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from $350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From$42/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#3
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from $350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From$44/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#4
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from $350Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From$46/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#5
Sixt
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from $350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From$47/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#6
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from $350Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From$43/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#7
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from $350Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From$39/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#8
Dollar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from $350Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From$38/day
base rate
View Dollar deal
#9
Europcar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from $350Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From$41/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#10
Thrifty
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from $350Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From$37/day
base rate
View Thrifty deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-05 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Los Angeles
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | $40 | Toyota Yaris | 5 |
| Compact | $48 | Honda Civic | 5 |
| SUV | $72 | Ford Explorer | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | $92 | Toyota Sienna | 7 |
| Luxury | $130 | BMW 5 Series | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Los Angeles
Airport — Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Consolidated Rental Car Center (ConRAC) is reached via free G Shuttle from all terminals. All major brands operate from this shared facility.
Downtown — Downtown LA / Hollywood
Multiple pick-up points in Downtown LA, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport concession fee (CFC) | ~11% of base rate | Airport pickups at LAX |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | $25–35/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | $10–15/day | Per extra driver |
| Toll transponder (FasTrak) | $5–12/day | Optional — LA express lanes and bay-area bridges |
| One-way fee | $50–200 | Different drop-off, especially out-of-state |
| GPS/nav device | $12–15/day | Optional navigation device |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Los Angeles
- LA is a car city — nearly all attractions require driving. Traffic on I-405 and I-10 can be severe; allow extra time for airport runs.
- California mandates that rental companies include CDW as optional: you can waive it if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rentals.
- A FasTrak transponder is useful on express lanes and toll bridges — without it you'll be billed at a higher pay-by-plate rate.
- California has strict emissions standards — rental cars must meet CA Clean Air Act rules; EVs and hybrids are available at most locations.
- Minimum age is 21; young-driver surcharge applies under 25. Some exotic or luxury categories require 25 or 30+.
- Valet parking at hotels runs $30–60/night; self-parking is cheaper but often limited in central areas. Factor this into your budget.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Los Angeles
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Los Angeles?
You must be at least 21. Drivers 21–24 pay a young-driver surcharge of $25–35/day. Luxury and specialty vehicles often require 25+.
Where do I pick up my rental car at LAX?
All major rental companies operate from the consolidated Rental Car Center (ConRAC). Take the free G Shuttle from any terminal — it runs 24 hours and stops directly at the facility.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in California?
California accepts a foreign licence in most cases. An IDP is recommended if your licence is not in English or uses a non-Latin alphabet. It acts as a standardised translation for law enforcement.
Can I decline the CDW in California?
Yes — California law requires that CDW be offered as optional, not bundled. If your personal auto insurance or a premium credit card covers rental cars, you can waive it at the counter. DiscoverCars Full Coverage is often cheaper than the counter add-on.
What is the cheapest car to rent in LA?
Economy cars (e.g. Toyota Yaris) start around $40/day. A 7-seat minivan starts around $92/day. Electric vehicles are available at some locations from around $55/day.
Nearby trips
