Based on my comparison, I recommend using one of the car rental agencies near LAX Airport for affordable car rentals in Los Angeles. More than 30 rental companies operate branches here, and rental prices in the City of Angels tend to be lower compared to other U.S. cities. In this article, you’ll learn how to minimize the cost of your car rental and what to watch out for when renting.
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Car Rental Prices in Los Angeles
Never book a car with the first rental agency you find. I recommend comparing prices from multiple car rental companies in Los Angeles. For example, RentalCars.com does this automatically and guarantees the lowest rental price.
For a non-binding price calculation, I suggest using the form below, which compares offers from several rental agencies throughout Los Angeles.
How Much Will You Pay for a Car Rental in Los Angeles?
- No Hidden Fees
The prices stated at the time of reservation are always final, providing a clear overview of your expenses. - Lowest Price Guarantee
If you find the same deal at a lower price elsewhere, RentalCars will refund the difference. - Cancellation Is Free of Charge
Most bookings can be cancelled or altered free of charge up to 48 hours before collection.
- No Hidden Fees
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How to Save on Car Rentals in Los Angeles
Several factors influence the price of car rentals in Los Angeles.
📅 Booking Timing
Rental prices fluctuate depending on how close you are to the pick-up date. Generally, I recommend booking one to two months in advance.
If your travel plans change in the meantime, don’t worry. The car rental comparison tool RentalCars offers free reservation cancellations for such situations. Additionally, it guarantees the lowest rental prices.
⏳ Rental Duration
Demand for cars fluctuates throughout the year. During national holidays or the summer season, prices typically increase due to higher demand.
Rental agencies also follow the 24-hour rule, meaning the rental period is charged per every 24 hours started. For instance, if you pick up the car at 2 PM and return it at 3 PM the next day, you’ll be charged for an extra day unnecessarily.
🗺️ Location of the Rental Agency
Car rental companies have branches at both major and minor airports, in city centers, and on the outskirts. Lower prices are usually found at larger airports due to higher competition.
Even if airport branches charge slightly higher rates than city-center locations, it may be worth choosing them to avoid paying for transportation to and from the airport on the first and last day of your trip.
🏎️ Vehicle Class
Car rental companies categorize cars into different classes based on comfort, luggage capacity, and, of course, price. The most affordable option is the Economy class, which is suitable for short trips. For better comfort, consider Intermediate, Large, or Full-Size vehicles, which are typically about 10% more expensive.
For long road trips where you’ll be spending hours in the car, I recommend renting a large SUV. This option is usually about 25% more expensive than the Economy class. If you’re interested in a convertible, such as a Ford Mustang from the Premium class, expect a price increase of around 100%.
Vehicle availability at specific branches can also affect pricing. Occasionally, higher-class vehicles may be cheaper than smaller cars.
Below is a table showcasing the cheapest car rentals in Los Angeles across various classes. Prices are shown per day.
Economy Class Intermediate Class SUV Convertible 
from $36 from $36 from $41 from $58 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔁 Update Price 🔞 Driver’s Age
Drivers aged 21 to 25 should be aware of an additional fee, which compensates for the higher likelihood of accidents. The fee varies between rental companies and typically ranges from $16.00 to $37 per rental day.
Drivers between 18 and 20 years old will either be denied a rental or face fees that can be twice as high.
☂️ Vehicle Insurance
Car rental agencies in Los Angeles include liability insurance (SLP) and collision damage waiver (CDW) with zero deductible in the final rental price. However, I always recommend reading the rental agreement carefully. If any risks are insufficiently covered, consider purchasing additional insurance.
🚐 Additional Services
For an extra charge, you can add various accessories and services to your rental. One of the most useful add-ons is an additional driver, allowing you to take turns behind the wheel. If the additional driver is not listed in the contract, they won’t be covered by the insurance in case of damage.
The fee for an additional driver varies between companies in California, with typical rates ranging from $13.00 to $15.00 per day. For example, Avis sets a maximum charge of $65 for the entire rental period.
If you’re traveling with children, consider renting a child car seat or booster seat, which is available at all car rental agencies in various sizes to suit different ages.
In my opinion, renting a mobile internet modem is unnecessary, as you can easily use your own phone with an eSIM from Airalo. Similarly, a GPS device is not essential since you can rely on your phone with Google Maps.
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Affordable Car Rental Agencies in Los Angeles
◻️ Car Rental Agencies at LAX Airport
Los Angeles International Airport is huge, which is reflected in its vast selection of car rental options. Companies like Sixt, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Fox, National, Thrifty, and Zipcar operate here.
Rental car kiosks are located in a separate building outside the airport terminals. You can reach them using free shuttle buses departing from the islands on the ground floor of the arrival hall. Just follow the signs for “Rental Car Shuttles.”
◻️ Car Rental Agencies in Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles and its surrounding districts are well-served by the Enterprise network, and you can easily rent a car at almost any hotel. Picking up a car downtown often comes with the inconvenience of needing to arrange transport from the airport.
◻️ Car Rental Agencies at Venice Beach
There are no car rental agencies directly around Venice Beach, but you’ll find several as you head toward Marina del Rey. Companies such as Sixt, Enterprise, Zipcar, and Marathon Car Rental operate in this area.
◻️ Car Rental Agencies in Santa Monica
Most car rental locations in Santa Monica are concentrated around the busy Santa Monica Boulevard. Well-known companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Zipcar have branches here. Lesser-known options include Penny’s Rent A Car, Midway Car Rental, and Exotic Car Collection.
◻️ Car Rental Agencies in Hollywood
Hollywood car rentals are often operated by smaller, local companies, such as 24Seven Rent A Car, CARO Car Rental, AutoLuxRent, 699 Rent A Car, PML Car Rental, and Prime Slingshot Car Rentals. However, larger brands like Enterprise, Budget, and Sixt also have branches here.
Rental Company Rating 
Alamo Rent a Car 8.7/10 
Avis Car Rental 8.2/10 
Budget Car Rental 8.1/10 
Dollar Car Rental 8.3/10 
Enterprise Rent-A-Car 8.6/10 
Hertz Rent a Car 8.3/10 
National Car Rental 8.6/10 
SIXT Rent A Car 8.3/10 
Thrifty Car Rental 8.3/10 -
Road Trip Tips from Los Angeles
1️⃣ Pacific Coast Highway
North of Los Angeles lies the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most iconic highways in America. Driving along the Pacific Ocean coastline, you can reach San Francisco, a city with an atmosphere unlike any other in the U.S.
Highlights include the unmistakable Golden Gate Bridge, the world-famous Alcatraz prison, and hills so steep you’ll find yourself leaning forward as you climb. Rest your legs aboard the city’s historic cable cars, where it’s perfectly legal to hang out the side.
2️⃣ Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a coastal city known for its beaches and Spanish colonial architecture, located about 94 mi northwest of downtown Los Angeles by car.
The city boasts several beaches perfect for a relaxing stop on your journey north through California. Popular choices include East Beach and Butterfly Beach.
3️⃣ California’s National Parks
With a bit of exaggeration, you could say that national parks surround Los Angeles. No matter which direction you travel, you’ll eventually encounter one. Notable parks within reach include Death Valley, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite.
On your way to Las Vegas, consider stopping at Joshua Tree National Park, named after the unique Joshua trees, which can grow as tall as 49 ft. The Joshua tree is possibly the world’s most photogenic tree—it even made it to the cover of U2’s album *The Joshua Tree*.
4️⃣ Solvang
Solvang is a charming town of about 6,000 residents that looks more like Denmark than sunny California. There’s a good reason for this: located about 129 mi northwest of downtown Los Angeles, it was founded in 1911 by Danish settlers and has retained its European charm ever since.
Solvang is known for its windmills, colorful wooden houses, and quaint bakeries. Each September, the town hosts the Danish Days festival featuring traditional music and cuisine. Throughout the year, you can sample local wines or visit the Elverhøj Museum of History & Art, which showcases Danish cultural heritage.
5️⃣ Malibu
Malibu isn’t just a coconut-flavored liqueur—it’s a coastal city located about 29 mi and a 40-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles. Some know it for its luxury homes and celebrity residents, while others are drawn to its sandy beaches and surf-friendly waters. Notable beaches include Zuma Beach and Surfrider Beach.
If you prefer land-based activities, you can visit Malibu Creek State Park and hike the 15 mi trail along the creek, surrounded by oak trees and sycamores on fern-covered slopes.
Car Rental in USA
- The Best Guide to Renting a Car in the USA (4 714 Words!)
- USA Driving Guide – Important Rules, Speed Limits & Signs
- USA Gas Stations – Filling Up, Fuel Types & Price Guide
- Automatic Car 101: Understanding Gearbox, Starting, and Parking
- How to Rent a Mustang Convertible in the USA (An Easy Guide)
- How to Rent a 7, 9, 12 or 15 Passenger Van (A Complete Guide)
