LAX Airport Car & Van Rental Deals

• Introduction
  Welcome to Los Angeles the City of Angels and the car capital of the world! Whether you’re touching down at LAX for a family vacation or a business trip, having your own rental car is the key to experiencing LA on your terms. As your trusted OTA partner, AirportVanRental (AVR) compares top brands to find you unbeatable rates. We make it easy to book your LAX car rental in minutes and hit the road with confidence. From the Hollywood Sign to the beaches of Santa Monica, our goal is to get you behind the wheel quickly, affordably, and with total flexibility. (Most rentals let you reserve now and pay at pick-up, with free cancellation in case plans change.) In a city this sprawling, a car rental means freedom and extra cash in your pocket to enjoy Los Angeles’s sights and delights!
• Cover the City’s Sprawl: Los Angeles is famously sprawling. While LA does have buses and Metro rail lines, they won’t get you everywhere. A car turns a 2-hour multi-bus journey into a 30-minute drive. From Downtown high-rises to Malibu beaches and Disneyland in Orange County, having your own wheels means you can see Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and more without wasting time waiting or making transfers. In short if you plan to explore beyond a single neighborhood, a rental car is almost a must to save time and hassle.
• Freedom for Day Trips: With a car, you’re free to venture outside the city limits whenever you want. Want to spend a day at Disneyland in Anaheim, hike in Topanga State Park, or tour celebrity homes in Beverly Hills? These spots (and countless others like Joshua Tree National Park or Six Flags Magic Mountain) are much easier to reach with your own vehicle. You set the schedule: hit the road early to beat traffic or linger at a sunset spot without worrying about missing the last train. No tour schedules, no rideshare surge pricing just your itinerary, your way.
• Iconic Scenic Drives: Los Angeles is the gateway to some of California’s most iconic drives. With a rental car, you can cruise the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) for breathtaking ocean views, snake along Mulholland Drive for panoramic city vistas, or even hop on historic Route 66 toward the desert. These classic road trip experiences aren’t feasible on public transport. Renting a car lets you stop at every scenic overlook, quirky diner, or Instagram-worthy spot you find. It’s the classic American road trip, starting right here in LA music on, top down (if you rent a convertible), and the open road ahead!
• Convenience & Comfort: Southern California’s car culture exists for a reason it’s simply more convenient. In the summer heat or during an impromptu rainshower, having an air-conditioned car beats standing outside waiting for a bus. You travel on your schedule: leave when you want, go wherever you want, and carry all your beach gear, luggage, or shopping bags without hassle. No need to haul stuff on multiple buses or worry about ride-share driver availability. A rental car gives you door-to-door comfort whether you’re dashing between meetings around LA’s business districts or enjoying a whirlwind sightseeing day across neighborhoods, you’ll appreciate the ease of having your own vehicle.
• See More in Less Time: LA’s attractions are not only numerous, they’re spread in all directions. A car lets you string together activities that would be impractical otherwise. For example, you could catch a morning surf in Venice Beach, then drive to the Griffith Observatory for an afternoon city view, and cap the night with dinner in Koreatown. Doing all that in one day by transit or rideshare would be tough (or very expensive), but with a car, it’s completely doable. In a city where time is money (or precious vacation hours!), renting a car maximizes what you can see and do during your stay. It’s no surprise that even many locals rely on cars as a visitor, you’ll likely want one too for the full LA experience.

Top Car Rental Deals at LAX Airport

(Here are real example rates recently seen for LAX rentals. Prices fluctuate by season and availability, but this gives you an idea of the cheap car rental deals you can score.)

• Economy Car from $18/day.Example: Nissan Versa or similar. A fuel-efficient, easy-to-park car perfect for zipping through city streets and fitting into tight parking spots around Hollywood or Downtown. Great for solo travelers or couples on a budget.
• Convertible from $45/day.Example: Ford Mustang Convertible or similar. Live out your California dreams cruising Sunset Boulevard or the Pacific Coast Highway with the top down. Feel the ocean breeze as you drive through Malibu or Beverly Hills in style a quintessential LA experience!
• Midsize SUV from $30/day.Example: Nissan Rogue or similar. Comfortable seating for five with extra cargo space. A popular choice for families heading to Disneyland or groups driving down to San Diego Zoo, and also handy if you plan any mountain day-trips (more ground clearance and AWD options available).
• Minivan from $49/day.Example: Chrysler Pacifica or Dodge Grand Caravan. Need to move a group or a lot of luggage? A minivan seats 7–8 people and is ideal for family vacations or group outings think a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood or a beach day with friends. Split the cost with your group and it becomes one of the cheapest ways to travel per person (at ~$50/day, that’s under $10 each for a group of 6!).
• Luxury Electric from $59/day.Example: Tesla Model 3 or similar. Experience LA in a stylish EV silent, smooth, and no gas costs! Many Tesla rentals come with pre-charged batteries and you can find plenty of EV charging stations around LA. It’s a great way to be eco-friendly and turn heads while driving through West Hollywood or Santa Monica.

Pricing Note: “From” rates are base daily rates for recent sample dates, excluding taxes and fees. Los Angeles rentals typically add ~10–15% in mandatory taxes/fees at checkout (we show you the full price upfront). Prices can vary with demand expect higher rates in summer and during holiday periods, and lower rates in off-peak times. Booking early for peak seasons (summer, Christmas, etc.) is wise, as LAX is a busy market and the cheapest cars sell out fast. All the deals above include unlimited mileage (so you can drive as much as you want around California). With AVR, there are no hidden fees you’ll see the total with taxes before you finalize your booking.

Driving in Los Angeles: Tips for Navigating LA Like a Local

Los Angeles driving can be an adventure one moment you’re cruising a palm-lined boulevard, the next you’re inching along the 405 freeway at rush hour. Here are essential tips and local insights to help you drive confidently in LA:

• Traffic & Rush Hours: LA’s traffic is legendary. Weekday rush hours typically peak 7:00–10:00 AM (inbound) and 4:00–7:00 PM (outbound). The major freeways I-405 (San Diego Fwy), I-10 (Santa Monica Fwy), US-101 (Hollywood Fwy), I-5 (Golden State Fwy) can become parking lots during these times. If possible, plan your drives during off-peak hours. Keep an eye on real-time navigation apps (Google Maps, Waze) which might route you along side streets to avoid jams. Don’t be surprised if your app leads you through quiet residential neighborhoods as a shortcut locals do this all the time. Also be mindful of events: a Lakers or Dodgers game, a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, or a major festival can spike traffic in certain areas. Check event schedules and allow extra time or alternate routes on those days.
• Carpool Lanes & Tolls: Many LA freeways have HOV (carpool) lanes marked with a ♦ symbol. These lanes require 2+ occupants (and on some stretches 3+) during posted hours. Carpool lanes can save you a lot of time if you qualify so if you have at least one passenger, use them! If you’re solo, do not sneak in fines for illegal carpool lane use are steep (around $490 in California). Some HOV lanes double as ExpressLanes that allow solo drivers for a toll with a transponder (e.g. parts of I-10 and I-110 have such systems). Unless your rental car is equipped with the toll transponder (and you opt into the rental’s toll program), avoid those express lanes when alone. Always read the signs: if it says “FasTrak ONLY” or shows a toll price for solo drivers, that lane isn’t free for you. When in doubt, stick to regular lanes to be safe.
• Parking Tips: Compared to New York or San Francisco, Los Angeles is fairly car-friendly for parking, but it varies by neighborhood. Downtown LA has plenty of pay parking lots and garages expect ~$10–$20 for a few hours on weekdays (evenings and Sundays are often cheaper). In popular areas like Hollywood Blvd or Santa Monica, parking lots can fill up and charge premium rates (up to $20–$30/day near the beach or major attractions). Always read street parking signs carefully: many streets have street cleaning days/hours when parking is prohibited (tickets or towing if you violate), and some busy districts have permit-only residential parking at night. At tourist hot spots (Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach), consider using official public parking lots or structures rather than risking street parking it’s less stressful even if it costs a bit. And remember the golden rule: never leave valuables visible in your car. LA is generally safe, but a purse, laptop, or shopping bags in plain sight can tempt break-ins anywhere. Keep items in the trunk or take them with you to be safe.
• Fuel Up Smartly: California gas prices are among the highest in the US, and Los Angeles is no exception. As of mid-2025, regular unleaded averages around $5/gallon in LA. Prices can vary block by block stations in upscale or touristy areas (Beverly Hills, close to LAX, etc.) tend to be pricier than those a bit further out. To save money, consider fueling up in residential areas or near highways just outside the city center. Also, fill up before returning your rental rental companies charge a premium for missing fuel. Nearly all gas stations here are self-service (no attendants), and you’ll pay at the pump (international cards may require a ZIP code; if yours doesn’t work, you can pay inside). One tip: if you’re taking a road trip out of LA, fuel up in cheaper regions (for example, gas in adjacent counties or in Arizona/Nevada can be much cheaper).
• Toll Roads: The Los Angeles metropolitan area doesn’t have traditional toll roads like the East Coast, but there are a few toll facilities in SoCal. In Orange County (just south of LA), highways like SR-73, SR-133, SR-241 are toll roads (electronic payment only). Within LA County, the main “tolls” are the optional ExpressLanes mentioned above on I-10 and I-110. If you don’t plan to drive in those specific lanes or in Orange County’s toll roads, you might not encounter tolls at all in LA. But if you do: there are no cash booths. Tolls are collected via FasTrak transponder or by photographing the license plate. Your rental company can enroll you in a toll program (usually ~$3-5/day on days you use a toll, plus the toll cost). If you accidentally use a toll road or lane without a transponder, you can often pay the toll online within 5 days to avoid penalties. For example, Orange County tolls can be paid at TheTollRoads website if you know when/where you used them. Ask us or check your rental agreement about toll coverage, and when in doubt, stick to toll-free routes (like staying on I-5 or I-405 instead of the 73).
• Navigating LAX Airport: If you’re picking up or dropping off your car at LAX, plan a little extra time for the airport traffic pattern. Currently, rental car companies at LAX are located off-site around the airport perimeter. Upon arrival, follow signs to the purple “Rental Car Shuttles” stop outside your terminal each company runs its own free shuttle every 5-10 minutes. The shuttle ride to the rental car lots (along Aviation Blvd and Century Blvd) takes about 10 minutes. Returning your car, you’ll drive to the same off-site location and then take the company shuttle back to your terminal. LAX is building a new Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility and people-mover train (expected to be operational by 2025-26), which will eventually make this even smoother. Until then, just remember to allocate time for the shuttle, especially during peak travel hours. Also, LAX traffic in the central terminal loop can be heavy tuning your radio to AM 530 or 1070 gives you airport traffic updates so you know which entrance is less congested. Patience is key LAX is one of the world’s busiest airports, but if you miss a turn or exit, you can loop around again fairly easily.

Los Angeles might seem daunting to drive at first, but millions of locals do it daily and as a visitor you can too. In a day or two, you’ll get used to the rhythm. Keep your GPS handy, your eyes on the road (yes, LA drivers can be aggressive, but just drive calmly and defensively), and soon you’ll be cruising like a (polite) local. And remember: having a car means you can discover gems most tourists miss whether it’s a hidden beach cove up the coast, a fantastic taco joint in East LA, or a late-night viewpoint on Mulholland Drive. Enjoy the adventure of LA driving it’s truly part of the Southern California experience!

Popular Road Trips from LAX

One of the best parts of renting a car in Los Angeles is the ability to embark on amazing road trips. From coastal highways to desert landscapes, LA is a perfect launch point. Here are three epic road trip ideas starting from LAX (pick one or try all three!):

• Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco (Big Sur Route)Approx. 450 miles one-way (725 km) 2 to 4 days recommended for a relaxed trip.
  Route: Head north from Los Angeles on US-101, pass Santa Barbara’s beautiful beaches and Spanish mission vibes, then at San Luis Obispo hop onto the famous Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway). This ultra-scenic road hugs the coastline through Big Sur, all the way to the Monterey Bay area. Continue through Santa Cruz and onward to San Francisco.
  
  

Highlights: Stop in Santa Barbara (2 hours from LA) for a stroll along State Street and the historic mission. In San Luis Obispo, visit charming downtown or tour Hearst Castle in nearby San Simeon for a peek at lavish history. The Big Sur stretch is the crown jewel you’ll drive over the iconic Bixby Bridge and wind along cliffs with the Pacific Ocean crashing below. Pull over for viewpoints McWay Falls (a waterfall onto a beach), Pfeiffer Beach (purple sands!), and lookouts where you might spot whales or sea otters. Further north, Monterey offers the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row, while Carmel-by-the-Sea charms with art galleries and fairytale cottages. As you near San Francisco, consider a detour through Santa Cruz for its classic beach boardwalk.

Tips: Parts of Highway 1 are very winding take your time and drive cautiously, especially around curves. In winter or early spring, check road conditions; mudslides can occasionally close sections of Highway 1 (if so, you can take US-101 as an alternate). Summer traffic on the PCH can be slow behind RVs embrace the slower pace and enjoy the views. There are plenty of small towns along the way; plan your overnight stops in advance during peak season (Big Sur lodging can book up). Pack layers it might be 80°F in LA but only 55°F and foggy in San Francisco. This journey is as much about the trip as the destination, so roll down the windows and savor that ocean air!

• Desert Escape to Las Vegas (via Mojave Desert)Approx. 270 miles to Las Vegas 4 to 5 hours drive one-way (can be done in a day, but 2+ days lets you explore).
  Route: From LAX, head east on I-10 or I-210 then connect to I-15 North through the Inland Empire (San Bernardino County). You’ll drive I-15 all the way through the Mojave Desert into Nevada, straight into Las Vegas. (For a scenic detour, you can incorporate parts of historic Route 66 or visit Mojave National Preserve along the way.)
  
  

Highlights: The drive starts urban but soon you’ll be among stark desert landscapes. After ~1.5 hours, make a pit stop in Barstow, a Route 66 town check out the Route 66 Mother Road Museum or grab a classic diner milkshake. Just beyond, Calico Ghost Town offers a kitschy but fun Old West mining town experience. As you continue, you’ll see the expansive Mojave Desert around you; keep an eye out for the reflective solar farms near Ivanpah as you approach the Nevada line a futuristic sight in the middle of nowhere. Once in Las Vegas, the bright lights of The Strip welcome you to a completely different world of casinos, shows, and nightlife. If you have more time, consider a detour before Vegas: the Mojave National Preserve (via Kelbaker Road) is an underrated gem with sand dunes and Joshua trees, or swing by Death Valley National Park (a few hours north of I-15) for otherworldly landscapes.

Tips: This is a desert drive, so in summer carry water and ensure your car is in good shape (we maintain rentals well, but it’s smart to check fuel levels gas stations can be ~40 miles apart in stretches). Summer temperatures can exceed 110°F (43°C), so try to drive in early morning or evening to avoid extreme heat and glare. Watch your speed the roads are open and tempting, but highway patrol is active (plus sudden high winds or dust storms can occur). If traveling on a Friday or Sunday, expect heavy traffic: Friday afternoons from LA to Vegas (party-goers) and Sunday afternoons from Vegas back to LA are notoriously congested plan around those times or add extra hours. Once in Vegas, parking at most resorts is easy (many have free or cheap self-parking). Enjoy the buzz of Vegas, and if you’re returning to LA, you could make a loop by coming back via Palm Springs/Joshua Tree for a change of scenery.

• Southern California Loop: Palm Springs & Joshua TreeApprox. 300 miles round-trip 2 to 3 days is ideal for this loop.
  Route: Drive east from Los Angeles on I-10 about 110 miles (2 hours) to reach Palm Springs, the retro-chic desert resort city. After enjoying Palm Springs, continue about 40 miles further east/north to the town of Joshua Tree and the entrance of Joshua Tree National Park. You can loop back to LA by exiting the park south toward I-10, or return west via Highway 62 through Yucca Valley.
  
  

Highlights:Palm Springs is a desert oasis known for mid-century modern architecture, swaying palm trees, and poolside vibes. Take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mt. San Jacinto for stunning views over the Coachella Valley, or stroll Palm Canyon Drive for boutiques and cafes. If you’re into quirky stops, nearby Salvation Mountain (an outdoor art installation by the Salton Sea) or the kitschy roadside dinosaurs in Cabazon can be fun. The star of this trip is Joshua Tree National Park, famous for its otherworldly landscapes of spiky Joshua trees and gigantic boulder formations. Drive through the park to see highlights like Hidden Valley, Skull Rock, and Keys View (which offers a panorama all the way to Mexico on a clear day). The town of Joshua Tree has an artsy vibe check out local art galleries or music at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown (an old movie-set town). By night, the stargazing in Joshua Tree is phenomenal minimal light pollution means you’ll see a sky full of stars.

Tips: Palm Springs gets HOT in summer (100°F+), so spring and fall are the most pleasant times to visit (winter is popular too). Joshua Tree can also be extremely hot in summer and surprisingly chilly at night bring water, sunscreen, and layered clothing. The national park has no gas stations or food inside, so fill your tank and pack snacks before entering. An entrance fee (around $30 per vehicle for 7 days) is required you can pay at the gate. If visiting in spring, you might catch wildflower blooms in the desert. Cell service is spotty in parts of the park, but the main roads are well-marked. This loop offers a perfect contrast to LA’s urban scene you’ll come back with photos of palm trees and Joshua trees, neon city lights and starry desert skies!

Quick-Reference Info Box: Los Angeles (LAX) Car Rental

• Main Pick-Up Locations:LAX Airport by far the most convenient if you’re flying in (dozens of companies with huge fleets, free shuttles from terminals). Additionally, Burbank Airport (BUR) offers car rentals (an option if you’re in the San Fernando Valley or Hollywood area), and there are rental offices in Downtown LA, Santa Monica, Anaheim (Disney area), and throughout LA’s neighborhoods. AVR lets you compare all these locations choose LAX for the biggest selection, or an off-airport location if you want to avoid airport fees or start your rental after a few days in the city.
• Average Rental Rates: Economy cars around $25–$45/day, midsize $35–$55/day, SUVs $50–$70/day, minivans $60–$80/day. Los Angeles pricing is competitive due to many players rates are often cheaper than in smaller cities. Summer (June–Aug) and holiday periods see higher demand (book early for the best deals). Off-peak (Jan–Feb, excluding holidays) can have great bargains (we’ve seen economy cars under $20/day then). Weekly rentals usually lower the per-day cost. And remember, unlimited miles are standard in California, so drive to your heart’s content!
• Driving Side & Rules: In California (and all U.S.), drive on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits in LA city are generally 25–35 mph on streets (and strictly enforced in school zones). Freeways range from 55–65 mph posted in urban stretches to 70 mph in outlying areas. Right turn on red is allowed (after a complete stop) unless a sign says “No Turn on Red.” Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks (marked or unmarked intersections LA has lots of pedestrians in busy districts). Hands-free law: it’s illegal to hold a phone while driving use Bluetooth or speakerphone if you must talk. Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants. And DUI laws are strict never drive impaired (the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08%).
• Fuel: Gasoline in Los Angeles is mostly regular (87 octane), mid-grade (89), and premium (91) rental cars will specify what they need (most run fine on regular). Gas prices are high here: expect roughly $0.50–$1.00 more per gallon than the U.S. average. As of 2025, that’s about $5.00/gal for regular. There are plenty of gas stations in the LA area, but notably few in certain tourist zones (for example, there’s exactly one gas station in downtown LA and a couple in Hollywood). It’s often easiest to fill up in areas like Culver City, Marina del Rey, or near highway on-ramps where stations are common. In California, all gas is self-serve (no attendants to pump for you). Tip: if you need to refuel before returning at LAX, there are several stations on Sepulveda Blvd and Century Blvd just outside the airport but they tend to be pricey. Driving a bit further away (a mile or two east) can save you 50+ cents per gallon.
• Tolls:Very limited in LA. The city itself has no mandatory toll bridges or roads. The main toll considerations are the optional ExpressLanes (I-10 & I-110) and the Orange County toll roads if you venture that way. All tolls are electronic (FasTrak). No cash is accepted. If you use a toll, either ensure your rental’s plate is registered with a toll pass program or be prepared to pay online. Rental companies typically charge ~$5/day for toll service (only on days used) plus the tolls themselves. If you never hit a toll road, you won’t be charged anything. We’ll gladly help you figure out routes to avoid tolls if you prefer it’s usually easy around LA.
• Parking:Meters in the city run about $1.50 to $4.00 per hour depending on the neighborhood (higher in West LA and beach areas). Most meters have a 2-hour limit and are enforced 8am–8pm Mon-Sat (some areas until 6pm, and some busy areas on Sunday as well always check the meter sticker). You can pay via the meter machine (card/coins) or apps like ParkMobile in the City of LA. Parking garages downtown and in commercial areas cost $20-30 for a full day; for example, the Hollywood & Highland garage is a good option near the Walk of Fame ($20/day). Residential streets often require a permit at night heed the signs, as LA will ticket/tow in permit zones if you’re not a resident. In beach communities (Santa Monica, Venice), lots fill up on weekends by midday go early or late for easier parking. Many malls and shopping centers offer 2-3 hours free parking (a nice trick: park at a mall like The Grove or Beverly Center if exploring nearby areas). And one quirky local tip: never park blocking someone’s driveway or in a red curb zone, even a little you will almost certainly get towed or ticketed in LA’s dense neighborhoods. When in doubt, use a paid lot it’s worth the few dollars for peace of mind.
• Local Transportation: LA does have public transit the Metro Rail (subway/light rail) lines and buses can be useful for certain routes. For instance, there’s a convenient metro line from Santa Monica to Downtown (Expo Line), and a subway from Downtown to Hollywood/Universal. However, coverage is limited in this vast city. If you plan to stay mostly in the Downtown/Hollywood corridor, you could use transit some days and rent a car for days you go farther out. Also, rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are ubiquitous in LA if you want a break from driving for a night out. AirportVanRental encourages a balanced approach: enjoy walking in pedestrian-friendly spots like West Hollywood or Pasadena, but use your rental car to reach all the places that transit doesn’t easily go like that hidden beach, mountain trail, or the In-N-Out Burger by LAX right when you land!
• Seasonal Notes: Los Angeles is a year-round destination with mostly mild weather. Summer (July–Sept) brings warm to hot days (85–95°F inland, cooler near the coast) cars are equipped with A/C which is essential. Summer also brings smog and wildfire season; occasionally wildfires can cause road closures in the hills check news if driving toward affected areas. Winter is generally pleasant (60s°F daytime), but if we get rain, roads can become slick due to oil buildup drive cautiously during and right after rain. Snow is nearly unheard of in LA Basin, but the local mountains (Big Bear, etc.) get snow if you plan a winter trip up there, you may need tire chains or AWD (check conditions; we have rentals suitable for those trips). Fall (Oct-Nov) is gorgeous driving weather, and spring (Mar-May) brings blooming hills and is not too hot. In any season, keep sunglasses handy LA’s sun and glare are real and stay hydrated if you’re not used to dry climates. Enjoy the famously sunny weather, but remember: even paradise has rush hour traffic!