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Car hire Los Angeles

Cruise the streets of LA in style with our guide to car hire in LA - including the latest deals.

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Stephanie Yip
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Famed for its boulevards and sun-soaked ocean views, Los Angeles is a city best seen from inside a convertible. It’s your chance to road trip like a rockstar, from the downtown metropolis to the wide open road, from the sea to the mountains.

Read on for car hire deals, where to book the most unique rides, key road rules and spectacular driving routes in and around Los Angeles.

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Car hire companies at LAX
Road rules and FAQ

Compare prices for car hire in Los Angeles

Top Los Angeles car hire deals

Hotwire
Deal

Up to 60% off worldwide car hires

Available on select rentals dates across las Vegas, Los Angeles, Toronto, Manhattan and more. T&Cs apply
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Car hire from Los Angeles Airport (LAX)

You won't fall short of car hire options from Los Angeles Airport, with numerous world-known and local brands available to book with. While no car hire company is located at the airport, most offer free shuttles that pick you up from outside the baggage claim to take you to their rental offices.

Here are some of the more popular options available:

  • Right Cars
  • Midway Car Rental
  • Allstates Car Rental
  • U-Save Car and Truck Rental
  • Atwest Rent A Car

Who offers luxury car hire in Los Angeles?

Here are some of the more popular car rental companies that specialise in luxury vehicles:

  • Rex Luxury Car Rental
  • Royal Exotic Car Rental
  • Silver Lake Luxury Car Rental
  • Black and White Car Rental
  • Gotham Dream Cars
  • 777 Exotics Car Rental
  • LA Luxury Car Rental
  • Falcon Car Rental

Who offers mustang car hire in Los Angeles?

  • Budget
  • 777 Exotics Car Rental
  • Classic Mustang Rentals
  • Regency Car Rentals
  • Legends Car and Van Rentals
  • Olympic Rent-A-Car

Who offers muscle car hire in Los Angeles?

  • Fast Lane Luxury Cars
  • Legends Car and Van Rentals
  • 777 Exotics Car Rental
  • Olympic Rent-A-Car
  • Regency Car Rentals

Road rules: What to know about driving in Los Angeles

  • Drive on the right. In Los Angeles, and throughout the US, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • The first car goes first at crossroads. If there are no traffic lights at an intersection, the first car that arrived at the intersection has right of way.
  • You can turn right at red lights. Unless specifically prohibited, it’s legal to turn right on a red signal provided you give way to other vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Give way on the downhill. On steep, narrow roads where two vehicles can’t pass each other, the vehicle facing downhill must give way by reversing until the vehicle facing uphill can pass.
  • Sunset Boulevard. Immortalised in popular culture, this 35km boulevard takes you along the Sunset Strip, which includes legendary venues like the Roxy and House of Blues, before making its way through Beverly Hills and Bel Air to meet the coast.
  • Mulholland Drive. This route combines the best of Hollywood ritz and natural grandeur. Beginning near the Hollywood Bowl Overlook, you will pass the iconic Hollywood sign, panoramic views of Hollywood and Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley and the Griffith Park Observatory. At about 22 km long, it’s the perfect afternoon drive.

FAQs about car hire in Los Angeles

Can I hire my car in Los Angeles and drop it off in San Francisco or Las Vegas? Yes. Most car rental companies let you hire vehicles for one-way journeys. When booking, just nominate to drop the vehicle off at a different location to organise this. Note that fees may apply for one-way hires as the rental company needs to organise for the vehicle's return outside of your hire.

Do I need an international driver's licence to drive in Los Angeles? No. The state of California recognises foreign drivers’ licences for non-residents. However, if you plan to drive in other states, it is advisable to obtain an International Driving Permit.

I'm on my provisional licence. Can I drive in Los Angeles? Yes. However, be aware that people under 25 years may have difficulties with car hire and insurance. An International Driving Permit will help minimise the difficulties.

How does car insurance work? Rental car insurance is a must and can be purchased from your car hire company or from another insurance company. Depending on your level of cover, it may also be included in your travel insurance policy. Whichever option you choose, it’s important to choose the right excess amount for your plans and budget – you can even remove the excess altogether if you like. To learn more and compare hire car insurance policies, click here.

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