The Complete Guide to Renting a Car in Los Angeles (2026 Edition)

Los Angeles is famous for its car culture. While public transport is improving, renting a car is still the best way to see the city efficiently. Here is your survival guide.

1. Do You Actually Need a Car?

• YES if: You plan to visit Malibu, Disneyland, hike in Griffith Park, or explore different neighborhoods in one day.
• NO if: You are only staying in Downtown LA or Santa Monica and plan to use Uber for short trips.

2. Where to Rent: Airport vs. Off-Site

Most people rent at LAX.

• Pro Tip: LAX rental lots are not at the terminal. You must take a shuttle.
• Money Hack: Sometimes renting from a location outside the airport (like in Culver City or Inglewood) is 30% cheaper. Check Uber costs to get there vs. the savings.

3. Insurance: Don’t Get Scammed

Rental agents will try to sell you expensive insurance.

• Check if your credit card covers CDW (Collision Damage Waiver).
• If you are from overseas, buying full coverage online (via platforms like Rentalcars or Booking) is usually cheaper than at the counter.

4. Navigating LA Traffic

• The 405 Freeway: Avoid it between 4 PM and 7 PM. It is a parking lot.
• Car pool Lanes (HOV): You can use these if you have 2+ people in the car.
• Parking Apps: Use apps like SpotHero to find cheap parking garages. Street parking signs in LA are notoriously confusing—read them twice!