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Explore The Journey: Costa Mesa to Los Angeles

Prepare for a seamless one-way car rental and uncover the best tips for your trip.

Can I rent a car from Costa Mesa to Los Angeles?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Costa Mesa to Los Angeles. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for US residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID
  • Driving licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s).
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Debit cards supported include Visa, Master, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 may incur a fee of US$ 25.00 per day. Renters under 25 of luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty cars, full-size SUVs, and premium SUVs will not be permitted. Any additional drivers must be 25 years of age or older.
  • Driving licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence together with the original IDP at the counter — photocopies or scanned copies are not accepted.)
    • Original South Korea Driving License (English version) (An English translation must be provided on the back of the driver's license.)
    • Original Driver's License in Roman Alphabet (Original Driver's Licenses printed in Roman alphabet such as English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc., are acceptable for car rental without the need for an IDP. Driver's licenses printed in a non-Roman alphabet such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic, etc., must be accompanied by an IDP.)

    Notes: Renters who have indicated a country of residence outside of the United States or Canada will also be required to present a return airline ticket.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, AMEX, and UnionPay. Debit cards supported include Visa, Master, Discover, and AMEX.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be between 20 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 20 to 24 may incur a fee of US$ 25.00 per day. Renters under 25 of luxury cars, minivans, 12-passenger vans, specialty cars, full-size SUVs, and premium SUVs will not be permitted. Any additional drivers must be 25 years of age or older.
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How much does renting a car from Costa Mesa to Los Angeles cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

$36.00/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

$40.00/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
Small$36-$93$0$107-$234Solo travelers, couples
Medium$76$0$132Small families, light luggage
Large$37-$87$0$110-$143Families, comfort seeker
SUV$41-$116$0$120-$450Large groups, long drivers
Van$142$0$376Large families, groups
Pickup Truck$78$0$232Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • One-Way Rental Fees: Many rental companies charge additional fees for one-way rentals. Check policies to avoid surprises.
  • Drop-Off Locations: Ensure the destination allows for a return of one-way rentals. Verify Los Angeles drop-off spots.
  • Cross-Border Travel Restrictions: Some agreements may include restrictions for crossing state or country borders with the vehicle.
  • Fuel Policies: Understand fuel requirements, including whether the tank must be filled before return.
  • Rental Rate Variations: One-way rental rates might differ; compare prices to find the best deal.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book Early for Better Availability: Advance booking can provide more options, especially for one-way rentals.
  • Consider Distance and Costs: Keep potential mileage costs and travel time in mind while planning your route.
  • Review Insurance Covers: Understand coverage needs for one-way travel and ensure adequate insurance.
  • Use GPS/Mapping Tools: Plan your route using tools to avoid delays and find optimal routes.
  • Verify Return Policies: Understand the terms for vehicle return to avoid additional charges.
  • Pack Efficiently: Pack essentials strategically, as trunk space may vary based on vehicle selection.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning to avoid higher charges from the rental company.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Locate nearby gas stations before reaching the drop-off to save time.

Fuel Cost

The estimated average fuel price in Los Angeles is around $5.50 per gallon.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel usage.

Check tire pressure before starting the trip to ensure proper inflation.

Minimize AC usage when driving at lower speeds.

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Costa Mesa Parking

Parking costs in Costa Mesa are generally around $1-$2 per hour.

Street parking is available but may have time restrictions.

Consider using parking lots near major shopping areas for convenience.

Los Angeles Parking

Parking in Los Angeles can cost $2-$4 per hour in public lots.

Valet services are common near downtown areas.

Use parking garages for better security and availability.

Recommended Parking Apps

SpotHero

ParkWhiz

Parking Panda

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Recommended Routes Around Southern California:
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
Scenic Coastal Drive 1 hour 30 minutes

Experience breathtaking Pacific Ocean views along the iconic highway.

Huntington Beach , Long Beach , Santa Monica
Santa Ana Freeway (I-5)
Major Interstate Route 1 hour

A direct route through urban heartlands, connecting major hubs.

Anaheim , Buena Park , Commerce
Artesia Freeway (SR-91)
Expedited Traffic Artery 1 hour 15 minutes

An east-west freeway offering convenient access to northern LA.

Cerritos , Norwalk , Downtown LA
Road Trip Planning Tips:

Vehicle Preparation: Ensure the vehicle has undergone a thorough inspection before the trip.

Know Route Options: Familiarize yourself with alternate routes to avoid traffic.

Plan Gas Stops: Locate fuel stations enroute to prevent running out of gas.

Understand Tolls: Check for any tolls on your planned route and prepare payment.

Clarify Policies: Review car rental policies, particularly for one-way rentals.

Emergency Preparedness: Keep contact numbers for roadside assistance readily accessible.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Find the best car rental company offering one-way rentals from Costa Mesa to Los Angeles.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Enterprise Rent-A-Car$$ExcellentExtensive Flexible pricing , Wide range of pickup and dropoff locations , Excellent customer service
Hertz$$$GoodHigh Premium fleet options , Convenient pickup points , Gold Plus Rewards program
Avis$$ExcellentExtensive Wide selection of vehicles , Reliable vehicles , Streamlined rental process
Budget$GoodModerate Affordable pricing , Easy reservation process , Friendly staff
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Rental Car Center Information for Los Angeles Dropoff

Operating Hours:

Open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Location:

Adjacent to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), accessible via shuttle or walking path.

Shuttle Service:

Shuttle buses run every 10-15 minutes between the terminals and the rental car center.

Dropoff Procedure:

Vehicles must be returned to designated spots in the rental car center, with keys and contracts dropped in the dropbox if after hours.

Pro Tips for South Coast Plaza Car Rentals

Ensure to refuel the vehicle prior to drop-off to avoid additional charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of a one-way car rental from Costa Mesa to Los Angeles?

The cost may vary depending on the car rental company, type of vehicle, and promotional offers. Some rental companies also charge a drop-off fee for one-way bookings, so it is recommended to check with the specific provider for accurate pricing.

Are there restrictions on where I can drop off the rental car in Los Angeles?

Drop-off locations are typically predetermined by the rental company. Large airports, like Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), are common drop-off points due to their accessibility and facilities.

Do I need to refuel the car before returning it?

Yes, most rental companies require that the car be returned with the same level of fuel it had when picked up. Refueling charges may apply if this condition is not met.

Can I cross state or international borders with a one-way rental car?

Policies on border crossings vary by rental company and region. Rentals between Costa Mesa and Los Angeles generally stay within state boundaries, so no special permissions are typically required. Always confirm with your provider if you plan to cross borders.

What documents do I need to rent a one-way vehicle?

You will need a valid driver's license, a form of payment such as a credit card, and possibly additional identification, depending on the rental company's policy. Non-local renters might also need proof of returning travel.

Ready to Book Your Costa Mesa to Los Angeles Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ