19 MPG 
5 
1 
Electric Vehicle 
12 best things to do in Los Angeles
Famous for its instantly recognisable skyline, adorned with the spectacular Hollywood Sign, Los Ange...
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Car hire in Los Angeles with Hertz
Los Angeles is a city built for moving around. One minute you’re in Downtown, the next you’re cruising past beaches in Santa Monica, grabbing a bite in Koreatown, or heading up toward Hollywood and the hills.
The places you’ll want to see are spread out, so having your own set of wheels makes the whole trip feel easier and less rushed.
With Hertz car hire in Los Angeles, you can explore on your own schedule, take quick detours, and fit more into a day without relying on ride-hailing or limited transit routes.
Hertz keeps car rental in Los Angeles simple with convenient pickup locations and a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars for city driving to SUVs for extra space and comfort.
Pickup locations in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles International Airport
- Los Angeles - West Hollywood HLE
- JW Marriott Los Angeles
- Los Angeles - Westwood HLE
- Los Angeles - La Cienega HLE
- Los Angeles - Beverly Hills Marriott
- Los Angeles - Westin Bonaventure
- Los Angeles - Signature Flight Support (Private Flights Only)
- Montclair - Central Avenue HLE
- Los Angeles - LAX Marriott Hotel
- Los Angeles - Atlantic Aviation (Private Flights Only)
- Los Angeles - Beverly/La Brea HLE
- Los Angeles - Burton House Beverly Hills
Benefits from day one.
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- Up to 10% off the base rate on rentals in select countries
Up to 10% discount applies to base rates in the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Benelux. 5% applies for the rest of the world. The discount applies to the base rate quoted (excluding taxes and any other charges). It does not apply to affiliated rates or rates that are already discounted.
- Add your spouse as a second driver without an extra fee
- Earn points redeemable toward free rental days and upgrades
Points are earned on per day time and mileage charges only. Free rental days cover base rate (time and mileage) only. Taxes, optional extras and any other fees are excluded. One-car-class upgrade applies to Compact, Intermediate, Standard & Full-size rentals with a maximum upgrade to a Premium. Additional terms and exclusions apply
- Skip the counter and go straight to your car
You can skip the counter once your membership is activated after your first rental. Available at select locations only.
Benefits from day one.
Join 
for free.
- Make travel feel golden with Hertz Gold+
Ready to get more from every drive? Hertz Gold+ is our free loyalty program that turns everyday car rental into rewards. Get instant perks and seamless pickups.
- Skip the line, choose your ride, and go
Skip the rental counter at selected locations – just head to your car and go. At selected US rental locations, you can also choose from a wider selection of cars, including exclusive vehicles for top-tier members.
- Earn points to redeem for free rental days
Earn free rental days with every booking. The more you rent, the faster you unlock elite status.* *Points are earned & redeemed on the base rental rate only. Taxes, fees, & options are excluded. Additional terms apply.
- Share the drive for free
Add your spouse or partner as an additional driver for free.
Driving guide: car rental in Los Angeles
Parking information
- The Gas Company Tower (Underground Parking) is a solid downtown LA option when you want to park once and walk everywhere. It’s right by W 5th St and S Olive St, with quick access to the Financial District and nearby restaurants. The garage is underground, offers valet, and has EV charging, so it works well for longer stays or evening plans too.
- 700 S Broadway (Garage Parking) is a handy downtown LA pick if you’re heading around the Broadway and 7th St area. It’s a 300-spot garage with accessible parking, open Mon–Sat for all-day parking.
- 611 W 6th St (Underground Parking) is a solid downtown LA option right by W 6th St and Grand Ave. It’s a large underground garage (712 spots) with valet available, so it works well if you want a quick drop-off and get moving.
Key roads in Los Angeles
- I-405 (San Diego Freeway): The big north–south spine on LA’s west side. It connects areas like LAX, Santa Monica, and the Sepulveda Pass toward the Valley. It’s super convenient, but it’s also famous for heavy traffic during commute hours.
- I-10 (Santa Monica Freeway): A major east–west route that runs from the Santa Monica area through Downtown LA and out toward the Inland Empire. Great for crossing the city, but expect slowdowns around Downtown interchanges and during peak times.
- US-101 (Hollywood Freeway): One of the most-used freeways for getting between Downtown, Hollywood, and the San Fernando Valley. It’s a common choice for tourist-heavy routes and studio areas, but merges can get busy and lanes change quickly, so stay alert.
Electric hire
Los Angeles is one of those cities where electric car hire in Los Angeles just makes sense.
You get that quiet, smooth drive for cruising Sunset, hopping between neighborhoods, or doing a beach-to-Downtown day without the constant stop-and-go noise. And with chargers popping up across LA, planning quick top-ups during a coffee break or a shopping stop feels pretty doable.
With Hertz, electric car hire in Los Angeles stays simple. Pick an EV that fits your trip, grab it from a convenient location, and enjoy a more eco-conscious way to get around with little to no tailpipe emissions.
If you’re looking for an EV car rental in Los Angeles for city driving, short day trips, or just a cleaner ride while you’re here, you’ll have plenty of options to match your plan.
Charging points
Los Angeles currently has 9,197 public EV charging stations, so finding a place to top up while you’re out and about is usually pretty straightforward. That kind of coverage makes electric car hire in Los Angeles feel a lot more practical, whether you’re doing quick city drives, bouncing between neighborhoods, or heading out toward the coast.
And as the charging network keeps growing, choosing electric hire in Los Angeles can also mean fewer tailpipe emissions while you travel.
If you want an easier, more eco-conscious way to drive around the city, Hertz makes it simple to pick an EV and get moving with confidence.
Congestion charges
Los Angeles does not have a “congestion charge zone” where you pay a fee just to drive into Downtown or other neighborhoods.
What you will see instead are optional toll ExpressLanes on certain freeways (like the I-10 and I-110 Metro ExpressLanes). If you choose those faster lanes, you’ll pay a toll (typically using FasTrak/FasTrak Flex), and the price can change depending on traffic. If you stay in the regular lanes, you won’t pay that toll.
Getting from Los Angeles to Long Beach
It’s a pretty easy drive from Los Angeles to Long Beach, and it usually takes around 44 minutes in normal traffic (about 24.1 miles, depending on where you start). The most common route is via I-710 S, which is often the fastest option when traffic is moving well. Here’s a simple way to follow it:
- Start in Los Angeles and head toward N Main St.
- Get on US-101 S from N Main St.
- Continue on US-101 S, then connect onto I-710 S.
- Stay on I-710 S heading toward Long Beach.
- Take exit 1C to get onto W Shoreline Dr.
- Continue on W Shoreline Dr, then follow W Broadway.
- Finish by taking W Broadway to Pacific Ave to reach central Long Beach.
Getting from Los Angeles to Pasadena
This one’s a quick hop. Driving from Los Angeles to Pasadena usually takes around 20 minutes in normal traffic (about 10 miles, depending on where you start). The most common route is via CA-110 N (Arroyo Seco Pkwy), which is often the fastest when traffic’s behaving. Here’s the simple step-by-step:
- Start in Los Angeles and head toward N Broadway.
- Turn right at the 2nd cross street onto N Hill St.
- Take the ramp to merge onto CA-110 N / Arroyo Seco Pkwy.
- Stay on CA-110 N as you head toward Pasadena.
- Turn right onto E Glenarm St.
- Turn left onto S Marengo Ave.
- Turn right onto E Holly St to reach central Pasadena.
Why Hertz?
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Popular vehicles to rent
A quick guide to Los Angeles
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles
900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles
If you want a polished “big city” stay, this is a strong choice. You’re right in the middle of Downtown, close to arenas, museums, and rooftop bars. Rooms feel premium, service is sharp, and it’s the kind of place that works well for both business trips and special-occasion weekends.
The Beverly Hills Hotel
9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills
This one’s a classic LA icon. It’s tucked away from the noise, with a resort-style feel, lots of greenery, and that old-Hollywood energy people come to LA for. Great if you want a relaxed, indulgent base and don’t mind paying for the experience.
Shutters on the Beach
1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica
Perfect if your plan includes beach walks, sunsets, and a slower pace. It’s right on the sand, has that coastal-luxury vibe without feeling too stiff, and Santa Monica is easy to explore the Westside. Also, a really nice option if you want LA but prefer to wake up near the ocean instead of traffic.
Bestia
2121 E 7th Pl, Los Angeles
A lively, high-energy spot that’s known for bold Italian flavors and a menu that feels fun to explore. Great for an LA night out dinner when you want something memorable, especially if you’re staying around Downtown.
Din Tai Fung
10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles
A reliable favorite for dumplings, noodles, and comfort food done really well. It’s consistently good, easy to enjoy with a group, and a safe pick when you want a great meal without overthinking it.
Howlin’ Ray’s
727 N Broadway #128, Los Angeles
Famous for Nashville-style hot chicken with serious flavor and a bit of a cult following. It’s casual, fast-paced, and perfect for a midday stop when you want something iconic and filling. If you’re sensitive to spice, start mild and work up.
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles
Come for the views, stay for the whole vibe. You get sweeping city panoramas, great photo spots, and easy trails if you want a light hike. It’s one of the best ways to enjoy your first day in LA, especially around sunset.
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
Classic LA coastline energy in one place. Walk the pier, grab a snack, watch street performers, then head down to the beach for a laid-back stroll. It’s also a good area to spend a few hours without planning every minute.
The Getty Center
1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles
Even if you’re not “a museum person,” this one usually wins people over. The architecture is beautiful, the gardens are relaxing, and the views are unreal. It’s a great, slow-paced half-day plan when you want something calm and scenic.
FAQs
Do you need to book in advance for a Hertz car rental in Los Angeles?
Yes, it’s a smart move. LA gets busy, and booking ahead gives you a better shot at the exact car you want, especially for weekends, holidays, or peak travel months. Just choose your Los Angeles pickup location, dates, and driver age online, then pick your vehicle and confirm.
Do you need a driving permit to get a car hire in Los Angeles?
You’ll need a valid driver’s license to rent and drive in Los Angeles. If your license isn’t in English, an International Driving Permit (IDP) can be helpful and may be requested along with your original license. Keep your license with you whenever you’re driving.
Can you pick up a car hire in Los Angeles and return it to another city?
Yes, one-way rentals are often available. You can pick up in Los Angeles and drop off in a different city if that works better for your trip. A one-way fee may apply, and you’ll see it during booking before you confirm.
When is the best time to book a car rental in Los Angeles?
The earlier, the better, especially if you’re traveling around big weekends or major events. Booking in advance usually means more choice, better rates, and less stress when you land.
Are there restrictions on where you can take a car rental from Los Angeles?
In most cases, you can drive your rental around California and to other US states. If you’re planning anything outside the usual, like cross-border travel or restricted areas, check the rental terms during booking so you know what’s allowed.
Will you be charged for returning the car late in Los Angeles?
Late returns can lead to extra charges. Your confirmation shows your exact return time, so if your plans change, it’s best to update your reservation as soon as you can.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Los Angeles?
Most renters need to be at least 21. If you’re under 25, a Young Renter fee may apply, and some car categories may be restricted. You’ll see the exact rules during booking.
Can you arrange a one-way rental from Los Angeles?
Yes. When booking, just select a different drop-off location to set up a one-way rental. It can sometimes be arranged at pickup too, but booking it in advance is usually easier and gives you more options. Any additional fee will show before you confirm.
What insurance options are available for Hertz rentals in Los Angeles?
Your rental includes the standard cover required for the location, and you can usually add optional protection at checkout if you want extra peace of mind. The options and pricing vary by location, so you’ll see what’s available during booking.
Does Hertz provide child seats in Los Angeles?
Yes, child seats are available as an optional extra. If you’re traveling during busy dates, it’s best to add the seat you need during booking, since availability can be limited.
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