Car hire in
Los Angeles
Our top branches in Los Angeles
Our services at Los Angeles
Car hire in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a bucket-list destination for many travellers, and a hire car is the only way to truly experience it on your own terms. SIXT branches at Los Angeles Airport (LAX), Downtown Los Angeles, and Los Angeles Studio City put you behind the wheel right where you need to be.
The fleet spans a wide range of categories from leading manufacturers, with flexible booking through the SIXT App and free cancellation for added peace of mind. Whether you're cruising the Pacific Coast Highway, visiting iconic landmarks, or heading out on a multi-stop road trip, hiring a car in Los Angeles gives you complete freedom to explore.
Recommended vehicle categories for your LA hire
- Convertibles: Ideal for soaking up California's sunshine and cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway.
- SUVs: A great choice for road trips into California's stunning landscapes or for families heading to theme parks and beaches.
- Luxury cars: Perfect for making an impression in the entertainment capital of the world and cruising down famous boulevards.
Benefits of hiring a car in LA with SIXT
Customise your booking with extras and protection options:
- Popular add-ons include GPS navigation, additional drivers, and child seats.
- Choose from a range of protection packages to travel with greater peace of mind.
You can view and compare all available options during the online booking process.
Tips for driving in Los Angeles
Driving in LA is generally straightforward, though the city is well known for its traffic.
Traffic rules in Los Angeles
- Right turns on red are permitted unless otherwise posted.
- Only hands-free devices are allowed. Handheld phone use while driving is strictly prohibited.
- Watch for frequent stop signs and lane changes in residential neighbourhoods.
Road conditions and navigation
- Major highways and streets are generally well maintained.
- Take extra care around tour buses and cyclists, especially near beach areas.
- Wildfire season and sudden rain can reduce visibility and road traction.
Parking in Los Angeles
Public and private parking garages are available near the city's top attractions. Some well-known options include:
- Music Center Garage: Convenient for downtown cultural venues.
- Pershing Square Garage: A central option for shops and restaurants.
- Hollywood & Highland Parking: Easy access to Hollywood Boulevard and nearby attractions.
Fuelling up
- Fuel grades available locally include Regular Unleaded, Premium Unleaded, and Diesel.
- Most gas stations in Los Angeles are self-serve and accept credit and debit cards.
SIXT Pro Tip: For added convenience, take advantage of our refuelling service and return the car without a stop at the pump.
Tolls
No tolls apply on central Los Angeles streets. However, nearby express lanes and some highways use the FasTrak electronic toll system. If your route takes you south or east of the city, check whether any tolled segments apply. Our team at pick-up can assist with toll information and available payment options.
Top places to visit by car in Los Angeles
Your hire car in LA opens the door to iconic city spots and rewarding road trips beyond the city limits.
Santa Monica Pier: classic beachfront fun
Sitting at the western end of Route 66, this lively pier features an amusement park, waterfront restaurants, and some of the best sunset views in Southern California. The Santa Monica Pier Deck parking lot makes beach access easy.
- Distance from Downtown LA: 25 km
- Estimated driving time: 25 minutes
Griffith Observatory: best views over LA
The observatory offers sweeping panoramas of the city and is a must for film fans and stargazers alike. Trails on the surrounding hillsides are great for a short hike. The Observatory Lot is the main parking option, with overflow parking available at the Greek Theatre during busy periods.
- Distance from Hollywood & Highland: 13 km
- Estimated driving time* 25 minutes
Universal Studios Hollywood: theme park adventure
This major attraction blends thrilling rides and live entertainment with behind-the-scenes film history tours — ideal for families and movie enthusiasts. An on-site multi-level parking garage is available.
- Distance from LA Studio City: 3 km
- Estimated driving time: 10 minutes
Road trip to Las Vegas with a one-way hire
A drive from Los Angeles to Las Vegas takes you through dramatic desert landscapes, open highways, and memorable roadside stops. This is a popular option for Australian travellers looking to continue their journey by air or extend their trip in Nevada without backtracking to California.
- Distance: 435 km
- Estimated driving time: 4–5 hours
Book your hire car in Los Angeles with SIXT today.
Customer reviews & feedback
Listen to what our customers say
*Our Customer Excitement Score is based on a survey sent to all customers who booked in Los Angeles. The score is an average of all customer responses.
Good to know when renting in Los Angeles
In the USA, the minimum age is 21 years old in most places as long as you hold a valid licence, choice of cars can be limited when under 25.
We can offer extra protection packages as well as added miles, we also have sat navs and the option to add extra drivers to the booking.
Choose to ‘pay later’ while booking and you can pay on arrival, better yet cancellation is free any time!
