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Car hire in Los Angeles at the Best Prices with us

Home to Hollywood, which is globally recognized as the epicenter of the motion picture industry, the City of Los Angeles holds many distinctions. It is admittedly the entertainment capital of the world, a cultural mecca boasting more than 100 museums, with an expanding tech industry and a paradise of idyllic weather. No wonder it attracts so many tourists and career professionals from all over the world. With a car hire in Los Angeles, you can go beyond just the entertainment industry and closely experience coastal attractions like the trendy boutiques in Venice, Malibu's picturesque scene and San Pedro's bustling marketplace. LA's beach communities are the epitome of Southern California's endless summer, and Auto Europe can help you plan the trip!

Auto Europe has over 60 years of experience providing clients with quality car hire at the most competitive prices. There are numerous places to collect your rental in Los Angeles, California, including Los Angeles International Airport and numerous convenient downtown locations. Call us today at the number +441233225114 and enjoy an unforgettable driving experience in the USA. If you're considering a car hire then read what our previous customers have thought of Auto Europe's vehicle rental service in our car hire reviews in Los Angeles and car hire reviews in the USA pages.

How is the traffic in Los Angeles?

There is no way around it. Los Angeles is notorious for the terrible congestion on the freeways, especially on the 405. However, it will be easy to drive around the city streets, especially if you avoid peak hours, as traffic usually flows quite well. Keep an eye out for designated carpool lanes, or High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV), which require 2 or 3 passengers in the car, at least. These lanes are well signposted and have a white diamond painted on the blacktop.

Los Angeles and the surrounding metropolitan areas are served by an extensive network of freeways and highways. Several major highways connect LA to the rest of the United States, including Interstate 5, which runs south through San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico and north through Seattle, Washington to the Canadian border. Interstate 10 is another major roadway, and the southernmost coast-to-coast Interstate Highway in the country. Via I 10E, you can reach downtown LA from the airport in just about 40 minutes. The US Route 101 also is an important artery, heading from the California Central Coast to the coasts of Oregon and Washington. If you are interested in even more relevant information about driving in the United States, please take a look at our handy guide.

Where can I park my car hire in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a large, spread out city, and most people commute by car. Fortunately, the city has invested heavily in providing plenty of parking options for its drivers. With over 118 public parking lots and garages and 40,000 public metered parking spaces located throughout the city, you will not have a difficult time finding a spot for your car rental in Los Angeles.

Street parking is largely available, and although you may be able to find free parking, often you need to pay a metre. Please check the signs indicating the time period. Areas nearby the beach are usually free of charge. Establishments such as hotels, shopping malls and supermarkets offer free parking or reduced fees for paying customers. Upscale restaurants and venues offer valet parking for a fee. Tourist attractions such as museums, theatres, and theme parks charge for parking.

Los Angeles Airport

The Los Angeles International Airport is the main airport serving LA and is the fourth busiest passenger airport in the world, handling over 61 million passengers per year. It features nine passenger terminals lined on a two-level roadway, as well as free shuttle service between all terminals and remote parking lots. More than 10,000 parking spaces are available in the central terminal area, as well as over 22,000 parking spaces nearby the airport.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Address: 1 World Way, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone:(855) 463-5252

What to do in Los Angeles

Get ready for a chock-full and exhilarating itinerary. Los Angeles is the land of fantasy, movie stars, shopping frenzies, beach bodies, and mind-blowing natural beauty. Here you have a wide range of entertainment options: the Hollywood Sign, the Getty Center, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the TCL Chinese Theatre, Griffith Observatory and so much more. We aren't overestimating when we say that it's impossible to see and do it all in one short trip. This is why we've hand-picked the top things you absolutely must do while you're in L.A. From tourist-favorites to lesser-known LA experiences, you're guaranteed to love every single one of them!

• TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame: for a taste of the classic old Hollywood, we recommend strolling through the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here you will come across the sumptuous Chinese Theatre, which opened in 1927 with the premier of King of Kings. It was around the 30's that a new tradition emerged, and stars would imprint their hands or feet into the cement. Even though it started out as an accident, the star-filled crossway has over 1,600 autographs nowadays.


• Getty Center: a visit to this marbled, expensive complex is the perfect way to spend an entire day. It's located on a hillside above Brentwood, and encompasses a comprehensive museum, a decorated garden and other programs, designed by Richard Meier. Getty Museum is beautifully illuminated by natural light and receives 1.8 million visitors annually. Its galleries are filled with Greek antiquities, pre-20th-century European paintings, impressionist canvases, and unique exhibits. Walk around the gardens until you find a great spot for a sunset dinner at the restaurant with panoramic views.


• Rodeo Drive: whether you are in need of new articles from some of the most exclusive brands in the world, or just in the mood for some window shopping, this is the place to be. Rodeo Drive is lined by magnificently decorated storefronts such as Gucci, Prada, Versace, Cartier, and much more. This shoppers' paradise also has haute cuisine restaurants and trendy boutiques along the cobblestoned Via Rodeo.


• Venice Beach Boardwalk: the epicentre of California's eccentric spirit lies here, in Venice Beach. This destination is very close to Los Angeles, and it's known for its fabulous beachfront life. A stroll down the boardwalk allows visitors to experience the famous bohemian lifestyle of the city, amidst the street performers, magicians, fortune-tellers, weightlifters and artists. Instead of walking, you can opt for a bicycle rental or rollerblades. Along the way, stop for a hot dog or a cold drink and a small souvenir.


• In-N-Out Burger: if you want to eat like a local, then head straight to the famous burger joint In-N-Out. They offer a large menu with different kinds of burgers and sides. And the best part is that this fast-food chain is car-friendly, which means that you can order your meal from the comfort of your car hire in Los Angeles. There is even a secret menu, available online, with unique combinations. And if burgers don't tickle your fancy, don't worry. Los Angeles is overflowing with food options that vary from vegan cafes to taco trucks and sushi places.


• Griffith Park: with over 4,310 rugged acres, Griffith Park is one of LA's most adored places, and a great way to stretch your legs along a 53-mile network of trails, small roads, and bridle paths. You will come across an old zoo, canyons, caves, picnic areas, museums and, yes, coyotes. It's extremely easy to access the park from downtown, and there's plenty parking available. By following the Mount Hollywood route, visitors are gifted with a dazzling panoramic view of the city of Los Angeles, the Observatory, and even the Hollywood Sign! Insider tip: explore the park on horseback!


• Santa Monica Pier: technically, this paradisiac pier is not located in the city of LA. But it's close enough, only a 20-minute drive will get you here. Feel the sun on your skin and the breeze from the ocean while nibbling on some ice cream or cotton candy. Here you can see the vast Pacific Ocean from the top of the Ferris wheel, ride the old-timey carousel, play traditional fun fair games, hear street performers and ride your bike. We suggest you stay until late afternoon, so you can admire the astounding sunsets.

Best day trips with my car rental in Los Angeles

Even though Los Angeles is a city brimming with attractions and pop-up events, you can take advantage of your time here to explore nearby places, with equally spectacular landscapes and interesting activities to offer. The city is surrounded by beautiful beaches, wineries, forest parks, small towns and unique touristic places that result in perfect day trips for you in your rent a car in Los Angeles. Here are just a few suggestions for out-of-town getaways, all within three hours of the city. From a trip back to your childhood, to wine tasting and feeling the sand between your fingers, we hope you get inspired!

Disneyland

This fantastical place of magic captivates children and grown-ups alike. A visit to the "happiest place on earth" is a must, and we recommend planning ahead for this one. Disneyland, inspired by the visionary Walt Disney, is a complex that includes not only the acclaimed entertainment park, but also Disney's California Adventure, which is very Hollywood-centric, and Downtown Disney, full of restaurants, bars, and clubs, not to mention Disneyland Resort. The Disneyland Park itself is divided into 8 themed lands, where you can do everything from sailing with pirates, to exploring exotic jungles, and seeing fairy-tale princesses. Don't forget to dress comfortably and buy your tickets online. Just be aware that pre-purchased theme park tickets do not guarantee entry on any given day. We recommend investing in a Fastpass, which allows you to skip lines. Prices start at $ 90.

Santa Barbara

A little less than two hours north of LA will take you to the exquisite beach town of Santa Barbara. Known as the American Riviera, this area is accredited for having some of the best wines in the world. Santa Barbara has lush gardens, beautiful mountains, valleys, and beaches; all paired with several restaurants, festivals and entertainment options. Culture is represented in the form of multiple galleries, museums, theatres and live performances. Additionally, visitors can admire the presence of Spanish Colonial architecture and red tile roofs, alongside the colorful murals. Look online for wine tastings and vineyard tours; they are one of the highlights in Santa Barbara. This is the perfect getaway from LA's traffic.

San Diego

Now that you've explored a little bit of the north, head down south LA towards San Diego. This is a really interesting American city, as it combines the best of the coastal life with the best of a cosmopolitan place. San Diego is also very close to the Mexican border and the city of Tijuana, thus its unique flavour. The city has several historic and scenic sights, such as the littoral area of La Jolla, the Old Town of San Diego and the international market Bazaar Del Mundo. Head over to Little Italy, Hillcrest or Gaslamp Quarter and take in the dynamic and vibrant atmosphere of San Diego. At night, a wide variety of restaurants and sophisticated clubs are ready to entertain its guests and transform your day trip into an unforgettable experience.

Geographic Information & History

The city of Los Angeles is spread throughout 502.7 square miles of a diverse geographic area, including hills, flatland, desert and water. It is surrounded by the San Gabriel Mountains range to the north and divided by the Los Angeles River and the Santa Monica Mountains. The climate in southern California is close to textbook perfect. The four seasons almost blend together, as most days are sunny and warm, with a much welcoming ocean breeze. July is the hottest month in LA, when temperatures average 22°C, while January can have temperatures around 13°C. Such great weather conditions helped Los Angeles to economically develop since its first decades, with the harvest of oranges, for instance.

Home to the Chumash and Tongva native tribes, the sun-infused city of Los Angeles was much different prior to the late 18th century. It was only in 1781 that a group of 44 settlers and 14 families arrived in the area after a long journey of over one-thousand miles across the desert. They established a small farming community and called it El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula. Throughout its development, the settlement was governed by Spain, Mexico and, eventually, the United States. The latter happened in 1848, with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, when Mexico ceded California to the US. Only a few decades later, the first school was built, alongside with the railroad and trolley lines. Los Angeles grows and expands, incorporating nearby municipalities such as Hollywood, and becomes one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world.

Today, with a booming economy and international recognition, the mecca of the film industry, Los Angeles is a holiday destination for over 47.3 million visitors. LA is on the leading edge of several industries, boosted by its almost four million residents. In fact, if it were a country, Los Angeles County would be the 20th largest economy in the world! From culture-filled streets and famous landmarks, to incredible beaches paired with an amazing dining and clubbing experience, this place will surprise you at every turn.

How to get around Los Angeles

There are many ways to explore historic landmarks, interesting neighborhoods and exciting attractions in LA. The city has one of the best public transportation networks in the United States, consisting of bus lines, subway trains and light rail lines, all of which are operated by Metro. In addition, bike lanes are becoming increasingly popular.

Metro and Rail

There are six lines transiting in Los Angeles, distinguished by different colours, of which the green line reaches LAX. All rates start at a base fare of $1.75. In addition to a single-ride fare, passengers can opt for a Day Pass that cost $7 or a 7-Day Pass for $25. Tickets can be purchased on the vending machines located at Metro stations. With the LA Mobile app, it's possible to purchase tickets, access real-time information and plan routes. The Metro Trip Planner is another great tool, as it generates detailed instructions on how to get to and from your destination.

Bus

Several bus services are available throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, with close to 200 different lines discernible by different numbers. Most Metro Bus lines have connections to Metro Rail stations. An interesting option for tourists is bus 217, or 280, as the route is mostly central LA focused. Both buses connect the centre of Hollywood with the Sunset Strip, the Farmers Market, the Grove, and other popular sites. For detailed schedules and interactive maps, please visit Metro's official website. In addition to Metro buses, the City of Los Angeles Transportation also operates a large fleet of DASH buses, which are smaller and more frequent, but usually travel within neighbourhoods. The fare is just 50 cents and there are no passes available.

Taxi

Los Angeles is a spread out city, and distances can be long here, which means that taxi rides are costly. Taxis currently start at $2.85 and charge $2.70 per mile. In addition, taxi rides from the airport have an extra of $2.50. Please keep in mind that outside of the city centre, taxis do not stop when hailed, so it's important to wait for them under the appropriate stand.

Can I hire a campervan in Los Angeles?

The USA has loads to offer the adventurous traveller. With so many landscapes to explore, why not consider going further afield and checking out Auto Europe's numerous offers on campervans? This is a great way to travel in comfort without spending a lot. We offer a large selection of campervans in Los Angeles, so you can choose the one that fits just right with your travel needs!

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