Rent a one way car from Chicago to Los Angeles

The journey from Chicago to Los Angeles stretches across thousands of miles, offering a mix of cityscapes, highways, and scenic views. A one-way car rental makes it convenient - pick up your car, hit the road, and drop it off when you reach your destination.

If you are planning this iconic drive, here’s what you need to know before you book a one-way rental car.

Chicago to Los Angeles one-way car rental: How to book, distance & drive time

Booking process

• Select locations: Firstly, choose your pickup (Chicago) and drop off (Los Angeles) locations - airport or downtown.
• Choose date & time: Prices differ based on date and time; being flexible can help you find better deals. Booking in advance (at least 2-3 weeks before) is also highly recommended.
• Driver’s age: Make sure you meet the standard age requirement, additionally you may need to pay a Young Driver Fee (if below 25), which varies by supplier and car type.
• Choose car type: You will get a list of available cars with their details, choose the one that fits best with your travel needs. You may consider economy (Mitsubishi's Mirage Automatic) or compact (Nissan’s Versa Automatic) cars for comfort and budget while choosing.
• Confirm booking: Once you are done with the selection, read the rental terms carefully and proceed with the booking confirmation. You will receive a voucher with complete details (including rental terms) at your registered email. Get a copy of it printed to show during pickup.

Distance

The distance between Chicago to Los Angeles is approximately 2000 to 2010 miles (~ 3244 kms), depending on the route you choose.

Driving time

It will take you around 30 to 35 hours to cover the distance between Chicago and Los Angeles. However, this varies by chosen route, traffic, weather, and number of stops. Most travelers complete this drive in 4 to 6 days for a more comfortable and enjoyable trip.

Best routes from Chicago to Los Angeles

Must-visit stops on the Chicago to Los Angeles drive

A drive from Chicago to Los Angeles offers a mix of cities, natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and unique roadside attractions. Here are some of the must-visit stops along the way:

• Chicago, Illinois (starting point): Begin your trip with skyline views and beautiful lakeside spots in Chicago, Illinois like North Avenue Beach, Oak Street Beach, and Montrose Beach - worth a proper start.
• St. Louis, Missouri: Home to iconic Gateway Arch, this is the best first stop to stretch your legs and take in scenic views along the Mississippi Riverfront.
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: A lively city to pause and recharge, Oklahoma offers a blend of open spaces and scenic spots - relax at Scissortail Park and soak in the beautiful lake views at Lake Hefner.
• Amarillo, Texas: Famous for the quirky Cadillac Ranch, this stop adds a fun and unique roadside experience to your journey.
• Albuquerque, New Mexico: Known for its desert landscapes and cultural charm, Albuquerque offers scenic views and a relaxing break from long hours of driving.
• Flagstaff, Arizona: Surrounded by forests and mountains, Flagstaff is ideal for a refreshing stop and a gateway to nearby natural attractions - Walnut Canyon National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and the iconic Grand Canyon National Park.
• Las Vegas, Nevada: If you’re up for a lively break, Las Vegas offers non-stop entertainment - try your luck along the Las Vegas Strip, catch a show at Fremont Street Experience or indulge in world-class dining before you head to Los Angeles.
• Los Angeles, California (final stop): Wrap up your journey in Los Angeles - relax at Santa Monica Beach, take a walk along Venice Beach, or click pictures at the Hollywood Sign.

Chicago to Los Angeles one-way car rental: Cost & car types

Chicago to Los Angeles one-way rental cars will cost you differently for different car types. Let’s look at the cost per day of each car type for a 6-day drive.

Common one-way car rental locations for Chicago to Los Angeles

Airport locations

• Pick up location: Chicago O'Hare Airport [ORD]
• Drop off location: Los Angeles Airport [LAX]

Downtown locations

• Pick up location: Chicago Downtown
• Drop off location: Los Angeles Downtown

Chicago to Los Angeles: Top car rental companies

Key requirements for a one-way car rental

• Age requirements: Standard age requirement is usually 21+ years in Chicago, however this varies by supplier and car type and you may have to pay Young Driver Surcharge if below 25.
• Driving license: You must have a valid and a full driving license to rent a car in Chicago. You may need an IDP - International Driving Permit (if applicable).
• Credit card: A valid physical credit card in the main driver’s name is mandatory to hold security for the rental car. Make sure the card has sufficient funds in it.
• Passport: As an international traveler, you must have a valid passport at the time of pickup or a national ID proof.
• Voucher: You will receive a booking confirmation voucher at your registered email, carry it with you at the time of pickup.

Uncommon (but important) travel tips for Chicago to Los Angeles drive

• Book your rental smart: Chicago’s peak season is from June to August so, if you can shift your dates slightly, you may find better deals and a wider selection of vehicles.
• Refuel timely: Refuel earlier than needed, not just for safety purposes but because gas prices can increase drastically in remote stops along Route 66.
• Keep snacks & essentials handy: Carry a small bag (other than your luggage) with things like snacks, water, chargers, basic toiletries, etc. for easy access to what you need.
• Offline maps: Don’t just rely on navigation systems as they might not work properly at places with poor networks - carry or download offline maps instead.
• Car inspection: Before hitting the road, make sure you inspect your rental car properly to avoid paying for existing scratches or damages. You can click pictures or make videos for proof.

FAQs

• Is there an extra fee for one-way car rentals from Chicago to LA?

  Yes, one-way car rentals are always chargeable however, the exact fee depends on the supplier, car type, and locations. Also, most car rental companies include a one-way fee in the rental price while others charge it separately. So, check this with your supplier while booking.

• Are all car types available for one-way rental from Chicago to Los Angeles?

  You can check this with the supplier as availability of the cars vary by location, and some cars may not be offered for one-way rentals.

• Which are the top car rental companies for one-way rental from Chicago to LA?

  Hertz, Sixt, Thrifty, Alamo, Europcar, etc. are some of the major suppliers offering one-way car rentals from Chicago to Los Angeles.

• Can I book a one-way car rental for Chicago to LA last-minute?

  Yes, you can but you’ll have less options for the cars than when booking in advance. It is best advised to book your vehicle at least 2-3 weeks early.