Rent a Car in Long Beach, CA: Competitive Rates + A Practical Local Guide
Compare prices across major brands, then use this guide to choose the best pickup location, understand insurance and fees, and drive Long Beach and greater LA with confidence.
What do you need to rent a car in Long Beach?
Renting a car in Long Beach is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
- Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID is required for the main driver (and any additional drivers).
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical U.S. driver’s license with no major endorsements. In most cases it must have been held for at least 1 year; some offers require no minimum holding time. Photocopies or scanned copies are not accepted.
Notes: Renters with a non‑U.S. driver’s license written in Roman alphabet may be required to present a valid passport or other government‑issued ID as a second form of identification.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards may include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB and, in some offers, UnionPay. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX) for payment and/or deposit. A few offers require two credit cards in the main driver’s name. E‑voucher or printed voucher may be required depending on the offer.
- Age requirements: General eligible age range across offers: approximately 20–80 years. Common standard minimum age is 21; some locations require 25, and some limit maximum age to 70 or 75. Young driver surcharges may apply: typical examples include about $25.00 per day for drivers aged 20–24, or about $27.00 per day for drivers aged 21–24 (amounts and exact ages vary by offer). For certain vehicle categories (e.g., luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty/cool cars, full‑size and premium SUVs), renters and/or additional drivers must be at least 25 years old and younger drivers are not permitted.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driver’s license with no major endorsements. In most cases it must have been held for at least 1 year; one offer requires at least 2 years. Photocopies or scanned copies are not accepted. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is a translation only; original licence must also be presented) or
• Original Driver's License in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.) without IDP, if allowed by specific offer or
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with English translation provided on the back.Notes: Renters who have a non‑U.S. driver’s license written in Roman alphabet may be required to present a valid passport or other government‑issued ID as a second form of identification. Some offers require renters whose country of residence is outside the United States or Canada to present a return airline ticket.
- Form of ID: A valid passport is required for the main driver (and any additional drivers).
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards may include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB and, in some offers, UnionPay. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AMEX) for payment and/or deposit. A few offers require two credit cards in the main driver’s name. E‑voucher or printed voucher may be required depending on the offer.
- Age requirements: General eligible age range across offers: approximately 20–80 years. Common standard minimum age is 21; some locations require 25, and some limit maximum age to 70 or 75. Young driver surcharges may apply: typical examples include about $25.00 per day for drivers aged 20–24, or about $27.00 per day for drivers aged 21–24 (amounts and exact ages vary by offer). For certain vehicle categories (e.g., luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty/cool cars, full‑size and premium SUVs), renters and/or additional drivers must be at least 25 years old and younger drivers are not permitted.
Best Car Rentals in Long Beach for Every Road Trip Adventure
Discover the perfect wheels for your Long Beach getaway, from coastal cruises to desert escapes. Explore top-rated vehicles tailored to your travel style and budget.
Beach
Convertible
4
2
AutoLong Beach boasts year-round sunshine and stunning Pacific Coast highways perfect for convertible cruising. Drop the top and feel the ocean breeze as you drive to Belmont Shore or Avalon on Catalina Island. Auto transmission comes standard, making coastal navigation effortless. This is the quintessential Southern California driving experience you cannot miss.
Mountain
SUV
53AutoVenture inland to Joshua Tree's rugged landscapes or Big Bear's cool mountain retreats with confidence. The elevated driving position gives you superior visibility on winding mountain roads leading to Palm Springs. SUVs handle sand and gravel access roads with ease while keeping you cool with strong air conditioning for desert summer temperatures.
Family
Large
53AutoPack everything for a family getaway to Santa Barbara wine country or San Diego's beaches without compromise. Long Beach area traffic and urban parking are manageable in a spacious sedan with excellent maneuverability. Extra legroom keeps everyone comfortable on highway drives to Napa Valley or Disneyland nearby. Auto transmission ensures stress-free navigation through California's notorious traffic.
Choose Your Ride
Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.
Choose LGB for the Fastest Start After Landing
Picking up at Long Beach Airport is ideal if you want to get on the road immediately with extended operating hours and strong inventory. It’s especially helpful for families, business trips, and late arrivals. Keep in mind that airport rentals often include extra facility and concession fees, so compare the total checkout price and not just the base rate.
Kia Niro
52
4AutoKia Niro
524Auto
Chevrolet Cruze
534Auto
Tesla Model 3
524AutoTesla Model 3
524Auto
Ford Mustang Mach-E
524Auto
Mazda Cx-50
524AutoMazda Cx-50
524Auto
Toyota RAV4
534AutoLong Beach Airport (LGB) Car Rental Reviews & Ratings
Read genuine reviews from travelers who rented cars at Long Beach Airport. Compare ratings, find trusted dealers, and book with confidence.
| Rental company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Best Overall | 4.3 9600+ reviews | $186 | 0.1 mi | $500 - $1,540 |
| |
 | 2.9 17,000+ reviews | $101 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $665 - $902 |
| |
| 1.3 95 reviews | $142 | 0.3 mi | $300 - $1,271 |
| |
| 1.2 5500+ reviews | $114 | In terminal | $300 - $1,070 |
|
*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.
Platform Insights
Car Rental Expert Advice
By QEEQ Platform Expert Team
Expertise Metrics
Platform Recognition
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Booking Volume
Review Quality
10,000+ verified 5-star reviews
Market Experience
Data Authority
Expertise Verification
QEEQ data verified against local official data sources
Key Expert Insights
Platform Analysis
"Airport rental locations account for approximately 70% of US car rental revenue, with Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis dominating the market with combined 55% share."
Booking Patterns
"SUV bookings increased 15% YoY in 2023, with leisure travelers now comprising over 60% of all US rentals, outpacing business travel for the first time."
Customer Pain Points
"38% of US car rental customers report confusion over hidden fees and insurance coverage terms at checkout, cited as the top complaint category."
Data Sources
- QEEQ internal booking databse
- Transparency Market Research - Car Rental Market Report 2023-2031
- Transparency Market Research - Car Rental Market Report 2023-2031
- Trustpilot Enterprise Reviews Analysis
Road Trips
One-way rental routes starting from Long Beach
Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Long Beach
Popular Car Rental Routes From Long Beach
Scenic Drives & Easy Day Routes:
Pacific Coast Highway: Long Beach to Laguna Beach
Cruise the iconic Pacific Coast Highway for ocean views, beach towns, and classic SoCal scenery. Great for a half-day to full-day outing, especially at sunset.
Long Beach to Malibu via Santa Monica (Coastal Cities Loop)
A classic LA coastline run combining city energy and beach scenery. Expect heavier traffic midday—go early for smoother driving and easier parking.
Angeles Crest Highway: Long Beach to La Cañada Flintridge & Mountain Views
Swap the shoreline for alpine-style switchbacks and panoramic overlooks in the San Gabriel Mountains. Check road conditions and closures, especially in winter or after storms.
Popular Day Trips From Long Beach:
Disneyland Resort (Anaheim)
An easy, high-reward day trip for theme parks, dining, and nightlife at the resort district. Arrive early to reduce parking time and maximize park hours.
Joshua Tree National Park
A desert escape with iconic Joshua trees, boulder fields, and wide-open stargazing. Ideal for sunrise/sunset hikes—bring water and plan for limited cell service.
Santa Barbara Waterfront & Funk Zone
A polished coastal getaway with Spanish-style architecture, a walkable waterfront, and wine tasting rooms. Great for a full day or an overnight.
San Diego: La Jolla & Balboa Park
Head south for dramatic shoreline views in La Jolla and world-class museums and gardens in Balboa Park. Build in buffer time for I-5 traffic.
Car Rental Planning Tips For Long Beach
Confirm ID, License, and Age Requirements: Bring a valid driver’s license and a matching credit card. Some companies add a young-renter fee under age 25—check the policy before booking.
Understand Insurance Before You Arrive: Review your personal auto policy and credit-card coverage first. Decide if you need the rental company’s collision damage waiver or supplemental liability.
Plan Around LA/OC Traffic Peaks: Expect slower drives on I-405, I-710, and I-5 during weekday rush hours and weekend beach surges. Leaving before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. can save time.
Choose a Fuel Strategy That Fits Your Route: If your itinerary includes Joshua Tree or mountain drives, refuel earlier than you think. For city trips, avoid prepay fuel unless you’ll return nearly empty.
Budget for Parking and Tolls: Beach cities and popular districts can have paid lots and strict time limits. Some OC toll roads are cashless—ask your rental company about toll programs.
Use Offline Maps and Keep a Charger Handy: Download offline areas for mountain/desert segments and keep a car charger/cable available so navigation doesn’t drain your phone.
Pick the Right Vehicle for the Drive: A compact car is easiest for beach-city parking. For mountain or desert day trips, prioritize good air conditioning and comfortable cruising over extra cargo space.
Drive Long Beach LGB - Coastal California Car Rental Guide
Your essential guide to renting cars and driving in Long Beach, California - from the iconic Shoreline Marina to the Port of Long Beach and stunning Pacific Coast Highway adventures
LANGUAGES
English
CURRENCY
USD
DRIVE ON
Right-hand side
COUNTRY CODE
+1
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE
$62 per day
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH
5 days
SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN
25-40 mph (40-64 km/h)
SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN
65-70 mph (105-113 km/h)
ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC
0.08%
AVERAGE GAS PRICE
$1.05/L
LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE
$0.92/L - $1.19/L
Long Beach Car Rental Guide
Essential driving tips and rental advice for exploring Long Beach and Southern California by car
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