Unlimited Miles Car Rental in Los Angeles: 2026 Guide
Updated October 30, 2026 · By Yaniv Segal, RentCarUSA
In short: Distances in Los Angeles are large, and in a month of work, visits and weekend trips it is easy to drive 1,500–2,500 miles. A rental with unlimited mileage removes the risk of being charged tens of cents for every extra mile. Every quote we give includes unlimited miles at no extra cost, together with damage coverage, third-party liability and taxes.
What exactly does "unlimited miles" mean?
In car rentals in the USA, distance is measured in miles (one mile is about 1.6 km). There are two main models:
- Unlimited mileage: you drive as much as you want, and the price does not change.
- Limited mileage: the offer includes an allowance, for example a number of miles per day or a monthly allowance, and every mile above it is charged at a fixed rate. In such offers, the rate is often between 20 and 50 cents per mile, and sometimes more, depending on the company and the type of car.
The problem is that the limit is not always easy to see. It usually appears in the terms, not in the main price, and you discover it only when you return the car, when the odometer shows the final number.
How many miles do you drive in a month in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is a city built around freeways, and public transportation does not cover most needs. Even a person who lives in Santa Monica and works Downtown drives about 15 miles each way, and in traffic it feels like more. Here are estimated driving distances from the Los Angeles area to popular destinations:
| Destination | Approximate distance one way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|
| Santa Monica ↔ Downtown LA | About 15 miles | About 30 miles |
| San Diego | About 120 miles | About 240 miles |
| Santa Barbara | About 95 miles | About 190 miles |
| Palm Springs | About 110 miles | About 220 miles |
| Joshua Tree | About 130 miles | About 260 miles |
| Las Vegas | About 270 miles | About 540 miles |
| Yosemite | About 300 miles | About 600 miles |
| San Francisco (via I‑5) | About 380 miles | About 760 miles |
| Grand Canyon (South Rim) | About 490 miles | About 980 miles |
Distances change depending on your starting point and route, but the order of magnitude is clear: one weekend trip to Las Vegas uses more than 500 miles. A full breakdown of routes and daily driving is in the guide How many miles do you drive in a month in Los Angeles.
Example calculation: how much does a mileage limit cost?
Suppose you are in Los Angeles for a month of work:
- A daily commute of 30 miles, 22 working days: about 660 miles.
- Errands, shopping and evening meals: say 400 miles.
- One weekend in San Diego: about 240 miles.
- One weekend in Las Vegas: about 540 miles.
Total: about 1,840 miles. If your offer includes, for example, an allowance of 1,500 miles per month, you have 340 extra miles. At 25 cents per mile, that is an extra charge of about $85, and at 50 cents it is already about $170. And if you add one more trip, to the Grand Canyon or San Francisco, the amount jumps by several hundred dollars. With unlimited mileage, the bill stays the same.
It is important to remember that unlimited mileage does not mean the driving is free: you pay for fuel separately. Fuel prices in California are among the highest in the USA, so take them into account when you plan long trips. Full guide on this topic: Fuel in a rental car in California.
Where do mileage limits hide?
- Very cheap deals: a very low daily price is sometimes a sign of a mileage allowance. Look in the terms for the words "mileage", "miles included" or "per mile".
- Turo: each host sets their own distance allowance, and a charge for every mile above it. On a monthly rental, this can add up. A detailed comparison is in Monthly rental car vs Turo.
- Private rentals from Facebook groups: sometimes a limit is set verbally or in a message, and sometimes nothing is said until you come to return the car. Get the terms in writing.
- Geographic limits: even when miles are unlimited, there is usually a limit on where you may drive. With us, for example, driving to Mexico is not allowed. Driving to other US states and to Canada is allowed. If you plan to leave California, mention it when you ask for a quote and we will make sure everything is arranged in advance.
What is included with us besides unlimited miles?
Unlimited mileage is only part of the package. Every quote we give also includes:
- Damage and theft coverage for the car (CDW/LDW).
- Third-party liability up to $300,000.
- All taxes and airport and tourism fees.
Not included: fuel (you return the car with a full tank), toll roads, parking tickets and optional extras. The prices are fixed, also during holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
For example, prices for a 26-day rental, everything included:
| Category (or similar) | Per day | Total for 26 days |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Chevrolet Spark) | $31 | $806 |
| Compact sedan (Ford Focus) | $32 | $832 |
| Small SUV (Chevrolet Trax) | $36 | $936 |
| Minivan (Chrysler Pacifica, 7 seats) | $44 | $1,144 |
The exact model is decided at pickup. For other periods, the price is calculated by the week, and we will send you an exact quote for your dates. The full guide to long-term rental is in Monthly car rental in Los Angeles.
Frequently asked questions
Do unlimited miles also apply to a trip to Las Vegas or Arizona?
Yes, the miles themselves are not limited, and driving to other US states is allowed. Tell us about your plans when you ask for a quote and we will confirm in advance. You cannot take the car into Mexico.
Is there a difference in mileage between a small car and a minivan?
No. In all our categories, mileage is unlimited. The difference is in fuel use: a minivan or a 7-seat SUV uses more fuel, so on long trips the fuel cost will be higher.
What happens if I extend the rental in the middle?
Ask for an extension in advance, and we will update the quote for the additional weeks. Mileage stays unlimited during the extension too.
How do I check whether another offer limits miles?
Look in the terms for the words "mileage" or "per mile", and ask in writing how many miles are included and what the rate is for each extra mile. If the answer is not clear, assume that there is a limit.
Want to drive without counting miles? Get a quote or start with Which car fits you?.