Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
South El Monte
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
South El Monte
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
South El Monte
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
South El Monte
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
South El Monte offers a blend of urban convenience and access to Southern California’s attractions. While public transport is available, renting a car grants you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Here’s why a rental car is the best choice for your visit:
Explore Southern California: South El Monte is centrally located, making it easy to visit Los Angeles, Disneyland, and beautiful beaches with a rental car.
Convenience and Flexibility: Public transportation can be limiting. A rental car allows you to create your own itinerary and travel on your schedule, without waiting for buses or trains.
Visit Local Gems: Discover hidden gems around South El Monte like the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area and local eateries that are hard to reach without a car.
Before booking a rental car in South El Monte, it’s crucial to understand the terms and conditions. Here are some essential aspects to consider:
Area
Approximately 2.9 square miles
Population
Around 20,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Ideal for
Exploring Southern California
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic during morning and evening commute hours
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur additional young driver fees.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have restrictions. Fuel policies typically require returning the car with the same fuel level as when picked up.
5. Additional FeesAdditional charges may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
The average daily rate for an economy-class car in South El Monte is from £25 / $31 / €30 per day.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Electric:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Classic:
from £28 / $35 / €33 per day
Executive:
from £55 / $69 / €66 per day
7 Seater:
from £65 / $82 / €78 per day
Automatic:
from £32 / $40 / €38 per day
SUV:
from £38 / $48 / €45 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand during the summer months.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts, making it a budget-friendly time to rent a car.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
Booking a car in South El Monte is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth rental experience:
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car or an SUV for family trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
South El Monte is a vibrant city in Los Angeles County, offering a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore the city and surrounding attractions.
South El Monte is known for its diverse community and proximity to major Southern California destinations. While the city itself doesn't have a congestion zone, driving in the greater Los Angeles area requires awareness of traffic conditions. Understanding local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station availability is essential for a smooth experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
A large park offering various outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking.
Irwindale Speedway
A popular venue for motorsports events, including NASCAR races.
Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area
Another large park with a lake, perfect for picnics and water activities.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several public parking garages are available in commercial areas.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available, but be sure to check time limits and restrictions.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities to access downtown Los Angeles.
Gas Stations in South El Monte
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Chevron, Shell, and Arco.
Easy Access
Gas stations are conveniently located along major roads.
Use Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting South El Monte
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM) to minimize traffic congestion.
Check Parking Regulations
Always read parking signs carefully to avoid tickets.
Carry Small Bills
Some parking meters and older gas stations may only accept cash.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilize apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and navigation assistance.
Major Bus Stations
El Monte Bus Station
A major hub for local and regional bus services.
Railway Stations
None within city limits
Nearest railway station is in a neighboring city.
Airports
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Located approximately 30 miles southwest of South El Monte.
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
Located approximately 35 miles east of South El Monte.
Renting a car in South El Monte is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from the United States, your standard license is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country license for a limited time, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
This content was written, fast-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as South El Monte as
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So glad I returned to South El Monte after all these years! Having a car made exploring so much easier.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 16.10.2024
Summer vacation in South El Monte was perfect! Having a car made sightseeing so much fun.
Kevin Tran
Reviewed: 25.12.2024
Quick business trip, easy to get around. South El Monte was convenient and efficient.
David Lee
Reviewed: 02.07.2025
It was great seeing my friends in South El Monte! Having a car made visiting so much easier; everything went smoothly.
Jessica Miller
Reviewed: 12.12.2024
Exploring South El Monte was a delight! Having a car made everything so accessible.
Ashley Davis
Reviewed: 30.12.2024
South El Monte was surprisingly charming for a weekend getaway. Having a car made it so convenient to see everything I wanted.
Linda Wilson
Reviewed: 02.08.2025
Relaxing, low-key vibe.
Anthony Martinez
Reviewed: 14.10.2024
Pretty chill, I guess
Brenda Rodriguez
Reviewed: 09.04.2025
Low-key, pretty chill.
Chris Brown
Reviewed: 23.12.2024
South El Monte was a convenient base for my coastal relaxation trip. Having a car made getting to the beach so easy, and everything felt very accessible.
Emily Carter
Reviewed: 22.04.2025
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South El Monte was a breeze to explore! Getting around with a rental car made everything so easy. I loved the local spots I found.
Maria Garcia
Reviewed: 24.03.2025