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Los Angeles to San Francisco One-Way Campervan Rental

Planning a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco? Did you know you can rent a campervan one way? Compare vehicles from several RV rental companies offering one way rentals from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

Popular Campervans

Find the perfect camper for your travel needs

All Types

Cruise America C25 Standard

C25 Standard

Cruise America

Automatic
Britz 4-Berth Class C non-slide

4-Berth Class C non-slide

Britz

Automatic
El Monte RV AF33 Class A

AF33 Class A

El Monte RV

Automatic
Expedition Class C Thor Citation

Class C Thor Citation

Expedition

Automatic
Lost Campers Sierra Class

Sierra Class

Lost Campers

Automatic
Travellers Auto Barn HiTop

HiTop

Travellers Auto Barn

Automatic

Not all vehicles may be available. Use the search tool to check availability for your travel dates.

Los Angeles to San Francisco One Way Itinerary

Part One: Los Angeles to Santa Monica

Distance: Approximately 24 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 30 minutes

Attractions:

  • The Getty Center
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Griffith Observatory

Part Two: Santa Monicato Malibu

Distance: Approximately 32 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 30 minutes

Attractions: - Santa Monica Pier - Third Street Promenade - Santa Monica State Beach

Part Three: Malibu to Santa Barbara

Distance: Approximately 121 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Zuma Beach
  • Getty Villa
  • Malibu Pier

Part Four: Santa Barbara to San Luis Obispo

Distance: Approximately 161 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours

Attractions:

  • Santa Barbara Mission
  • State Street Shopping and Dining
  • Lotusland Gardens

Part Five: San Luis Obispo to San Simeon

Distance: Approximately 64 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
  • Bubblegum Alley
  • Madonna Inn

Part Six: San Simeon to Big Sur

Distance: Approximately 97 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours

Attractions:

  • Hearst Castle
  • Elephant Seal Vista Point
  • Piedras Blancas Light Station

Part Seven: Big Sur to Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea

Distance: Approximately 48 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Bixby Creek Bridge
  • Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
  • McWay Falls

Part Eight: Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea to Santa Cruz

Distance: Approximately 72 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • 17-Mile Drive
  • Cannery Row

Part Nine: Santa Cruz to San Jose

Distance: Approximately 48 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 45 minutes

Attractions:

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Natural Bridges State Beach
  • Roaring Camp Railroads

Part Ten: San Jose to San Francisco

Distance: Approximately 80 kilometers

Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour

Attractions:

  • The Tech Interactive
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • San Jose Museum of Art

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to stay at a campground or RV park?

A stay at an RV park will usually cost around $25–80 (USD) per night.

The cost of campgrounds has risen in recent years due to the popularity of RV vacations in the USA.

Does my motorhome come with unlimited mileage?

The majority of campervan rental suppliers in the US do not offer unlimited miles as a standard rental inclusion.

In most cases, miles (kilometres) are capped at a daily rate, and additional fees will be incurred if you exceed the limit. Additional miles can usually also be prepurchased in packages ranging from 100 miles up to unlimited. However, any remaining miles will not be refunded when the vehicle is returned.

Check our comparison tool for details.

Can I pick up my motorhome rental at Los Angeles Airport?

While rentals are limited directly at the Los Angeles Airport terminal, most rental companies are just a short distance away.

Many campervan rental companies offer a complimentary shuttle along with your rental.

It is worth noting that if you are arriving from an international/long haul flight, you will not be able to pick up your rental vehicle until the next day.

Where can I camp in Los Angeles?

As in the rest of America, free camping is only allowed in designated areas, which can include national parks, truck stops or rest stops as well as certain parking lots with permission from the store manager.

Southern California is home to many campgrounds and RV parks, which usually cost around $35–60 (USD) per night. These are suitable for all types of vehicles, from truck campers to trailer-style campers such as toy haulers.

Some popular choices in the Los Angeles area include the Hollywood RV Park, Dockweiler RV Park and Walnut RV Park.

Are one-way rentals available in Los Angeles?

Yes, many rental companies in Los Angeles offer one-way rentals, making it a great location to start your road trip.

As the largest city on the West Coast, Los Angeles is a great gateway to many other destinations in California, including San Diego in the south and San Francisco in the north.

Are there any restrictions on where I can take my RV in the US?

Most rental companies only allow their vehicles to be driven on sealed/bitumen roads.

In addition, note the following restrictions regarding specific areas:

  • Mexico - With the exception of El Monte, travel to Mexico is prohibited in rental vehicles.
  • Death Valley - Restrictions can vary between suppliers but is generally allowed. However, travel may be restricted during certain times of the year. Check with your rental supplier for full details.
  • New York City/Downtown Manhattan - RVs are generally not allowed due to vehicle height restrictions around the city.
  • Canada - RVs are generally allowed; however, travel to certain locations may be restricted during colder seasons.

If you take your vehicle where it is not permitted, you will be liable for all damages incurred and an additional fine may be imposed.

Check your rental agreement for any further restrictions regarding your RV rental.

Note: policies vary from supplier to supplier. Always check the T&Cs for your rental.