San Francisco to Los Angeles RV Rental
Compare One-Way Prices
San Francisco to Los Angeles One-Way Campervan Rental
Planning a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles? Did you know you can rent a campervan one way? Compare vehicles from several RV rental companies offering one way rentals in California and across the United States.
Popular Campervans
Find the perfect camper for your travel needs.
4-Berth Class C non-slide
Britz
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
C25 Class C
El Monte RV
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
2-4 Berth Mavericks
Escape
Automatic
28-30ft Class C
Road Bear
Automatic · Toilet · Shower
HiTop
Travellers Auto Barn
Automatic
San Francisco to Los Angeles One Way Itinerary
Part One
San Francisco to San Jose
Distance: Approximately 80 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Attractions:
- The Tech Interactive
- Winchester Mystery House
- San Jose Museum of Art
Part Two
San Jose to Santa Cruz
Distance: Approximately 48 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 45 minutes
Attractions:
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Roaring Camp Railroads
Part Three
Santa Cruz to Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea
Distance: Approximately 72 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Attractions:
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- 17-Mile Drive
- Cannery Row
Part Four
Monterey/Carmel-by-the-Sea to Big Sur
Distance: Approximately 48 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Attractions:
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
- McWay Falls
Part Five
Big Sur to San Simeon
Distance: Approximately 97 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Attractions:
- Hearst Castle
- Elephant Seal Vista Point
- Piedras Blancas Light Station
Part Six
San Simeon to San Luis Obispo
Distance: Approximately 64 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1 hour
Attractions:
- Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
- Bubblegum Alley
- Madonna Inn
Part Seven
San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara
Distance: Approximately 161 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 2 hours
Attractions:
- Santa Barbara Mission
- State Street Shopping and Dining
- Lotusland Gardens
Part Eight
Santa Barbara to Malibu
Distance: Approximately 121 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 1.5 hours
Attractions:
- Zuma Beach
- Getty Villa
- Malibu Pier
Part Nine
Malibu to Santa Monica
Distance: Approximately 32 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 30 minutes
Attractions:
- Santa Monica Pier
- Third Street Promenade
- Santa Monica State Beach
Part Ten
Santa Monica to Los Angeles
Distance: Approximately 24 km
Estimated Driving Time: About 30 minutes
Attractions:
- The Getty Center
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Griffith Observatory
Popular One Way Routes
- Chicago to Las Vegas
- Chicago to Los Angeles
- Denver to Las Vegas
- Fairbanks to Anchorage
- Las Vegas to Salt Lake City
- Los Angeles to San Francisco
- New York to Los Angeles
- Phoenix to Las Vegas
- Salt Lake City to Las Vegas
- San Diego to San Francisco
- San Francisco to San Diego
- San Francisco to Seattle
- Seattle to Los Angeles
- Seattle to San Diego
- Seattle to San Francisco
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 US.
Does my motorhome come with unlimited mileage?
The majority of RV rental suppliers in the US do not include unlimited miles as a standard rental inclusion.
In most cases, miles are charged per mile or via prepaid mileage packs (for example, 100-mile packs), and additional fees will be incurred if you exceed what you’ve purchased/allowed. Refund rules vary by supplier—some refund unused estimated mileage deposits, while others do not refund unused prepaid miles. Some suppliers do include unlimited miles as standard.
Check our comparison tool for details.
Is free camping allowed in California?
As in the rest of the US, free camping is only allowed in designated areas, which can include national parks, state parks, truck stops, or rest stops as well as certain parking lots with permission from the store manager.
California is home to numerous RV parks and campgrounds, which cost around $35–$60 (USD) per night. These are suitable for all vehicle types, from travel trailers to larger recreational vehicles.
What licence do I need to rent an RV in the USA?
All drivers must have a current and full driver’s licence to rent a vehicle. Foreign licences are generally acceptable if they are in English or accompanied by an accredited English translation, otherwise, an International Driving Permit is required.
In addition to your driver’s licence, you will often be required to show your passport at the time of pick up.
Some companies may require an IDP or official English translation depending on the language of your licence. For example, Road Bear requires an international driver's licence translation if the original licence doesn't have an English translation, and Britz recommends an international driver's licence for translation purposes.
Can I travel from the US to Mexico in my rental RV?
Generally, no. Most RV suppliers restrict travel into Mexico for RVs rented in the US. El Monte is an exception to this, however, additional insurance is required.
Are one-way rentals possible in California?
Yes, many companies have rental centres in multiple locations throughout California and the US, making one-way rentals a great way to see more during your road trip.
San Francisco is a great starting point for those wanting to explore Northern California, with many attractions in the surrounding areas, including the famous Yosemite National Park.
For those heading through Southern California, Los Angeles is a good starting point. From there, you can head down the west coast to San Diego and throughout the surrounding area.









