California...

[kaktus]

My boyfriend and I came up with the brilliant idea of going to California next year on a roadtrip. I've done this before, and I'm really looking forward to doing it again. But I can't remember how driving in LA is, as I didn't drive a mile last time but just took in the sights! We're considering if we should pick a car up just outside LA or just get one from the airport?  It's not a problem with driving on the right as we're Danish :0)

[rampart]

I've not been to LA, but hear it is terrible. If you're brave, take the rental car from the airport to your hotel. If not, or if you just dislike congested crazy airport traffic and poor signs, you might try to find a rental place not far from the airport, and take a cab to that location. Some rental places even deliver, which means you could taxi to the hotel and have the car delivered there.

Cabs are costly, yet I detest driving around airports. Roads go every which way and signs are often inadequate. My wife prefers that I pay for a cab so that she doesn't have to listen to me complain. :)

[AllYourBase]

Most rental car places at LAX are off the main airport complex anyhow, so you have to get the rental car company bus out to their depots. We found the directions and signposting around LAX to be fairly poor, but then we were tired and, if I am honest, unprepared. Driving in LA is not too tricky, but get a good map. fuel is cheap and parking always available, so I would say go for it.

[jno]

Try to avoid rush hours on the freeways, which can be very crowded - and the lanes on freeways are very narrow. But they're good ways to get across town - don't underestimate the time it takes, LA is vast. At ground level, driving's usually pretty straightforward - mostly the usual grid system of rectangular blocks, so all you need is a good map. When you do pick up a car, enquire about current no-go areas.

[kaktus]

Thanks all! I think we will risk the car and LA :0)

We will get some good maps and go for it! Good idea jno to ask about no go areas! Thanks again

[jimmyb01]

When I was there I asked the rental company for sat navigation, all you need to do is type in the Zip code and you get voice guided intructions to your destination.

[shoe-gal]

Definately get Sat Nav (remember to ask for it when you book in advance as not all cars have them and they go quickly), it's money well spent.