Best Road Trips From Los Angeles Without Car Rental (Easy & Stress-Free)

21/01/2026

Finding the best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental is easier than most people think. Los Angeles has strong train, bus, ferry, and rideshare connections that let you travel without driving or renting a car.

This guide covers the best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental that are realistic, affordable, and comfortable. These trips are perfect if you don’t want traffic, parking stress, or rental fees—but still want real travel experiences.

Why Skip a Car Rental in Los Angeles?

Choosing the best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental saves money and energy.

Benefits include:

No rental fees or insurance costs
No parking stress
Easy planning with fixed routes
Ideal for solo travelers and short trips

Many of these trips start directly from Union Station, making them simple even for first-time visitors.

1. Los Angeles to San Diego (Train + Local Transit)

This is the most popular option among the best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental.

How to Go: Pacific Surfliner train
Travel Time: ~3 hours

San Diego is extremely walkable and transit-friendly.

What Makes It Easy

Beaches near downtown
Trolley system covers major areas
Affordable hotels near transit lines

Must-Do Stops

La Jolla Cove
Gaslamp Quarter
Coronado Island

For first-timers, this is the easiest of all best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental.

2. Los Angeles to Santa Barbara (Coastal Train Ride)

One of the most scenic best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental.

How to Go: Pacific Surfliner
Travel Time: ~2.5 hours

Santa Barbara feels calm, coastal, and compact.

Why It Works Without a Car

Walkable downtown
Bike rentals near the station
Beach and pier close together

Best Experiences

Stearns Wharf
Waterfront walks
Local food spots

This trip feels upscale without being complicated, which is why it’s a favorite among best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental.

3. Los Angeles to Palm Springs (Bus + Rideshare)

If you want desert vibes, this is one of the warm-weather best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental.

How to Go: Direct bus service
Travel Time: ~3 hours

Palm Springs is rideshare-friendly and resort-focused.

Why It’s Practical

Hotels clustered downtown
Short Uber/Lyft rides
No need to drive once you arrive

Things to Do

Poolside relaxation
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Downtown shopping

This option proves that best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental aren’t limited to the coast.

4. Los Angeles to Catalina Island (Ferry Trip)

This is one of the most unique best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental—and it doesn’t involve roads at all.

How to Go: Ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro
Travel Time: ~1 hour

Catalina Island is car-free in most areas.

Why It’s Perfect Without a Car

Walkable town of Avalon
Golf carts replace cars
Guided tours handle transport

Best Activities

Snorkeling
Harbor walks
Coastal views

This is one of the most relaxing best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental you can take.

5. Los Angeles to Anaheim (Train + Shuttle)

Theme park fans will love this entry on the best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental list.

How to Go: Train to Anaheim
Travel Time: ~45 minutes

Anaheim is built for visitors without cars.

Why It’s Easy

Hotels near attractions
Shuttle services available
Short travel time

Perfect for short trips, this option keeps best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental affordable and efficient.

6. Los Angeles to Ventura (Train + Walkable Coast)

Ventura is one of the quieter best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental.

How to Go: Coastal train
Travel Time: ~2 hours

Ventura offers beaches and relaxed vibes.

Why It Works

Walkable downtown
Easy beach access
Fewer crowds

This trip is ideal if you want slower-paced best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental.

Tips for Planning Road Trips Without a Car

To enjoy the best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental, follow these tips:

Choose destinations with walkable downtowns
Stay near train stations
Use bikes and rideshares for short distances
Travel light

These simple choices make best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental feel effortless.

Final Thoughts

The best road trips from Los Angeles without car rental prove that you don’t need a vehicle to explore California. With trains, buses, ferries, and walkable cities, you can travel comfortably and confidently.

Skip the rental desk, avoid traffic, and focus on the experience. Some of the best trips from Los Angeles are the ones where you don’t drive at all.