Los Angeles Airport Car Rental (LAX)
Compare every major brand at LAX. Pickup arrangements are changing as LAX consolidates its rental companies, so here's how it works and what to check.
Where do you pick up a rental car at LAX?
Follow the Rental Car Shuttles signs on the arrivals (lower) level and board your company's shuttle. LAX is moving rental companies into a consolidated rental car facility (ConRAC) linked to the terminals by its Automated People Mover train. While that transition happens, the pickup point for your company may change, so check your booking confirmation for the current arrangement.
Last reviewed . Rules vary by rental company — check your rental terms before you book.
Picking up your rental car at LAX
From baggage claim, go outside to the lower-level islands and follow the Rental Car Shuttles signs.
Once your company operates from the ConRAC and the People Mover is running, you'll take the train from the terminal area instead.
LAX traffic is heavy. Allow extra time for the shuttle, especially at peak arrival times.
Terminal layouts and shuttle stops change. For the latest pickup directions, check the official Los Angeles International Airport website or your booking confirmation.
Returning your car at LAX
Follow the signs for your rental company's return location as you approach the airport.
Take the shuttle or train back to your terminal. LAX's central terminal loop is often congested, so allow extra time on the way back: refuel, return the car, have it checked in, then ride back to the terminal before check-in and security.
Rental companies at Los Angeles International Airport
Major brands that operate at this airport. Availability and prices change by date — the search shows the live list for your trip.
Airport or off-airport pickup?
Hollywood Burbank (BUR) and Long Beach (LGB) are smaller and quicker to drive away from. City branches in Santa Monica, Hollywood and Downtown avoid airport fees.
Leaving LAX: routes, tolls and traffic
- Rush hour
- Leaving LAX between about 3pm and 7pm on weekdays means heavy traffic on the I-405 and I-105. Plan accordingly.
- To Santa Monica and the beaches
- Surface streets like Lincoln Boulevard are often as quick as the freeway to Santa Monica and Venice.
Which car to rent at LAX
Rental requirements
- A valid driver's license, held for at least a year at most companies. Visitors can usually rent on their home license; if it isn't in English, carry an International Driving Permit or official translation alongside it.
- Minimum age is 21 at most major companies, and drivers under 25 pay a daily young-driver surcharge. New York and Michigan require companies to rent to drivers from 18, with surcharges.
- A credit card in the main driver's name. Some locations accept debit cards with extra checks — often a return travel itinerary at airports, a larger deposit or a credit check.
- International renters should also bring a passport.
More detail: What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car? · What Is the Minimum Age to Rent a Car in the USA? · Can You Rent a Car With a Debit Card? Rules & Tips · International Driving Permit (IDP) — Do You Need One and How to Get It
Insurance and deposit
- Collision and loss damage waivers (CDW/LDW) are optional. Before you accept one at the counter, check whether your own auto policy or a credit card benefit already covers rental cars — many do, with conditions.
- Liability cover varies by state and company. Supplemental liability (SLI) raises the limit and is worth considering if you don't have a personal auto policy, including as an international visitor.
- A security deposit is held on your card at pickup and released after the car is returned and checked. It can take several business days to disappear from your statement, and holds are larger on debit cards and premium cars.
More detail: Do You Need Insurance to Rent a Car? · What Is a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)? · How Much Is a Rental Car Deposit? How Holds Work
Fuel policy and additional fees
- Full-to-full is usually the cheapest fuel policy: you collect the car full and return it full. Prepaid fuel only saves money if you return the tank nearly empty, and refueling charges on a car returned short are well above pump prices.
- Airport rentals include airport concession recovery fees and facility charges on top of the rate. State and local rental taxes apply everywhere.
- Other common extras: additional-driver fees, young-driver surcharges, toll-program charges, one-way drop fees, child seats and late-return charges. Read the rental terms before you pay so you know which charges are included and which are added at the counter.
More detail: Car Rental Fuel Policies Explained — Which One Should You Choose? · Hidden Car Rental Fees — The Complete Guide to What to Watch Out For · How are tolls and traffic fines handled? · Can someone else drive the car?
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Car rental in Los Angeles
Driving tips, tolls, parking, road trips and city pickup options.
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FAQ
LAX Car Rental — FAQs
Everything you need to know about renting a car
Compare car rental prices at LAX
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