LAX Airport Rental Car Guide Los Angeles Airport

Car Rental at Los Angeles Airport

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main airport serving the city of Los Angeles and it is located 30 km from the city center. In 2023, it was the third busiest airport in the world as it served over 90 million passengers. The LAX airport is known for its distinctive retro-futuristic, Googie theme architecture that resembles a flying saucer.

Skip the hassle of waiting for buses or cabs to take you to places and rent a car instead to have a stress-free trip to Los Angeles. Having your own vehicle gives you complete control and flexibility to get around the city at your convenience. If you want to go on a road trip to attractions in California, you can do that too.  After reaching the airport, collect your bags, and exit the airport. Here, you will find shuttles operated by the car rental companies leaving every few minutes. Hop on the shuttle of the agency you’ve booked your vehicle with and enjoy the door-to-door service. Once you reach the rental car center, a representative of your chosen agency will guide you. Once your paperwork is complete, you will be taken to the off-site location to pick up your vehicle. The rental car companies that serve the LAX airport are Alamo, Budget, Sixt, and Enterprise, among many smaller other operators.

Rental Cars at or near LAX Airport: An estimated 40 rental car agencies operate at LAX Airport with off-Airport vehicle rental sites; many of them provide phone links inside the Lower/Arrival Level area of the passenger terminals to request a shuttle pick up to the rental car sites. Those which are permitted to make pick-ups/drop-offs directly from the terminals via courtesy shuttles are: Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Fox/Payless, National and Thrifty. Their shuttle pickup area is designated under the purple sign 'Rental Car Shuttles' on the Lower/Arrival level islands outside baggage claim. If you choose one of the other rental car agencies, contact your choice directly by using the Ground Transportation Telephone Boards in the baggage claim areas of each terminal to arrange for pick-up. You can use the free LAX Shuttle Bus, located on the Arrivals level island under the 'LAX Shuttle' sign, to Lot C to reach the Off-Airport Rental Car Terminal and to meet your chosen rental car courtesy shuttle.

Downtown Car Rental in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a public transit system, including buses and a metro network, that connect the main commercial and entertainment districts of the city. However, they run fairly slowly. If you’re looking to get to places that public transportation does not reach, want to get there quicker, or just travel more comfortably, then consider opting for a Los Angeles rental car. There are many car rental agencies spread across the city, offering vehicles of all types and at all price points. If you’re on a budget or are traveling alone, we recommend a compact economy car.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling with kids or a large family, a mid-size or large SUV would be advisable as it will have a lot of luggage storage space. You can also rent a luxury car if you are going on a business or honeymoon trip. For greater flexibility, you have the option of one-way rentals, whereby you can pick up your car in one city and drop it off in another. iFly partners, Enjoy Travel, makes it easy for you to compare all available vehicles and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Driving in Los Angeles

If you are driving in LA, do make sure to note the rush hour timings as roads tend to get chock-a-block between 7-10 am and 4-7 pm. Weekends are also generally busy times to be out on the roads as tens of thousands leave for a short getaway. If the freeways are jammed, we recommend you use your navigational devices to chart out alternate routes.  Going to or from LAX during peak times may literally add hours to the time it normally takes off peak.  Before heading to LAX, be sure to check on the traffic status.

Some rules to keep in mind while driving in LA are:

● The minimum age of driving a car in LA is 16, and you need to have a driver's license.

● The speed limits can range from 25 mph on the city streets to 65 mph on the freeways.

● You cannot drink and drive. It is an arrestable offense.

● You can use a hands-free device to talk while driving but reading or sending texts while driving is strictly prohibited.

● Children under the age of 8 should be secured in the booster seat at the car's back seat.

Parking is quite difficult to find in LA as there are hundreds of thousands of cars and a limited number of public and private parking spots. So we recommend using apps like LA Express Park, SpotHero, or ParkMe to find a parking spot closest to you easily.

Car Rental Agencies in Los Angeles

LA has a wide variety of car rental agencies scattered across the city and they all have something unique to offer. Thrifty and Dollar provide some of the most affordable rental options. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-range luxury car with which to cruise down Sunset Boulevard, consider renting from Thrifty or Enterprise. If you are visiting LA with family or a group of friends, Alamo and Hertz have the best midsize to large SUVs for maximum comfort. If you plan to stay in LA for a while, renting a car long-term would get you better rates.

Top Road Trips in Los Angeles

If you have already visited all the attractions in Los Angeles, it’s time for you to take a road trip!

For a fun weekend getaway, drive to Las Vegas, which is about 4.5 hours from LA. Go clubbing at one of the hottest clubs in town or enjoy a game of poker at the Mystère Casino Hotel. If you are traveling with kids, visit the Shark Reef Aquarium and watch the turtles, eels, piranhas, and - you guessed it - sharks swimming around. You can alternatively learn about the city's crimes at The Mob Museum or take a tour of The Neon Museum that tells other stories in neon. Don't miss the infamous 4.5-mile long Las Vegas Strip.

If you’re in the mood for some raw adventure, take a road trip to the Valley of Fire State Park. It will take approximately 5.5 hours but it is worth the drive. Go hiking, camp out under the stars, and wake up to awe-inspiring red rock formations. The bright red Aztec sandstone spires and tan limestone hills will make you feel like you’re on Mars.

Don’t miss out on Napa Valley, world-famous for its wineries. Roughly a 7-hour drive from LA, you can walk around vineyards, learn about winemaking, and taste the best vinos paired with incredible views over the rolling rills. Make a complete staycation out of the experience and stay at one of the premium resorts in the area and enjoy the food paired with more excellent wine.

FAQS about Los Angeles car rental

Q: Cost of renting a car in Los Angeles?

A: The average cost per day of renting a car in Los Angeles is just $37.91 USD.

Q: What’s the cheapest car rental in Los Angeles?

A: Prices for Los Angeles car rentals start from just $9.65 USD when booking in advance.

Q: What’s the minimum age to rent a car in Los Angeles?

A: To rent a car in Los Angeles you must be at least 21.

Q: Can I have additional drivers on the rental agreement in Los Angeles?

A: Additional drivers can be added to your Los Angeles car rental agreement upon request.

Q: What’s the best car for getting around Los Angeles?

A: The best car for getting around Los Angeles would hands-down be a compact vehicle such as a Hyundai Elantra due to its ease for city parking.