Quick Summary:
- Exit Terminal 1 baggage claim, then follow signs for shuttle buses.
- Walk to the pink “LAX Shuttles” pillar, then queue safely.
- Allow 20 to 45 minutes from kerb to rental counter.
- Travel with bags ready, and keep confirmation and licence accessible.
If you are landing at Los Angeles International Airport and collecting a car hire from Terminal 1, the process is straightforward once you know where to stand and what to expect. LAX has traditionally used shuttle buses to connect terminals to off-airport rental car facilities, and the key to a smooth pick-up is finding the correct kerbside zone quickly, then building in realistic waiting time.
This guide walks you from the arrivals area in Terminal 1 to the right kerb, explains what the shuttle signage looks like, and shares timing tips for busy periods. It also clarifies what changes depending on which rental company you are using, so you can plan without guesswork.
Step-by-step: Terminal 1 arrivals to the rental car shuttle stop
Step 1, head to baggage claim and exit to the arrivals level. When you arrive into Terminal 1, follow signs for Baggage Claim. Even if you only have hand luggage, it is usually easiest to reach ground transport from the arrivals level because the kerbside set-up and signage are designed for arriving passengers. Once you are in the baggage reclaim hall, look for doors leading outside to the kerb.
Step 2, look for “Ground Transportation” and “LAX Shuttle” wayfinding. Outside Terminal 1, you will see overhead signs and coloured pillar markers along the kerb. Your aim is to find the shared shuttle pick-up area used for rental car connections. The exact pillar colour and wording can vary by location along the terminal frontage, so focus on the wording that references shuttles or ground transportation rather than a single colour you might have read about.
Step 3, move to the correct kerbside lane and join the queue. At busy times, there can be multiple lines at the kerb for different shuttles. Ask the staff member or driver which bus is for your rental company if you are unsure. Keep your bags close, and do not step into the roadway, buses and passenger vehicles move continuously.
Step 4, ride the shuttle to the rental facility and check in at the correct counter. Once on board, most buses will stop at several rental facilities. Listen for announcements, and watch for signs as you approach each drop-off. When you get off, follow the arrows for the correct brand desk, then proceed to the vehicle pick-up lanes.
If you are comparing providers before you travel, the Hola Car Rentals pages for car hire at Los Angeles LAX and van hire at Los Angeles LAX are helpful for understanding which vehicle types suit your plans in and around Los Angeles.
Where exactly is the shuttle from Terminal 1?
From Terminal 1 arrivals, the rental shuttle pick-up is kerbside directly outside the baggage claim level. You do not need to go to a different terminal first. In practice, the best approach is to exit the terminal, then scan for the nearest “Shuttles” or “Ground Transportation” sign and the pillar marker that corresponds to shuttles.
Because LAX operates as a loop road with frequent kerbside changes, the exact stopping point for a rental shuttle can shift within the terminal frontage. That is why the most reliable method is to follow the official terminal signs and confirm the bus when it arrives. If you have reduced mobility or lots of luggage, allow extra time so you do not feel rushed while navigating the kerb.
Timing tips: how long it takes from Terminal 1 to keys in hand
For most travellers, the door-to-counter time for car hire from Terminal 1 falls into three stages: reaching the kerb, waiting for the shuttle, and processing at the desk.
1, Terminal 1 exit time. From aircraft door to the kerb can be 10 to 25 minutes depending on gate position, passenger volume, and whether you need to wait for checked bags. If you are checking luggage, bag delivery can be the biggest variable. If you are hand-luggage only, you can often be outside much sooner.
2, Shuttle wait and ride. At quieter times you might wait 5 to 10 minutes for a bus, then ride 10 to 20 minutes. At peak periods, it is wise to assume 15 to 30 minutes total for waiting and travel, especially if traffic on the loop is slow.
3, Rental counter and vehicle pick-up. The counter can take 10 to 30 minutes, sometimes longer if many flights have landed at once, or if you need to add a driver, child seats, or clarify insurance. Once paperwork is done, allow another 5 to 15 minutes to walk to the car, inspect it, and exit the facility.
Put together, a realistic planning window is 20 to 45 minutes from reaching the kerb to arriving at the rental facility, plus 15 to 45 minutes for counter and pick-up. If you have a time-sensitive appointment in Los Angeles, it is prudent to buffer for at least 60 to 90 minutes after landing, and longer in the early evening when traffic builds.
How to make the kerbside pick-up easier
Keep essentials accessible. Before you exit Terminal 1, make sure you can easily reach your driving licence, booking confirmation, and a payment card. If you have an international driving licence or additional documentation, keep it together so you are not unpacking on the kerb.
Know your rental brand name, not just “car hire”. Several companies may share similar shuttle routes. When the bus arrives, confirm with the driver that it stops at your provider’s facility. If you booked via a broker or travel site, the paperwork should still show the underlying rental brand.
Travel in lighter layers. The kerbside area can be warm in summer and cool in the evening due to ocean air. Having a light layer you can remove helps while waiting, particularly if you have just come from a long flight.
Have a back-up plan for delays. If you are landing late, consider your options if the rental counter is busy or if your flight is delayed. It can help to know your provider’s opening hours and whether after-hours pick-up rules apply.
If you are looking at specific providers at LAX, you can review options such as Thrifty car hire in Los Angeles LAX, National Car Rental in Los Angeles LAX, or Payless car hire in California LAX to understand typical vehicle categories and pick-up expectations.
What to expect at the rental facility
After the shuttle drops you off, you will usually enter a lobby area with counters or kiosks, then proceed to the parking lanes. If you have already completed online check-in, you may be directed to a faster lane, but you should still expect to show identification and a driving licence.
Inspect the car before leaving. Walk around the vehicle and note any existing marks, wheel scuffs, or windscreen chips. Take a few clear photos in good light, including the fuel gauge or battery level for electric vehicles, and the odometer. This simple step can reduce disagreements later.
Check tolling arrangements. Los Angeles freeways include tolled express lanes in some corridors, and California also has toll roads in other regions. Ask how tolls are handled, whether there is an electronic pass, and what fees might apply.
Confirm where to return the car. Returns can be at the same facility you picked up from, but it is still worth confirming the return address and signage, especially if you are leaving early in the morning. Also confirm whether you need to refuel nearby or if pre-paid fuel rules apply.
Common mistakes to avoid from Terminal 1
Going upstairs to departures unnecessarily. Some travellers head to the departures level thinking shuttles are easier to find there, then lose time navigating back. For most arrivals, the baggage claim level is the simplest route to rental shuttles.
Standing at the wrong kerb zone. LAX has multiple shuttle types, including airport connectors and off-site services. If your bus does not arrive within a reasonable window, re-check the nearest signage and ask an attendant. A two-minute confirmation can save 20 minutes of waiting.
Underestimating peak congestion. Midday and early evening can be slow around the terminal loop. If you are travelling with family, add time for toilets, snacks, and sorting luggage before you go outside.
Not planning for child seats or additional drivers. These add a few minutes at the counter, and sometimes require a separate queue. If you know you need them, keep that in your time budget.
Planning your first drive out of LAX
Once you have your keys, the first 10 minutes of driving can feel intense if you are not used to Los Angeles roads. Take a moment to set up navigation while parked, review the controls, and agree on who is navigating if you are travelling with others. Exiting the rental facility may put you onto busy surface roads before you reach the motorway network.
If you are heading to central Los Angeles, Santa Monica, or further afield, traffic patterns matter more than distance. A journey that looks short on a map can take significantly longer during commuter hours. Building a buffer at pick-up helps you start calmly and drive safely.
FAQ
How do I get from Terminal 1 to rental car pick-up at LAX? Exit Terminal 1 on the arrivals or baggage claim level, follow Ground Transportation or Shuttle signs to the kerbside shuttle stop, then take the rental shuttle to your company’s facility and check in at the counter.
How long should I allow from Terminal 1 to the rental counter? A typical range is 30 to 70 minutes, depending on baggage, shuttle wait times, and traffic. During peak periods, allowing 60 to 90 minutes after landing helps avoid stress.
Do I need to go to another terminal to catch the rental shuttle? No, you can catch a rental shuttle from Terminal 1. Follow the kerbside signs for shuttles and confirm with the driver that the bus serves your rental company.
What should I have ready for car hire pick-up? Keep your driving licence, booking confirmation, and payment card accessible. If an additional driver is travelling, have their licence ready too, as it often needs to be checked at the desk.
What if the shuttle queue is very long? Re-check that you are at the correct shuttle stop for your rental company, then plan for a longer wait. If you are short on time, ask an attendant about the next bus frequency and whether there is an alternative pick-up point.
