Quick Summary:
- Exit Terminal 5 arrivals, then go upstairs to Departures level.
- Follow purple “Rental Car Shuttles” signs towards the kerb.
- Wait at the marked shuttle stop on the outer kerb lane.
- Shuttles usually arrive every 10 to 20 minutes, busier evenings.
If you are landing at Los Angeles International Airport and heading to Terminal 5 baggage claim, the main question is simple, where exactly do you stand to catch the rental car shuttle? At LAX, the shuttle system is signposted, but it helps to know what to look for, which level to use, and what to expect for timing so your car hire pick up is smooth.
Hola Car Rentals works with major rental providers around LAX. Most off airport rental locations use shuttle buses, and the airport uses consistent purple wayfinding for rental car shuttles. The key is to get from arrivals to the correct kerbside stop, then confirm you are boarding the right shuttle for your provider.
For an overview of Hola options at the airport, see car rental at Los Angeles Airport (LAX). If you are comparing providers available via Hola, you can also review Alamo car rental at LAX and National car hire in Los Angeles (LAX).
Step by step from Terminal 5 arrivals to the rental car shuttle
1) Arrive, clear formalities, and reach baggage claim. After landing, follow the standard “Baggage Claim” signs. Collect any checked bags first. If you need an ATM, toilets, or to sort an eSIM, do it before heading outside, it is easier inside than on the kerb.
2) Head to the Departures level for the clearest pickup points. At Terminal 5, the most straightforward place to catch rental shuttles is typically on the upper roadway, Departures. From baggage claim, look for lifts or escalators to “Departures” or “Ticketing”. Going upstairs often reduces congestion compared with the arrivals kerb.
3) Follow the purple “Rental Car Shuttles” wayfinding. LAX uses purple signs for rental car shuttles. In Terminal 5, once you are on the Departures level, keep an eye out for “Rental Car Shuttles” and “Shuttle Stop” signage directing you kerbside. If you see signs for “Hotel Shuttles” or “Public Transportation”, keep going until you find the rental car wording.
4) Go to the kerb and locate the marked shuttle stop. You are aiming for the clearly marked shuttle stop zone on the kerb. Stand where the purple rental signage indicates, usually along the outer kerb lane rather than directly by private vehicle loading. Stops can be numbered or lettered depending on the current LAX curbside layout. The important part is staying within the designated shuttle stop area for Terminal 5, rather than drifting to another terminal’s stop.
5) Check the shuttle’s destination before boarding. As the shuttle approaches, look at the electronic display or side branding. Many buses serve specific brands, while others are multi brand. If you arranged car hire through Hola, your rental confirmation will identify the provider and pickup method. If multiple shuttles arrive close together, do not assume the first one is yours. Ask the driver which rental centre or company the shuttle serves, then board the correct bus.
What signs should you follow in Terminal 5?
In Terminal 5, you will generally see a mix of airline, airport, and ground transport signs. The ones that matter for car hire pickup are:
Purple “Rental Car Shuttles” signs. These are the most reliable. They may appear on walls, hanging boards, or on pillars near the exits.
“Shuttle Stop” or “Buses” markers at the kerb. Once outside, look for pole signs and painted kerb markings that show where shuttles can legally stop.
Level indicators for “Departures” and “Arrivals”. If the arrivals kerb is crowded, moving to Departures usually speeds things up. If you are travelling with limited mobility or lots of luggage, you can still use arrivals, but expect more traffic and potentially slower shuttle access.
If you want to read more about picking up from LAX with Hola, the main LAX page is car rental in Los Angeles (LAX).
Typical shuttle timings and what affects your wait
For most rental shuttles at LAX, a typical wait is around 10 to 20 minutes. That said, timing varies a lot by day and time. Here is what commonly changes the wait:
Time of day. Late afternoon and evening arrivals often stack up, especially if several flights land close together. Early morning can be quieter, but staffing can also be lighter.
Traffic on the terminal loop. The LAX terminal horseshoe is notorious for congestion. Even if shuttles run frequently, they can get delayed reaching Terminal 5 when the loop is gridlocked.
Weather and roadworks. Heavy rain or active curbside changes can slow stopping and loading. Stay alert to temporary cones, relocated poles, or instructions from airport staff.
Provider frequency. Some brands have more buses in rotation than others. If your car hire is with a provider that runs fewer vehicles, your wait can be longer even when other shuttles are arriving.
Practical tip, once you are at the correct stop, resist the temptation to walk to another terminal unless you are sure the same shuttle serves it. Walking between terminals with luggage can take longer than waiting, and you may miss your bus.
Exactly where to stand at the kerb in Terminal 5
After you reach the Departures level kerb at Terminal 5, stand within the signed “Rental Car Shuttles” stop area, typically on the outer kerb lane where buses pull in. Do not stand in the private pickup zone, the bus cannot stop there. If there is a queue, join it, as the driver may load in order.
If you are unsure, look for airport staff or the closest pole sign that includes “Rental Car Shuttles”. The correct spot is the one where multiple people with luggage are waiting and buses are already pulling in. If the kerb looks empty and no buses are stopping, you are probably at the wrong section, move along the kerb until you see the purple rental car shuttle signage.
What to do if you arrive at the wrong stop
If you accidentally follow “Hotel Shuttles” or “Public Transportation” signs, do not panic. Walk back towards the terminal doors and scan for purple “Rental Car Shuttles” wayfinding. Within Terminal 5, the correct routing is usually only a few minutes away.
If you are outside and realise you are at the wrong pole, move along the kerb to the next marked shuttle stop area for Terminal 5. Keep your bags close, stay on the pavement, and avoid stepping into active traffic lanes. LAX kerbs can be hectic, so focus on signage rather than following crowds.
Before you board, confirm these details for a smoother pick up
Have your reservation and provider name ready. A screenshot helps if mobile data is slow. Drivers often recognise brand names faster than reservation numbers.
Know the pickup location type. Some providers use a consolidated rental facility style stop, others go direct to their lot. Your confirmation should indicate the process.
Plan for luggage space. If you have oversized bags, wait for a bus with available storage rather than forcing it. This avoids delays and keeps your items safe.
Allow extra time at peak periods. Even with frequent shuttles, the terminal loop can add 20 to 40 minutes during heavy traffic. If you have a tight schedule in Los Angeles, build in buffer time.
If you are considering vehicle size for Los Angeles driving, including motorway merges and luggage space, you may find SUV hire in California (LAX) useful for planning.
FAQ
Where do I go after arriving at Terminal 5 to catch the rental car shuttle? Collect your bags, go up to the Departures level, then follow the purple “Rental Car Shuttles” signs to the marked kerbside shuttle stop.
Are rental car shuttles at LAX on arrivals or departures at Terminal 5? You may see shuttles from both levels depending on operations, but Departures is typically clearer and easier for the rental car shuttle stop at Terminal 5.
How long do I usually wait for the shuttle at Terminal 5? A common wait is about 10 to 20 minutes, but traffic on the terminal loop and peak arrival waves can extend this.
How do I know I am boarding the right shuttle for my car hire? Check the bus branding or electronic sign, and ask the driver which rental company or centre the shuttle serves before loading your luggage.
What if I cannot find the purple rental car shuttle signs? Return inside, look for “Ground Transportation” and then “Rental Car Shuttles”, or ask airport staff at the kerb to point you to the Terminal 5 rental shuttle stop.
