Quick Summary:
- From baggage claim, follow “Rental Car Shuttle” signs to buses.
- Ride the shuttle to the Rental Car Center on Gilespie Street.
- Inside, follow overhead “Car Rental Counters” signs to the desk area.
- Have driving licence, card, ID and booking details ready at counter.
Las Vegas has a single, dedicated Rental Car Center serving Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). That means you do not collect keys at the terminal itself. Instead, you travel to the Rental Car Center by shuttle and then find the right counter inside the main lobby. This guide explains exactly where to go, which signs to follow, and what to have ready before you reach the Hola car hire desk area so you can keep your arrival moving smoothly.
If you have not already checked the basics for your trip, the main starting point for Hola’s car hire options at the airport is car hire at Las Vegas Airport (LAS). For city pick-up context and planning, see car hire in Las Vegas.
Step-by-step: from arrivals to the Rental Car Center
1) After landing, head to baggage claim. Once you are in the arrivals area, collect luggage first. In Las Vegas, the shuttle to the Rental Car Center is accessed from the terminal area, not from inside the car park.
2) Follow the correct signs. Look specifically for signs reading “Rental Car Shuttle” or “Rental Car Center”. In some areas you may see “Ground Transportation”, then within that, “Rental Car Shuttle”. Keep following those, even if you pass signs for taxis, rideshare, limousines, or public buses. Those options use different pick-up zones.
3) Board the Rental Car Shuttle. At the shuttle stop, you will be directed to the next bus. Shuttles run frequently, but at peak times it can still be worth having your booking details ready on your phone in case you want to double-check provider information while you wait.
4) Ride to the Rental Car Center building. The shuttle takes you to the off-airport Rental Car Center (commonly referred to as the “RAC” or “RCC”). The building is the main hub for rental companies, and you will exit into a large, covered area leading into the lobby.
Where to go once you arrive at the Rental Car Center
1) Enter the main lobby and look for “Car Rental Counters”. Once inside, you are typically in a spacious public hall with clear overhead wayfinding. Follow overhead signage pointing to “Car Rental Counters” or “Rental Car Counters”. The counters are grouped together in one main area rather than spread across different wings.
2) Identify the correct desk area. The Hola car hire desk is located within the counter zone used for pick-ups. If there is a queue management area, join the correct line for your provider or follow any instructions on digital screens. If you are unsure, staff or security in the lobby can point you to the right counter row without needing to share personal details.
3) Confirm you are in the right place before queueing. A quick check can save time. Look for the brand signage above each counter position and confirm it matches your paperwork. If your booking is for a partner brand, the paperwork will usually indicate which counter handles your agreement and key collection.
For travellers comparing vehicle categories before arrival, Hola’s Las Vegas pages can help you set expectations on availability, sizes, and typical luggage fit. For example, if you expect a larger group, you might have already looked at van hire in Nevada or, for family and desert driving comfort, SUV rental in Las Vegas.
What signage to follow inside the building
Inside the Rental Car Center, signage is designed to separate three key flows: counter service, vehicle pick-up, and returns. You want the counter flow first.
Follow these sign types:
“Car Rental Counters” directs you to the main desk area for contracts, deposits, and keys.
“Ready/Return” or “Pick-up” points to vehicle collection lanes and garages. Do not head there until you have keys and a signed agreement.
“Restrooms” and “ATM” can be useful stops before you join the queue, especially if you have been travelling a long time. If you know you will need a chip-and-PIN card or a second payment method, sorting that before reaching the desk prevents delays.
What to have ready before you reach the counter
Having documents and payment ready speeds up car hire at Las Vegas Airport, especially when multiple flights arrive together.
Prepare these items:
Driving licence for the main driver, and for any additional drivers if you are adding them at the desk. Ensure it is valid for the entire hire period.
Passport or photo ID that matches the name on the booking. Names should align exactly, including middle names if they appear on travel documents.
Payment card in the main driver’s name. It is wise to have a back-up card available in case your bank declines a deposit due to travel security checks.
Booking confirmation on your phone or printed. This should show your reservation reference, pick-up time, and the provider handling the counter service.
Address and contact details for the main driver. Some desks will ask for a local accommodation address in Las Vegas, plus a mobile number.
Flight details can be helpful if you were delayed and want to explain a later-than-planned arrival time.
Tips to avoid the most common counter delays
Check your driver name now. If your booking is under a different name than the person who will pay and drive, this can cause delays. Sorting the correct main driver before you arrive keeps the counter process straightforward.
Decide on your fuel and toll approach before you queue. Rental desks may offer different fuel and toll options. Knowing your likely route, Strip driving, Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, or longer drives in Nevada, helps you decide quickly without holding up the line.
Know your vehicle size needs. If you have multiple large suitcases, a compact might be tight. Being clear about luggage and passenger count makes it easier to accept the allocated vehicle category without last-minute changes.
Inspect your paperwork before walking away. Before leaving the counter, verify the pick-up time, return location, and any added driver details. It is easier to correct at the desk than later in the garage.
After the counter: how to reach your car in the pick-up area
Once you have keys and your agreement, follow the internal signs for “Pick-up”, “Garage”, or “Ready Line”. The Rental Car Center is designed so that the counter area feeds directly into the vehicle collection area. You may need to take a short walk or follow a ramp depending on the specific garage layout.
At the vehicle, do a quick walkaround. Check the windscreen and body panels for noticeable marks, and take a few photos in good light. Then adjust mirrors, connect your phone if needed, and locate the fuel type and controls before you exit the garage.
For broader planning around driving and pick-up locations across the state, Hola’s overview for car rental in Nevada can be a useful reference when you are building an itinerary beyond Las Vegas.
FAQ
Where exactly is the Hola car hire desk at LAS?
It is inside the Las Vegas Airport Rental Car Center, within the main “Car Rental Counters” lobby area, after you arrive by the rental car shuttle.
Do I pick up my car at the terminal or at the Rental Car Center?
You pick up at the Rental Car Center, not at the terminal. From baggage claim, follow “Rental Car Shuttle” signs, ride the shuttle, then go to the counters.
What signs should I follow from baggage claim to reach the desk?
Follow “Rental Car Shuttle” or “Rental Car Center” signs first. Once inside the Rental Car Center, follow “Car Rental Counters” signs to the desk area.
What should I have ready before I reach the counter?
Have your driving licence, passport or photo ID, payment card in the main driver’s name, and your booking confirmation available, plus accommodation address and contact number.
How long does it take to get from arrivals to the counter area?
Timing varies with queues and shuttle frequency, but plan for the walk to the shuttle, the shuttle ride, and time in line at the “Car Rental Counters” area.
