National Car Hire
Los Angeles

Once you have collected your luggage, exit the terminal on the arrivals level and look for the purple overhead signs that read "Rental Car Shuttles". These designated pick-up zones are located on the outer island kerb. Wait there for the National Car Rental shuttle, which is clearly marked with the company’s branding. The shuttles run continuously, taking you directly from your terminal to the off-site rental facility where your vehicle will be waiting. The entire process is well signed and designed to be straightforward for arriving travellers.

A practical meeting point for a group is at the baggage-claim carousel of the last person to arrive, as it’s indoors and has space to gather. Alternatively, a simpler option is to have everyone proceed independently to the purple "Rental Car Shuttles" island outside their respective terminals. You can then all aim to board the same National shuttle or simply agree to meet at the National rental facility itself. Since all shuttles lead to the same destination, this approach minimises confusion and waiting around in a crowded terminal.

The most accessible and lowest-walking route to the National facility is by using the designated rental-car shuttle. After exiting the terminal, proceed to the outer kerb island marked with purple signs for rental-car shuttles. These shuttles are designed to accommodate all travellers, including those with mobility needs, and will typically have features like lifts or ramps. This service takes you directly from the terminal kerb to the rental-counter entrance, eliminating any need for long walks between airport facilities.

During a typical weekday afternoon, a realistic timeframe from the plane door to driving away can range from 60 to 90 minutes. This accounts for disembarking, walking through the terminal, and waiting for your luggage at baggage claim, which can take a significant amount of time. You should also factor in the wait for the rental shuttle and the travel time to the off-site facility. The final step is completing your rental paperwork and picking up your vehicle, which can vary depending on how busy the counter is.

Arriving after midnight at LAX is generally a smooth process as the airport remains well lit and clearly signed. The rental-car shuttles continue to operate to serve all arriving flights, so the procedure for reaching the National facility remains the same. The rental centre itself will be open but likely less crowded, which can make for a quicker experience. Exiting the facility is also straightforward, with clear signage directing you towards major motorways and surface streets, which will have significantly less traffic at that hour.

Large rental facilities are designed with clear signage to guide you. Look for overhead signs that direct you to different vehicle classes, such as "Midsize", "SUVs", or "Luxury". Your rental agreement or a member of staff at the counter will typically direct you to a specific section or aisle. If you are using a loyalty programme like Emerald Aisle, you will be directed to that designated area. Don’t hesitate to ask any uniformed employee for directions; they can quickly point you to the correct row.

Rather than pulling over on a busy road, it’s best to drive a few minutes to a nearby commercial area. A great option is The Point or Plaza El Segundo, located just south of the airport on Sepulveda Boulevard. These shopping centres have large, safe car parks where you can take your time to set up your GPS, pair your phone with the car’s Bluetooth, and adjust your mirrors and seats. This allows you to get fully situated in a calm environment before merging onto Los Angeles motorways.

The most direct and simplest route to Manhattan Beach is to head south on Sepulveda Boulevard, which avoids the motorway altogether. This major surface street will take you directly into the heart of the city. Parking near the Manhattan Beach Pier is challenging, as it consists mostly of metered on-street spaces that are in high demand. For a less stressful experience, look for the public parking structures located a few blocks inland; they offer more availability and let you enjoy the area on foot.

To avoid getting stuck in airport traffic loops, focus on using major surface streets immediately after exiting the rental facility. For El Segundo, head south on Sepulveda Boulevard. For Playa del Rey, head north on Sepulveda Boulevard and then west on Lincoln Boulevard. The key is to ignore the initial on-ramps for the 105 and 405 motorways and instead follow signs for these local boulevards, which will guide you out of the immediate airport vicinity efficiently.

The most straightforward motorway route to Long Beach is to take the I-105 East directly from the area near LAX. Stay on the I-105 for about 15 miles until you reach the interchange for the I-710. Take the I-710 South, which leads directly into downtown Long Beach. This route is a primary artery for traffic between the airport and the Long Beach area, making it well signed and relatively easy to navigate compared with more complex interchanges.

When driving in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to understand unprotected left turns, where you must give way to all oncoming traffic on a solid green light before turning. Be patient and wait for a safe gap before proceeding. Also pay close attention to road markings, as many lanes can abruptly become "turn-only" lanes. Watching the signs and lane markings well in advance will help you avoid being forced into an unintended turn, which is a common challenge for visitors.

A simple route to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is to take La Cienega Boulevard north from the LAX area. This major surface street will take you most of the way there, avoiding some motorway congestion. As you approach the museum on Wilshire Boulevard, the most convenient place to park is the museum’s own Pritzker Parking Garage, accessible from 6th Street. This underground car park puts you right at the museum campus, making it the preferred choice for most visitors.

When visiting Downtown LA attractions like The Broad and Grand Central Market, the best strategy is to park once in a central location. Many visitors use the public car park directly underneath Walt Disney Concert Hall, which is right opposite The Broad. Another excellent option is the large parking structure at Grand Central Market itself. Both locations allow you to leave your car for several hours and easily explore the surrounding cultural sites on foot.

An easy-to-follow route to Runyon Canyon is to take La Cienega Boulevard north, then head east on Sunset Boulevard or Hollywood Boulevard. However, the parking situation near the trailheads is extremely difficult. On-street parking in the surrounding residential neighbourhoods is scarce, heavily restricted, and strictly enforced. A more realistic plan is to park in a commercial garage further away, such as near Hollywood & Highland, and then walk or take a short rideshare to the canyon entrance.

For a straightforward and scenic drive to Malibu, the best route is to take Lincoln Boulevard north from the airport area. Lincoln Boulevard will seamlessly merge into the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), which you can then follow up the coast. This route keeps you along the ocean and avoids the winding, narrow canyon roads that connect the valleys to the coast. You can enjoy the stunning views and pull over at designated vista points without any complex navigation.

A simple plan for visiting Palos Verdes is to head south on Sepulveda Boulevard from LAX, which eventually becomes Palos Verdes Boulevard. A great first stop is the Point Vicente Interpretive Center, which is clearly signed and has a large, dedicated car park. This location offers stunning cliffside ocean views, a lighthouse, and walking trails. It’s an easy-to-find destination that serves as a perfect introduction to the peninsula’s beauty without requiring complex navigation on residential streets.

The easiest way to visit Beverly Hills by car is to use the city’s numerous public parking garages. Look for the blue "Public Parking" signs, which are plentiful throughout the commercial district. Many of these council-run structures offer a period of free parking, making them excellent value. By parking in one of these garages, such as the one on Brighton Way, you can leave your car for several hours and explore Rodeo Drive and the surrounding shops and restaurants on foot.

Driving to the Hollywood Bowl can be very congested, especially close to showtime. Many visitors avoid the hassle by using one of the Bowl’s official Park & Ride lots around the city, where you can park and take a dedicated shuttle directly to the venue. If you prefer to drive to the site, be aware that on-site parking is limited and often "stacked", meaning you may be blocked in until the cars around you leave. Arriving very early is essential if you plan to park at the Bowl itself.

A simple driving route from LAX to Dodger Stadium is to take the I-105 East to the I-110 North, which leads directly into the downtown area near the stadium. From there, follow the signs for Dodger Stadium exits. To avoid the worst traffic jams, plan to arrive at the stadium gates at least 90 minutes to two hours before the first pitch. This gives you plenty of time to navigate the stadium’s internal road system, find your parking area, and walk to your seat without feeling rushed.

A common navigation-friendly route to Burbank is to take the I-405 North to the US-101 East, and then connect to the CA-134 East. This all-motorway route is well signed for Burbank and the major studios. Parking is generally very straightforward, as major studios like Warner Bros. and Universal Studios Hollywood have large, dedicated parking structures specifically for tour guests and visitors. Simply follow the signs for "Tour Parking" as you approach the studio.

The easiest approach depends on your departure port. For the San Pedro terminal, take the I-110 South all the way to the end. For the Long Beach terminal, take the I-105 East to the I-710 South. Both routes are direct and well signed for the ports. Both ferry terminals have large, secure, multi-storey parking garages designed for overnight and multi-day parking, allowing you to safely leave your rental car while you visit the island.

A practical driving plan is to take the I-105 East to the I-605 North, then merge onto the I-10 East, which you’ll take for most of the journey. For an easy break, consider stopping in a city like Redlands, which has plenty of restaurants and petrol stations right off the motorway. To enter Palm Springs, take the Highway 111 exit from the I-10; this road becomes Palm Canyon Drive, the main thoroughfare through the heart of downtown, making for a simple and scenic arrival.

To manage sand and wet gear, it helps to have a system. Bring a large, durable tote bag or a collapsible laundry basket to contain sandy towels, toys, and chairs. Before loading the car, shake everything out thoroughly. It’s also wise to place a towel or a boot liner on the floor of the cargo area to catch any residual sand. This makes clean-up much easier and keeps the interior of the rental vehicle tidy throughout your trip.

Before leaving the lot, check a few key features in the cargo area. A low boot floor or tailgate sill makes it much easier to load heavy pushchairs and suitcases. Also look for a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, which gives great flexibility if you need to carry a long item while still using a child seat. Finally, check for a parcel shelf/cargo cover, which can be useful for keeping your belongings out of sight when the car is parked.

While LA motorways are generally well lit, exits can appear more quickly than you might expect, especially when traffic is light. Signage is posted well in advance, but it’s crucial to have your navigation app running with voice guidance turned on. This will give you audible warnings for your upcoming exit. Try to move into the correct lane at least a mile before your exit to avoid stressful, last-minute lane changes in unfamiliar territory.

During a dense marine layer, visibility can be most challenging on routes closest to the coast, such as Vista Del Mar through Playa del Rey and El Segundo. The I-405, particularly as it passes through the hills of the Sepulveda Pass, can also become enveloped in fog, reducing visibility of lane markings. In these conditions, it is essential to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and use dipped headlights to ensure you are visible to other drivers.

Travellers often make this decision based on cost and convenience. If your first few days are in a single, walkable area like Santa Monica, it may be more economical to take a rideshare from LAX and avoid daily parking fees. You can then rent a car from a neighbourhood National location for specific day trips later in your visit. However, if your plans involve exploring different areas from the start, picking up the car at LAX provides the most flexibility straight away.

The best strategy for a ‘park once’ day in Santa Monica is to use one of the large, centrally located public parking structures. The city operates several garages on 2nd Street and 4th Street, just a short walk from the beach. By parking here, you can easily access the Third Street Promenade for shopping, walk to the Santa Monica Pier, and enjoy the beach without ever needing to get back in your car. This approach saves time and removes the frustration of searching for parking at each stop.

For navigating tight parking garages in Los Angeles, a vehicle’s turning circle is often the most critical factor for manoeuvring up and down narrow, winding ramps. While most standard saloons and compact SUVs are perfectly fine, wider vehicles can make it challenging to stay within the lines of compact parking spaces. Height is typically only a concern for oversized vans or trucks with roof racks, as most standard vehicles will clear the height restrictions in public garages.

An excellent and easy meet-up point is the car park of the In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Boulevard, just north of the airport. It’s a well-known landmark, easy to find, and only a two-minute drive from the rental-car area. Another good option is a coffee shop or shopping centre in nearby El Segundo. These locations allow both cars to pull in, coordinate navigation, and ensure everyone is ready before heading onto the motorway together.

If you take a wrong turn and end up in the main airport loop, the most important thing is to stay calm and not make any sudden lane changes. The airport road system is a continuous circle, so you can’t get truly lost. Simply follow the overhead signs for "Departures" or "All Terminals". This will guide you around the loop, and you will eventually see the signs again for the motorway entrances or car-rental return area, allowing you to make a second attempt.

The best strategy is to get completely set up while you are still parked in the rental bay. Mount your phone securely, enter your destination in your navigation app, and start route guidance. Take a moment to look at the overview map to understand the first few turns. By enabling voice guidance before you even put the car in drive, you can focus on the road and receive clear, early instructions for lane changes, which greatly reduces stress.

Express lanes are clearly marked with large overhead signs that explicitly state "ExpressLanes" and display tolling information. They are typically separated from the general-purpose lanes by double solid white lines, which you are not meant to cross. To avoid entering one accidentally, simply stay in the main lanes of the motorway. Unless you have the required FasTrak transponder and understand the rules, it’s best to stick to the regular lanes.

To make valet-only parking more practical, try to plan your car trips in consolidated blocks rather than making lots of short trips. For example, run all your errands or do your sightseeing for the day in one outing. It’s also helpful to keep essential personal items, like a handbag or backpack, ready to go so you can quickly exit the vehicle. This minimises time spent at the valet stand and streamlines dropping off and collecting your car.

For a quick and easy break, drive a few minutes south on Sepulveda Boulevard into El Segundo or Manhattan Beach. This main road is lined with numerous coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, and petrol stations that have toilets and parking. These options are completely separate from the airport’s traffic pattern, allowing you to relax and regroup without the risk of getting pulled back into the confusing airport loop. It’s a simple way to get your bearings before starting your journey.

The least confusing approach is via the I-105. Whether you are coming from the north or south on the I-405, take the exit for the I-105 West towards LAX. As you approach the airport, the motorway lanes will split. Be sure to move into the right-hand lanes and follow the large overhead signs that specifically say "Rental Car Return". This dedicated roadway will guide you directly to the entrance of the National facility, bypassing terminal traffic.

The simplest plan is to allow plenty of extra time and get into the correct lane well in advance. As you travel west on Century Boulevard or the I-105, airport-bound traffic will slow considerably. As soon as you see the first signs for "Rental Car Return", move into the right-most lanes. It’s far less stressful to move over early and wait in a slow-moving lane than to attempt a difficult and potentially unsafe merge at the last second.

The correct sequence is to first follow the signs for "Departures" on the upper level of the airport loop. Drop your passengers and their luggage at the kerb for their specific airline terminal. After they are safely on their way, continue driving around the loop. Once you pass the last terminal (Terminal 8), keep right and follow the signs for "Rental Car Return", which will guide you off the main loop and directly to the National facility.

After you complete your vehicle return, you will board the National shuttle bus waiting at the facility. This shuttle provides complimentary service back to the airport terminals. The bus makes a continuous loop, stopping at every terminal in numerical order. Simply stay on the shuttle until the driver announces your airline or terminal number, and it will drop you off directly at the departures kerb.

Travellers often underestimate the time it takes to navigate traffic on the motorways and surface streets leading into LAX, which can be unpredictable. Another common time-sink is the vehicle check-in process itself, which can have a queue during peak periods. Finally, you must account for the time spent waiting for the shuttle bus to arrive and its travel time to the terminals, as it may make several stops before reaching yours. It’s wise to budget at least 30-45 extra minutes for this entire process.