Hertz Car Hire
California

Once you’ve collected your luggage, exit the terminal on the arrivals level and look for the purple overhead signs that read "Rental Car Shuttles". Wait at the designated island for the Hertz-branded shuttle bus, which runs frequently. The shuttle will take you directly to the off-site Hertz facility where your vehicle will be waiting. This process is designed to be straightforward and saves you from having to navigate airport traffic on your own.

Timings can vary depending on how many flights are arriving, so it’s wise to build in a buffer. After landing, you’ll go through immigration, collect your bags, and then clear customs. This whole process inside the terminal can take anywhere from one to two hours. From there, you’ll need to walk to the shuttle stop and take the short ride to Hertz, so allowing around two hours from landing to driving away is a realistic planning assumption.

The most convenient meeting point is usually the baggage reclaim carousel assigned to your flight. It keeps everyone in one central, indoor location while they collect their belongings. If your group is arriving at different terminals, a good alternative is to choose a specific numbered pillar outside on the arrivals-level passenger pick-up island. Once everyone has gathered, you can head to the rental car shuttle stop together.

The easiest method is to use one of the large luggage trolleys available in the baggage reclaim area. You can load all standard and oversized items onto a single trolley and wheel it straight to the rental car shuttle stop. The Hertz shuttles have space to accommodate bulky items and prams. Keeping everything on one trolley makes boarding the shuttle a much smoother, one-step process for your group.

The most common confusion is realising the car hire facilities are not located inside the airport terminals. First-time visitors sometimes look for a hire counter indoors, but all major companies, including Hertz, are off-site. The key is to skip any counters inside and go straight outside to the arrivals-level roadway to find the purple signs for the dedicated rental car shuttles.

Your rental agreement will clearly show the specific bay number or row where your car is parked. The lots are well organised with large, easy-to-read signs for each row, typically using a letter-and-number system. Before you head into the lot, take a moment to check your paperwork or the details given by the Hertz agent. That lets you walk straight to your allocated vehicle without any guesswork.

A great option is the LAX Cell Phone Waiting Lot, located at 6221 W 96th St, just a few minutes from the rental facilities. It’s a designated, safe area where you can park for free for a short time. It provides a calm place to set your navigation, connect your phone to the car system, and adjust seats and mirrors without the pressure of traffic.

A common mistake when leaving the rental car area is staying in the far-left lanes on Sepulveda Boulevard. Those lanes are often used to re-enter the airport terminal loop, which is frustrating if you’re trying to leave. To avoid that, move into the right-hand lanes as you exit the facility and follow signs for Century Boulevard, which provides direct access to the I-405 and I-105 motorways.

For a straightforward, low-stress drive, take Sepulveda Boulevard north directly from the airport area. As you continue, Sepulveda Boulevard becomes Lincoln Boulevard (State Route 1). This major surface road takes you straight into the heart of Santa Monica. It avoids immediate motorway entry and the complex 405/10 interchange, making it ideal for a first-time driver in the area.

A good surface-street option is to take La Cienega Boulevard north. It’s easy to reach from the roads around the airport and is a major route that runs straight up into West Hollywood. It helps you bypass the initial motorway chaos and eases you into LA driving. While you’ll encounter traffic lights, it avoids high-speed merges and complicated interchanges right after pick-up.

The most direct and well-signed route is to take Century Boulevard east to the I-105 East. Then merge onto the I-110 North, which has dedicated lanes leading into Downtown Los Angeles. Signage for I-110 North and the downtown exits is very clear. This route involves fewer motorway changes than other options, making it less confusing for newcomers.

The most common route includes a few key transitions to be ready for. You’ll start on the I-105 East. The first major change is merging onto the I-605 South. After a short stretch on the 605, you’ll need to transition again to either the CA-91 East or the I-5 South, both of which lead to Anaheim. Using GPS and watching overhead signs closely for those route numbers is essential.

The best approach is to call your hotel ahead of time and ask about their specific loading and unloading procedure. Many hotels have a designated white or yellow kerb zone. It helps to have one person ready to unload quickly while the driver stays with the vehicle. If the street is especially busy, it may be easier to go straight into the hotel car park and deal with the bags there.

To avoid a frustrating hunt for on-street parking, the most practical option is to use the large, county-operated public car parks right at the beach. You’ll find them at the west end of Venice Boulevard and along the beachfront. They’re paid, but they’re the most reliable and convenient choice, saving time and letting you get to the boardwalk and beach straight away.

The key is to arrive early, ideally before 10 a.m., to secure a space. Your first choice should be the car park on the pier itself or the large beach car park just south of it. If those are full, don’t waste time circling; head a few blocks inland to one of the multi-storey public parking structures on 2nd Street or 4th Street. They nearly always have availability and are an easy walk to the pier.

The least stressful strategy is to park near the Greek Theatre at the bottom of the hill and take the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz shuttle to the top. The observatory’s own car park is small and fills extremely quickly, creating long queues. By parking below and using the convenient, low-cost shuttle, you avoid congestion and enjoy the views without the hassle of searching for a space.

A practical and popular option is the Brush Canyon Trail, which leads to a great viewpoint behind the Hollywood Sign. The trailhead has a dedicated car park at the end of Canyon Drive. It’s important to arrive very early, especially at weekends, as it fills quickly. It’s generally a more straightforward drive and parking situation than the narrow residential streets near other trailheads.

For events at SoFi Stadium or the Forum, planning matters because they’re very close to LAX. You should leave much earlier than you think, as traffic on Century, Prairie, and Manchester Boulevards becomes extremely heavy. It’s strongly recommended to pre-purchase a parking pass for a specific lot online. That guarantees a space and gives your GPS a precise destination, so you don’t get stuck in traffic searching for parking.

A common route is to take the I-405 North to the US-101 South/East. As you drive through the Cahuenga Pass, stay in the right-hand lanes and be ready for the exit. The signs for Universal Studios Boulevard are large and clear, but the exit arrives quickly. Follow your GPS closely and look for the theme park exit signs to reach the main entrance and parking structures.

The Getty Centre is easy to reach because it has a dedicated exit from the I-405 called Getty Center Drive. It’s clearly signed in both directions. After you exit, you’ll be guided into a large, multi-level underground car park. Once parked, you take a scenic automated tram from the car park up the hill to the main museum campus.

The simplest way is to avoid the motorways at first. From the LAX area, take Lincoln Boulevard (State Route 1) heading north. This major road runs roughly parallel to the coast and takes you through Marina del Rey and Venice. As you enter Santa Monica, Lincoln Boulevard leads you to the on-ramp for the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), making the transition smooth and easy to follow.

To stay on the coast, the simplest plan is to head first to Santa Monica. From the LAX area, Lincoln Boulevard north is a direct route. Once in Santa Monica, follow signs for the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as State Route 1 North. Stay on PCH as it follows the shoreline and it will take you through the full stretch of Malibu, preventing accidental turns into canyon roads.

To minimise backtracking, travel from west to east. Start by driving north from LAX to Santa Monica to enjoy the coast in the morning. Then take a major eastbound road such as Santa Monica Boulevard or Sunset Boulevard through Beverly Hills. Continue east on Sunset Boulevard, which leads you into the heart of Hollywood for the afternoon and evening. It creates a smooth, linear route across the city.

LA express lanes, commonly found on the I-110 and I-10, require a special transponder for solo drivers. To avoid them, stay in the main general-purpose lanes on the right. Entrances are clearly marked with overhead signs such as "ExpressLanes" or "HOV Lane" and are separated from the main lanes by a solid double line. As long as you don’t cross those lines, you won’t enter by mistake.

Many visitors are surprised by very short motorway on-ramps, which require you to accelerate up to traffic speed much faster than in other places. Another common surprise is that right-hand lanes can suddenly become "Right Turn Only" with little warning, forcing a quick lane change. It’s also important to watch for "No Right Turn on Red" signs, which are common at busy junctions. Close attention to all road signs is essential.

Most LA motorways are well lit, but worn lane markings can sometimes be difficult to see. The biggest adjustment is the speed of traffic, which often stays high after dark. Because of that, you need to anticipate exits well in advance. A GPS with clear voice guidance is extremely helpful, as it lets you focus on surrounding traffic while staying prepared for your next move.

In heavy rain, the I-405 is notorious for major slowdowns and water pooling in the outer lanes. The I-10 towards Santa Monica can have similar issues. Rain and spray from other vehicles can make lane markings very hard to see, especially at night. It’s crucial to slow down, increase your following distance, and take extra care on these main routes during a storm.

Before heading to mountain destinations such as Big Bear, check current road conditions on the Caltrans website or app. Weather can change quickly at higher elevations, and authorities may require snow chains. Be sure you’re comfortable driving on narrow, winding mountain roads. Also, start your climb with a full tank, as services can be limited.

A mid-size or compact saloon often offers the best balance in Los Angeles. It’s nimble enough for crowded streets and fits into the narrow spaces common in many car parks and garages. At the same time, it’s comfortable and spacious enough for longer day trips to places like San Diego or Santa Barbara. It gives you versatility without the stress of manoeuvring a large SUV in tight urban areas.

Before loading your luggage, sit in the driver’s seat and connect your phone to the car’s primary USB port. The system should detect your phone and prompt Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on the infotainment screen. If it doesn’t, check the screen menu for "phone projection" or a similar option. Confirming it works before you set off helps ensure a smooth navigation experience.

The best place to fit child seats is in your assigned parking bay at the Hertz facility. It’s well lit and away from moving traffic, providing a safe, low-pressure environment. You can take the time you need to ensure the seats are installed correctly and securely before you even load your luggage. It’s much safer and easier than trying to do it at the kerb or at a busy petrol station.

The LAX Cell Phone Waiting Lot is an ideal meet-up point. It’s a minute or two from the rental facilities and offers free parking where both cars can pull in and coordinate. That gives you time to set up navigation, make sure everyone is ready, and leave together. Another option is the car park of a large coffee shop or fast-food restaurant on Sepulveda Boulevard just north of the airport.

Several major-brand petrol stations are conveniently located along Airport Boulevard and Century Boulevard, which run parallel to the terminals. They’re built for high traffic volumes, with wide entrances and exits that make them easy to use. If you search for a fuel station in your navigation app when you’re a few miles from LAX, you’ll see multiple straightforward options right along your return route.

Set your GPS to the specific Hertz Car Rental return address rather than simply "LAX". As you approach the airport, you’ll see large overhead signs for "Rental Car Return". Follow them closely as they guide you onto dedicated roads, such as Airport Boulevard, that bypass the congested terminal loop. This separate routing is designed to take you directly to the return facilities without mixing with passenger drop-off traffic.

It’s straightforward if you do it in the right order. First, follow the main airport signs to the terminals and go to the upper "Departures" level for your airline. After dropping passengers and luggage at the kerb, continue around the loop and follow signs for "Airport Exit". Once you’ve exited the terminal loop, you can then follow the "Rental Car Return" signs to the Hertz facility.

In peak traffic, build in a significant buffer—at least 30 to 45 minutes more than your GPS estimate. For the final approach, consider major surface streets such as Sepulveda Boulevard or La Cienega Boulevard rather than relying only on motorways, which can grind to a halt. Approaching from the south via Sepulveda is often less congested than coming from the north or east during the afternoon rush.

After you complete the return, Hertz runs a complimentary shuttle that loops continuously to all terminals. The shuttle stops are right at the rental facility. Board the next available bus and it will take you to the departures level at the airport. It stops at every terminal, so you can simply relax and wait for the driver to announce your airline’s stop.

A great quick and iconic stop is the In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Boulevard, known for views of planes on final approach. For something even quicker, the nearby areas of El Segundo or Manhattan Beach have shopping centres with coffee shops and places to eat just a short drive away. They offer easy parking and are close enough that you can return to the rental drop-off without hitting major traffic bottlenecks.

To get the best start, plan to leave the Los Angeles area outside peak commuting times. On a weekday, the ideal window is typically between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. That lets you miss the intense morning rush and get clear of the metro area before evening congestion builds. Leaving in this midday period makes the first leg of your trip much more relaxed and efficient.

Two common mistakes are underestimating LA traffic and leaving personal belongings in the car. Always allow more time than you think you’ll need for the return drive, especially if you also need to refuel. Another frequent error is following signs to the terminals instead of the specific "Rental Car Return" signs. To avoid this, use GPS set to the Hertz return address and, before you get out, thoroughly check the glove box, centre console, and back seats for any personal items.