Quick Summary:
- Exit Terminal 5 baggage claim, follow purple “Rental Car Shuttles” signs.
- Go outside to the kerb, then walk to the nearest shuttle island.
- Allow 10–20 minutes total, longer at peak afternoon flights.
- Board the correct branded bus, confirm terminal and destination before boarding.
If you have just landed at Los Angeles International Airport and you are arriving into Terminal 5, getting to the rental car shuttles is mostly about following the right signs and choosing the correct kerbside pickup point. LAX is busy, kerbsides can be crowded, and shuttle stops are organised into numbered islands. This guide walks you through the exact steps, what you should see on the way, typical timings, and the common mistakes that slow people down.
1) Start at Terminal 5 Arrivals and orient yourself
After you leave the aircraft, follow the overhead signs for “Baggage Claim” and “Arrivals”. Terminal 5 funnels most arriving passengers to the lower level where the baggage belts and ground transportation exits are located.
As you walk, look for the purple ground transportation wayfinding. At LAX, purple signage commonly points to off-airport transport options, including “Rental Car Shuttles”. The wording can vary slightly by corridor, but “Rental Car Shuttles” is the key phrase you want.
If you are meeting others, agree to rendezvous inside by a specific baggage carousel number first. Once outside, it is much louder and more chaotic, and it is easy to miss each other.
2) Collect luggage and head to the correct exit doors
At baggage claim, collect all bags before you head outside. Re-entering later to grab a missed suitcase costs time because you may need to navigate back through crowds and doorways.
When you are ready, look for doors leading to the kerb. The exits are usually between carousels and are marked for ground transportation. As you approach the doors, you should see the purple “Rental Car Shuttles” direction indicators either overhead or on nearby pillars.
Keep your party together, especially if you have children or multiple cases. The next part involves a short outdoor walk alongside traffic, and it is easier if one person leads while another watches the bags.
3) Go to the kerbside pickup islands for shuttles
Once you step outside Terminal 5, you will be on the arrivals level kerb with multiple lanes of traffic. LAX generally uses “islands” or waiting areas along the kerb for buses and shuttles, with signs that list which services stop there.
Look for a nearby island sign that includes “Rental Car Shuttles”. In many cases, you will need to walk a short distance along the kerb to reach the nearest island that serves rental car buses. Watch for the posted island numbers and service listings. If you see an island sign listing hotel shuttles only, keep walking to the next one rather than waiting in the wrong place.
Practical tip, do not stand in the roadway or at the edge of the lane. Keep to the marked island area, as buses pull in and out quickly and drivers expect passengers to remain behind the kerb until boarding.
4) Know which shuttle you need: consolidated facility versus off-airport brands
LAX has been transitioning rental car operations toward a consolidated rental car facility (often referred to locally as the consolidated rental car centre). Depending on the date, your provider, and how they are operating that week, you may be taking either a dedicated rental car shuttle for a brand, or a shuttle to the consolidated facility where multiple providers are available.
The key step is to identify the right bus when it arrives. Rental shuttles are typically large buses with clear branding. Some will say the company name on the side, others will be labelled more generally for rental car connections. If the bus is not clearly marked, ask the driver before loading luggage.
If you are arranging car hire through Hola Car Rentals for Los Angeles, the information on your confirmation will normally tell you whether your pickup is at an off-airport location, a facility connected by shuttle, or within a consolidated centre. For more context on options, see car hire at Los Angeles LAX.
5) Step-by-step walk: Terminal 5 arrivals to the shuttle stop
Here is the route in simple steps, assuming you are starting at the baggage claim level in Terminal 5:
Step 1: From baggage claim, face the exits to the kerb and locate purple “Rental Car Shuttles” signage.
Step 2: Exit through the doors to the outside kerb, staying on the arrivals level.
Step 3: Turn left or right as needed to reach the nearest shuttle island that lists rental car services. The correct direction depends on which doors you exit from, so use island numbers and the service list as your truth source.
Step 4: Stand within the marked island area, with luggage close, and prepare to load quickly when the bus arrives.
Step 5: When a bus approaches, read the side and front signage. Confirm with the driver that it is for your rental provider or the rental car facility you need.
Step 6: Board, store luggage as directed, and keep your booking details handy in case the driver asks where you are going.
Once you are on the correct shuttle, you are done with the hardest part. The rest is waiting out traffic and then following staff instructions at the pickup facility.
Typical timings and what affects them
People often ask for a single number, but the timing is a combination of walking time, waiting time, and driving time.
Walking from baggage claim to an appropriate island: Usually 3–8 minutes, depending on which carousel you are at and how far you must walk along the kerb.
Waiting for the shuttle: Often 5–15 minutes. At very busy times, it can be longer if buses are full or traffic is heavy.
Shuttle ride time: Commonly 10–25 minutes. Traffic within the central terminal area can be slow, especially mid-afternoon through early evening and on holiday weekends.
Altogether, a realistic expectation from Terminal 5 arrivals to arriving at the rental location is around 20–45 minutes. If you need to meet a deadline, plan for the higher end. If you are travelling with a group and need a larger vehicle, allow a bit more time for pickup processing. Hola also lists options for larger vehicles at LAX, including van rental in California at LAX.
What signage to follow, and what to ignore
The most helpful signs from Terminal 5 are the purple wayfinding signs that mention “Rental Car Shuttles”. When you are outside, the island signs are your best confirmation because they tell you which services stop at that exact point.
Be careful not to confuse rental car shuttles with hotel shuttles. The stops can look similar, and a hotel bus can arrive more frequently, which tempts people to board without checking. If your bus does not explicitly mention rental cars or your provider, ask.
Also avoid following rideshare pickup directions unless you actually need a rideshare. Rideshare pickup procedures can change, and the pickup areas are not the same as rental shuttle islands.
Common problems at Terminal 5 and how to avoid them
Problem 1, waiting at the wrong island. Solution, read the island sign carefully and look for rental car wording, not just “shuttle”.
Problem 2, boarding the wrong brand shuttle. Solution, confirm the name on the bus and ask the driver a simple question before loading bags.
Problem 3, underestimating traffic. Solution, add buffer time, especially if you arrive during the afternoon and early evening peaks.
Problem 4, splitting up outside. Solution, regroup at baggage claim, then move as one unit to the island.
If you are comparing suppliers for car hire, Hola provides LAX options with well-known brands. For example, you can review Dollar car hire at Los Angeles LAX and Payless car hire at Los Angeles LAX to understand what pickup instructions typically look like for different operators.
Accessibility and travelling with children
Terminal 5 kerbsides are busy but generally manageable with prams, wheeled suitcases, and mobility aids. Use lifts and ramps inside the terminal where available, and avoid trying to weave through crowds at the doorway. If someone in your party needs extra assistance, consider waiting slightly back from the kerb until the bus is fully stopped and the driver signals it is safe to approach.
With children, the main challenge is the combination of noise, traffic, and multiple lanes. Keep children on the inside of the island area, away from the kerb edge, and have one adult focus on boarding while another keeps the group together. If you have a car seat, keep it accessible, some rental locations will ask about it during pickup, even if it rides with you on the shuttle.
What to do after you arrive at the rental car facility
Once the shuttle drops you off, follow the signs to your provider’s counter or check-in area. Some locations separate the customer queue, the vehicle selection area, and the exit booth. Have your driving licence, payment card, and booking details ready to keep things moving.
Before you drive away, do a quick walkaround check and photograph any pre-existing marks. It is also worth taking a moment to set your sat nav before leaving the lot, because the first few junctions around LAX can be confusing if you are new to Los Angeles driving.
FAQ
Do I need to go upstairs or stay on the arrivals level at Terminal 5? Stay on the arrivals level for baggage claim and then exit to the kerb for rental car shuttles. The shuttle islands are accessed from the lower, arrivals kerb.
How long does it take from Terminal 5 arrivals to reaching the rental car shuttle? The walk is usually under 10 minutes, but waiting can add 5–15 minutes. In total, many travellers reach a shuttle within about 10–25 minutes.
What exact signs should I follow to find the shuttle stop? Follow the purple wayfinding signs that say “Rental Car Shuttles”, then confirm at the kerb by reading the island sign listing which services stop there.
Can I walk to the rental car facility from Terminal 5? For most travellers, walking is not practical due to distance, roads, and terminal traffic patterns. The standard method is to use the authorised rental car shuttle service.
What if I accidentally get on the wrong shuttle? Tell the driver immediately. If you are already moving, you may need to exit at the next safe stop and return to the terminal or transfer, so checking the bus branding before boarding saves time.
