Quick Summary:
- Follow terminal signs for “Rental Car Shuttles” on the arrivals level.
- Use the authorised shuttle to the consolidated rental car facility.
- Allow 30 to 60 minutes extra time during afternoon traffic peaks.
- Keep licence, card, and booking details handy before boarding shuttles.
Los Angeles International Airport, better known as LAX, is large, busy, and spread across multiple terminals. The good news is that getting to your rental car pick-up is straightforward once you know where to stand, which signs to follow, and how much time to allow. This guide explains the most common routes from each terminal area to the rental car pick-up, plus practical tips for families, late arrivals, and anyone trying to keep the process calm.
At LAX, most major rental companies operate via shuttle transport from the terminal area to an off-airport rental car location, increasingly centred around a consolidated facility. The exact pick-up address depends on the provider, but the first steps are similar for almost everyone: exit to the arrivals level, follow the ground transportation signage, and board the correct authorised shuttle.
If you are arranging car hire through a comparison site, you will usually receive instructions telling you which shuttle to board and where the rental desk is located. If you are using Hola Car Rentals for trips beyond Los Angeles, it can help to see how airport pick-ups are typically organised at other hubs, for example Dallas DFW airport car rental or Philadelphia PHL car rental pick-up, where clear signage and shuttle zones are similarly important.
Step by step from your terminal to the rental car shuttle
1) Collect your bags first (if you checked luggage). At LAX, the rental car shuttles are accessed outside the terminal, so it is easier to have everything with you before you exit.
2) Go to the arrivals level (lower level) and look for ground transportation signs. You may see signs for “Shuttles”, “Hotel and Parking Shuttles”, and “Rental Car Shuttles”. Follow the rental car directions when available.
3) Find the marked pick-up point for rental car shuttles. LAX uses kerbside areas with signage and sometimes lettered or numbered pillars. Because terminal areas can be crowded, it helps to pause and confirm you are in the correct zone before you join a queue.
4) Board the correct authorised shuttle. Many rental car shuttles are branded with the company name. If more than one shuttle serves a shared facility, check the front display and ask the driver to confirm they stop at your company counter or the consolidated rental car centre.
5) At the rental car facility, follow signs to the desks or the car pick-up area. Some companies have a counter, others use a kiosk, and some are “skip the counter” style if you have already completed details online. Regardless, you will generally need your driving licence, payment card, and reservation reference.
Where you might be asked to go: rental shuttles and LAX-it
Travellers sometimes confuse the rental car shuttles with the LAX-it area. LAX-it is primarily for app-based ride services and taxis, not for standard rental car pick-up. If you accidentally follow the crowd to LAX-it when you actually need a rental car shuttle, you may have to backtrack and lose time.
To avoid that, focus on any sign that explicitly says “Rental Car Shuttles” or the specific rental brand. If you are uncertain, ask an airport staff member at the kerbside, it is faster than waiting in the wrong queue.
How long it takes and when to add extra buffer
The shuttle ride itself can be quick in light traffic, but LAX is known for congestion, especially in the afternoon and early evening. A realistic rule is to allow additional time for three things: waiting for a shuttle, travelling out of the terminal loop, and queueing at the counter.
As a planning baseline, consider these typical time ranges:
Terminal exit to boarding a shuttle: 5 to 20 minutes, depending on crowds and frequency.
Shuttle travel time: 10 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic and the number of stops.
Rental counter and vehicle collection: 10 to 40 minutes, depending on staffing, queue length, and vehicle class availability.
If you are arriving late evening, you may face fewer queues but reduced staffing. If you are arriving mid afternoon, expect the opposite: higher staffing but heavier traffic and longer lines.
What to have ready before you reach the counter
LAX counters move fastest when customers have the essentials ready. Pack these items where you can reach them without unpacking your entire carry-on:
Your driving licence, including any required international permit if applicable.
The payment card you intend to use for the deposit and rental charges.
Your reservation details, ideally saved offline in case of poor mobile signal.
Names of additional drivers, if you plan to add them at the desk.
This preparation matters for car hire at any airport, whether you are picking up in Los Angeles or elsewhere, such as car hire at New York JFK, where busy arrival banks can create similar bottlenecks at peak times.
Families, groups, and travellers with lots of luggage
If you are travelling with children, multiple suitcases, or sports gear, the shuttle stage can feel like the hardest part. A few practical tactics help:
Keep your group together on the kerbside so nobody is left behind when a shuttle arrives.
Use a luggage trolley inside the terminal, then consolidate bags before you exit.
If you need child seats, check whether your rental company provides them at the counter or requires advance arrangement. It is easier to sort that out at the facility than trying to manage it kerbside.
When you reach the car, take a moment to organise luggage placement and seat adjustments in the facility car park rather than immediately entering airport traffic.
Accessibility and mobility support
LAX shuttles are generally designed to accommodate travellers with mobility needs, but it is still wise to build in extra time. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, you can ask airport staff to point you to the most suitable pick-up point and confirm the next shuttle arrival. At the rental facility, let staff know what you need before the vehicle assignment is finalised, especially if you require hand controls or a specific vehicle height for easier entry.
Returning a car at LAX later: why pick-up instructions matter
Even though this article focuses on getting to pick-up, it helps to understand the return flow early. Most returns happen at the rental facility rather than at the terminals. After returning the vehicle, you will take a shuttle back to your LAX terminal for departures. Knowing that your return involves a shuttle can influence how much time you allow on the day you fly home.
These shuttle-based airport patterns are common across the US. For instance, travellers using Payless car hire in San Francisco SFO often see similar shuttle zoning, while other airports may have on-site garages connected by walkways.
Tips to avoid the most common LAX rental car mistakes
Do not follow ride-share signs when you need rental car shuttles. LAX-it is not the same thing.
Do not assume every rental brand shares the same shuttle stop. Confirm the branding and destination.
Do not leave the terminal without all bags if you checked luggage. Returning inside is frustrating and slow.
Do not underestimate traffic in the terminal loop. Even a short distance can take time.
Do not skip photographing the car at pick-up. A quick walkaround photo set protects you later.
What if your flight arrives internationally?
International arrivals typically involve immigration, baggage claim, and customs before you exit. That can add substantial time before you even reach the kerbside shuttle area. Once you are landside, the rental car shuttle steps are the same, but factor in that you may arrive at the facility later than expected. If you land during a busy wave of arrivals, you may see longer counter queues.
If you are jet-lagged, consider taking a brief pause after you collect the keys. Adjust mirrors, set your navigation, and review the route out of the facility before driving. Los Angeles roads can feel intense if you have not driven in the US recently.
How to choose the best car hire set-up for your itinerary
Your pick-up experience will be smoother if your vehicle choice matches your trip. For city driving and shorter stays, a compact car can be easier to handle in tight car parks. For families or long coastal drives, extra boot space reduces stress. If you are planning a multi-stop holiday elsewhere in the US, it can be helpful to compare how vehicle categories and pick-up flows vary by airport, including Alamo car rental at Washington IAD, where facilities may differ but the same preparation principles apply.
Finally, always read the pick-up section of your confirmation carefully. At airports like LAX, the difference between “shuttle from terminal” and “walk to garage” completely changes the timing. With the right expectations, getting from LAX to your rental car pick-up is a process you can complete confidently, even during the airport’s busiest hours.
FAQ
Where do I catch the rental car shuttle at LAX? Go to the arrivals level outside your terminal, then follow signs for “Rental Car Shuttles” and wait at the marked kerbside pick-up point.
Is LAX-it for rental car pick-up? No. LAX-it is mainly for taxis and app-based ride services. Rental cars are typically reached via dedicated rental car shuttles.
How much time should I allow from landing to picking up my car? Many travellers allow 45 to 90 minutes, depending on baggage, shuttle waits, traffic, and counter queues, with more time during peak afternoons.
What documents do I need at the rental counter? Bring your driving licence, a payment card for the deposit, and your reservation details. Some renters may need an international driving permit.
What if I cannot find the right shuttle stop? Ask airport staff at the kerbside to point you to the rental car shuttle area, then confirm the shuttle destination with the driver before boarding.
