Hertz Car Rental
California

Once you have collected your luggage, exit the terminal on the arrivals level and look for the purple signs overhead 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 keeps you from having to navigate airport traffic on your own.

While timelines can vary depending on the number of arriving flights, it's wise to plan for a buffer. After deplaning, you will proceed through immigration, collect your bags, and then clear customs. This entire 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 the Hertz location, so factoring in around two hours from landing to driving away is a realistic expectation for planning purposes.

The most convenient meeting point is typically at the baggage claim carousel assigned to your flight. This allows everyone to gather their belongings in one central, indoor location. If your group is arriving at different terminals, a good alternative is to pick a specific numbered pillar outside on the arrivals level passenger pickup island. Once everyone has assembled, you can all proceed to the rental car shuttle stop together.

The easiest method is to use one of the large luggage carts available in the baggage claim area. You can load all your standard and oversized items onto a single cart and wheel it directly to the rental car shuttle stop. The Hertz shuttles are equipped with space to accommodate bulky items and strollers. Having all your gear on one cart makes boarding the shuttle a much smoother, one-step process for your group.

The most frequent point of confusion is realizing that the rental car facilities are not located within the airport terminals themselves. First-time visitors sometimes look for a rental counter inside, but all major companies, including Hertz, are located off-site. The key is to bypass any counters inside and head directly outside to the arrivals level roadway to find the purple signs for the dedicated rental car shuttles.

Your rental agreement will clearly state the specific parking stall number or row where your car is located. The lots are well-organized with large, easy-to-read signs for each row, typically marked with a letter and number system. Before heading into the lot, take a moment to check your documents or the information provided by the Hertz agent. This will allow you to walk directly to your assigned 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. This is a designated, safe area where you can park for free for a short time. It provides a calm environment to program your navigation, connect your phone to the car's system, and adjust your seats and mirrors without the pressure of being in traffic.

The most common mistake when leaving the rental car area is staying in the far left lanes on Sepulveda Boulevard. These lanes are often designated for re-entering the airport terminal loop, which can be frustrating for drivers trying to get away. To avoid this, make sure to move into the right-hand lanes as you leave the facility, following signs for Century Boulevard, which provides direct access to the I-405 and I-105 freeways.

For a straightforward, low-stress drive, take Sepulveda Boulevard north directly from the airport area. As you continue north, Sepulveda Boulevard will automatically become Lincoln Boulevard (State Route 1). This major surface street will take you directly into the heart of Santa Monica. This route allows you to avoid immediate freeway entry and the complex 405/10 interchange, making it ideal for a first-time driver in the area.

A great surface-street option is to take La Cienega Boulevard north. You can access it easily from the streets surrounding the airport, and it's a major thoroughfare that runs directly north into West Hollywood. This route helps you bypass the initial freeway chaos and offers a more gradual introduction to LA driving. While it may have traffic lights, it eliminates the need for high-speed merges and complex interchanges right after picking up your car.

The most direct and well-signed route is to take Century Boulevard east from the airport area to the I-105 East freeway. You will then merge onto the I-110 North, which has dedicated lanes that lead directly into Downtown Los Angeles. The signage for the I-110 North and its downtown exits is very clear. This path involves fewer freeway changes than other options, making it a less confusing choice for newcomers.

The most common route involves a few key transitions that you should prepare for. You will start on the I-105 East from the airport. The first major change is merging onto the I-605 South. After a relatively short drive on the 605, you will need to be ready to transition again to either the CA-91 East or the I-5 South, both of which lead to Anaheim. Using a GPS and watching the overhead signs closely for these freeway numbers is essential.

The best strategy is to call your hotel ahead of time and ask about their specific procedure for loading and unloading. Many hotels have a designated white or yellow curb zone for this purpose. It's helpful to have one person from your group ready to unload the luggage quickly while the driver remains in the vehicle. If the street is particularly busy, it may be easier to proceed directly to the hotel's parking garage and then handle your bags.

To avoid a frustrating search for street parking, the most practical option is to use the large, county-operated public parking lots located right at the beach. You can find them at the west end of Venice Boulevard and along the beachfront. While these lots require payment, they offer the most reliable and convenient parking, saving you time and allowing you to start enjoying the boardwalk and beach right away.

The key to a successful weekend visit is to arrive early, ideally before 10 a.m., to secure a spot. Your first choice should be the lot directly on the pier or the large beach lot just south of it. If those are already full, don't waste time circling; instead, head a few blocks inland to one of the multi-level public parking structures on 2nd Street or 4th Street. These almost always have space and are just a short, pleasant walk from the pier.

The most stress-free strategy is to park near the Greek Theatre at the bottom of the hill and take the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz shuttle up to the top. The parking lot at the observatory itself is small and fills up extremely fast, leading to long lines of cars waiting for a spot. By parking below and using the convenient, low-cost shuttle, you can avoid the traffic congestion and enjoy the views without the hassle of circling for a space.

A practical and popular option is the Brush Canyon Trail, which leads to a great vantage point behind the Hollywood Sign. This trailhead has a dedicated parking lot located at the end of Canyon Drive. However, it's important to arrive very early, especially on weekends, as this lot fills up quickly. It offers a more straightforward drive and parking situation compared to navigating the narrow residential streets near other trailheads.

For events at SoFi Stadium or the Forum, planning is crucial as they are very close to LAX. You must plan to leave much earlier than you think you need to, as traffic on Century, Prairie, and Manchester Boulevards becomes extremely heavy. It is highly recommended to pre-purchase a parking pass for a specific lot online before you go. This guarantees you a spot and provides a direct address for your GPS, preventing you from getting stuck in traffic while searching for parking.

The most common route is taking 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 prepared for the exit. The signs for Universal Studios Boulevard are large and prominent, but the exit itself comes up quickly. Following your GPS closely and looking for the specific exit signs for the theme park will guide you directly to the main entrance and parking structures.

The Getty Center is very easy to reach, as it has its own dedicated exit off the I-405 freeway called Getty Center Drive. The exit is clearly marked in both northbound and southbound directions. Once you exit, you will be guided directly into a large, multi-level underground parking garage. After parking your car, you will take a scenic, automated tram from the garage up the hill to the main museum campus.

The most straightforward way is to avoid the freeways initially. From the LAX area, take Lincoln Boulevard (State Route 1) heading north. This major road runs parallel to the coast and will take you through Marina del Rey and Venice. As you enter Santa Monica, Lincoln Boulevard will guide you directly to the on-ramp for the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), providing a seamless and easy-to-navigate transition onto the famous coastal route.

To ensure you stay on the coast, the simplest route is to first navigate to Santa Monica. From the LAX area, taking Lincoln Boulevard north is a direct path. Once in Santa Monica, follow the signs for the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as State Route 1 North. Simply stay on PCH as it winds along the coastline, and it will lead you directly through the entire stretch of Malibu, preventing any unintentional turns into the canyon roads.

A logical route to minimize backtracking is to work from west to east. Start by driving north from LAX to Santa Monica to enjoy the coast in the morning. From there, take a major eastbound street like Santa Monica Boulevard or Sunset Boulevard to drive through Beverly Hills. Continue heading east on Sunset Boulevard, which will lead you directly into the heart of Hollywood for the afternoon and evening. This creates a smooth, linear path across the city.

LA's express lanes, often seen on the I-110 and I-10 freeways, require a special transponder device to use as a solo driver. To avoid them, simply stay in the main, general-purpose lanes to the right. The entrances to these restricted lanes are clearly marked with overhead signs indicating "ExpressLanes" or "HOV Lane" and are separated from the main freeway by a solid double line. As long as you don't cross these lines, you will not enter them by mistake.

Many visitors are surprised by the very short freeway on-ramps, which require you to accelerate to traffic speed much faster than in other regions. Another common feature is that right-hand lanes can abruptly become "Right Turn Only" with minimal warning, requiring a quick lane change. It's also important to watch for signs indicating "No Right Turn on Red," which are common at busy intersections. Paying close attention to all road signs is key.

Most LA freeways are well-lit, but worn lane markings can sometimes be hard to see. The biggest adjustment for newcomers is the high speed of traffic, which continues even after dark. Because of this, you need to anticipate your exits well in advance. Using a GPS with clear voice commands is extremely helpful, as it allows you to focus on the traffic around you while being prepared for your next move.

When heavy rain occurs, the I-405 freeway is notorious for significant traffic slowdowns and water pooling in the outer lanes. The I-10 freeway heading toward Santa Monica can also experience similar issues. The rain and spray from other vehicles can make lane markings very difficult to see, especially at night. It's crucial to reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and be extra cautious on these major arteries during a storm.

Before heading to mountain destinations like Big Bear, it's essential to check the current road conditions on the Caltrans website or app. Weather can change quickly at higher elevations, and authorities may require vehicles to have snow chains. It's important to be comfortable with driving on winding mountain roads, which can be narrow. Also, ensure you have a full tank of gas before you start your ascent, as services can be sparse.

A mid-size or compact sedan often provides the best balance for driving in Los Angeles. These vehicles are nimble enough to navigate crowded streets and fit into the narrow parking spaces common in many garages and lots. At the same time, they offer enough comfort and space for longer day trips to places like San Diego or Santa Barbara. This category gives you versatility without the stress of maneuvering a large SUV in tight urban environments.

Before you load your luggage, take a moment to sit in the driver's seat and connect your phone to the car's primary USB port. The system should automatically detect your phone and prompt you to launch Apple CarPlay or Android Auto on the infotainment screen. If it doesn't, check the screen's menu for a "phone projection" or similar icon. Confirming this feature works before you start your journey ensures a seamless navigation experience.

The best place to install car seats is right in your assigned parking stall at the Hertz rental facility. This area is well-lit and out of the way of moving traffic, providing a safe and low-pressure environment. You can take all the time you need to ensure the seats are installed correctly and securely before you even load your luggage into the car. This is far safer and easier than trying to do it on the curb or at a busy gas station.

The LAX Cell Phone Waiting Lot is an ideal meetup point. It's located just a minute or two from the rental car facilities and offers free parking where both cars can pull in and coordinate. This allows you to set up your navigation, make sure everyone is ready, and leave together. An alternative is the parking lot of a large coffee shop or fast-food restaurant on Sepulveda Boulevard, just north of the airport.

You will find several major brand gas stations conveniently located along Airport Boulevard and Century Boulevard, which run parallel to the airport terminals. These stations are designed for high volumes of traffic, with large entrances and exits that make them easy to get in and out of. Using your navigation app to search for a gas station as you get within a few miles of LAX will show you multiple straightforward options right on your return path.

The key is to set your GPS specifically to the Hertz Car Rental return address, not just to "LAX." As you approach the airport, you will see large overhead signs for "Rental Car Return." Follow these signs diligently, as they will guide you onto dedicated roads, like Airport Boulevard, that bypass the congested terminal loop. This separate route is designed to lead you directly to the return facilities without getting mixed up in passenger drop-off traffic.

The process is quite simple if done in the correct order. First, follow the main airport signs to the terminals and proceed to the upper "Departures" level for your specific airline. After your passengers and their luggage are on the curb, continue following the loop around and look for signs that say "Airport Exit." Once you have exited the main terminal loop, you can then easily follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" to navigate to the Hertz facility.

To minimize stress during peak traffic, give yourself a significant time buffer—at least 30 to 45 minutes more than your GPS initially estimates. Consider using major surface streets like Sepulveda Boulevard or La Cienega Boulevard for your final approach instead of relying solely on the freeways, which can come to a standstill. Approaching from the south via Sepulveda can often be less congested than coming from the north or east during the afternoon rush.

Once you have completed your return, Hertz provides a complimentary shuttle service that runs in a continuous loop to all terminals. The shuttles have designated stops right at the rental facility. Simply board the next available bus, and it will take you to the airport's departures level. The shuttles stop at every terminal, so you can just relax and wait for the driver to announce your airline's stop.

A great option for a quick and iconic stop is the In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Boulevard, which offers a famous view of planes on their final approach to the runway. For something even quicker, the nearby towns of El Segundo or Manhattan Beach have shopping centers with coffee shops and eateries just a short drive away. These locations offer easy parking and are close enough to the airport that you can get back to the rental return without hitting major traffic bottlenecks.

To get the best start on your trip, plan to leave the Los Angeles area outside of peak commute times. The ideal window to begin your drive is typically between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on a weekday. This allows you to miss the intense morning rush hour and get clear of the metro area before the evening congestion begins to build. Leaving during this midday period will make the first leg of your journey significantly more relaxed and efficient.

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