Quick Summary:
- Go down to Arrivals, collect bags, and exit to the kerb.
- Follow LAX-it signs, then walk or take the free shuttle.
- At LAX-it, find the off-airport rental shuttle area and queue.
- Board the Hola shuttle, then check in and collect your vehicle.
If you are landing at Los Angeles International Airport and arriving into Terminal 5, the route to Hola for car hire pick-up is straightforward once you know which signs to follow. LAX uses a designated pick-up area called LAX-it for many off-airport services, including rideshares and many rental shuttles. The key is to get yourself from Terminal 5 to LAX-it first, then use the correct waiting area for off-airport rental shuttles.
This guide focuses on practical, step-by-step directions, what to look for on the way, where to stand, and how to avoid the most common Terminal 5 mistakes, such as waiting at the wrong kerb or trying to meet a shuttle on the Departures level.
1) Start inside Terminal 5 and head to Arrivals
After you land at Terminal 5, follow the standard “Baggage Claim” signs downstairs to the Arrivals level. If you are already on Arrivals, stay there. Most passengers should collect any checked bags before going outside, because coming back into the terminal with luggage can be slower during busy periods.
Once you have your bags, look for the exits that lead to the kerb on Arrivals. At LAX, the kerbside area can be crowded, so take a moment to confirm you are on Arrivals rather than Departures. Arrivals is where you will find the most direct access to the LAX-it route from Terminal 5.
If you are comparing vehicle options for your Los Angeles trip, Hola’s LAX pages are a useful reference for what you can collect after pick-up, including larger vehicles such as van hire at LAX or minivan hire in California at LAX.
2) Leave Terminal 5 and follow signs for LAX-it
When you step outside on the Arrivals level, look up and scan for wayfinding that references LAX-it. At LAX, official signs often use “LAX-it” alongside icons for taxis and app-based rides. Even though you are not taking a rideshare, the LAX-it wayfinding still matters because it leads you to the correct pick-up zone for many off-airport shuttles.
From Terminal 5, you typically have two ways to reach LAX-it:
Option A: Walk. If you are travelling light, walking can be simplest. The walk is generally well signposted and avoids waiting for the internal shuttle. Expect a brisk walk, and allow extra time if you have multiple bags or children.
Option B: Use the free LAX-it shuttle. If you have heavy luggage or prefer not to walk, follow LAX-it signage to the shuttle pick-up area. You will see buses marked for LAX-it. Staff and kerbside attendants are often present during busy hours, and they can point you towards the right loading point for Terminal 5.
Whichever option you choose, the goal is the same: get to the LAX-it lot, then locate the off-airport rental shuttle zone inside that area.
3) Arrive at LAX-it and find the off-airport rental shuttle waiting area
LAX-it is a dedicated lot adjacent to the terminal loop. Once you arrive, do not assume every queue is for rental cars. LAX-it also serves taxis and rideshares, so you need the specific section for off-airport rental shuttles.
Here is how to orient yourself after you arrive:
Look for overhead signs that separate services. In most cases, you will see clearly labelled areas for taxis, rideshare pick-up, and shuttles. Head towards the section that indicates rental shuttles or off-airport rental car shuttles.
Use the posted bay or stop identifiers. Shuttle stops at LAX-it are typically organised by a bay number or letter. Stand near the signage for rental shuttles so drivers can see you clearly.
Keep your group together and stay kerbside. Shuttles often stop briefly. Having luggage ready and your party together reduces the chance of missing the shuttle while reorganising bags.
If you are travelling at peak times, allow extra minutes at LAX-it. Queues can build quickly, and traffic around the airport loop can slow down all shuttles. If you are planning onward travel beyond Los Angeles, it can help to understand how airport collections compare across the region, for example car rental at Santa Ana Airport (SNA) can feel calmer than LAX at rush hour.
4) Board the Hola shuttle and prepare for check-in
When the Hola shuttle arrives, confirm you are boarding the correct vehicle by checking the branding and, if needed, asking the driver. Airports can have multiple shuttles arriving together, so it is worth a quick verification before you load luggage.
Once on board, keep any essentials with you such as driving licence, payment card, and booking details. Even if you have already pre-arranged your car hire, you will usually need to show identification and complete any final paperwork at pick-up.
During the shuttle ride, you can use the time to decide what you will need at collection.
Driver documents. Ensure your driving licence is accessible. If you are visiting from overseas, confirm whether you have any additional licence documentation you normally carry.
Vehicle fit. Think about luggage volume, child seats, and passenger count. If you expect a lot of gear, larger options like people carriers or vans can make pick-up smoother because you are not trying to repack at the kerb.
Fuel and navigation. Decide whether you will rely on your phone, the vehicle’s built-in system, or offline maps. Signal can be patchy immediately around the airport roads.
For travellers weighing different vehicle types for Los Angeles driving, you can also compare typical use cases via car hire in California at LAX.
5) At the pick-up location: check-in, inspection, and leaving the airport area
On arrival at Hola’s pick-up location, follow staff instructions for check-in. The process is designed to get you on the road quickly, but a few small checks can save time later.
Confirm the booking details. Verify the driver name, rental period, and vehicle category. If you are adding extras such as additional drivers, ask to confirm costs and requirements before you sign.
Inspect the vehicle before you leave. Walk around the car and check for any visible marks. It is sensible to note any existing scuffs or scratches with staff straight away. Also check tyres and windscreen condition as part of a quick visual scan.
Set up your route before moving. LAX-area roads can be fast and busy, so it helps to enter your first destination while parked. If you are heading to a hotel near the terminals, expect short but congested links. If you are going further, you will likely join a major route quickly.
Ask about return instructions. Even if your focus now is pick-up, knowing the return procedure can reduce stress later, especially if your return is during peak airport hours.
Common Terminal 5 pitfalls and how to avoid them
Waiting at the wrong level. Many travellers stand on Departures thinking shuttles stop there. From Terminal 5, your most reliable route is via Arrivals and then to LAX-it.
Mixing up LAX-it queues. LAX-it is organised for multiple services. Make sure you are in the off-airport rental shuttle section, not the rideshare or taxi line.
Underestimating timing. Even when distances are short, traffic can cause delays. Build a buffer if you have dinner plans, timed tickets, or a long drive immediately after pick-up.
Not planning the right vehicle size. Los Angeles trips often involve more luggage than expected, especially if you are combining city time with beaches or national parks. If in doubt, consider whether a larger vehicle category is more practical for your car hire.
And if your trip includes other Southern California airports, it can be useful to note that pick-up logistics vary. For context on another airport process, car rental in Santa Ana (SNA) is typically less congested than LAX, which can change how you plan your arrival day.
FAQ
Do I need to go to LAX-it from Terminal 5 for Hola pick-up? In most cases, yes. From Terminal 5, LAX-it is the standard staging area to access many off-airport rental shuttles, including where you wait and board before heading to pick-up.
Where exactly should I wait at LAX-it? Wait in the area marked for off-airport rental shuttles, using the posted stop or bay identifiers. Avoid the rideshare and taxi queues, and stay kerbside so drivers can see you.
Can I walk from Terminal 5 to LAX-it with luggage? You can, especially with light luggage, but it may be uncomfortable with multiple bags. If you have heavy cases, the free LAX-it shuttle from Terminal 5 is usually the easier option.
How long does it take to get from Terminal 5 to pick-up? Timing varies by crowd levels and traffic. Allow enough time to reach LAX-it, wait for the shuttle, and travel to the pick-up location, with extra buffer at peak hours.
What should I have ready for car hire collection? Keep your driving licence, payment card, and booking details accessible. It also helps to know your party size and luggage needs so the vehicle category suits your Los Angeles plans.
