Quick Summary:
- Ride the Metro B Line from Union Station to Aviation/LAX.
- Transfer to the free LAX Shuttle G to reach terminals.
- Use the LAX Rental Car shuttle from your terminal to pick-up.
- Allow 60 to 90 minutes, more at peak traffic.
Getting from Union Station to rental car pick-up at LAX can feel confusing because there are multiple shuttles and the airport road system is busy. The good news is you can do it with a straightforward, repeatable plan using Metro rail plus LAX shuttles, with no guesswork.
This guide lays out the steps in order, what to look for at each transfer, and how much time to allow. It is written for travellers arriving at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles who need to reach LAX for car hire pick-up, either at the terminal shuttle stop or the consolidated rental facility, depending on your provider.
Step 1: Start at Union Station and choose Metro rail
From Union Station, your simplest public transport backbone is Metro Rail. Union Station is a major hub, so build in a few minutes to find the Metro entrance and tap your fare card. Follow signs for the Metro B Line (formerly Red Line). Staffed information points are common in the main concourse, but you can also follow the purple and red Metro wayfinding.
Why this route? It avoids downtown traffic, it runs frequently, and it puts you in position to connect to the airport shuttle network without needing a taxi or rideshare.
Step 2: Take the Metro B Line to 7th Street/Metro Center
Board a Metro B Line train heading towards North Hollywood and travel two stops to 7th Street/Metro Center. This is the key transfer point because it connects you to the Metro A Line (formerly Blue Line) which runs south towards the Aviation/LAX area.
Keep your luggage close during the transfer. In most cases you will stay within the same station complex, but you may need a short walk along platforms and corridors. Allow about 5 to 10 minutes if you are not familiar with the station.
Step 3: Transfer to Metro A Line and ride to Aviation/LAX
At 7th Street/Metro Center, switch to the Metro A Line heading towards Long Beach. Stay on until the Aviation/LAX Station. This leg is typically the longest portion of the trip, so use it to organise what you will do next, such as confirming which terminal your airline uses, or which rental company you are collecting from.
If you want to review LAX pick-up expectations ahead of time, Hola Car Rentals has an overview page for airport collection at Los Angeles LAX car rental.
Step 4: At Aviation/LAX, find the LAX Shuttle signposts
When you arrive at Aviation/LAX Station, exit towards the designated shuttle area for LAX buses. This is where many travellers get turned around, so focus on two details: the bus letter and the direction it serves.
Look for the free LAX Shuttle G. This shuttle connects Aviation/LAX Station with the LAX terminals. Signage at the stop should clearly list the bus letter and its destination. If you are unsure, ask the driver before boarding.
Step 5: Ride LAX Shuttle G to your terminal
Board Shuttle G and stay on until your terminal. The shuttle typically loops through the terminal area, so travel time depends on traffic and how many stops occur before yours. Plan for variability, especially in late afternoon and early evening.
Once you get off at your terminal, you have reached the airport system. From here, you will follow LAX’s rental car process, which usually involves a separate rental car shuttle. Some companies have slightly different procedures, but the next step remains the same in practice: locate the rental car shuttle stop and ride it to the pick-up facility.
Step 6: Find the Rental Car shuttle stop outside the terminal
After you arrive at your terminal, follow airport signs for “Rental Cars” or “Shuttles”. LAX generally has clearly marked islands or kerbside stops for shuttle buses. The rental car shuttle is distinct from hotel shuttles and public transport shuttles, so check the signage on the pole and the bus headsign.
Tip: do not assume the first shuttle you see is correct. Take ten seconds to confirm the bus is for rental cars and that it serves your company or the consolidated rental facility. If you are collecting from a major provider, you can also check brand-specific pages such as National car hire at LAX or Payless car hire at LAX to understand what pick-up typically looks like.
Step 7: Ride the rental car shuttle to the pick-up facility
Board the rental car shuttle and keep your bags handy. Depending on LAX operations and ongoing infrastructure changes, you may be taken to a consolidated rental facility or to an off-airport location managed by your provider. Either way, the shuttle ride is the final transfer before you reach the rental counter and vehicle collection area.
When you arrive, follow signs for your rental brand, then queue for the counter or proceed to the designated area for pre-arranged collections. If you need a quick reference for airport rental options, you can compare providers via Alamo car hire at LAX or the general LAX car rental page.
How long does the full trip take?
A realistic end-to-end estimate from Union Station to the rental car counter is 60 to 90 minutes, assuming normal Metro headways and moderate airport traffic. The biggest variables are waiting time for the A Line at 7th Street/Metro Center, and the speed of the terminal loop once you board Shuttle G. If you are travelling during peak commuter hours or arriving when flights bank heavily, add extra buffer.
Practical tips to avoid common mistakes
Do not skip the terminal step. Many travellers assume there is a direct public transport shuttle from Aviation/LAX straight to rental cars. In most cases you will first reach a terminal, then switch to the rental car shuttle network.
Keep track of your terminal. Even if you are not flying, the rental car shuttle pick-up is organised by terminal kerbside stops. Knowing the closest terminal for your intended shuttle stop reduces wandering with luggage.
Pack for short walks. Transfers at 7th Street/Metro Center and at LAX kerbside can involve ramps, kerbs, and crowds. A wheeled suitcase and a smaller day bag you can keep in front of you will make movement easier.
Allow extra time for late-night arrivals. Metro runs later than many city services, but frequencies can drop. If you arrive at Union Station late, factor in longer waits between trains and shuttles.
What if you are heading to a different Southern California airport?
If your plans change and you need car hire from another airport, the process can differ significantly. For example, Santa Ana is smaller and often quicker to navigate than LAX. If that is relevant to your itinerary, see Santa Ana SNA car rental or SNA SUV rental to understand typical pick-up flows.
FAQ
Is there a direct train from Union Station to LAX terminals? No. You can reach the Aviation/LAX area by Metro rail, then use the free LAX Shuttle G to get to the terminals, followed by the rental car shuttle to the pick-up facility.
Where do I catch the LAX Shuttle G at Aviation/LAX Station? Exit the station towards the signed shuttle area and look for the stop labelled for LAX Shuttle G. If multiple buses are present, confirm with the driver before boarding.
Do I have to go to a terminal to get the rental car shuttle? In most cases, yes. The rental car shuttle pick-up is typically at terminal kerbside shuttle stops, so you ride Shuttle G to a terminal first and then transfer.
How much time should I allow from Union Station to car hire pick-up? Plan 60 to 90 minutes in typical conditions. Add extra buffer during peak traffic, late afternoons, or if you have mobility needs or lots of luggage.
What should I do if I end up at the wrong terminal? Stay calm and use the terminal loop shuttles to move to the correct stop, or ask an airport staff member where the rental car shuttle island is for your location. Terminals are close, but walking kerbside with bags is slow.
