Quick Summary:
- Exit arrivals, then follow signs for Rental Car Shuttles.
- Use kerbside shuttle islands and look for posted shuttle markings.
- Allow 20 to 40 minutes from gate to shuttle boarding.
- Keep booking details ready and confirm the pick-up point for your terminal.
Arriving at Los Angeles International Airport can feel hectic, especially if it is your first time collecting a car hire in the city. LAX is busy, spread out, and has more than one way to reach the shuttle pick-up kerb. The good news is that the process is predictable once you know what to look for: exit to the correct level, follow the “Rental Car Shuttles” signs, and head to the nearest marked shuttle island.
This guide focuses on practical, step-by-step directions from the international terminal area to the rental car shuttle pick-up points, plus a few time-saving tips that help you avoid unnecessary walking, backtracking, or queueing at the wrong kerb.
Know the basics before you leave the terminal
LAX terminals sit in a U-shaped loop road with kerbs on different levels. Most travellers collecting car hire will end up at a dedicated rental car shuttle pick-up area on the kerbside, then take a shuttle to the car rental facility.
Before you set off, do these quick checks:
1) Confirm your terminal and exit level. International arrivals typically process through the Tom Bradley International Terminal (often called TBIT), but some international flights arrive into other terminals. Check the terminal shown on the airport monitors and your airline app after landing.
2) Assume walking is possible, but plan for traffic. LAX kerbs get congested. Even if the shuttle stop is close, the shuttle may take time to arrive. Build in buffer time, especially if you land during late afternoon and early evening peaks.
3) Keep your essentials accessible. Have your driving licence, card, and reservation details easy to reach. If you need to call or message about a pick-up point, you do not want to unpack your entire carry-on at the kerb.
If you want to understand the wider pick-up flow in one place, start with car hire at Los Angeles LAX, which summarises location and collection expectations.
Step-by-step: from the international terminal area to the shuttle kerb
Step 1: Finish arrivals procedures and exit to the public area. After immigration and baggage claim, follow “Exit” signs. You will enter the public arrivals hall. Pause here to get oriented, as signage is easiest to read before you reach the kerb.
Step 2: Follow signs for “Rental Car Shuttles”. At LAX, the phrasing is usually “Rental Car Shuttles” or “Shuttles”. In some corridors you may see icons for buses. Keep following these signs until you reach the doors to the kerbside.
Step 3: Choose the correct kerb and crossing route. Many terminals have multiple door numbers along the kerb. If you are instructed to use a particular island or lettered stop, walk to that point on the same level rather than crossing traffic lanes repeatedly. If you must change sides of the roadway, use pedestrian crossings and watch for fast-moving vehicles.
Step 4: Find the shuttle island and wait in the marked queue area. Shuttle pick-up points at LAX are typically on islands or clearly designated kerb sections. Look for overhead signs and pavement markings indicating shuttles and rentals. Stand back from the kerb edge and keep luggage close, vehicles can pass close to the waiting area.
Step 5: Board and keep your reservation details handy. Drivers may ask which company you are travelling to, or direct you to a specific shuttle if multiple routes share the same island. Once onboard, keep documents accessible so you can check in smoothly when you arrive at the rental facility.
For travellers comparing vehicle options once they have mastered the logistics, you might find it useful to review SUV hire at Los Angeles LAX before finalising what you will pick up.
Terminal-by-terminal guidance (including TBIT)
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). After you exit customs and reach the public area, follow “Rental Car Shuttles” signage toward the kerb. You are aiming for the shuttle pick-up area on the arrivals side. If you feel unsure, look for airport staff near the doors, they can confirm the nearest shuttle island from your door number.
Terminals 1 to 8 (if your international flight arrives elsewhere). The pattern is similar: head to baggage claim, then exit to the arrivals kerb and follow shuttle signage. Some terminals have pick-up points slightly offset from the main passenger pick-up kerb, so keep walking until you see the marked shuttle zone rather than stopping at the first curb cut.
Inter-terminal transfers on foot. If you accidentally exit at the wrong door or terminal, do not panic. You can walk along the terminal frontage, but it may be crowded and uneven with luggage. Walking between adjacent terminals can be manageable, but if you have large cases or reduced mobility, it is usually better to ask staff for the simplest route to a shuttle stop from where you are standing.
How long does it take from landing to the shuttle?
The most common planning mistake is underestimating the time between touchdown and actually stepping onto the shuttle. For most international arrivals, a realistic range is 60 to 120 minutes from landing to shuttle boarding, depending on queues at immigration, baggage delivery speed, and how busy the kerb is when you exit.
Once you are outside and waiting at the shuttle island, allow roughly 10 to 30 minutes for a shuttle to arrive, then add travel time to the rental facility. At peak periods, the loop road traffic can slow shuttles considerably.
If you want a cost-conscious option after you arrive, read budget car rental in Los Angeles LAX so you can balance price with luggage space and comfort.
Kerbside pick-up tips that make the process smoother
Do not wait at passenger pick-up zones. It is easy to stand in the wrong place, especially if you follow crowds. Rental car shuttles have specific stopping points, and drivers may not be allowed to stop elsewhere.
Look up, not just at the kerb. Overhead signs and pole-mounted panels are often clearer than ground markings, particularly at night or in bad weather.
Keep your party together and visible. Shuttles can load quickly when they arrive. If one person is still inside buying a snack while the rest are at the kerb, you risk missing the shuttle and adding another wait cycle.
Have a plan for child seats. If you travel with a child seat, keep it accessible. Many travellers pack it at the bottom of a suitcase, then have to rearrange bags in public while shuttles come and go.
Choose the right vehicle size for luggage. International travellers often have more baggage than expected. If you have multiple large suitcases, consider an SUV or a larger vehicle class so loading at the facility is fast and safe. A broader option set is outlined at SUV rental California LAX.
If you have accessibility needs or heavy luggage
If you or someone in your group has reduced mobility, give yourself more time to exit the terminal and reach the shuttle island. Use lifts rather than escalators where possible, and ask airport staff to confirm the shortest step-free route to “Rental Car Shuttles”. If you are travelling with bulky sports gear or several cases, use a trolley from baggage claim if available, and keep one hand free for your documents and phone.
When the shuttle arrives, let other passengers clear the doorway before you lift luggage onboard. If you need help, ask the driver courteously, but expect that during very busy periods they may prioritise safe loading and quick departures.
FAQ
Where exactly do I catch Hola’s rental car shuttle at LAX? Exit your terminal to the arrivals kerb, follow “Rental Car Shuttles” signs, and wait at the marked shuttle island or posted pick-up point nearest your door.
Do I need to go to a different terminal to find the shuttle stop? Usually no. Each terminal area has access to rental car shuttle pick-up points, so start by following shuttle signage from the terminal you arrive into.
How much time should I allow from international arrival to shuttle boarding? Plan 60 to 120 minutes from landing to boarding for international arrivals, then add waiting and travel time depending on kerb congestion and traffic.
What should I do if I cannot find the “Rental Car Shuttles” signs? Go back inside to the nearest information point or ask airport staff by the exits. They can direct you to the closest shuttle island from your current door number.
