Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Car Rental | AirportVanRental

08/04/202508/07/2025

Why rent a car at Los Angeles International Airport

Ready to find your perfect LAX ride? Use the search form above to compare real-time rates from rental companies at LAX. Just enter your travel dates and pick-up time, in seconds you’ll see deals on everything from compact cars to spacious SUVs. You can filter by car type or brand to pinpoint exactly what you need. Booking is fast and flexible: reserve now, pay later at pick-up, and enjoy free cancellation if your plans change. Lock in a low rate today so your car will be waiting when you arrive at LAX!

LAX Car Rental Quick Info:

  • Available Vehicle Types: Economy, Compact, Midsize, Full-Size, SUVs, Minivans, Luxury cars, a full range to suit your trip.
  • Lowest Daily Rates: Starting around $29/day for an economy car (book early to grab the best deals).
  • Rental Companies at LAX: 10+ major brands including Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, National, Thrifty, Dollar and more, all offering free shuttle service from the terminals.

Tips for Renting a Car at LAX

  • LAX Pick-Up Location: After landing, exit baggage claim and look for the purple “Rental Car Shuttles” signs on the Lower/Arrivals curb outside your terminal. Each rental company runs its own free shuttle bus. They pick up frequently (24/7) and will take you to the off-site rental car lot in about 5–10 minutes. No need to call, just wait at the sign and hop on the shuttle of your chosen company.
  • Returning Your Car: Follow the “Rental Car Return” signs when approaching the airport area, most rental lots are along Airport Blvd or Century Blvd just outside LAX. Aim to arrive a bit early when returning, especially during peak times. After you drop off the car, shuttles will take you back to your departure terminal. The shuttle ride back to the terminals also takes ~10 minutes, so build in that time.
  • Plan for Traffic: Los Angeles traffic is famous (infamous, really). If you’re driving out of LAX during weekday rush hours (7–10 AM or 4–7 PM), expect delays on the 405 or 105 freeways. Give yourself extra time and use a GPS navigation app to find the quickest route. On weekends, traffic can still be heavy around beach areas or events, so stay flexible. Patience is key, embrace the LA vibe and some good music or podcasts for the ride.
  • Fuel Up Before Drop-Off: Most rentals come with a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you should refill the tank before returning to avoid high refueling fees. Gas stations right next to LAX tend to be pricey. Instead, stop a few miles out: for example, stations on La Tijera Blvd or Sepulveda Blvd often have better prices. Plan a quick fuel stop on your way to the airport so you can return the car full and save money.
  • Tolls & Passes: There are no mandatory toll roads around LAX or in most of Los Angeles. The major highways are free. (Express lanes on some freeways exist, but you can avoid those or they’ll charge separately if used.) If you plan to drive to Orange County or elsewhere in California, ask about toll options. Some Orange County highways have tolls (e.g. 73, 133) but you can pay online or have the rental car’s toll pass activated if needed. In general, tolls aren’t a big concern for an LAX rental, just something to keep in mind if you venture further.
  • Age Restrictions: Drivers under 25 can rent at LAX but will pay a young driver surcharge in most cases. Typically, you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car here. If you’re 21-24, budget for the additional fee (approximately $25-$30/day depending on company). Only a few agencies rent to under-21 drivers, usually with steep fees and restrictions. Ensure the driver’s license and credit card names match to avoid issues at pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Almost all major rental brands operate at LAX. You’ll find familiar names like Hertz, Avis, Alamo, Budget, Enterprise, National, Thrifty, Dollar, Fox, Sixt and others. In fact, LAX has around 10-12 rental companies with locations serving the airport. They all provide free shuttle service from the terminal to their facilities. When you search with AirportVanRental, you’ll see offers from all these providers in one place, so you can compare prices and choose the best deal easily.

Rental car pickup at LAX is handled via shuttle to off-site locations. After you collect your luggage, head outside to the center island at arrivals and look for the purple “Rental Car Shuttles” sign for your terminal. Each company’s shuttle stops there (they usually have the company name on the bus). Board the shuttle for your rental company; it’s a short 5-10 minute ride to the lot where you’ll pick up your car. The shuttle drops you right at the rental office or car pickup area. It’s a very straightforward process, just be sure to keep an eye out for your agency’s shuttle, as multiple companies operate buses in that area.

Prices can range widely based on car type and season. Economy cars might be around $40 per day on average, with the cheapest deals sometimes even lower in off-peak times. For instance, in the past week some renters found rates from about $44/day for a small car at LAX. Larger vehicles like SUVs or luxury cars will cost more (often $60-$100/day). To save money, book as early as possible, last-minute rentals at LAX can be pricier. Also consider renting for a week rather than just a day or two; longer rentals often have a lower daily rate. By comparing deals on AirportVanRental, you can spot special promotions or discounts that bring the price down. Remember, what you pay includes required taxes/fees (we show these upfront, so no hidden charges at pickup), but extras like the young driver fee or add-ons (GPS, child seat, etc.) would be additional.

For most travelers, renting right at LAX Airport is the most convenient choice. The selection of cars is huge and competition among the many companies often means great rates. Off-airport locations around Los Angeles (like in the city or other airports) might occasionally have slightly different prices, but remember you’d have to travel there first, which can be a hassle and add taxi/rideshare costs. LAX is a major hub for car rentals, agencies there handle travelers all day, so they’re experienced and efficient. Unless you’re staying in the city and not flying in, there’s usually little benefit to renting elsewhere. By picking up at LAX, you can start driving as soon as you land. Plus, with our platform you’ll still see transparent pricing (taxes included, no hidden fees) and free cancellation on most bookings, so there’s no downside to securing a car at the airport early. In short: if you’re flying into LAX, renting at the airport is typically your best bet for ease and value.