Hiring a car LAX first time

Question

Hi all! Thanks for the tips on my previous post, it now turns out both me and my husband will be traveling to Los Angeles. Travel itinerary is the following:

Land at LAX 1.30pm

5 night stay in West Hollywood

Leave LAX 8.30pm

I have never hired a car before and I was looking online for car rentals at LAX and I would like to know when they say that they are off site, how do you get there? So I am guessing we land and then get a shuttle, or a taxi? I can see on maps the car rentals are close but not inside the airport more outside. Any particular tips? I was looking at enterprise… how do we find the correct shuttle to get there? Thank you

Answer

Renting a car at LAX for the first time is fairly straightforward, but it’s true that most rental companies are located off-airport, meaning you’ll need to take a shuttle from the terminal to the rental facility. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make the process easier:

Arrival and getting to the rental location:

After you land at LAX and collect your luggage, follow the signs for “Rental Car Shuttles” on the lower/arrival level outside baggage claim.
Each terminal has a designated pickup area for rental car shuttles. Look for the blue signs that say “Rental Car Shuttles” or ask airport staff if unsure.
Major rental companies including Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget, and others are served by the LAX “Rental Car Center” shuttle. For Enterprise specifically, the shuttle will drop you off at their off-site facility.
The shuttle is free and runs frequently, usually every 5–15 minutes. Just check the sign for your rental company and wait at the designated stop. The shuttle will take about 10–15 minutes to reach the off-site location.

At the rental facility:

Have your driver’s license, credit card, and booking confirmation ready. Some companies may also require an additional proof of insurance if you’re not purchasing theirs.
Inspect the car for any damage before driving off. Enterprise staff will usually walk you through this and may provide photos.
Ask the staff for directions back to the airport for your return if needed, as well as any tips for parking or tolls if you’re heading into LA traffic.

Returning the car:

Follow the signs to the rental return area for Enterprise at the off-site facility.
After dropping off the car, take the shuttle back to your terminal. Shuttles run frequently in both directions.

Additional tips for first-time car renters at LAX:

Allow extra time when picking up or returning the car, as shuttles, traffic, and rental paperwork can take 30–60 minutes.
Use GPS or a navigation app to help navigate LA’s complex freeway system, especially when heading to West Hollywood.
Check for any additional fees such as toll passes or airport surcharges that may be added to your rental.
Consider car size carefully: LA traffic and parking can be challenging, so a compact or mid-size car is often easiest to manage.

In summary, all off-site rental car companies at LAX provide frequent free shuttle service from the terminals. Look for the “Rental Car Shuttle” signs, confirm your company on the shuttle signage, and allow extra time for the transfer. Enterprise is a reliable choice and the process is very similar to other major rental companies.

Hiring a car LAX first time

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