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I have to return a rental car before catching my flight Monday morning at 10. I am driving from downtown LA, the Biltmore Hotel. How long does it take to drive from downtown to the car rental return in morning traffic?

Driving from the Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles to the LAX rental car return on a Monday morning requires careful planning, as LA traffic can vary greatly depending on the time you leave. For a 10:00 am flight, you should plan extra buffer time.

Estimated Driving Time

  • From downtown LA to the LAX rental car return typically takes about 35–50 minutes without heavy traffic.
  • During weekday morning hours, especially from 6:30 am to 9:00 am, traffic can be heavier due to commuters heading west, potentially increasing your drive time to 50–70 minutes.
  • By 7:00–8:00 am, you may still encounter slowdowns along the I-110 south and I-105 west corridors, especially near the interchange with I-405.

Recommendations

  • Plan to leave the hotel at least 2–2.5 hours before your flight to allow for car return, security, and any unexpected traffic delays.
  • Check live traffic using Google Maps, Waze, or another navigation app before departure. LA traffic can change rapidly, and alternate routes like surface streets along Century Boulevard or Sepulveda Boulevard can be considered if freeways are heavily congested.
  • Consider the LAX “RCC” (Rental Car Center) which consolidates all major rental companies. Driving to the LAX rental return typically involves following signs to the Rental Car Center and then taking the shuttle to the main terminal.
  • Factor in additional 10–15 minutes for returning the car, especially if you have luggage or need assistance with the rental counter.

Overall, leaving downtown LA around 6:30–7:00 am for a 10:00 am flight should provide sufficient time even with morning traffic, giving you peace of mind and avoiding stress.

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