Enterprise

How to Rent a Car at Los Angeles Airport

Renting a car at Los Angeles Airport is one of the quickest ways to get moving after you land. This guide covers everything you need to know, from picking up your car rental at Los Angeles Airport to choosing the best car for your trip.

Finding a car rental at Los Angeles Airport

Unlike some airports, Los Angeles Airport has its own designated building for renting cars just a short journey away from the terminals.

All major car rental providers operate from the Consolidated Rent-A-Car Facility, or ConRAC, which is accessible by free shuttle service from outside baggage claim after you land.

After you’ve collected your luggage, follow the signs to the ‘Rental Car Shuttles’ area, where you’ll be able to travel to the ConRAC building. Shuttles are regular and run 24/7.

It takes around 15-30 minutes to travel between LAX and the ConRAC building, depending on traffic and the terminal you board from.
 

Car rentals in advance from Los Angeles Airport

We highly recommend you book your car rental from Los Angeles Airport ahead of time. While it’s possible to book a car on arrival, booking ahead of time allows you to avoid long waits, higher walk-up prices and limited availability of the vehicle you’d like.

Getting to your car rental from each LAX terminal

All LAX terminals, including terminals 1-8 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal, use the same shuttle bus system to travel to the car rental facility. Whichever terminal you land in, head to the lower/street level of the terminal and follow the signs to the car rental shuttle service.

If you’re flying in from Europe, the Tom Bradley International Terminal is the most common landing terminal. Terminals 1-8 normally serve domestic flights, although check your flight details as it can vary.

If you’re flying from outside the US, be sure to factor in queuing times at passport control, which can get very busy during peak periods.

In busy times, it could take between 45 and 60 minutes to clear customs at LAX after landing, which you should factor into your total travel time to the Los Angeles airport car rental facility.
 

What to consider when choosing a car rental from Los Angeles International (LAX) Airport

LAX offers a huge variety of car rental options, from luxury cars to family-friendly SUVs. These tips for car rental in Los Angeles can help you choose the right option for your trip.

Vehicle type

When booking your car rental, think about what vehicle type will be best suited for your trip. Some of your vehicle type options include:

Economy Cars

These are a smart choice if you’re spending most of your time in the city. They’re fuel efficient (which is great if you’re staying for a while and plan to drive a lot), and they make it easier to park in busy areas like downtown LA or Hollywood.

SUVs

SUVs are sometimes more practical for families who need more space to travel in comfort, especially if, between you, you have a lot of luggage or you’re planning longer drives outside the city.

Luxury cars

With their superior comfort and insulation, luxury cars provide optimal interior conditions whatever the weather decides to do on your trip. If you want a touch of glamour on your trip, a luxury car is the way to go.
 

Minivans and People Carriers

When in doubt, it's best to go bigger. Vans are best suited for large groups who need plenty of space for passengers, luggage or equipment.

 

Car size

Enterprise offers everything from smaller economy cars suitable for four passengers up to larger vans suitable for big groups.

You’ll find that smaller vehicles are generally easier to manoeuvre through congested streets and are more convenient when it comes to parking in busy urban areas.

However, if your trip mostly involves travelling on highways or to coastal locations, a larger vehicle can be a great choice if you need something more comfortable for those longer drives.
 

Luxury or standard

You can choose a luxury or standard car rental at Los Angeles airport, depending on your budget and the experience you’re looking for.

  • Standard vehicles are a practical and cost-effective way to explore the city, making them ideal for everyday travel and longer hire periods.
  • Luxury vehicles include high-spec features and luxury interiors that can give you that premium experience. They’re a great choice if you’re travelling for a special occasion, for an important business event or for anyone wanting to make the most out of their time in Los Angeles.
     

Car rentals with Enterprise

For the best deals on Los Angeles Airport car rentals, we recommend reserving your vehicle in advance. Skip the queues with Enterprise and enjoy a stress-free start to your trip.