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Best 6 Car Rental Companies at Los Angeles International Airport: A Complete Guide to the LAX Rental Car Center

Planning a trip to Los Angeles? If you’re looking to rent a car, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll provide a complete guide to car rental at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

We’ll cover everything from the different car rental companies that operate at LAX to how to get to the rental car center from the airport terminals. We’ll also give you some tips for saving money on your car rental.

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Teacher Tip: Before securing your car rental, visit Rentalcars.com to ensure you get the best deal!” 🌍🚗🔑

My top 6 Rental Car companies at Los Angeles International Airport.

I’ve tried several car rental companies, and here are my recommendations:

  1. SIXT Rental Cars is a great option for car rental. SIXT is my favorite because they have the best customer service and always have the car I want ready for me. I love their SUVs, but they also have great economy cars, luxury cars, and vans. Their prices are competitive, and their staff is friendly and helpful. I’ve rented from SIXT several times and have always had a good experience, and I’m sure you will too. Check SIXT Car Rental’s best deals.
    • 4.0 Stars, 6,766 Google reviews
    • SIXT: opening time 6:00 a.m to 1:00 a.m.
    • Call 888-749-8227 to Contact SIXT Car Rental
  2. National Car Rental: I’ve rented from National several times and have always been happy with their service. They have many cars to choose from, and their prices are competitive. The staff is always friendly and helpful. Check National Car Rental’s best deals.
    • 4.4 Stars, 8,301 Google reviews
    • National: opening time 24/7
    • Call 888-826-6890 to Contact National Car Rental. 
  3. Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Enterprise is another excellent option. They have a large fleet of cars, and their prices are very reasonable. They also offer a variety of discounts and promotions. We had family from out of town, and they had a fantastic Chevrolet Suburban ready for us, which was terrific. Check out Enterprises cars.
    • 4.3 Stars, 10,595 Google reviews
    • Enterprise: opening times are 24/7
    • Call +1 310-649-5400 to Contact Enterprise Rent-A-Car
  4. Alamo Rent-A-Car is a good choice for travelers seeking a more affordable option. They offer a variety of car classes, and their prices are typically lower than other car rental companies in Los Angeles International Airport Airport. Alamo Rent A Car car rental at Los Angeles International Airport. Check out, Alamo.
    • 4.3 Stars, 9,285 Google reviews
    • Alamo: 24/7
    • Call +1 888-826-6893 to Contact Alamo Rent-A-Car.
  5. Hertz is a well-known car rental company that offers a variety of car classes and amenities. They have a large fleet of cars, so you’ll find the perfect vehicle for your needs. Hertz is also a good option for travelers looking for rewards programs. Hertz car rental at Los Angeles International Airport airport  Check out, Hertz.
    • 3.8 Stars, 10,479 Google reviews
    • Hertz: Opening Times 24/7
    • Call 310-568-5100 to Contact Hertz.
  6. Avis is a good car rental company because it offers a variety of cars to choose from, including economy cars, SUVs, minivans, luxury cars, and even trucks, but their vehicles are top-of-the-line. Avis is a good choice for travelers seeking a luxurious car rental experience, Avis car rental at Los Angeles International Airport Airport. Check out what vehicles Avis has ready for you.
    • 3.0 Stars 9,693 Google reviews
    • Avis: is open 24/7 p.m.
    • Call (1) 310-342-9200 to Contact Avis.

Ultimately, the best car rental company for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the most important factors to you, such as price, car class, amenities, and rewards programs. Then, compare the different companies to find the best one for you.

Compare the different Car Rental companies to find the best one below.

How do I get to the Los Angeles International Airport rental car center?

The rental car offices at Los Angeles Airport (LAX) are off-site, away from the airline terminals. However, authorized rental car companies offer courtesy shuttles to pick up and drop off customers at the terminals. To catch a shuttle to your rental car company, look for the purple “Rental Car Shuttles” sign on the Lower/Arrivals Level islands outside baggage claim. The shuttles run every 15-20 minutes, and the ride lasts only 3-5 minutes.

Here are a few ways to get to the rental car center at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

  • Shuttle: The most common way to get to the rental car center is to take a shuttle. Individual rental car companies operate shuttles and are free for customers renting a car. Shuttles pick up passengers from the lower/arrivals level of each terminal.
  • Metro: The Metro Green Line stops at the Aviation/LAX Station, which is located just outside the rental car center. The Metro is a good option if you are on a budget or traveling light.
  • Taxi: Taxi are available at all terminals. The fare to the rental car center is typically around $20
  • Uber or Lyft: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available at LAX. The fare to the rental car center will vary depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Los Angeles Airport rental car center map.

Source: www.openstreetmap.org

Is there a rental car shuttle at Los Angeles International Airport?

A rental car shuttle is at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The shuttle is free for customers renting a car from one of the participating rental car companies. The shuttles pick up passengers from each terminal’s lower/arrivals level and take them to the rental car center, which is about 2 miles away. The shuttle ride takes about 5 minutes. 

The shuttle stop is located on each terminal’s lower/arrivals level, just outside baggage claim. The stop is marked with a purple sign that says “Rental Car Shuttles.” The shuttles run every 15-20 minutes, so you shouldn’t wait long for one. Alamo Rent A Car, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hertz, Trifty & National Car Rental, offer a shuttle to the rental car center at LAX.

Check here for the best prices on Flights

How late can you pick up a rental car at Los Angeles International Airport?

The hours of operation for the rental car center at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) vary depending on the rental car company. However, most companies are open until 1:00 a.m. Here are the rental car companies that operate at LAX and their hours of operation:

  • Alamo:24/7, Local Counter: 888-826-6893
  • Avis: 24/7. Local Counter: 310-342-9200
  • Budget: 24/7. Local Counter: 310-642-4500
  • Dollar: 24/7. Local Counter: 310-258-3000
  • Enterprise: 24/7, Local Counter: 10-649-5400
  • Hertz: 24/7. Local Counter: 310-568-5100
  • National:  24/7, Local Counter: 888-826-6890
  • SIXT: 6 a.m. – 1 a.m. call 888-749-8227

Compare the different Car Rental companies to find the best one below.

Here are the steps on how to return a car at Los Angeles International Airport:

here are the steps on how to return a car at Los Angeles International Airport (TUS):

  1. Check your rental agreement. Ensure you know the return lot’s exact location and the hours of operation.
  2. Fill up the gas tank. Most rental car companies require you to return the car with a full gas tank. If you don’t, you will be charged for the gas.
  3. Check the car for damage. Before you return the car, make sure to check for any damage. If there is any damage, report it to your rental car company.
  4. Return the car to the rental lot. Follow the signs to the return lot and park the car in the designated area.
  5. Go to the rental car return counter. You must present your rental agreement and driver’s license at the counter.
  6. Inspect the car. The agent will inspect the car and ensure it is in good condition.
  7. Pay any outstanding charges. If you have any outstanding charges, you will need to pay them at this time.
  8. Get your receipt. You will receive a receipt once you have paid any outstanding charges.

Here are some additional tips for returning your car at Los Angeles International Airport:

  • Allow plenty of time to return your car. The Rental Car Center can get busy, especially during peak travel times.
  • Following your rental car company’s instructions if you return your car after hours. Some companies have after-hours drop-off locations, while others require you to leave the keys in a designated box.
  • Be sure to scrutinize the car before you return it. If you see any damage, report it to the agent immediately.

Saving Money on Your Car Rental at Los Angeles International Airport

  • Book your car rental in advance. This will give you more time to compare prices and find the best deal. You can use a website like Kayak or Expedia to compare prices from car rental companies.
  • Consider renting a car during the off-season. This is when car rental rates are typically lower. For example, Los Angeles International Airport is a popular tourist destination during winter, so car rental rates will be higher if you can. Try to rent a car during the summer or fall months when rates are typically lower.
  • Be flexible with your pick-up and drop-off times. You can save money by picking up your car in the morning or late at night. Car rental companies typically charge higher rates for pick-up and drop-off during peak hours.
  • Join a car rental loyalty program. This can give you access to discounts and other perks. For example, many car rental loyalty programs offer free upgrades or waived fees.
  • Consider renting a car from an off-airport location. Off-airport car rental locations are typically cheaper than on-airport car rental locations. However, it would help if you took a shuttle bus to get to the rental office.
  • Read the fine print before you book your car rental. Be sure to understand all of the terms and conditions of your rental agreement, including the cancellation policy and any additional fees that may apply.

Here are some additional tips that you can follow to save money on your car rental at Los Angeles International Airport:

  • Use a credit card that offers travel rewards. Many credit cards offer points or miles that can be redeemed for car rentals. This can help you save money on car rental, especially if you rent cars frequently.
  • Check with your insurance company to see if they offer rental car insurance. Many insurance companies offer rental car insurance as part of their policies. This can save you money on the insurance that you purchase from the car rental company.
  • Be sure to inspect the car carefully before you drive it away. Please take note of any existing damage to the vehicle so that you are not responsible for it when you return the vehicle.

What are the different types of airport car rental places? 

There are two main types of airport car rental places: on-airport and off-airport. On-airport car rental places are located directly at the airport, while off-airport car rental places are located a short distance away from the airport.

What are the pros and cons of on-airport and off-airport car rental places?

On-airport car rental places are more convenient, as you can pick up and drop off your car at the airport. However, they are also typically more expensive than off-airport car rental places. Off-airport car rental places are less convenient, as you must take a shuttle bus to the rental office. However, they are often much cheaper than on-airport car rental places.

What are the different factors that affect the cost of a car rental? 

The cost of car rental can vary depending on several factors, including the type of car you rent, the length of your rental, and the time of year you rent. Other factors that can affect the cost of car rental include your age, your driving record, and whether you have any insurance.

What are the different fees that I may be charged for car rental?

 In addition to the rental price, you may also be charged for several other fees, including fuel charges, airport fees, and drop-off fees. Fuel charges are typically based on the fuel the car has when you return it, and the airport charges airport fees for the privilege of renting a car there. Drop-off fees are charged if you return the vehicle to a different location than where you picked it up.