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- Rent a cheap car at Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
- Where to pick a rental car at Los Angeles Airport?
- How to return your rental car at LAX Airport?
- Popular car rental drop-off locations near LAX Airport
- Popular Los Angeles Airport car rental categories
- Popular One Way Car Rental Trips from Los Angeles
- About Los Angeles Airport
- Available LAX car rental deal types
- VIP Cars’ tips to rent a cheap car at Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
- Frequently Asked Questions
Rent a cheap car at Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
Make your arrival in Los Angeles hassle-free by securing an affordable rental car before your trip. VIP Cars’ simple booking process allows you to search, compare, and book the cheapest rental deals in just a few clicks. It will help you save both time and money on your car rental Los Angeles Airport booking.
As one of the busiest airports in the United States, LAX serves millions of travelers every year. Booking your LAX rental car several weeks from your travel date is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons i.e., late June through August, as you will be able to secure lower prices and get a wider vehicle options.
How does an LAX Airport car rental make travel easier?
With a rental car, you can conveniently travel from the LAX airport to Los Angeles’ most popular attractions like Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Disneyland Resort.
After picking up your rental car at LAX, you can conveniently drive to your hotel or accommodation and settle in before exploring Los Angeles. Having a rental car gives you the flexibility to visit popular attractions like Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Disneyland Resort at your own pace.
A car rental also gives you the freedom to take longer road trips along the Pacific Coast Highway, visit San Diego, or even drive to Las Vegas. Booking is quick and hassle-free, simply search available car rental deals on VIP Cars, compare vehicle options, and book the cheapest rental based on your travel needs.
Where to pick a rental car at Los Angeles Airport?
| Address: | 5251 W 98th St, Los Angeles, CA 90045 |
|---|
Unlike many airports where rental desks are located inside the terminal, car rental companies serving Los Angeles Airport now operate from a centralized facility known as 'Rental Car Center’ (RCC).
Follow these steps to pick up your vehicle:
LAX car rental shuttle
After collecting your luggage, exit to the Arrivals/Lower Level of your terminal and follow the Rental Car signs. Proceed to the designated rental car shuttle pickup area and board the complimentary shuttle to the LAX Rental Car Center (RCC).
The RCC houses most major rental suppliers under one roof such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Alamo, National, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, and SIXT.
Details about the pickup location, supplier information, and rental instructions will be mentioned in your Rental Confirmation Voucher.
Car pick-up at RCC
Once you arrive at the Rental Car Center (RCC), proceed to your supplier’s rental desk to complete the required paperwork and vehicle collection formalities. After completing the process, collect your vehicle from the designated parking area.
After-hours pickup
Available with selected suppliers; refer to your booking voucher for details. Some providers offer self-service kiosks, digital check-in, or designated key collection procedures outside standard business hours. Availability and instructions vary by supplier.
Car rental working hours
Operating hours vary by supplier. Many rental companies at the RCC operate extended hours, while some offer 24/7 service. Check your provider’s business hours while booking your Los Angeles Airport car rental.
How to return your rental car at LAX Airport?
Returning your rental car at LAX is straightforward if you follow a few simple steps:
- Follow airport signage: As you approach the airport, look for signs marked “Rental Car Return” or your supplier’s directional signage. These signs will guide you to the LAX car rental return facility.
- Head to the designated return area: Follow your supplier’s return signs within the Rental Car Center and park the vehicle in the assigned return section. Most suppliers require vehicles to be returned to the same location from which they were collected.
- Vehicle inspection: Depending on the supplier, a representative may conduct a quick inspection to check the fuel level and the vehicle thoroughly before completing the return process.
- Complete the return: Hand over the keys to the supplier’s staff member. For after-hours returns, many providers at the LAX offer secure key drop boxes or specific return instructions. Follow the instructions provided by your supplier.
- Return to the airport terminal: After returning your vehicle, board the complimentary Rental Car Center shuttle, which will take you back to your departure terminal at LAX.
- Check your Rental Confirmation Voucher: The exact return address, parking location, and after-hours return instructions for your booking will be mentioned in your booking voucher.
Note: Allow extra time for returning your vehicle and transferring back to the terminal, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak seasons. To ensure a smooth return process, consider arriving at the rental facility at least 2 hours before your scheduled flight.
Popular car rental drop-off locations near LAX Airport
Many suppliers offer one-way rentals, allowing you to drop off your vehicle at a different location across Los Angeles based on your travel plans. Simply select a different drop-off location during the booking process and choose your preferred return point. Some of the most popular car rental return locations in Los Angeles are:
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Los Angeles Downtown
Distance ~25-30 km Time - 20-45 minutes A convenient option for travelers staying in the city’s business hub or exploring attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
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Beverly Hills
Distance ~20-25 km Time - 30-40 minutes Ideal for visitors staying near luxury hotels, upscale shopping streets, and famous landmarks.
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Hollywood
Distance ~20-25 km Time - 30-40 minutes A popular drop-off location for travelers visiting iconic attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Universal Studios Hollywood.
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Venice Beach
Distance ~10-15 km Time - 20-30 minutes Perfect for those spending time along the coast and exploring Venice Beach, Santa Monica, and nearby waterfront attractions.
Popular Los Angeles Airport car rental categories
Los Angeles is a city built for driving, and the right rental car can make your trip more convenient and enjoyable. Whether you are exploring the city, beaches, or planning a California road trip, VIP Cars offers a wide range of vehicle categories through leading rental suppliers at Los Angeles airport. The most popular vehicle options are -
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Economy and compact cars (best for city driving):
These car rentals are among the most frequently booked ones at Los Angeles Airport. They are fuel-efficient, easy to park, and well-suited for navigating busy areas such as Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Santa Monica. These vehicles are a practical choice for solo travelers and couples looking for budget-friendly options.
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SUVs (best for road trips):
An SUV offers additional space, comfort, and luggage capacity, making it ideal for families and groups. They are particularly popular for trips along the Pacific Coast Highway, visits to national parks, and longer drives to destinations such as San Diego, Palm Springs, or Las Vegas.
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Vans and minivans (best for group travel):
These rentals provide ample seating and luggage space, making them practical for airport transfers, group vacations, and sightseeing trips across Southern California.
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Luxury cars (best for business travel):
Los Angeles is one of the most popular places for luxury car rentals.Premium vehicles from brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Cadillac, and Genesis offer enhanced comfort, advanced features, and a premium driving experience for business travelers.
Please note that vehicle availability varies by supplier. The specific model displayed during booking is for reference purpose only, and suppliers typically guarantee the vehicle category or a similar model.
Popular One Way Car Rental Trips from Los Angeles
This section covers some of the most frequently booked one-way deals on VIP Cars with pick-up in Los Angeles. To reserve a one-way car rental in LA, all you have to do is use the 'Different Drop-off Location?’ button on our booking form or contact us. Suppliers charge a small fee for such deals.
Popular car rental pick up locations in Los Angeles: Lax Airport, Beverly Hills, LA DowntownLos Angeles to Las Vegas
Los Angeles to San Francisco
Los Angeles to San Diego
Los Angeles to Phoenix
About Los Angeles Airport
| Address: | Los Angeles International Airport, 1 World Way Los Angeles, California 90045 |
|---|---|
| IATA Code: | LAX |
Largely catering to the Greater Los Angeles Area, Los Angeles International Airport or LAX comes under the list of some of the busiest airports in California. Consisting of 9 passenger terminals, the Los Angeles Airport offers nonstop flight connectivity to various destinations across Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Oceania.
LAX offers following amenities in terms of passengers' comfort:
- Tourist as well as general information counter is located in Arrival Halls.
- The Tom Bradley International Terminal, which handles majority of foreign carriers, houses baggage storage facility.
- LAX is a disabled-friendly airport well equipped with adapted elevators and wheelchair ramps.
- A first aid station is located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (Terminal B).
- Several ATMs and currency exchange booths can be found in multiple terminals.
Available LAX car rental deal types
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Short-term car rental (daily, weekend & weekly):
Ideal for travelers visiting Southern California for a few days, a weekend getaway, or a week-long vacation. You can book a vehicle for 24 hours, weekends, or several weeks depending on your itinerary.
Best for:
- Exploring Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Santa Monica
- Business trips and airport transfers
- Short road trips to San Diego, Palm Springs, or Santa Barbara
Key fact: Even if you need a vehicle for only a few hours, suppliers generally charge for a full 24-hour rental period.
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Long-term car rental (monthly rentals & extended hire):
Cost-effective option for extended stays, work assignments, relocations, or travelers planning to spend several weeks or months in California. Depending on supplier availability, vehicles can often be rented for one month or more.
Best for:
- Extended stays in Los Angeles
- Temporary work assignments and business travel
- Exploring multiple destinations across California
Key fact: Monthly rentals often come with lower daily rates compared to booking multiple short-term rentals.
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Last-minute car rental (same day & urgent bookings):
These rentals are available at Los Angeles Airport for travelers with spontaneous plans, delayed bookings, or unexpected travel requirements.
Best for:
- Emergency or unplanned travel
- Same day business trips
- Flexible itineraries starting from LAX
Key fact: Last-minute bookings may offer fewer vehicle options and higher prices during peak travel periods.
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Cross-border car rental (travel between USA & Canada):
Selected suppliers at Los Angeles Airport allow cross-border travel to Canada, where vehicle category restrictions apply and supplier’s prior approval is needed. Travelers planning to drive across the border should also review the cross-border terms and conditions before booking.
Best for:
- Extended North American road trips
- Travelers exploring popular destinations in the United States and Canada
Key fact: Cross-border travel policies vary by supplier, and advance authorization is usually required before taking the rental car into Canada.
VIP Cars’ tips to rent a cheap car at Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
- Los Angeles is a large city, so choose your vehicle based on your itinerary. For example, an economy or compact car is ideal for city driving, while an SUV offers greater comfort for longer trips to places like San Diego, Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, or Las Vegas.
- Economy and compact cars are usually the cheapest rental options at LAX and usually get booked quickly. Book early to have the best car rental Los Angeles Airport deals with more vehicle options.
- LAX car hire facilities are located off-airport and are accessed by complimentary shuttle buses. Allow extra time for vehicle pickup and return, especially during peak travel hours and before domestic or international flights.
- Parking costs can add up quickly in popular areas such as Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach. Before finalizing your accommodation, check whether parking is included or available at an additional cost.
- Travelers under 21 may have limited vehicle options and could be charged a Young Driver Surcharge. So, when booking a LAX rental car under 21, check the supplier’s age requirements and policies in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Most suppliers operate a full-to-full fuel policy. To avoid refuelling charges, return the vehicle with the same fuel level as when it was collected and confirm after-hours return procedures if you have an early morning or late-night flight.
- Demand for rental cars is highest during peak season i.e., June to August, major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. To secure better rates and have a wider choice of vehicles, it is recommended to book your LAX car rental as early as possible.