Enterprise has a rental counter at LAX, but you'll save money and time by booking online before you arrive

Enterprise operates a rental location at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in the baggage claim area of each terminal. You can walk to the counter after you collect your bags, but the rental desk is not in the terminal itself — you'll need to follow signs to the baggage claim level and then to the rental car facility. The faster route is to book your car online at Enterprise.com before your flight lands, because walk-up rates are almost always higher than advance bookings, and you'll skip the line at the counter.

Enterprise at LAX charges airport facility fees on top of the daily rental rate. These fees are set by the airport authority, not by Enterprise, and they explore to every rental company operating there. The total cost depends on how long you rent the car and which vehicle class you choose. You'll see the full price—including all fees—before you confirm your booking online, so there are no surprises at the counter.

Key Takeaways

  • Book your Enterprise rental online before you arrive at LAX to lock in a lower rate than the walk-up price at the counter.
  • The Enterprise counter is in the baggage claim area, not inside the terminal, so allow extra time to walk there after collecting your bags.
  • LAX airport facility fees are added to every rental and vary based on rental length; the total price appears in your online quote before you book.
  • You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance or the option to buy Enterprise's coverage at the counter.
  • Enterprise offers one-way rentals, so you can pick up at LAX and drop off at another location in California or beyond.

What you need to bring to the Enterprise counter

Bring your driver's license, a credit card in your name, and your reservation confirmation (printed or on your phone). Enterprise will run a credit check and place a hold on your card for the rental amount plus a deposit, usually $200 to $500 depending on the car class. The hold is released when you return the car, so you don't pay extra—it's just a security measure.

You'll also need proof of insurance. If you have your own auto insurance, bring your policy card or a screenshot showing your name, policy number, and coverage dates. If you don't have insurance or don't want to use yours, Enterprise will sell you a damage waiver at the counter. This coverage protects you if the rental car is damaged, but it costs extra per day and has a deductible. Read the terms carefully before you buy, because it doesn't cover every type of damage.

How to book online and what to expect at pickup

Go to Enterprise.com, enter LAX as your pickup location, select your arrival date and time, and choose your return date. The website will show you available car classes—economy, compact, midsize, SUV, and others—with the total price for each option. Prices change based on demand, so booking a week or more in advance usually gives you better rates than booking the day before.

When you arrive at LAX, go to baggage claim, collect your bags, and follow signs to the rental car facility. Check in at the Enterprise counter with your license and confirmation. The agent will inspect the car with you, point out any existing damage, and have you sign the rental agreement. This inspection takes about 10 minutes. You'll then drive to the lot, get your assigned car, and leave. The whole process from counter to car usually takes 20 to 30 minutes if the line is short.

One-way rentals and drop-off locations

Enterprise allows one-way rentals, meaning you can pick up at LAX and drop off at a different location. This is useful if you're driving to San Diego, San Francisco, or another city and don't plan to return to Los Angeles. One-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals because Enterprise has to move the car back, but the fee varies by destination. Enter your drop-off city when you book online, and the price will include the one-way charge.

Drop-off locations in California are at Enterprise branches in most cities. If you're returning the car outside California, confirm the drop-off location exists before you book. Some smaller towns don't have Enterprise locations, so you may need to return the car to a nearby city instead. The online booking system will show you all available drop-off locations for your destination.

Damage, fuel, and return procedures

When you return the car, Enterprise will inspect it for damage and check the fuel level. If you rented with a full tank, you must return it with a full tank or pay Enterprise's fuel surcharge, which is higher than gas station prices. The easiest option is to fill up at a gas station near the airport before you return the car—there are several within a few miles of LAX.

If the car has new damage when you return it, Enterprise will photograph it and charge your credit card. If you bought the damage waiver, the charge is covered up to the deductible. If you didn't buy coverage, you pay the full repair cost. This is why inspecting the car at pickup is important—the agent notes existing damage on the agreement, so you won't be charged for it later.

Avoiding extra charges and common mistakes

The biggest source of extra charges is returning the car late. Enterprise charges by the day, and returning even one hour late can trigger a full-day charge. Set a phone reminder for your return time, and plan to return the car at least an hour before your flight if you're renting a car to leave LAX.

Another common mistake is not filling the tank before return. If you return the car on empty, Enterprise will charge you for a full tank at their fuel rate, which is typically $6 to $8 per gallon—much more than you'd pay at a pump. The rental agreement spells this out, but many renters don't read it until they see the charge on their credit card statement.

Tolls are also straightforward to overlook. If you drive on California toll roads (like the 73, 133, or 241 in Orange County), Enterprise will charge you the toll plus an administrative fee. Some toll roads use license plate readers, so you won't know you've been charged until the bill arrives. Check the rental agreement for the toll policy, and ask the agent which roads have tolls if you're unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car at LAX if I'm under 25?

Yes, but Enterprise charges a young driver fee for renters under 25, usually $15 to $25 per day. You'll still need a valid driver's license and a credit card. The fee is added to your total at the counter, so confirm it before you sign the agreement.

What if I need to extend my rental after I've picked up the car?

Call the Enterprise location where you rented the car and ask to extend your reservation. If cars are available, they'll extend it at the current rate, which may be higher than your original booking. It's easier and usually cheaper to add extra days when you book online before you arrive.

Does Enterprise at LAX offer GPS or phone chargers?

Enterprise can add a GPS unit to your rental for a daily fee, usually $10 to $15. Most modern phones have built-in navigation, so you may not need it. Phone chargers are not typically offered, but you can buy one at the airport or bring your own.

Can I book a specific car model, or do I just get a car class?

You book a car class (economy, midsize, SUV), not a specific model. Enterprise assigns you a car from that class when you arrive. If you need a specific model for a business reason, call the LAX location after you book and ask if they can note it on your reservation, but they can't may provide it.

What happens if I'm in an accident with the rental car?

Call Enterprise when ready and report the accident. If you have the damage waiver, Enterprise handles the claim up to your deductible. If you don't have the waiver, your personal auto insurance should cover it, or you'll pay out of pocket. Get a police report if another vehicle was involved, and take photos of the damage.