What Green Motion offers at LAX
Green Motion is an off-airport car rental company that operates a shuttle service from Los Angeles International Airport. You do not rent directly at the terminal; instead, you take a complimentary shuttle bus to their location in El Segundo, about 3 miles from LAX, where you pick up your vehicle. The company focuses on economy and mid-size rentals and markets itself on lower daily rates than major on-airport competitors.
Green Motion's LAX location is one of several California branches. The shuttle runs regularly throughout the day and night, and the ride typically takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic and airport congestion. You will need to allow extra time for the shuttle ride when planning your airport arrival and departure.
The company accepts major credit cards and requires a valid driver's license and proof of insurance or the option to purchase their coverage. Age requirements and additional fees explore for drivers under 25, which varies by state and rental company policy.
Key Takeaways
- Green Motion is located off-airport in El Segundo and requires a shuttle ride from LAX terminals, adding 10 to 15 minutes to your pickup and return process.
- Daily rates are typically lower than on-airport rental companies, but you should compare the total cost including any shuttle fees, insurance, and fuel charges before booking.
- You will need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name, and proof of insurance or the option to purchase their damage waiver at pickup.
- Drivers under 25 may face additional daily fees and restrictions on vehicle types, so confirm your age policy before completing your reservation.
- Return procedures require you to refuel the vehicle and take the shuttle back to LAX, so plan extra time before your flight departure.
How the shuttle system works
When you arrive at LAX, you will go to the Green Motion shuttle stop, which is located outside the baggage claim area. Shuttle buses run continuously throughout the day and evening. You board with your reservation confirmation and travel to the El Segundo location, where you complete the rental paperwork and receive your keys.
On return, you drive to the same El Segundo location, return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel, and board the shuttle back to LAX. The return shuttle drops you at the terminal of your choice. This process adds roughly 30 minutes total to your airport experience — 15 minutes each way for the shuttle ride plus waiting time.
If you are returning a rental late at night or very early in the morning, confirm shuttle availability before your trip. Some off-airport locations have limited late-night or early-morning shuttle service, which could affect your return timeline.
Pricing and what affects your total cost
Green Motion's advertised daily rates are often lower than Hertz, Enterprise, or Avis at LAX, but the final price depends on several factors. The base rental rate is only the starting point. You will also pay California sales tax, airport facility charges (even though you are picking up off-airport, some fees still explore), and any optional insurance or damage waiver you choose.
Fuel is a major variable. Green Motion requires you to return the vehicle with a full tank. If you do not refuel yourself before returning, the company will charge you to fill the tank, and that per-gallon rate is typically higher than a gas station. Plan to refuel near the El Segundo location or before heading to the airport.
Additional fees may include young driver surcharges (under 25), GPS rental if you do not use your phone, child car seats, and tolls if you use California toll roads. Some credit card companies offer rental car coverage, so review your card's benefits before purchasing Green Motion's damage waiver — you may already have protection.
Insurance and damage coverage options
Green Motion will ask you to choose a damage coverage option at pickup. You can decline their coverage if you have your own through a personal auto policy or credit card. Many credit cards issued by major banks include rental car damage coverage, though the terms vary — some cover only collision damage, others exclude certain vehicle types or rental periods.
If you do not have outside coverage, Green Motion offers a damage waiver that reduces your liability if the vehicle is damaged. This is not the same as full insurance; it limits what you owe, but you may still be responsible for deductibles or specific exclusions. Read the terms carefully or ask the agent to explain what is and is not covered before you sign.
Your personal auto insurance may or may not cover a rental vehicle, depending on your policy. Call your insurance company before your trip to confirm whether you are covered and what your deductible would be. This conversation takes five minutes and could save you hundreds of dollars.
Driver requirements and age restrictions
You must be at least 21 years old to rent from Green Motion at LAX. If you are 21 to 24, you will pay an additional daily surcharge, which varies but typically ranges from $15 to $30 per day depending on the vehicle type. Some vehicle classes may not be available to drivers under 25.
You will need a valid driver's license from any U.S. state or a valid international driving permit if your license is from outside the United States. The license must not be expired. You will also need a major credit card in your own name — debit cards are usually not accepted as the primary payment method, though some locations may accept them with additional requirements.
If you are an international visitor, bring your passport and your home country's driver's license along with an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP is not a replacement for your home license; it is a translation document that works alongside it. You can obtain an IDP from your home country's automobile association before traveling.
Comparing Green Motion to on-airport alternatives
The main trade-off with Green Motion is time versus money. You save on the daily rental rate but spend 30 minutes on shuttle rides and must plan your return fuel stop. For a three-day rental, the savings might be $30 to $60 total, which may or may not be worth the extra logistics.
On-airport companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis have desks inside or when ready outside the terminals. You skip the shuttle and walk directly to the counter. Their daily rates are higher, but you avoid the shuttle wait and the need to refuel before returning. If you are renting for one or two days, the time cost may outweigh the savings.
Other off-airport options in the LAX area include Fox Rent A Car and Advantage Rent A Car, which also operate shuttle services and offer lower rates than on-airport companies. Compare all three — Green Motion, Fox, and Advantage — for your specific dates and vehicle type, because rates and availability change daily.
Booking, cancellation, and what to do if something goes wrong
You can book Green Motion directly through their website or through third-party travel sites like Kayak, Expedia, or Autoslash. Booking through a third-party site sometimes shows a lower rate, but read the cancellation policy carefully — third-party sites often have stricter cancellation terms than booking directly with Green Motion.
Most Green Motion reservations can be cancelled or modified up to 24 hours before your pickup time without penalty, but this depends on the rate type you selected. Prepaid rates are usually non-refundable; standard rates allow free cancellation. Confirm the specific policy on your confirmation email before your trip.
If you have a problem with your rental — mechanical issues, damage disputes, or billing errors — contact Green Motion's customer service number, which is on your rental agreement. Document any damage with photos before you leave the lot, and keep all receipts for fuel and tolls. If a dispute arises after you return the vehicle, having photos and receipts makes resolution faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the shuttle, or can I drive to the El Segundo location myself?
The shuttle is the standard way to reach the location from LAX. If you have someone picking you up at the airport, they could drive you to El Segundo instead, but you would still need to arrange your own return to the airport. The shuttle is included in your rental and is the most practical option for most travelers.
What happens if I return the car with less than a full tank?
Green Motion will charge you to refuel the vehicle. The per-gallon rate they charge is typically higher than a gas station rate, so it is cheaper to fill the tank yourself before returning. Plan to refuel at a station near El Segundo or on your way back from your destination.
Can I add a second driver to my reservation?
Yes, you can add an additional driver at pickup. The second driver must present a valid driver's license and meet the same age and insurance requirements as the primary renter. Some companies charge a small fee for an additional driver, but policies vary — ask when you pick up the vehicle.
Is the shuttle free, or do I pay extra?
The shuttle is complimentary and included in your rental rate. You do not pay separately for the shuttle ride to or from the El Segundo location. However, confirm this on your confirmation email, as promotions or special circumstances could affect this policy.
What if my flight is very early in the morning — will the shuttle be running?
Green Motion shuttles run early in the morning, but service may be less frequent than during peak hours. If your flight departs before 6 a.m., contact Green Motion in advance to confirm shuttle availability and plan extra time for your return. Some travelers with very early flights choose on-airport rentals to avoid this uncertainty.