What to expect when you rent a car at Los Angeles International Airport
Car rental counters at LAX are located in the lower level of each terminal, in the baggage claim area. You'll find the major rental companies — Enterprise, Hertz, Budget, Avis, National, and others — in a consolidated facility that's a short walk from the terminals. The process is straightforward: show your driver's license, provide a credit card for the deposit, and sign the rental agreement. Most rentals take 10 to 20 minutes from counter to car.
LAX is one of the busiest rental locations in the country, so expect lines during peak travel times (early morning, late afternoon, and evening). If you arrive during a busy period, the wait can stretch to 30 minutes or longer. Booking in advance online doesn't eliminate the line, but it does speed up the paperwork at the counter because your reservation is already in the system.
Prices at airport locations are typically higher than off-airport rentals because the rental companies pay LAX fees that get passed to you. You'll also see a mandatory airport concession recovery fee added to your bill — this is separate from the base rental rate and varies by company but usually runs $10 to $15 per day. Some companies also charge a facility fee. These fees are not optional and appear on every airport rental.
Key Takeaways
- Rental counters are in the lower level baggage claim area of each terminal, and the process takes 10 to 20 minutes under normal conditions.
- Airport rental rates include mandatory LAX fees and concession recovery charges that add $10 to $15 per day on top of the base rate.
- Booking online before you arrive speeds up the counter process, though you still wait in line.
- You need a valid driver's license and a credit card; some companies require you to be at least 25 years old, and younger drivers may face an additional daily surcharge.
- Return the car to the same rental facility or arrange an off-airport return location in advance if you need to drop it elsewhere.
Documents and requirements you'll need at the counter
Bring your valid driver's license — this is non-negotiable. If your license is from outside the United States, bring your passport or travel document as well. The rental agent will check your license against your reservation and verify your identity before handing over the keys.
You must provide a credit card in your name for the security deposit. The company will place a hold on your card (typically $200 to $500, depending on the car class and company) but won't charge it unless you damage the car or incur other fees. Debit cards are sometimes accepted, but policies vary — call ahead if you plan to use one. The credit card must be the same name as the driver's license.
If you're under 25, most companies will rent to you but will add a daily surcharge, usually $15 to $30 per day. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; others require you to be 25. Check the rental company's age policy before you book, because the surcharge can add significantly to your total cost for a week-long rental.
How to book and what affects your price
You can book directly through a rental company's website, through a travel site like Kayak or Autoslash, or by calling the company. Booking online typically shows you the final price including airport fees, so you know what you'll pay before you arrive. Phone bookings sometimes don't display all fees upfront, so ask the agent to confirm the total including concession recovery and facility fees.
Your rate depends on the car class (economy, midsize, SUV, luxury), the rental length, and the dates. Rates fluctuate based on demand — renting during a holiday weekend or major event costs more than renting on a random Tuesday. If you're flexible on dates, checking prices a few days apart can reveal cheaper options.
Insurance is optional but worth understanding. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, and some credit cards offer rental coverage if you charge the rental to that card. Check your policy or card benefits before you book. If you don't have coverage, the rental company will offer you a damage waiver (usually $15 to $25 per day) that covers collision and theft. Read what's covered and what's excluded — some waivers have deductibles.
Picking up your car and what to inspect before you leave
When you get to the counter, the agent will confirm your reservation, run your credit card, and print your rental agreement. Read the agreement before you sign — it shows the car's condition, mileage, fuel level, and any pre-existing damage. This document protects you if there's a dispute when you return the car.
The agent will give you the keys and direct you to the rental lot. Before you drive away, walk around the car with the agent or take photos of the exterior, interior, and dashboard. Point out any scratches, dents, or stains. The agent should note these on the agreement so you're not charged for damage you didn't cause. If the agent won't document damage, take timestamped photos on your phone and email them to the rental company before you leave the lot.
Check the fuel gauge, test the lights and wipers, and make sure you understand how to operate the car. Ask where the spare tire and jack are located. Confirm the fuel policy — most rentals require you to return the car with a full tank, or you'll be charged for a fill-up at the company's inflated rate. Some companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront; this is useful if you won't have time to fill up before returning.
Returning your car and avoiding extra charges
Return the car to the same rental facility where you picked it up unless you arranged a different location in advance. The rental lot is on the airport grounds, separate from the terminal. Follow signs for "Car Rental Return" when you exit the freeway. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to drive from the terminal area to the lot.
Return the car with a full tank of fuel. If you return it empty or partially empty, the company will charge you for fuel at a rate that's usually $2 to $4 per gallon higher than local gas prices. Fill up at a gas station near the airport before you head to the rental lot — there are stations within a mile of LAX. Keep your receipt in case there's a dispute.
The agent will inspect the car for damage, check the mileage and fuel level, and compare the condition to the agreement you signed at pickup. If there's new damage, the company will charge you. If you documented pre-existing damage with photos, you have proof you didn't cause it. The inspection usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll receive a final receipt showing any additional charges.
Off-airport rental locations near LAX
If you want to avoid airport fees, you can rent from an off-airport location and take a ride-share or shuttle to get there. Several rental companies have locations in nearby neighborhoods like El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, or Inglewood, about 5 to 10 miles from the airport. Prices at these locations are typically $10 to $20 per day lower because they don't pay LAX concession fees.
The trade-off is time and transportation cost. A ride-share to an off-airport location costs $15 to $25 each way, and the trip takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. If you're renting for a week or longer, the savings on daily rates may offset the ride-share cost. If you're renting for two or three days, the airport location is usually faster and cheaper overall.
Book the off-airport location through the same rental company's website — you can compare prices between the airport and nearby locations side by side. Make sure you understand the return location before you book, because returning to a different location than where you picked up may incur a drop-off fee.
Navigating LAX traffic and parking after you rent
LAX traffic is heavy during most hours, especially on the 405 freeway and surface streets near the airport. If you're picking up a car during rush hour (7 to 10 a.m. or 4 to 7 p.m.), expect congestion as you leave the airport. Plan extra time if you have a tight schedule.
Parking at LAX is expensive — $5 to $15 per hour in the terminals, depending on the lot. If you're dropping off a passenger or waiting for someone, use the free cell phone lot (located on the airport grounds) and wait there instead of circling the terminals. When you pick up your rental car, you'll drive directly out of the rental lot, so you won't pay terminal parking.
If you're returning a rental car and need to pick up a passenger, drop the car at the rental facility first, then use the cell phone lot or a ride-share pickup zone to meet them. Don't park in the terminal lots while waiting — the fees add up quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I have an international driver's license?
Yes, but you'll need both your international license and your passport or travel document. Some rental companies require an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your home country license. Check with the specific rental company before you arrive, because requirements vary.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged by the hour or day, depending on the company's policy. If you're an hour late, you might be charged for an extra day. Call the rental company as soon as you realize you'll be late — sometimes they can adjust the reservation or waive a small overage. Always return the car by the agreed time to avoid surprise charges.
Can I add another driver to my rental?
Yes, but the additional driver must present a valid driver's license at the counter. Some companies charge a daily fee ($5 to $15) for each additional driver; others don't charge. Confirm the policy and cost when you book, and make sure the additional driver is present at pickup to sign the agreement.
What if the rental car breaks down while I'm driving?
Call the rental company's roadside information number when ready — it's on your rental agreement and key card. They'll arrange a tow or send a replacement vehicle. You're not responsible for mechanical failures, and the company will cover towing and repairs. Don't attempt to fix the car yourself.
Is it cheaper to book a one-way rental to another city?
One-way rentals usually cost more because the company has to move the car back to LAX or another location. Compare the one-way price to a round-trip rental before you book. If you're returning the car to a different city, ask about drop-off fees — some companies charge $50 to $200 depending on the distance.