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The Theme Building at Los Angeles International Airport with the moon above

Los Angeles International (LAX)

LAX car rental

Compare rental cars at LAX across the comparison sites and big brands, then hit the Pacific Coast Highway.

Photo: Junkyardsparkle, CC0

Compare lax car rental on every site

Set your dates and times above, then open each site to see its live prices for the same pick-up.

Comparison sites search many suppliers at once

Rental companies book direct with the brand

  1. 1HertzAirports and city locations worldwide; also runs Dollar and ThriftyVisit Hertz ↗
  2. 2AvisGlobal brand at most major airportsVisit Avis ↗
  3. 3EnterpriseBig network of neighbourhood branches as well as airportsVisit Enterprise ↗
  4. 4SIXTGerman brand known for premium models, growing in the USVisit SIXT ↗
  5. 5EuropcarOne of Europe’s largest networksVisit Europcar ↗
  6. 6BudgetValue brand from the Avis groupVisit Budget ↗
  7. 7AlamoPopular with leisure travellers, especially in the USVisit Alamo ↗
  8. 8NationalBusiness-travel favourite, with the Emerald Club programmeVisit National ↗
  9. 9ThriftyValue brand from the Hertz groupVisit Thrifty ↗
  10. 10DollarValue brand from the Hertz group, mainly in the USVisit Dollar ↗
  11. 11Green MotionFranchise brand with an eco-focused fleetVisit Green Motion ↗

Prices are set by each site and change often. Compare the total price for the same car class, including taxes, fees, insurance excess, fuel policy and mileage limits. Some links may be affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. How we make money.

Picking up your rental car at LAX

Rental companies at LAX don’t have their cars at the terminals. LAX has been moving rental cars into a consolidated rent-a-car facility (ConRAC) linked to the terminals by the Automated People Mover train, and some companies use their own shuttles from the arrivals level. Check LAX’s official website and your booking confirmation before you travel to see how to reach your rental company on your dates.

Driving in Los Angeles

LA is built for driving, but traffic on the freeways can be heavy at rush hour. Popular drives from LAX include the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu and on to Big Sur, Palm Springs and Joshua Tree, and Las Vegas (around four hours or more, depending on traffic). If you’re planning to drive one way to San Francisco or Las Vegas, compare one-way rental fees as well.

Tips for LAX car rental

  • Allow extra time to return the car and get back to the terminal for your flight.
  • A convertible is a classic choice for the coast, but check the boot (trunk) space for your luggage.
  • California has some toll roads in Orange County; ask about the rental company’s toll programme.

Last updated: 16 October 2026

Frequently asked questions

Are the rental car counters inside LAX terminals?
No. You travel from the terminal to your rental company, either by the airport’s rental car connection or a company shuttle. Check LAX’s website and your booking for the current arrangements.

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