The Best Ways to Hire a Car at Los Angeles Airport

United States

Alba García September 16, 2026

If you're heading to Los Angeles, chances are you've thought about hiring a car. The city is massive, the distances between main sights can be huge, and California is made for a road trip.

So what's the best way to hire a car at LAX? Is it better to book before you go? Where do you pick it up, and what paperwork will you need?

This guide covers everything you need to know to compare your options and pick the right car for your trip.

Is Hiring a Car in Los Angeles Worth It?

It depends mostly on the kind of trip you have planned.

If you're staying in one specific neighborhood for a few days, you can easily get by using public transport, taxis, or ride-shares. However, if you want to explore places like Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, or Malibu, having a car gives you far more freedom.

If you're planning a California road trip, a car is pretty much essential. You'll be able to set your own pace and visit different destinations without relying on public transport timetables.

That said, driving in LA does come with a few quirks. Traffic can be heavy, distances are vast, and parking can get pricey in certain areas.

Before booking, take a good look at your itinerary and decide how many days you'll actually need the vehicle.

What is the Best Way to Hire a Car at Los Angeles Airport?

One of the most convenient options is to compare and book your car before you fly.

That way, you can take your time reviewing different vehicles, prices, and terms, rather than having to make a decision after a long flight.

With CarJet, you can compare car hire options from different suppliers and choose the best fit for your trip. All you need to do is enter your pick-up and drop-off locations and dates to browse the available options.

Booking in advance also gives you time to look closely at things that can significantly impact the final cost, such as mileage limits, fuel policies, security deposits, cover options, and cancellation terms.

Don't Just Look at the Price

If you're after cheap car hire in Los Angeles, don't just go for the very first rate you see.

Two cars with similar daily prices can come with completely different terms. Before booking, check what each offer actually includes and whether there are any added extras or hidden fees.

Sometimes paying a tiny bit more for a deal with better terms ends up saving you money in the long run, and makes the whole process a lot smoother.

Where Do You Pick Up Your Hire Car at LAX?

This is one of the most common questions when landing in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a dedicated hub for hire car companies: the Rental Car Center (RCC).

Because of this, don't expect to find the car hire desk right outside your terminal. Depending on the company you choose, you will need to take the relevant shuttle bus to get to the pick-up point.

Some companies also operate from locations outside the airport grounds. If that's the case, your booking instructions will explain how to reach the office and whether a shuttle service is provided.

The key is to double-check your pick-up point before you travel so you know exactly where to go as soon as you land.

Which Car Should You Choose for Your Trip?

The type of car you need will depend on how many people are travelling, your luggage, and above all, the route you have planned.

Compact Car

If you are travelling as a couple, packing light, and using the car mainly to get around Los Angeles, a compact model will do the trick.

Plus, its smaller size makes life a lot easier when hunting for a parking spot.

Medium Size Car

A balanced choice if you want a bit extra room without needing a full-sized vehicle. It's a solid option for couples or small families.

SUV

If you're travelling with plenty of luggage, in a group, or planning to clock up a lot of miles across California, an SUV gives you that extra space and comfort.

Just keep in mind that a larger vehicle can be a bit more work to park in certain parts of the city.

Planning a Road Trip Around California?

If your trip extends beyond LA, pay close attention to boot space, comfort, and the included mileage limit.

And if you want to sample some of the city's best local eats along the way, take a look at our guide to street food in Los Angeles to add a few tasty stops to your itinerary.

What Documentation Do You Need to Hire a Car in Los Angeles?

Requirements can vary depending on the company, the rate, and the country that issued your driving licence.

Generally, you will need:

• A valid driving licence
• A passport or required form of ID
• A payment card that meets the supplier's terms
• Any extra documentation specified in your booking

One of the most common points of confusion is the International Driving Permit (IDP).

If you want to know when you might need one and how it differs from your standard licence, take a look at our guide on hiring a car with an international driving licence in the United States.

Remember that an IDP does not replace your national driving licence, when it is required, you must bring both with you.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car at Los Angeles Airport?

There's no set price for car hire at LAX. What you end up paying depends on a whole range of factors:

• Your travel dates
• Length of the hire period
• Vehicle category
• Your age
• Included mileage
• Fuel policy
• Insurance coverage selected
• Security deposit
• Additional drivers
• Drop-off location

Because of this, if you're looking for a good deal, it's always best to compare the total cost of the hire rather than looking strictly at the daily rate.

You can check out options of car hire in Los Angeles with CarJet to compare available vehicles for your dates.

7 Things to Check Before Booking

Before confirming your car, set aside a few minutes to run through these key points:

1. Fuel policy

Check how you need to return the vehicle and whether there are any refueling fees.

2. Mileage limit

If you're touring California, pay close attention to whether the rate includes limited or unlimited mileage.

3. Security deposit

Check how much money will be blocked on your card and the supplier's payment requirements.

4. Insurance and excess

See what cover is included in the rate and how much you'd be liable for in the event of any damage.

5. Additional driver

If someone else will be taking the wheel, check if they can be added to the agreement and whether a surcharge applies.

6. Pick-up times

If your flight lands late at night or early in the morning, make sure the pick-up arrangements suit your schedule.

7. Cancellation terms

Double-check the cancellation policy before completing your booking.

Is It Better to Pick Up Your Car at LAX or Elsewhere in LA?

There isn't a single right answer here, it depends on your plans.

If you land at LAX and are hitting the road straight away, collecting your car at the airport is usually the easiest option. You'll have your wheels from the moment you land and won't need to arrange transport to another office.

On the other hand, if you're spending your first few days in LA without needing a car much, it's worth checking how much it costs to pick one up later at a city location instead.

To make the right choice, compare not just the hire price, but also the time and cost involved in getting to the pick-up office.

How to Book Your Hire Car with CarJet at LAX

Booking your car before you fly is straightforward:

1. Enter Los Angeles as your pick-up location
2. Select your dates and times
3. Compare the available offers
4. Pick the vehicle category that best fits your trip
5. Double-check the rate terms
6. Complete your booking

Before confirming, pay close attention to the pick-up location, security deposit, fuel policy, mileage limits, and included cover options.

That way, you'll touch down in Los Angeles with your hire car all sorted, ready to get straight on the road without wasting any time looking for a vehicle after your flight.

FAQs: Hiring a Car at Los Angeles Airport

Is it better to book your car before you fly?

Yes. Booking in advance lets you compare different options and check the terms without any rush. It also saves you the hassle of trying to sort out a vehicle right after you land.

Where do you pick up your hire car at LAX?

It depends on the company you choose. Many suppliers operate out of the main Rental Car Center, while others are based just off-site. Always check the pick-up instructions on your booking confirmation.

Do you need a credit card to hire a car in Los Angeles?

That depends on the supplier and the specific rate you choose. Be sure to double-check the payment and security deposit requirements before completing your booking.

Can you hire a car in LA if you're under 25?

In most cases, yes, though extra young driver surcharges or vehicle category restrictions may apply depending on the company.

Can you drop the car off in a different city?

Some suppliers allow one-way hires with drop-off at a different location. It's a great option if you're planning a multi-stop California road trip, though a one-way fee may apply.

Find Your LAX Hire Car Today

Hiring a car at Los Angeles Airport is one of the easiest ways to explore the city and take off into the surrounding sights on your own terms.

The main thing is to compare before you go, read through the terms, and choose a vehicle that actually suits your itinerary. You don't always need the biggest car or the absolute cheapest daily rate, just look for the package that best fits your plans.

If you've already set your travel dates, start comparing options on CarJet to get your Los Angeles road trip properly under way.