Best Car Rental Companies at Los Angeles Airport (LAX)

In southern California, you will find a city of sunshine, film stars, districts, and neighborhoods rich in culture.  Los Angeles is a city exploding with exciting attractions, health and wellness, and a large population of over 16 million people.  This would make sense why the Los Angeles Airport is one of the biggest international airports within the United States as well as one of the busiest in the world.  Often referred to as LAX, this sprawling airport offers flights to over 40 countries worldwide – View LAX arrivals today -.  With its location on the coast of California, it hosts millions of people often looking for connecting flights or as the starting point for their vacations.

If this glamourous city is the beginning of your journey, you most likely will be looking into a car rental agency.  The Los Angeles Airport hosts a multitude of reputable companies with representatives and kiosks on-site to make the transition from the air to the road effortless. We have put together a list of the Top 10 ranked car agencies from LAX airport (Updated 2023) and a few of their features to help guide you in your vacation planning.

Ranking of Best Car Rentals at Los Angeles Airport

#1 – Alamo (8.6/10) 🏆

Alamo is the highest-rated car rental company at LAX, with a score of 8.6 out of 10. One of the most commented reviews from customers is how quick and easy it is to pick up your rental with Alamo.  This is often one of the biggest stresses of renting a vehicle in a city you do not know but Alamo takes this worry away creating a hassle-free experience with an average wait time of ten minutes.

Operating 7 days a week, 24 hours a day Alamo is acknowledged for the cleanliness of the vehicles and overall value for money. SUVs such as the Jeep Renegade, Toyota Rav4, Jeep Wrangler, and Chevrolet Suburban all received this high rating. When renting some of the SUVs with Alamo they have a free tank fuel policy.  This benefit provides you with a full tank of free fuel and allows you to use as much as you need on your trip without having to stop and refuel before returning the vehicle. Convertible models such as Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro are available.

Alamo customer ratings:

• ⭐ Excellent cleanliness of the car
• ✔️ Very good service at the rental desk
• ⭐ Very Quick pick-up process (Average waiting time is less than 15 mins)
• ⭐ Very Quick drop-off process
• ✔️ Very good overall value for money

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#2 – Avis (8.0/10) 🥈

Avis has an 8 out of 10 rating making it the second-best agency to rent a car from when arriving at the Los Angeles airport.  This car rental company ranks high for its customer service at the rental desk and has an average wait time of only 5 minutes.

The economy, compact, minivan, and standard vehicles are the suggested vehicle styles that are best to rent with Avis at this location.  Ford Fiesta or Focus, Chrysler Pacifica, or Volkswagen Jetta is the top-rated vehicle from Avis with automatic transmission and air conditioning providing the best investment for your money. The park and lock feature is convenient in the returns area where you easily drop off the keys, completed the contract, and continue on to your flight.

Avis customer ratings:

• ⭐ Very good cleanliness of the car
• ⭐ Excellent service at the rental desk
• ✔️ Very Quick pick-up process (Average waiting time is less than 15 mins)
• ✔️ Very Quick drop-off process
• ✔️ Very good overall value for money

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#3 – Enterprise (8.0/10) 🥉

Tied for third Enterprise also receives an 8 out of 10 from its customers. One of the highlights of this agency is that it follows sanitization measures as per WHO COVID-19 guidelines.

Enterprise provides shuttle service to their offsite rental location on Ballanca Way. Simply make your way outside the airport to the center island and look for the purple sign that says Rental Car Shuttles where their free shuttle bus will pick you up. They also have self-service kiosks at the Los Angeles Airport, making your experience easy and efficient. Their midsize Hyundai Elantra, Jeep Renegade, Chrysler 300 and midsize Toyota Rav4 receive the top ratings when deciding upon which vehicle to rent. Convertible models such as Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro are also available to book on Enterprise at LAX.

Enterprise customer ratings:

• ✔️ Very good cleanliness of the car
• ⭐ Excellent service at the rental desk
• ⭐ Very Quick pick-up process (Average waiting time is less than 15 mins)
• ⭐ Very Quick drop-off process
• ✔️ Very good overall value for money

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#4 – Sixt (7.9/10) 🔝

Sixt’s car rental location is only 5 minutes from the airport which helps it receive its 7.9 out of 10 ratings. Sixt offers luxury and premium vehicles however, the economy Kia Rio, compact Toyota Yaris Sedan, and midsize Hyundai Elantra are the vehicles that are most recommended. If you are looking for a luxury rental, the Mercedes S Class was the highest rated with Sixt. Convertible models such as BMW 8 Series, or Ford Mustang are also available at LAX with Sixt.

Customers were most pleased with the cleanliness of their rentals with Sixt and their experience at the customer service rental desk. Their fuel policy is to rent the vehicle with a full tank of fuel but you must also return it the same way you picked it up, with a full tank.

Sixt customer ratings:

• ✔️ Very good cleanliness of the car
• ✔️ Very good service at the rental desk
• ✔️ Very Quick pick-up process (Average waiting time is less than 15 mins)
• ⭐ Very Quick drop-off process
• ✔️ Very good overall value for money

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#5 – National (7.5/10) 🔝

This is still quite a good rating when choosing a car company receiving the best reviews for their pick-up and drop-off process from clients. Their office location is in Inglewood but similar to the other agencies they provide a free shuttle bus so their customers can relax immediately after their flight.

All of their midsize, standard, premium, SUVs, convertible, and luxury vehicles have positive feedback with fully sanitized vehicles.  Another great feature is the unlimited mileage which is perfect for your long-distance exploring and adventures. There is no need to count mileage and concern yourself with surprise fees. With 24-hour availability and no additional charge for a second driver, National received a 7.5 out of 10.

National customer ratings:

• ✔️ Very good cleanliness of the car
• ✔️ Very good service at the rental desk
• ✔️ Very Quick pick-up process (Average waiting time is less than 15 mins)
• ✔️ Very Quick drop-off process
• ✔️ Very good overall value for money

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#6 ACE Rent A Car (7.0/10) 🔝

ACE Rent a Car is a company with branches all over the world, and also offers service at LAX.

Although it has some negative ratings about the waits to pick up the car or the typical complaints about deposits or insurance, their customer service is excellent and covers the rest of the deficiencies you might have.

ACE is located Off-Airport, but offers Free Shuttle Service to their facilities.

ACE Rent A Car customer ratings:

• ✔️Good cleanliness of the car
• ⭐ Excellent service at the rental desk
• ✔️ Quick pick-up process
• ✔️ Very Quick drop-off process
• ✔️ Very good overall value for money

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#7 – Thrifty (6.6/10) 🔝

Thrifty places are sixth in the ranking of best car rentals at Los Angeles airport with a 6.6 out of 10.  They do offer pre-registration allowing you to add all the driver details prior to you picking up the vehicle-saving time during your vacation.

If choosing to rent any of their vehicles such as their positive rated compact Ford Focus, Nisan Versa or midsize Kia Optima, and Chevrolet Malibu they all come with one free additional driver in your contract.

Thrifty customer ratings:

• ✔️ Good cleanliness of the car
• ✔️ Good service at the rental desk
• ✔️ Quick pick-up process
• ✔️ Very Quick drop-off process
• ✔️ Very good overall value for money

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#8 – Hertz (6.0/10) 🔝

With a 6.0 out of 10 Hertz is another reputable car rental agency when arriving in Los Angeles.  Their complimentary shuttle will take you to their location on West Century Boulevard where all their vehicles offer unlimited mileage and even infant and booster seats.

If your travel plans change Hertz has free cancellation up to 48 hours prior to picking up your rental. There is also no additional fee if you need to alter your booking online or via telephone right up until the time of receiving your vehicle.  This flexibility can put your mind at ease while creating your travel plans.

Hertz customer ratings:

• ✔️ Good cleanliness of the car
• ✔️ Good service at the rental desk
• ✔️ Quick pick-up process
• ✔️ Very Quick drop-off process
• ✔️ Good overall value for money

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#9 – Budget (6.0/10) 🔝

Budget was given a 6.0 out of 10, however, clients did note they were quite happy with the overall cleanliness of their rental vehicle.  They provide a shuttle every 5 – 10 minutes at the airport pick-up location so you do not need to wait long for service.

As with other car rental agencies they offer 24-hour availability for drop-off and easy after-hours return procedures. If you are looking for an even quicker experience, Budget has a membership program called Fastbreak allowing you to bypass the line.  As a member, all that is required is to show your valid license, proceed to pick up your keys, and then you are ready to explore the streets of Los Angeles.

Budget customer ratings:

• ✔️ Good cleanliness of the car
• ✔️ Good service at the rental desk
• ✔️ Quick pick-up process
• ✔️ Quick drop-off process
• ✔️ Good overall value for money

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#10 – Dollar (5.9/10) 🔝

Dollar has an average rating of 5.9 out of 10 and included in your rental they allow for a free additional driver.  This can be very beneficial if you are traveling across the country and minimizes the need for long rests.

One of the rentals you will find on their site is a special edition car which is a mystery, they choose the surprise vehicle. The type of vehicle you can be issued can be compact or larger.

Dollar customer ratings:

• ✔️ Good cleanliness of the car
• ✔️ Good service at the rental desk
• ✔️ Quick pick-up process
• ✔️ Quick drop-off process
• ✔️ Good overall value for money

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Choosing a car rental company might be an overwhelming task for some travelers at Los Angeles Airport due to the many options available in the country. However, there are many clear factors that can help us more easily narrow down the options: Daily prices, weekly prices, cars available, rewards programs, and customer ratings.

Where are located the counters at LAX

Although LAX is a bustling, fast-moving airport your car rental experience does not have to be overwhelming.  The pick-up destination for your shuttle bus is easy to find, it is just outside the baggage claim area.  There will be plenty of signage directing you and there are always representatives on-site to assist you.  Ensure you are boarding the correct shuttle corresponding to your rental company as not all off-site locations are in one place. Most of the agencies’ physical offices are close by and it should not take long for you to complete the necessary paperwork having you quickly on the road. Los Angeles is a place of dreams and having the right car rental for you and your family makes it possible to drive off into the sunshine for your dream vacation.

Pick Up in Terminal – Free shuttle bus

Rental Car offices are placed off-airport, away from airline terminals. These rent-a-car companies are allowed to pick up and drop off their customers at the airline terminals using free shuttles. These companies meet arriving customers under the purple Rental Car Shuttles sign on the Lower/Arrivals Level islands outside baggage claim.

Remote Rental Car Depot Service

These rental car companies are required to meet customers at the Remote Rental Car Depot. This facility is placed at the intersection of Century and Airport Boulevards. Customers have boarded the Economy Lot E shuttle bus. This service is operated by LAZ Parking and stops under the blue LAX Shuttle Airline Connection sign.

Is there a One-Way Car Rental Service from LAX?

The answer is YES. Do you need to rent a car at Los Angeles Airport and drop off it at other of these popular locations in California or other states such as San Francisco Airport, San Jose Airport, John Wayne Airport, Oakland Airport, San Diego Airport, Fresno Yosemite Airport, Sacramento Airport or Las Vegas Airport? No problem, take advantage of our offers for Los Angeles Airport.

Rent a car at Los Angeles International Airport or Downtown and return it at any other location at a really good price. Our prices include one-way fees. These are the routes most frequently used by travelers:

Pick up Los Angeles and drop off San Francisco Airport

• Time: 5 hours 41 minutes
• Distance: 378 miles via I-5 N

Pick up Los Angeles and drop off Oakland Airport

• Time: 5 hours 27 minutes
• Distance: 368 miles via I-5 N

Pick up Los Angeles and drop off San Jose Airport

• Time: 5 hours 14 minutes
• Distance: 348 miles via I-5 N

Pick up Los Angeles and drop off San Diego Airport

• Time: 2 hours 6 minutes
• Distance: 124 miles via I-15 S

Pick up Los Angeles and drop off Sacramento Airport

• Time: 6 hours 39 minutes
• Distance: 431 miles via I-405 S and I-5 S

Pick up Los Angeles and drop off Fresno Yosemite Airport Airport

• Time: 3 hours 29 minutes
• Distance: 228 miles via I-5 N and CA-99 N

Pick up Los Angeles and drop off Santa Ana John Wayne Airport

• Time: 37 minutes
• Distance: 40 miles via I-405 S

Pick up Los Angeles and drop off Las Vegas McCarran Airport

• Time: 4 hours 2 minutes
• Distance: 280 miles via I-15 N

We hope you liked this article. Now you can continue reading our article about the differences between Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Payless, Sixt, Thrifty, Dollar, Alamo, National, and more, or use our search engine below to book your car.

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