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Los Angeles International Airport

Hertz Logo
Opening hours

Mon-Sun 24 hours
Address
5251 West 98th Street, 90045

Telephone: 310-568-5100

Rental Qualifications and Requirements

Hertz car rental in Los Angeles Airport

Los Angeles is a city that unfolds in diverse directions. Beaches, studios, canyons, theme parks, sports venues, shopping districts, and freeway routes all sit across a wide metro area, so the first drive from LAX can shape the rest of your trip.

For Australian travellers, car hire at Los Angeles Airport is especially helpful if you are travelling with family, carrying long-haul luggage, staying outside Downtown LA, or planning routes to Santa Monica, Anaheim, Malibu, Palm Springs, San Diego, Las Vegas, or the Pacific Coast Highway.

With your car rental at Los Angeles Airport, you can reach several popular places and routes:

  • Downtown Los Angeles takes around 30 to 45 minutes by car
  • Santa Monica Pier is roughly 9 miles from LAX
  • Manhattan Beach Pier is around 9 miles away
  • The Grove and Original Farmers Market are around 11 miles away
  • The Getty Center is around 15 miles from the airport

Driving in and around Los Angeles Airport

Los Angeles Airport sits on the west side of the city, close to Sepulveda Boulevard, Century Boulevard, I-405, and the coastal routes towards Santa Monica and Marina del Rey. If you rent a car here, plan your first route before leaving the airport area, as LAX traffic can build quickly around the terminal loop, rideshare zones, hotel roads, and freeway ramps.

Parking near the airport and beaches is mostly paid, with garages and official lots often easier than hunting for street spaces. Read signs carefully around Venice, Santa Monica, and downtown LA, as time limits, permit rules, and street-cleaning restrictions can be strict. California requires seatbelts for all passengers and restricts handheld phone use while driving.

A quick guide to Los Angeles Airport and beyond

LAX works best as a starting point for west-side LA, beach routes, and longer Southern California drives.

Start with the coast

Head towards Marina del Rey, Venice, or Santa Monica if you want a first drive that stays close to the airport and avoids crossing the whole city.

Pick your freeway carefully

Use I-405 for north-south travel, I-10 for Santa Monica or downtown, and US-101 for Hollywood or the Valley.

Leave early for day trips

For Malibu, Anaheim, San Diego, or Santa Barbara, start early and check traffic before joining the freeway.

What cars can I hire at the Los Angeles Airport

Hertz car hire at Los Angeles Airport is designed for a wide mix of LA trips, from beach stays and business travel to family holidays and longer California road trips.

Vehicle availability can vary by date and season, but these are the main categories you can usually expect:

  • Compact and economy cars easier to manage on busy LA streets, in hotel car parks, and around areas like Santa Monica, Koreatown, Venice, and Hollywood.
  • Sedans a comfortable pick for couples, solo travellers, business visits, and freeway-heavy routes across Greater Los Angeles.
  • SUVs better suited to families, larger suitcases, theme park days, beach stops, or drives out toward Malibu, Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, or Big Bear.
  • MPVs a roomier choice when you are travelling as a family or small group and want passengers to have more space on longer routes.
  • Vans helpful when the priority is carrying more people, more luggage, or extra equipment in one vehicle.
  • Premium vehicles a good fit for travellers who want a more refined drive for business meetings, special trips, or longer stretches across Southern California.

Electric car rental at Los Angeles Airport

If you plan to hire a car at Los Angeles Airport and stay mainly within LA, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Anaheim, or the South Bay, hiring an electric vehicle can work well.

LAX official parking says EV charging is available in Central Terminal Area garages and Economy Parking, with 1,200 charging stations listed.

For longer EV routes, plan charging before you leave the airport. Drives to Malibu, Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, San Diego, or Las Vegas need more preparation than short city routes, especially during summer, holiday periods, or when travelling with children and luggage.

Value added services (VAS) – Enhance your rental experience

If you’re looking for a car rental at Los Angeles Airport with extra comfort or protection, Hertz offers a range of Value Added Services that can make your LA trip easier. In case you are travelling with children, planning long drives, or carrying more luggage after a long-haul flight, it is the best option to choose from.

Available VAS products include:

  • Loss Damage Waiver: Reduces your financial liability for eligible damage, theft, or accident-related costs.
  • Liability Insurance Supplement: Reduces your financial liability for eligible third-party injury or damage claims during the rental period.
  • Infant seats: Rear-facing seating designed for babies and very young passengers.
  • Child seats: Suitable for young children who need a secure forward-facing seat.
  • Booster seats: Helps older children sit at a safer height with the vehicle seat belt.
  • Personal Protection Package: Includes Personal Accident Insurance and Personal Effects Coverage, offering accidental death and limited medical expense benefits for you and, in some cases, passengers, along with reduced liability for accidents or theft.

Explore places within 30 miles of Los Angeles Airport

Santa Monica Pier and Beach

  • 9 miles from the Los Angeles Airport by road (approx)
  • 1,200 parking spaces available (approx)
  • 3 active charging stations nearby (approx)
  • Open Monday to Thursday, 9 AM to 8 PM

Santa Monica Pier is one of the easiest coastal stops after collecting a car at LAX. It works well for a beach walk, family photos, Pacific Park, restaurants, and a first look at the LA coastline before heading deeper into the city.

Manhattan Beach Pier

  • 9 miles from Los Angeles Airport (approx)
  • 450 public parking spaces nearby (approx)
  • 4 EV charging stations nearby (approx)
  • Open daily, All day

Manhattan Beach is close to LAX but feels calmer than many central LA stops. The pier, beach paths, cafés, and nearby restaurants make it a good first or final coastal stop before an airport return.

The Grove and Original Farmers Market

  • 11 miles from Los Angeles Airport by road (approx)
  • 3,500 parking spaces available (approx)
  • 6 EV chargers nearby (approx)
  • Open Sun to Sat, 10 AM to 8 PM (Timings are variable)

The Grove and Original Farmers Market work well if you want shopping, casual dining, and an easy stop between LAX, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, or West Hollywood. Parking is straightforward compared with many street-heavy LA areas.

FAQs

1. Can I get a car rental from Hertz directly at Los Angeles Airport?

Yes, you can. Hertz serves LAX through the airport’s Rental Car Center. From baggage claim, follow the “Rental Car Shuttles” signs on the Lower/Arrivals Level for the courtesy shuttle.

2. Does Hertz offer one-way car rentals from Los Angeles Airport?

Yes, one-way rentals are usually available when booking. This can help if you plan to drive to San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, or another Hertz branch. Extra fees may apply.

3. Is it possible to modify or cancel my Los Angeles Airport reservation?

Yes. You can usually modify or cancel your booking online through Hertz. Check your booking terms before changing your pickup time, vehicle category, return location, or travel dates.

4. What are the requirements to get a car hire at the Los Angeles Airport branch?

For car hire at Los Angeles Airport, the main driver should bring a valid driving licence, passport for identification, and a payment card in their own name for the security deposit. If the licence is not in English, they should also carry an International Driving Permit along with their national licence.

5. Can I return my car to a different location than specified in my contract?

You should return the car to the location listed in your rental agreement. If your route changes, contact Hertz before drop-off, as changing the return location may involve a one-way or contract change fee.