Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
A Guide to Renting a Car at LAX (as of late 2025)
The new Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility at LAX is now fully open, and all rental car companies have moved to this single location.
However, the LAX Automated People Mover (APM) train, which was designed to connect the terminals directly to the ConRAC, is not yet operational for passengers. This means the only way to get to and from the rental car center is by using the airport shuttle buses.
Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the process:
1. Finding the Shuttle Stop
After collecting your luggage from baggage claim on the Lower/Arrivals Level, walk outside through the automatic doors. You will need to cross to the outer island curb and look for the pillars and signs marked in purple for the rental car shuttles.
Important: These shuttle stops are located directly in front of each terminal, not between them.
2. The Shuttle Ride
You must plan for significant extra time. The shuttles are required to stop at all nine terminals (Terminals 1-8 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal) as they travel through the airport's U-shaped loop. Due to constant traffic, the shuttle ride alone can easily take 30 to 40 minutes.
To put this in perspective, the time spent waiting for the shuttle, riding to the ConRAC, and getting your car could add an extra hour to your journey before you even begin your drive to a destination like Anaheim.
3. At the ConRAC Facility
To save time and skip the long lines at the counter, it is highly recommended to join your rental company's free loyalty program (like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards or National's Emerald Club). This often allows you to prepay, check in on your phone, and go directly to your assigned vehicle.
4. Before You Drive Away
Many rental companies now use AI-assisted scanners to document a car's condition. While this technology is advanced, it is always wise to protect yourself. Before leaving, take 60 seconds to record a quick video on your phone of the car's exterior and interior, making sure to capture any existing damage, the dashboard, and the mileage. This can serve as crucial personal evidence in case of a future damage dispute.
5. Understanding Insurance
Before you travel, check if your personal auto insurance policy includes coverage for rental cars. Additionally, many premium credit cards (like the Chase Sapphire series or options from American Express) offer excellent rental car protection. Knowing your existing coverage can save you from purchasing expensive and possibly redundant damage waivers at the counter.
Hopefully, this guide helps you navigate the LAX rental car process smoothly. Have a safe trip!
A Guide to Renting a Car at LAX (as of late 2025)
The new Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility at LAX is now fully open, and all rental car companies have moved to this single location.
However, the LAX Automated People Mover (APM) train, which was designed to connect the terminals directly to the ConRAC, is not yet operational for passengers. This means the only way to get to and from the rental car center is by using the airport shuttle buses.
Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the process:
1. Finding the Shuttle Stop
After collecting your luggage from baggage claim on the Lower/Arrivals Level, walk outside through the automatic doors. You will need to cross to the outer island curb and look for the pillars and signs marked in purple for the rental car shuttles.
Important: These shuttle stops are located directly in front of each terminal, not between them.
2. The Shuttle Ride
You must plan for significant extra time. The shuttles are required to stop at all nine terminals (Terminals 1-8 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal) as they travel through the airport's U-shaped loop. Due to constant traffic, the shuttle ride alone can easily take 30 to 40 minutes.
To put this in perspective, the time spent waiting for the shuttle, riding to the ConRAC, and getting your car could add an extra hour to your journey before you even begin your drive to a destination like Anaheim.
3. At the ConRAC Facility
To save time and skip the long lines at the counter, it is highly recommended to join your rental company's free loyalty program (like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards or National's Emerald Club). This often allows you to prepay, check in on your phone, and go directly to your assigned vehicle.
4. Before You Drive Away
Many rental companies now use AI-assisted scanners to document a car's condition. While this technology is advanced, it is always wise to protect yourself. Before leaving, take 60 seconds to record a quick video on your phone of the car's exterior and interior, making sure to capture any existing damage, the dashboard, and the mileage. This can serve as crucial personal evidence in case of a future damage dispute.
5. Understanding Insurance
Before you travel, check if your personal auto insurance policy includes coverage for rental cars. Additionally, many premium credit cards (like the Chase Sapphire series or options from American Express) offer excellent rental car protection. Knowing your existing coverage can save you from purchasing expensive and possibly redundant damage waivers at the counter.
Hopefully, this guide helps you navigate the LAX rental car process smoothly. Have a safe trip!
