Car Rental
How long does it take to drive from LAX to downtown Los Angeles?
Typically 35–50 minutes, but during peak traffic hours, it can take over an hour.
Car Rental at Los Angeles Airport (LAX), California
In Los Angeles, California, U-Save Car Rental provides a quality mobility option that blends convenience, dependability, and price. Our rental fleet caters to various client demands, from tiny cars for city exploration to roomy SUVs for family holidays or business travel, with a vast selection of perfectly kept vehicles. We focus on client happiness at U-Save by delivering great services like simple booking choices, low pricing, and flexible rental terms.
Our educated team is committed to providing a stress-free rental experience. Whether you're a native or a visitor to the dynamic city of Los Angeles, U-Save Car Rental is your reliable companion for experiencing the city and its environment in comfort and elegance. Make your reservation today and discover the U-Save Car Rental difference.
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Luxury Car
Indulge in opulence and cutting-edge technology with luxury vehicles that redefine elegance and deliver an unparalleled driving experience
Compact
Nimble, fuel-efficient, and perfect for urban life, offering practicality without compromising on style and modern features
Mini Van
Spacious, versatile, and family-friendly, minivans offer comfort and convenience for on-the-go adventures and seamless daily commutes
Standard SUV
Explore the comfort and versatility of standard SUV rentals. Perfect for family trips or any adventure, our reliable SUVs are ready to hit the road
Pickup Truck
Unlock the power of pickup trucks for your hauling tasks. Rent a sturdy pickup truck for versatile cargo transportation. Efficient and dependable
Sprinter
Marrying style with practicality. Great for road trips or business ventures. Spacious, efficient, and highly adaptable. Start your adventure now!
Tips for renting a car at Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
Before you rent:
Make an informed choice. We believe in providing you with options to choose the right car for your needs with complete price transparency. At U-Save, we prioritize your peace of mind, which means rental insurance with us is not overly complicated and you are assured you are properly insured.
When you collect your Vehicle:
Think ahead. It's a good idea to map out your trip in advance, especially if you're returning the rental car to an unfamiliar location or airport. Check your confirmation email to make sure you know where to meet your agent or where the rental desk, and save the contact details to your phone for quick access.
Bring the necessary documents. While we strive to make the check-in process as simple as possible, some information is required by law. Having your reservation information, driver's license, passport and credit card ready in advance can speed up your reservation process. If you choose to self-insure, make sure that you have verifiable proof of full coverage insurance at the time of rental pickup. If you are a local renter, make sure that you have all the information required by the location to confirm your ID and address.
Conduct a car inspection. Perform a detailed walk around inspection as soon as the vehicle is received to note any existing damage on the rental agreement. The five damage hotspots that we've discovered deserve special attention. You are shielded from responsibility when you return the vehicle by disclosing any existing damage prior to leaving the location.
While you rent:
Take care. Please be advised that depending on the rental coverage you chose, you could be responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Take measures to reduce the possibility of collisions leading to dings and scratches, especially in congested parking areas.
When you return your vehicle:
Complete one more vehicle inspection. Conduct a second inspection during the return procedure, and no matter how little it may look, carefully record any damage. This approach enables us to handle your refund quickly while making sure you are completely insured. The five damage hotspots should receive special attention, just as they did during the initial assessment.
Drive on the right side of the road
USD is the local currency
Average temperatures are 49°F (9°C) - 84°F (29°C)
Marilyn Aziz , Los Angeles Airport
I had an excellent experience with this car rental company, thanks to Herbert. He was professional, courteous, and efficient throughout the entire process. From the moment I arrived, Herbert made sure everything was handled smoothly — from explaining the rental terms clearly to ensuring the vehicle was clean and ready to go. His attention to detail and commitment to customer service truly stood out. I highly recommend this location and especially commend Herbert for making my rental experience stress-free and seamless.
Katie Heidy , Los Angeles Airport
LISA is the best ever! I was having the worst day and had just come from a different car rental agency down the street. The interaction had left me in tears and I wasn’t sure I was even going to be able to rent a car. Lisa made me calm, she made me laugh, and she figured everything out so by the time I happily drove away in a beautiful, brand new car… it felt like the best day ever. All thanks to her. She needs a raise, it’s people like her that make a company great. What a breath of fresh air, especially after arriving from France, I’m used to the grumpiest representatives ever lol. Thank you, Lisa for helping me out.
Jaime Rodriguez , Los Angeles Airport
Solid customer service. Friendly, patient, knowledgeable and once you're at the counter, the paperwork process is quick. Dwayne was the first agent that assisted me and displayed all the attributes described above. The second time I went, Al assisted me and the process was just as smooth as the first. As long as the rates continue to be fairly priced and affordable, combined with the excellent customer service, my family will continue to be customers for a long time.
De Ann W. , Los Angeles Airport
We have used U-Save multiple times and have only had positive experiences. At LAX, rental car companies are located off-site, requiring you to take a shuttle to reach their facilities outside of the airport. Be sure to allow extra time to get back to the airport when returning a car (at least 45-60 minutes extra), as they often have other customers to pick up and drop off. Again, we were highly satisfied with our experience renting a car with U-Save at LAX.
Julianna Diaz , Los Angeles Airport
They have amazing cars, and they are so cool people, very professional especially Mr Tee. This gentleman was the kindest in the whole world; he always helped me with everything!
Driving in Los Angeles – Local Rules, Tips & Environment
Los Angeles driving is unlike any other U.S. city — fast, freeway-heavy, and unpredictable. From LAX, you’ll quickly access major roads like I-405, I-105, US-1 (Pacific Coast Highway), and I-10, connecting you to all corners of the region.
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side, and most rental cars are automatic. Speed limits are posted in miles per hour (mph):
25–35 mph in residential or city areas
45–50 mph on multi-lane boulevards
65–70 mph on highways (some sections may vary)
Los Angeles is known for dense traffic, particularly during rush hours (7–10 AM and 3–7 PM), and for aggressive lane changes. Freeways are wide and fast-moving, but navigation requires attention — multi-exit interchanges, express lanes, and carpool (HOV) lanes are common. Carpool lanes are usually on the far left and restricted to vehicles with 2 or more occupants during peak times.
Street parking can be challenging. Always read signs carefully to avoid violations — street cleaning, permit zones, and no-parking windows are strictly enforced. Use parking garages or lots in busier areas like Downtown, West Hollywood, or Santa Monica. In residential areas, be cautious about blocking driveways or fire hydrants.
Driving culture in L.A. is fast but not hostile. Use Waze or Google Maps to anticipate traffic, closures, or speed traps. Expect occasional confusing intersections, particularly downtown or in older neighborhoods.
Fuel is widely available but more expensive than in many other U.S. cities. Payment by credit/debit card is common, but some pumps may require ZIP code validation. If you’re visiting from outside the U.S., prepaying inside is often easier.
Van Rental in LA, California
We have a great collections of high-quality cars and vans. Whether you're looking for mini van, a large sprinter, pickup truck, SUV or even e luxury car – we got you!
Choosing the right rental vehicle depends on your travel needs, whether it’s comfort, space, or terrain capability. SUVs are great for long road trips, offering a mix of comfort and versatility, especially if you're traveling through mixed terrains or unpredictable weather.
Vans are ideal for larger groups or cargo transport, perfect for family trips or business needs. MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) are a practical choice for urban driving with extra passenger space, making them a great middle ground between sedans and vans.
Pickup trucks excel in handling heavy loads and rugged environments, ideal for work or outdoor adventures. If you're tackling off-road trails or harsh conditions, a 4x4 provides the traction and durability needed for a safe and reliable drive. Choosing wisely ensures a smoother and more comfortable journey.
Check our booking system to see which car types are currently available!
FAQs About Driving & Renting a Car around Los Angeles
Where do I pick up my rental car at LAX?
All rentals are located at the Consolidated Rental Car Facility (ConRAC), accessible via the LAX-it shuttle from the Arrivals area.
Are toll roads used around Los Angeles?
Rarely. Most highways are toll-free. The 91 Express Lanes and some Orange County routes use tolls, but your rental may include a FasTrak pass for automatic billing.
Can I drive to San Diego or Las Vegas from LAX with a rental car?
Yes. San Diego is about 2.5 hours south; Las Vegas is about 4.5 hours northeast. Both are popular day or weekend trips.
Is an International Driving Permit (IDP) required in California?
If your license is in English or Roman script, it is valid. If not, an IDP is recommended alongside your original license.
What should I know about L.A. driving culture?
Expect heavy freeway use, fast lane changes, and parking challenges. Always read signage carefully and use navigation apps to avoid congestion and detours.
