LAX Rental Car Center Customer Pickup/Drop-off

- Concourse Wy, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Introduction / Overview

For anyone flying into Southern California through Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), securing a rental car is a crucial first step for exploring the vast and dynamic region. The location referred to as the LAX Rental Car Center Customer Pickup/Drop-off on Concourse Way is the central point for accessing vehicles from numerous major car rental agencies. This area is the customer interface for the new Consolidated Rent-A-Car (ConRAC) facility, which has been established to centralize all rental car operations, greatly reducing traffic congestion within the airport’s Central Terminal Area (CTA).

The ConRAC facility is a large, purpose-built hub that consolidates the operations of many rental companies into a single, efficient location. Instead of dealing with multiple, scattered off-site locations, travelers are now directed to this one campus. While the ultimate goal is to connect customers directly to the ConRAC via the Automated People Mover (APM) train, currently, the customer experience involves a dedicated, free shuttle bus service that runs frequently from the terminals to the pickup/drop-off area near Concourse Way. This centralized approach streamlines the process, making it easier for local Californians returning home or visitors starting their journey to find and return their vehicle.

As this area is also a designated curbside zone for private, non-rental vehicle pick-up and drop-off, including rideshare services like Lyft and Uber, it serves as a major ground transportation nexus for the entire airport. This multi-functionality, however, has presented some unique challenges for the customer experience, particularly regarding exposure to the elements, a common point of feedback from users.

Location and Accessibility

The LAX Rental Car Center Customer Pickup/Drop-off area is strategically located just outside the main airport loop, providing quick access to major Los Angeles freeways, including the I-405 and I-105. The address provided, Concourse Wy, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA, refers to the surrounding roadway and the general customer interface zone of the massive ConRAC complex, which is generally cited at 5251 W 98th St.

Accessibility to this area is primarily managed through the dedicated LAX Rental Car Shuttles. Upon arrival at any terminal (Lower/Arrivals level), customers follow the purple signs marked 'Rental Car Shuttles.' These free shuttles transport travelers directly to the ConRAC facility where they can complete their paperwork and pick up their vehicle.

For returning a vehicle, drivers are instructed to follow the signs for Rental Car Return when approaching LAX. From the 405 freeway, drivers typically exit onto Century Blvd and then turn onto Concourse Way, following the designated signs for their specific rental company's return area within the consolidated complex. From this point, a courtesy shuttle will transport customers back to their departure terminal.

A key element of accessibility for this central location is the convenience of having all major rental brands consolidated, minimizing the guesswork and logistical stress for travelers who are new to the area or trying to catch a flight.

Services Offered

The LAX Rental Car Center houses multiple major Car Rental Agencies and offers a comprehensive array of standard rental services:

• Consolidated Vehicle Pickup and Return: A single location for numerous rental brands (including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, and Sixt) for both collecting and dropping off vehicles.
• Free Courtesy Shuttle Service: Dedicated, frequent shuttles run between the LAX terminal islands and the ConRAC facility 24 hours a day, connecting customers to their rental cars.
• Diverse Vehicle Fleet: Customers can access a wide range of vehicle classes, including:
  • Economy and Compact Cars for urban maneuverability.
  • Sedans and Midsize Vehicles for general travel.
  • SUVs and Crossovers for families and those exploring outdoor areas.
  • Minivans and 12- or 15-Passenger Vans for large groups.
  • Convertibles and Luxury Cars, perfect for cruising the California coast.
• Express Service Options: Many participating agencies offer 'Skip the Counter' or 'Fastbreak' services for pre-registered members, allowing them to proceed directly to the designated vehicle zone to select their car and exit, minimizing wait times.
• Fuel and Maintenance Facilities: The ConRAC campus includes a Quick Turnaround (QTA) area for vehicle servicing, such as fueling and washing, streamlining the operational side of the rental business.
• Extended Hours of Operation: Most major rental brands operate 24/7 at this location, accommodating all flight arrival and departure times.

Features / Highlights

The ConRAC facility represents a significant infrastructure highlight for the LAX travel experience:

• Centralized Efficiency: Consolidates operations, eliminating the need for travelers to navigate to separate off-airport lots for various brands.
• Reduced Airport Traffic: By moving thousands of daily rental car shuttle trips out of the main terminal loop, the facility contributes to less congestion for all LAX travelers.
• Future Automated People Mover (APM) Access: Though currently relying on shuttles, the facility is being built with a dedicated APM station, which will eventually provide a direct, effortless train connection from the terminals, completely eliminating the shuttle requirement.
• One-Stop Logistics: The return area is clearly signed and feeds directly into the major freeways, simplifying the return process for drivers unfamiliar with Los Angeles.
• Full-Service Infrastructure: The campus is equipped with expansive ready/return areas and quick-turn bays to ensure a steady supply of clean, serviced vehicles.
• Rideshare/Private Vehicle Nexus: The specific pickup/drop-off area on Concourse Way is shared with rideshare and private vehicles, making it a universal access point for ground transportation.

Contact Information

Since the LAX Rental Car Center Customer Pickup/Drop-off on Concourse Way is a multi-agency facility, there is no single customer service line for the complex itself. For rental-specific inquiries, customers should contact their respective rental car agency. However, the general location and one-way traffic flow information is:

• General Address (ConRAC Facility): 5251 W 98th St, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA (The customer interface is along Concourse Wy).
• General LAX Customer Phone: Travelers should look up the direct phone number for their booked rental company (e.g., Avis, Hertz, Enterprise) for assistance regarding their reservation, vehicle type, or specific pickup instructions.
• Emergency/Security: Contacting LAX airport authorities or facility management would be required for non-rental emergencies within the area.

What is Worth Choosing This Location?

Choosing to rent a car from the LAX Rental Car Center is the most straightforward and comprehensive option for travelers using Los Angeles International Airport. The primary reason is efficiency and choice. With all the major rental car agencies co-located in one facility, a traveler can easily compare rates and vehicle options online and know that the pickup process, while currently requiring a shuttle ride, is a centralized, well-marked procedure.

However, users should be prepared for the current logistical realities. The transition phase, prior to the opening of the Automated People Mover, means that the courtesy shuttle is mandatory, and wait times can vary, especially during peak travel periods. Furthermore, as noted in customer feedback, the outdoor, open-air nature of the curbside pickup/drop-off zone for the shuttles and rideshares on Concourse Way means that there is a current lack of shade or covering, which is a consideration during the strong Southern California sun. It is a reasonable expectation to be sheltered from the elements, and while the new ConRAC facility itself offers covered areas, the external waiting zone is a point of necessary patience.

Ultimately, the choice is worthwhile because of the sheer convenience and competitive pricing afforded by the consolidation of all major rental brands. To ensure the smoothest experience, local users recommend leveraging membership programs (like Fastbreak or Executive) to bypass counter lines and booking your rental well in advance. Despite the temporary inconveniences of a major infrastructure transition, this location is the essential gateway for getting on the road quickly and heading to destinations across California.

LAX Rental Car Center Customer Pickup/Drop-off

Concourse Wy, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA