Thrifty Car Rental LAX: Affordable Airport Car Hire and Deals in Los Angeles

Thrifty Car Rental - Los Angeles International Airport Introduce

For residents and visitors arriving in Southern California, securing reliable, budget-friendly transportation is often the first step to exploring the vast and dynamic Los Angeles area. Thrifty Car Rental, operating its main Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) location off-site, positions itself as a competitive choice for value-conscious renters. This agency is known for offering some of the lowest prices among major rental brands, making it a compelling option for extended stays, large family trips, or budget-focused travel across the Golden State.

Operating near one of the world's busiest airports, Thrifty handles a high volume of customers daily, providing a wide array of vehicle types from economy cars to SUVs and vans. One significant distinction of this particular location is its identification as a women-owned business, adding a unique highlight to its profile within the competitive LA car rental landscape. Furthermore, the agency actively supports the community by offering specific discounts to active military personnel.

Customer experiences with Thrifty LAX often highlight a trade-off: great prices and excellent vehicles (sometimes brand-new models like a Nissan Sentra with only 500 miles) in exchange for a process that can, at times, be challenging. While one customer noted a surprisingly smooth, quick, and positive interaction with a kind agent and no line, another detailed a frustrating three-hour wait and upselling attempts, which is typical of high-volume airport services. This variance suggests that the experience is highly dependent on factors like the day of the week, time of day, and preparation for common rental add-ons. Prospective renters are encouraged to be informed, especially regarding things like optional insurance packages and the separate California toll road payment system, FasTrak, which can be managed independently from the rental company's often high-cost toll plan.

Location and Accessibility

The Thrifty Car Rental LAX facility is not located within the immediate terminal loop but at a nearby consolidated location accessible via the airport's dedicated rental car shuttle service. This is a common arrangement for major airport rental companies.

The physical address for the facility is: 9000 Airport Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA.

The location is situated in the immediate vicinity of the airport, offering easy access to the I-105 and I-405 freeways, which are essential for navigating Southern California.

To access the Thrifty location, customers must use the free, dedicated shuttle bus. Upon arrival at LAX, renters should proceed to the designated "Rental Car Shuttles" pick-up area. Signage or information desks at the airport can assist in finding the exact shuttle stop. Although finding the correct shuttle stop can be slightly confusing for first-time visitors, the service itself is generally efficient, running regularly to the off-site facility.

The facility prioritizes physical accessibility for all customers:

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

These features ensure that the location is welcoming and accommodating to customers with mobility needs, allowing for a comfortable start to their California journey.

Services Offered

Thrifty Car Rental LAX offers a comprehensive range of rental services designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers, with a focus on value and convenience. Being an on-site service at a central facility ensures quick processing once the customer reaches the counter.

Wide Range of Vehicle Classes: The fleet includes popular models across various categories, such as economy (like the Nissan Sentra), compact, mid-size, full-size sedans, and a significant selection of SUVs, minivans, and specialty vehicles for all travel party sizes and luggage needs.
Onsite Services: The facility provides a physical location for all transactions, including check-in, paperwork, vehicle selection, and drop-off.
Multiple Payment Options: Customers can complete transactions using Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and modern NFC Mobile Payments, offering flexibility for deposits and final payments.
Add-On Packages: Standard optional services include GPS navigation, child car seats, and various levels of additional insurance coverage (which customers have the right to decline if they have existing coverage).
Toll Payment Solutions: They offer an optional, fee-based toll plan for navigating California's toll roads and express lanes (such as those that use FasTrak). Renters should be aware that they can often opt-out and pay tolls directly online via FasTrak to potentially save costs.
Prepaid and Pay-Later Options: Thrifty typically offers different rate structures, including prepaid discounts for those who want to lock in a lower price, and standard rates paid upon pickup.

Features and Highlights

Several distinct features and operational highlights make the Thrifty LAX location stand out:

Budget-Friendly Pricing: The agency is consistently competitive on price, often offering rates significantly lower than many other major rental companies at LAX, which is ideal for cost-conscious travelers.
Identification as Women-Owned: This designation is a notable point of difference, supporting diversity in the major corporate travel and service industry.
Active Military Discounts: Thrifty offers specific pricing benefits for active members of the military, a valuable feature for service members traveling through Southern California.
High Quality of Fleet: Customers report receiving late-model or brand-new vehicles (e.g., a car with only 500 miles), ensuring reliability and a modern driving experience.
High Availability of Vehicles: Despite potential waiting times at the counter, the size of the lot and fleet appears to be substantial, with one customer noting "more than 30 brand-new vehicles available" for selection.
24/7 Operation: As a major airport rental facility, the location operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, accommodating all flight arrivals and departures, regardless of the time.

Contact Information

For booking, inquiries about shuttle service, or customer support related to existing reservations, use the following contact details:

Address: 9000 Airport Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA

Phone: (310) 258-3000

Mobile Phone: +1 310-258-3000

What is Worth Choosing?

Thrifty Car Rental at LAX is an excellent choice for the California renter who prioritizes two things: value and a modern, well-maintained vehicle.

Choosing Thrifty is worth it when you are prepared to navigate the airport and the rental process with due diligence. Their consistently lower prices make them a standout option, especially for longer rentals where savings multiply. The fact that customers frequently receive new vehicles like a new Nissan Sentra is a massive benefit, translating to better fuel economy, up-to-date safety features, and a more pleasant driving experience throughout California's extensive road network.

The primary challenge, as highlighted by reviews, is the risk of extended wait times and high-pressure upselling tactics. Therefore, the key to a positive experience with Thrifty is preparation. You should:

Confirm your reservation details and be prepared to wait during peak travel periods, factoring this time into your overall itinerary.
Decline any unnecessary insurance or add-ons if you have your own coverage (check your personal auto insurance or credit card benefits).
Refuse the costly daily toll plan and instead use the free FasTrak system, which allows you to pay tolls directly online for the vehicle's license plate. This knowledge alone can save a traveler a significant amount of money over a 13-day rental.

In conclusion, for budget-savvy California travelers, Thrifty Car Rental at LAX delivers on its promise of low-cost, high-quality rental vehicles. By staying informed about the process and preparing for common counter practices, the experience can be as smooth and positive as the many five-star reviews suggest, ensuring you hit the road with a great car and a minimal dent in your travel budget.

Thrifty Car Rental - Los Angeles International Airport Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Onsite services

Highlights
Active military discounts

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Thrifty Car Rental - Los Angeles International Airport Photos

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Thrifty Car Rental - Los Angeles International Airport Location

Thrifty Car Rental - Los Angeles International Airport

California Los Angeles County Los Angeles Westchester Airport Boulevard

9000 Airport Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045, USA

Thrifty Car Rental - Los Angeles International Airport Reviews

An average rating of ★2.9 from 9981 user reviews.

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I rented a car from Thrifty for 13 days mainly because their prices were much lower than other rental companies. When I arrived at the airport, I got a bit lost trying to find the shuttle that takes you to their lot (which is located off-site), but I eventually found it after asking for help at the airport information desk.Before picking up the car, I checked Google and got really worried after seeing thousands of negative reviews. However, my experience was completely different. When I got there, there was no line, and I was helped right away by a very kind agent. He offered me the extra insurance packages, which I declined, and also tried to sell me their toll plan for $85 per day, saying it wasn’t possible to pay tolls separately - which isn’t true, since you can easily pay them online through FasTrak. Since I already knew that, I refused the add-ons and only paid for the rental itself.When I went to choose my car, there were more than 30 brand-new vehicles available. I picked a Nissan Sentra with just 500 miles on it - it was perfect. The return process was a bit confusing, as I had trouble finding the right drop-off area, but once I did, the staff was friendly and the process was quick. The shuttle back to the airport was smooth and on time.Overall, I had a very positive experience with Thrifty and would definitely rent from them again.
October 10 · André Oliveira
I would give ZERO STARS IF IT WAS POSSIBLE.Saturday morning 11am pick up time for my prepaid rental car was scheduled. 11am I arrived, and had to wait 1 hour and 15 minutes just to get to the counter to talk with a rental car agent. AFTER TAKING MY CREDIT CARD AND GETTING A $200 deposit, I was informed that it would be AN HOUR BEFORE THEY WOULD HAVE A CAR AVAILABLE, UNLESS I PAID AN ADDITIONAL $40 FOR AN UPGRADE. Any other rental car agency I have workedvwith would upgrade immediately, no extra cost or extra wait time. I only needed a car for a few hours to get to a specific business and back, and having already paid for my rental, I didn't want to spend $20/hour more than I already paid.An HOUR AND A HALF LATER, STILL NO CAR!!!I WENT TO CUSTOMER SERVICE TO CANCEL THE RENTAL, BUT THEY SENT ME TO A DIFFERENT DESK, WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD TO TALK TO THE ORIGINAL rental agent, who was no where to be found. I told them I was canceling the rental car and they said it was now ready, but it was too late. By the time I would have arrived at the business, it would be closed. I canceled the car, after wasting 3 hours at the Thrifty rental car facility. TOTAL WASTE OF TIME!!!
September 01 · Sue Shular
Much like several other reviews posted about this location, if I could give them ZERO stars, I would. Both my drop-off AND pick-up experiences were horrible, inexcusable and unacceptable. This is long but WORTH the read to help everyone else!!!Vehicle: 2023 (in 2025…) KIA Forte w/60,000 milesDrop-off: During my drop off, I got my belongings out of the vehicle and waited patiently for someone to process my return (which I'm glad I did). The attendant managed to go directly to several damage spots, asking me if the damage was already present (keep in mind that this is a 3 year old car with 60k miles). I responded “yes” to each, which was true. She then miraculously goes to the windshield to a mark so small that you’d need a magnifying glass to see it, asking if it was there when I checked the car out. I said “yes”. She asked if I had proof, which I did. I showed her the image of the damage (which I am glad I had), to which she responded, “I’m glad you have that picture because if you didn’t, I would have to charge you for it”. Keep in mind that the mark is well below the damage threshold, and again, is so small and minor that the average person would miss it. She then tells me that she has to file a report stating that it was already there. I look over her report before I leave to ensure that she mentioned that I wasn’t at fault and the damage was pre-existing. NOW THIS IS WHERE IT GETS REALLY GOOD. A few days later, I get an email from Thrifty asking for my CC to cover the damages. I called both Thrifty and Hertz, and they both direct me to the “Claims Examiner” for the LAX location, whom of course I am not able to get contact with at first. After a few tries and a few calls to corporate, I got an email response and was told to disregard. Nonetheless, the point is that the pre-existing damage was below the damage threshold (nothing other an inch in length). Beyond that, WHY does Thrifty not have these things already documented?? They knew what they were doing, but it didn’t work. TAKE PICTURES AND VIDEOS OF EVERYTHING!Pick-Up: I reserved an electric car. When I arrived, I was told that they didn’t have any, and that they would have to give me a midsized gasoline engine vehicle. I asked what they had available, and I was told a Nissan Versa. Not a Sentra…a Versa. If you go to the thrift site as I type, it will tell you that a Sentra falls within the Mid-Size category (sometimes interchangeable with the “Standard” category). When I asked what else was available, I was told a Kia Forte. I asked if I could be played in a Kia K4 (standard) for the inconvenience of not having what I reserved at all, and was told that it would be extra. As a note, the counter agent mentioned how “good” of a rental rate I had. Money grab much??I will never rent from this location again.
October 18 · Brandyn Green
NEVER EVER Rent A Car from there!!! Or you may have the WORST car rental experience ever. After a 13-hour flight, we arrived at Thrifty's counter at 12:30 AM, only to learn after completing paperwork that no car was available. Staff didn’t inform us earlier, leaving us waiting for hours with no clear timeline. Their service was terrible—unhelpful responses like “don’t know” to questions, no apologies, no water, no food, and no effort to ease our frustration. They wouldn’t offer a free upgrade despite having other cars, insisting we pay extra. Their policy penalizes late returns, but they offered no compensation for delivering our car late, they at least should deduct the waiting hours fee out from the total cost of the car rental. This ruined our trip, hotel plans, and sleep. The picture below can tell you that, they let all of their customers waiting in the hall, but all of their employed staff are gone!! This is insane, Completely unacceptable—no accountability or apology.
August 31 · Ella Zhou
Bizarre rental experience!I’m a U.s. citizen living in Switzerland. I made a car reservation with Thrifty, online in Switzerland one month prior to my trip. When I arrived at Lax to pick up the car, I waited 20 minutes in line, then when I got to the counter, I gave the man my Swiss drivers license & my U.S. credit card. I was then told that I needed a credit card from Switzerland for the deposit. The rep said my U.S. credit card would not be accepted, even though the name matched my U.S. passport (and my drivers license) and this was a U.S. rental. I was shocked and told him that I’ve been renting cars for the past 11 years from various companies (including Thrifty) and I had never been told this before - and that my credit cards were all from U.S. banks. He said without a Swiss credit card, he could’t rent me a car. I requested a manager, but he said he was the manager (he said his name was Rico). After approximately 40 minutes going back and forth with him, he told me I should try another company and suggested I walk a block away where there were other rental offices. This was 10pm in L.A., I’m 60 years old, I had luggage & I was exhausted after traveling for 17 hours from Europe - I wasn’t about to go walking around L.A. at night searching for rental car companies - and I couldn’t believe that he suggested this. I left his counter and sat down to read the rental voucher + terms and conditions. I couldn’t find anything in the contracts that reflected what he was saying - so I went back to him and said I’d like to speak with another manager. He said there was a woman but she was busy, so I said I’d wait. He then disappeared into the back room (supposedly to speak with the other manager?) then came back and said he would make a one time exception for me. He then requested my U.S. license, which I gave him. I asked if using my U.S. license would negate the insurance that was provided when I made my reservation in Switzerland. He said it likely would, but didn’t give me a solid answer. At that point it was 10:30 pm and I’d been in the office for 1.5 hours, so I just wanted to finalize the rental, which I did.The next day, I spent 2 hours carefully reviewing their policies and I still wasn’t able to find anything stating that my U.S. credit card wasn’t sufficient. The policy simply stated: “a valid credit card in the name of the driver” was required, which mine clearly was. Afterwards, I went back to the office before I started my holiday. I was concerned about the vague answer he gave me regarding my insurance, so I wanted to verify everything was good. The agent I spoke with said yes, which was a relief… I also asked this agent if he was aware of the credit card policy, and he said he had not heard of it????This whole thing was an incredibly stressful experience and a horrible way to start my holiday. I will never rent from this company again!!!!
October 12 · Dave B