Car Rental LAXLAX Rental Car Center field guide
Return planner

When should I return my rental car at LAX?

Since March 2026 all on-airport brands return at the LAX Rental Car Center, but the SkyLink train is not running yet, so you still ride your company's shuttle. LAWA publishes no shuttle times, so you set them.

Plan your return

Official times are linked to their source. Times marked "Your number" are yours to set. Checked 2026-10-27.

Return to LAX Rental Car Center, 5251 W 98th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Times only you can set

No official source publishes these, so we do not guess them. Leave one empty and it counts as 0 minutes.

Latest arrival at the return

9:15 AM

Set by: Southwest Airlines bag drop closes at 9:15 AM.

5 of your own times are still empty, so this is later than you can really cut it.

LAX advises being at the airport 120 min before departure. To follow that, arrive at the return by 8:00 AM.

  1. 9:15 AM Arrive at LAX Rental Car Center
  2. Return the car and go to your company's terminal shuttle+0 min
    Your number
  3. Wait for your rental company's shuttle+0 min
    Your number · no published frequency
  4. Company shuttle to your terminal's Lower/Arrivals Level+0 min
    Your number · no published ride time; LAWA warns of longer shuttle times
  5. Walk from the shuttle stop to your airline's check-in+0 min
    Your number
  6. 9:15 AM Southwest Airlines bag drop closesSouthwest Airlines: check-in and boarding times
  7. 9:50 AM Southwest Airlines gate cutoffafter security: 0 min, your numberSouthwest Airlines: check-in and boarding times
  8. 10:00 AM Departure

How the return works here

  1. 1

    One Rental Car Center, opened in stages

    Avis, Budget and Payless moved into the LAX Rental Car Center in October 2024, and the last nine brands followed in March 2026. All 12 on-airport rental brands now return at 5251 W 98th Street.

    LAWA: LAX opens consolidated Rental Car Center (March 2026)
  2. 2

    SkyLink is not running yet

    LAWA still calls SkyLink, the people mover that will stop at the Rental Car Center, forthcoming. Until it opens, every company runs its own shuttle to the terminals.

    LAWA: SkyLink project
  3. 3

    Shuttles stop on the Lower/Arrivals Level

    Rental company shuttles use the purple Rental Car Shuttles signs outside baggage claim. LAX-it is for taxis and ride apps, not rental returns.

    LAX ground transportation (archived July 2026)
  4. 4

    Expect longer shuttle times

    LAWA warns travelers to expect detours and longer shuttle times from construction. It publishes no shuttle frequency or ride time, so the planner leaves both to you.

    LAWA: Labor Day travel tips (September 2026)
  5. 5

    Terminal 5 is closed

    Terminal 5 closed for rebuilding. JetBlue moved to Terminal 1, Spirit to Terminal 2 and American to Terminal 4.

    LAWA: Terminal 5 closure

Not published, so you set it

  • Time to hand back the car
  • Shuttle wait and ride (LAWA publishes neither)
  • Walk to check-in
  • Security line
  • Current terminal for British Airways, Japan Airlines and LATAM (moved in 2026; not confirmed)

Return questions

Where do I return a rental car at LAX?

At the LAX Rental Car Center, 5251 W 98th Street. Since March 2026 all 12 on-airport brands are there. Off-airport companies use their own lots and meet customers at Economy Parking.

Is the LAX people mover open?

Not yet. LAWA still calls SkyLink forthcoming as of October 2026, so you ride your rental company's shuttle to the terminals.

How long is the shuttle from the LAX Rental Car Center?

LAWA publishes no ride time or frequency and warns of longer shuttle times from construction. Set the time you expect in the planner.

How early should I return my rental car at LAX?

LAX advises arriving 2 hours before domestic and 3 hours before international flights. Add the shuttle time on top.

Returning your car: full guideCompare rental companies

Sources