Los Angeles World Airports Wednesday announced the opening of a massive consolidated Rental Car Center at LAX, designed to streamline vehicle pickups and returns while preparing the airport for an influx of travelers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 6.4 million-square-foot facility consolidates 12 on-airport rental car companies into a single location and is part of the airport’s $5.5 billion Landside Access Modernization Program aimed at improving ground transportation and reducing congestion around LAX, officials said.
“The LAX Rental Car Center marks a major step in transforming LAX and improving the travel experience,” Los Angeles World Airports CEO John Ackerman said in a statement. “It positions LAX to better serve our partners and the millions of guests expected for the 2026 World Cup and beyond.”
Airport officials said the complex will handle fueling, washing and light maintenance for rental vehicles, allowing companies to turn cars around more quickly for travelers.
Construction on the project began in September 2019, with the facility completed in early 2023 and surrounding roadways finished in 2024. Three Avis brands — Avis, Budget and Payless — began operating there in October 2024, with the remaining companies relocating to the center this month.
The facility is one of the largest concrete structures in the United States, behind only the Pentagon, according to Los Angeles World Airports.
Officials said the facility is part of a broader modernization effort at LAX that also includes the construction of the SkyLink automated people mover, a new transit center connecting to Metro rail and bus lines, and expanded ground transportation hubs.
The Rental Car Center is located at 5251 W. 98th St. near the airport.