LA car rental dilemma
 

Hi, next year my family plans to fly into LA from Australia. Depending on which flight I choose, I can arrive at either 7pm or 6.30am. From a jet lag perspective the PM arrival suits me better.

Given that we plan to then rent a car and drive to Magic Mountain hotel, I’m wondering which arrival time would be best~ in your experience?

Another option is to arrive at night and get a transfer to the hotel and the next day get a rental from an office near the hotel, if this is possible?

That is a very long flight. If I were you, I would arrive at night, check into an airport hotel and get a good night's sleep before picking up the rental car and driving to Santa Clarita, which is where Magic Mountain is. You will be in much better shape to contend with Los Angeles freeways, traffic and driving on the other side of the road. I think a transfer from LAX to Santa Clarita might cost more than the airport hotel.

Oh, great idea. Thanks so much.

Yes, good advice from socaltraveler.

Add me to the list of those voting to stay near the airport after a pm arrival. Also note, when you do leave for Santa Clarita in the morning, try to leave a little later than rush hour. Getting up the 405 in rush hour might ruin your vacation!

Thank you, I’ve booked into the Residence Inn and will be happy to sleep in.