Rent A Car In Burbank For Easy LA-Area Driving At Competitive Prices

Use this comprehensive guide to compare deals, choose the right pickup location (BUR airport or downtown), and avoid common fees while exploring Burbank, Hollywood, and greater Los Angeles on your own schedule.

Terminal Guide

Requirements

Car Guide

Deals

Compare

Rental Tips

Expert Advice

Popular Routes

Routes

Travel Info

FAQ

Awards

Updated Traveler Guide

Burbank Car Rental Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Know

Renting a car in Burbank is one of the most convenient ways to get around the Los Angeles area, especially if you plan to visit Hollywood, Universal City, Griffith Park, Pasadena, Santa Monica, or multiple neighborhoods in one trip. Public transit and rideshare can work for limited routes, but driving gives you the flexibility to manage tight schedules, carry luggage or gear, and reach destinations that are slower to access without a car. Expect typical big-city driving conditions: peak-hour traffic, paid parking in popular areas, and occasional freeway congestion. Booking ahead, selecting the right vehicle size, and understanding fuel and insurance rules can help you keep costs predictable.

+ more

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) Car Rental

Most travelers pick up at BUR for maximum convenience. Rental counters are located in or near the terminal area, and vehicles are accessed via clearly marked airport rental facilities/shuttles depending on brand. Pros: longest operating hours, widest vehicle selection, easy pickup after landing, and good for one-way rentals. Cons: airport-related surcharges may increase the total price, lines can form at peak arrival times, and you’ll still need to factor in LA traffic once you depart.

Downtown Burbank (San Fernando Blvd Area)

Good option if you’re staying near restaurants, shops, or hotels in central Burbank. Pros: may have lower fees than airport locations, easier access if you don’t need the car immediately after arriving, and can be simpler for local errands. Cons: shorter business hours, fewer vehicle classes available, and limited last-minute inventory during weekends or busy seasons.

Burbank Media District (Near Major Studios)

Convenient for business travel and studio-area meetings. Pros: close to many offices and production facilities, quick in-and-out for short rentals, and often easier daytime parking than denser LA neighborhoods. Cons: inventory can skew toward standard sedans/compact SUVs, evening pickup/return may be limited, and rush-hour surface streets can be slow.

Loading map...

What do you need to rent a car in Burbank?

Renting a car in Burbank is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID is required for the main and any additional drivers.
Driving licence: The main driver and all additional drivers must present a full physical U.S. driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must generally have been held for at least 1 year; for some offers the exact minimum holding period may vary and is specified in the full rental terms.
Notes: For some rentals, the licence must have been held for at least 1 year; for others, please refer to the full rental Terms & Conditions – driving licence section or contact customer service for the exact minimum holding period.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards across offers typically include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, and sometimes UnionPay. Some offers allow or require a second credit card. For certain offers, Visa/Master debit cards may be accepted (often only for deposit) alongside a qualifying credit card. Payment card acceptance (including UnionPay and debit card use) can vary by offer and should be confirmed in the specific rental conditions.
Age requirements: Allowed driving age across offers ranges approximately from 19–80 years. Some vehicle categories/locations require a minimum age of 20, 21, 25, or may allow up to 99 years. Young driver surcharges commonly apply: for example, ages 19–21 may incur about $25.99 per day; ages 19–24 or 20–24 about $25–$27.52 per day (plus tax where applicable), depending on location and car class. At several locations, drivers must be at least 25, and additional drivers must often be 25 or older. Certain high‑end categories (luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty cars, full‑size and premium SUVs) may not be rented by drivers under 25.

Driving licence: The main driver and all additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must generally have been held for at least 1 year; for some offers the exact minimum holding period may vary and is specified in the full rental terms. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original Driver's License in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.), which may be used without an International Driving Permit (IDP) if printed in Latin/Roman alphabet
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP is only a translation and must be presented together with the original licence; photocopies or scans are not accepted
or
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with English translation on the back
or
• Original driving licence + official embassy translation in English authorized by the embassy.
Notes: If your licence is printed in a non‑Roman alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Cyrillic), an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official embassy English translation must accompany your original licence. For some rentals, the licence must have been held for at least 1 year; for others, please refer to the full rental Terms & Conditions – driving licence section or contact customer service for the exact minimum holding period.
Form of ID: A valid passport is required for the main and any additional drivers.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Depending on the offer, accepted credit cards may include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, and UnionPay. Some rentals may require two credit cards in the main driver’s name. Certain offers also accept Visa/Master (and in some cases Discover/AMEX) debit cards, usually for deposit and subject to additional conditions. Card brand and debit‑card acceptance vary by specific offer and should be checked in the detailed rental policy.
Age requirements: Allowed driving age across offers ranges approximately from 19–80 years. Some vehicle categories/locations require a minimum age of 20, 21, 25, or may allow up to 99 years. Young driver surcharges commonly apply: for example, ages 19–21 may incur about $25.99 per day; ages 19–24 or 20–24 about $25–$27.52 per day (plus tax where applicable), depending on location and car class. At several locations, drivers must be at least 25, and additional drivers must often be 25 or older. Certain high‑end categories (luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty cars, full‑size and premium SUVs) may not be rented by drivers under 25.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport (BUR)

Downtown Burbank

Airport Pickup: Fast Arrival, More Choices

Picking up at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is ideal if you want to drive immediately after landing. You’ll typically find the broadest selection of vehicles, extended hours, and strong support for one-way rentals. Keep in mind airport concession fees and taxes can raise the final total, so compare the out-the-door price, not just the daily rate.

City SmartSmall

Rent with Confidence: BUR Car Rentals Rated by Real Travelers

Discover top-rated car rental options in Burbank. Browse genuine customer reviews to find the perfect vehicle for your California adventure.

Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
3.1 21,000+ reviews	$82	Walk to counter	$500 - $1,347	●Competitive pricing best value ●Friendly professional staff ●Quick pickup easy drop-off
2.9 17,000+ reviews	$81	In terminal, Walk to counter	$570 - $763	●Gold membership loyalty program ●Professional and friendly staff ●Quick service recovery process
2.6 4 reviews	$69	In terminal, Walk to counter	Low deposit	●International brand presence ●Global network coverage
2.1 3300+ reviews	$87	In terminal, Walk to counter	Low deposit	●Budget-friendly rental options ●Easy pickup and return process ●Friendly staff at select locations
1.8 3700+ reviews	$87	In terminal, Walk to counter	Low deposit	●Friendly and Professional Staff ●Clean and Reliable Vehicles ●Quick and Efficient Service
1.3 95 reviews	$95	In terminal, Walk to counter	$755 - $931	●Competitive online pricing available ●Easy pickup and dropoff process ●Helpful staff at select locations
1.3 400+ reviews	$92	In terminal, Walk to counter	-	●Affordable rental rates ●Friendly helpful staff ●Easy fast service
1.2 5500+ reviews	$135	In terminal, Walk to counter	$300 - $1,219	●Professional and helpful staff ●Clean and reliable vehicles ●Quick pickup process

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: May. 31 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

Stress-Free Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA

This guide provides a step-by-step approach for international visitors on how to fuel up a rental car in the USA, covering fuel types, payment methods, and essential tips for a stress-free experience.

View details

Guide to Avoiding Hidden Costs in Burbank Car Rentals

Learn how to avoid hidden fees when renting a car in Burbank, from insurance upsells to fuel plan pitfalls. This guide offers key steps and smart choices for a fee-free rental experience.

View details

Burbank Rental Car Insurance Guide — Counter vs. Third‑Party Protection

Comprehensive guide to rental car insurance in Burbank: decode LDW/CDW, SLI, PAI and PEC, compare buying protection at the counter vs. pre-purchasing third-party coverage, and follow a step-by-step action plan from booking to drop-off. Includes real-world case studies, cost comparisons, claim workflows, and a clear recommendation so international travelers can choose the safest, smartest option.

View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"LAX Airport dominates Burbank/LA market with 55-60% share, followed by Downtown LA at 18-22%. Airport proximity (72-78%) and seamless arrival connectivity (72%) are primary location choice factors."

Booking Patterns

"SUV bookings grew 22-25% in 2023-2024 while economy cars declined 8%. Peak summer season (June-August) sees 55-60% demand surge with 40-50% price premium. Average rental duration in LA area is 4.8 days, with advance booking averaging 14 days."

Customer Pain Points

"45-48% of customers report confusion over insurance coverage options (CDW, liability, personal accident insurance), making insurance understanding the top pain point."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Ground Transportation Report 2024
Bureau of Transportation Statistics - Rental Car Operations at US Airports
IMARC Group Car Rental Market Report 2025
Auto Rental News Industry Report 2024
Los Angeles Tourism Board
Kayak Price Trends / CHECK24 Rental Price Index
J.D. Power Car Rental Satisfaction Study 2024
American Car Rental Association Consumer Complaints Analysis 2024
California Attorney General Consumer Auto Rental Complaints Report

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Burbank

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Burbank

BurbankLos Angeles

From

$54.00

BurbankSan Diego

From

$54.00

BurbankSan Francisco

From

$54.00

BurbankLas Vegas

From

$53.00

Popular Driving Routes And Trips From Burbank

Scenic Routes Near Burbank:

Angeles Crest Highway To Mount Wilson

Scenic mountain drive1.5–2.5 hours one-way (depending on traffic and stops)

Head into the San Gabriel Mountains on a classic Southern California drive with big views, curvy sections, and high-elevation scenery. Great for sunrise or late afternoon, with frequent pullouts and a rewarding finish near Mount Wilson’s viewpoints.

La Cañada Flintridge, Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2) scenic pullouts, Red Box Picnic Area, Mount Wilson Road junction, Mount Wilson Observatory area

Malibu Coast Via Topanga Canyon

Coastal + canyon drive1.5–2.5 hours one-way (varies widely with beach traffic)

A crowd-pleasing route that trades city streets for canyon curves and then opens up to the Pacific. Finish on the Malibu coastline for beaches, seafood, and sunset viewpoints; ideal for a half-day or full-day outing.

Topanga Canyon Blvd (CA-27), Topanga State Park viewpoints, Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), Malibu Pier, El Matador State Beach

Pacific Coast Highway To Santa Barbara

Day-trip coastal route2–3 hours one-way (longer with stops)

Drive west to the coast and follow the Pacific up to Santa Barbara for Spanish-style architecture, wine tasting, and beach walks. This route is best on weekdays or early mornings to avoid heavy coastal congestion.

Santa Monica (optional detour), Malibu coastline, Point Mugu State Park (overlooks), Ventura waterfront, Santa Barbara waterfront

Popular Day Trips From Burbank:

Griffith Observatory And Los Angeles Views

2–4 hours total (plus parking time)

A quick, iconic outing for skyline views, easy trails, and golden-hour photo spots above Hollywood.

Universal CityWalk And Universal Studios Hollywood

4–10 hours (depending on plans)

A convenient, nearby entertainment day with dining, shopping, and theme-park attractions—especially easy if you want minimal driving from Burbank.

Santa Monica Pier And Venice Beach

5–8 hours

Classic beach neighborhoods with oceanfront paths, street performers, and plenty of food options—best paired with an early start to beat traffic and find parking.

Pasadena: Old Town, Museums, And Gardens

3–6 hours

A relaxed cultural trip with walkable streets, restaurants, and standout spots like the Norton Simon Museum and Huntington-area gardens (timed entry may apply).

Car Rental Planning Tips For Driving From Burbank

Match Your License And Credit Card Requirements: Most major agencies require a valid driver’s license and a credit card for the security hold. If you’re traveling internationally, confirm whether an International Driving Permit is recommended for your license country.

Time Your Pick-Up And Driving Around LA Traffic: Peak congestion commonly hits weekday mornings and late afternoons. If possible, pick up the car outside rush hours and plan longer drives (like Malibu or Santa Barbara) with an early start.

Choose A Fuel Plan That Fits Your Itinerary: A “return full” fuel policy is usually the most cost-effective. Fill up near your drop-off area to avoid higher on-airport prices and keep receipts in case of disputes.

Understand Insurance Before You Reach The Counter: Check whether your personal auto policy or credit card provides collision coverage for rentals. If not, compare the rental company’s Collision Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW) and liability options based on your comfort level.

Pick The Right Vehicle For The Route: For Angeles Crest or other mountain roads, prioritize good brakes and visibility. For beach-heavy trips, a compact car can make parking easier and reduce fuel costs.

Plan For Parking Costs And Restrictions: Beach areas and popular viewpoints can have limited or paid parking. Use parking apps when available, watch street-cleaning signs, and budget extra time to find a legal spot.

Download Offline Maps And Bring A Phone Mount: Canyon and mountain routes can have spotty reception. Offline maps help you stay on course, and a mount keeps navigation safer and easier to follow.

Check Road Conditions For Mountains And Fire Season: Mountain roads can have closures due to weather, maintenance, or wildfire activity. Check Caltrans updates and local advisories before committing to high-elevation routes.

Drive Through Burbank: Essential Travel Guide for US Visitors

Everything you need to know about driving, car rentals, gas prices, and traffic rules in Burbank, California - your complete US driving companion.

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$60 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

6 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40-56 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

88-113 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08%

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.32/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$0.95/L - $1.65/L

TRAVELER RATING

7.2 / 10

Burbank Car Rental FAQ

Essential answers for driving in Burbank and Los Angeles area

Can I use my foreign driver's license in California? Do I need an IDP?

Yes, foreign licenses are valid in California if in English. If your license is not in English, you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license—police accept both. An IDP costs about $20 and is available through your home country's automobile association. No written test is required for tourists visiting with a valid foreign license.

I'm 23. Will I pay a young driver surcharge, and how much?

Yes, drivers under 25 universally pay a "young driver surcharge" in the US, typically $20-35 per day. At 23, you'll definitely incur this fee at all major rental companies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, etc.). Budget an extra $140-245 weekly. Some boutique agencies and Costco's partnered rental service may waive or reduce this fee—always ask before booking.

How do I pay for toll roads in LA? Do I need a FasTrak transponder?

Many LA-area toll roads use FasTrak (electronic tolling). Rental cars often come with a FasTrak device already installed—you'll be charged per toll plus a small daily fee ($3-5). Alternatively, you can pay tolls within 5 days online at The Toll Roads website. Don't skip tolls; the rental company will bill you plus a $30-50 administrative fee if unpaid.

Is it true LA traffic is nightmare-level? When should I avoid driving?

LA traffic is genuinely severe. The 101, 405, and 5 freeways routinely backup during rush hours: 7-10 AM and 4-8 PM weekdays. Fridays are worst. Google Maps or Waze are essential. If your schedule is flexible, drive before 7 AM or after 8 PM. Summer weekends heading to beaches clog coastal routes. Budget 2-3x normal drive time for any freeway trip during peak hours.

What fuel type do rental cars take, and what's the average gas price in Burbank?

Almost all US rental cars run on regular unleaded gasoline (87 octane). Premium (89-93 octane) is unnecessary unless explicitly stated on the fuel door label. Current California gas prices average $4.50-5.50 per gallon—among the highest in the US. Burbank-area stations are plentiful along major streets. Always return the car with a full tank to avoid refueling charges at $6-8 per gallon from the rental company.

What happens if I get a traffic ticket in my rental car?

Rental companies detect tickets through license plate scanning. If you're caught on camera or by police, the ticket is mailed to the rental agency, which forwards it to you plus a $25-50 processing fee. California speeding tickets range $200-500. If you prepay your rental with a credit card that provides collision coverage, that card typically does NOT cover traffic violations—pay tickets promptly to avoid additional penalties.

QEEQ Platform Awards

Recognized globally for excellence in car rental booking services and customer satisfaction.

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers

Trusted by customers worldwide and we're always working to improve.

Rent A Car In Burbank For Easy LA-Area Driving At Competitive Prices

What do you need to rent a car in Burbank?

Best Car Rentals in Burbank for Every Adventure

Convertible

SUV

Small

Choose Your Ride

Airport Pickup: Fast Arrival, More Choices

Toyota Yaris

Toyota Yaris

Nissan Sentra

Nissan Altima

Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

Toyota Camry

Jeep Compass

Jeep Compass

Rent with Confidence: BUR Car Rentals Rated by Real Travelers

Car Rental Expert Advice

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Booking Volume

Review Quality

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

Booking Patterns

Customer Pain Points

Data Sources

One-way rental routes starting from Burbank

Popular Driving Routes And Trips From Burbank

Scenic Routes Near Burbank:

Angeles Crest Highway To Mount Wilson

Malibu Coast Via Topanga Canyon

Pacific Coast Highway To Santa Barbara

Popular Day Trips From Burbank:

Griffith Observatory And Los Angeles Views

Universal CityWalk And Universal Studios Hollywood

Santa Monica Pier And Venice Beach

Pasadena: Old Town, Museums, And Gardens

Car Rental Planning Tips For Driving From Burbank

Drive Through Burbank: Essential Travel Guide for US Visitors

Burbank Car Rental FAQ

QEEQ Platform Awards

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

Recommended by our customers