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Car Hire In Burbank: Competitive Prices And A Practical Local Guide

Compare airport and city pickup options, understand insurance and fees, and hit the road around LA with confidence from Burbank.

Updated Guidance For UK Licence Holders
Burbank Car Hire Guide For Travellers From The United Kingdom
Burbank is a convenient base for exploring Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley and beyond. Hiring a car is often the quickest way to move between studios, beaches and day trips, especially when travelling with luggage or keeping to a tight itinerary. For UK travellers, the main differences are automatic gearboxes being the norm, right turns on red (unless signed otherwise), and insurance terminology (LDW/CDW and liability). Booking ahead typically unlocks better value, while choosing the right pickup point can save time and avoid city driving stress on arrival.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) – Consolidated Rental Car Facilities
Most convenient option after landing, with a wide choice of major brands and extended opening hours. Follow airport signs for rental car shuttles or the designated rental car area; allow extra time at peak periods. Pros: quick turnaround, easy for early/late flights, straightforward for luggage. Cons: airport concession fees and higher taxes can make it pricier than off-airport branches; queues can form during busy arrival banks.
Downtown Burbank (Near San Fernando Blvd / Burbank Town Centre Area)
Good for travellers already staying locally or arriving by train/bus and collecting later. Pros: can be cheaper than airport locations, easier to avoid airport surcharges, calmer handover than a terminal counter. Cons: limited fleet compared with the airport, shorter hours, may require a taxi/ride-hail to reach the branch with bags.
Burbank Airport North / Empire Center Retail District
Convenient for shoppers and for those staying in hotels along the Empire Ave corridor. Pros: easier parking and access, typically faster in-branch service, good for last-minute upgrades if stock allows. Cons: you may still need local transport to collect the vehicle; availability can fluctuate at weekends and holidays.
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Best Car Hire in Burbank for Every Journey

Discover the perfect vehicle for your Burbank adventure. Explore our top picks tailored for city streets, scenic coastlines, and mountain escapes.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Urban Exploring

Medium

City-Smart & Parking-Friendly
5
2
Auto

Burbank and greater Los Angeles boast expansive boulevards, yet city parking remains a premium commodity. A medium saloon offers the ideal balance between interior comfort and the agility needed to navigate tight parking structures and busy intersections. The automatic transmission ensures smooth gear transitions, perfectly suited for drivers still adapting to US road customs.

Coastal Scenic Drive

Convertible

Open-Air Pacific Coast Magic
4
2
Auto

The legendary Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu shoreline demand the ultimate driving experience. A convertible lets you embrace Southern California's legendary sunshine and ocean breezes as you traverse the stunning clifftop roads. This quintessential Californian driving memory is unrivalled when the roof is down and the horizon stretches endlessly ahead.

Mountain Adventure

SUV

Conquer the San Gabriel Peaks
5
3
Auto

The rugged San Gabriel Mountains and Joshua Tree terrain require a vehicle built for challenging gradients and uneven surfaces. A 4x4 SUV provides the ground clearance, traction control, and robust capability essential for forest trails and desert探险. These elevated landscapes remain accessible year-round, promising unforgettable vistas without compromising on safety or composure.

Choose Your Ride

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

Airport Pickup
City Pickup

Choose Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) For The Smoothest Arrival

Airport pickup suits UK travellers who want to collect a car immediately after landing, especially with luggage or tight plans. You’ll typically find the widest choice of vehicles, longer opening hours and easier same-day changes. Do budget for airport taxes and concession fees, and factor in queue time during peak arrivals.

logo
City zippySmall
Nissan Versa

Nissan Versa

DollarIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$465.98
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
City zippySmall
Nissan Versa

Nissan Versa

EuropcarIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
DepositLow deposit
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
City zippySmall
Nissan Versa

Nissan Versa

HertzIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$590.85 - $890.85
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Family comfortLarge
Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

ThriftyIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$473.08 - $773.08
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Family comfortLarge
Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

DollarIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$494.36
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Family comfortLarge
Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet Malibu

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
3
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$400.00 - $850.00
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
All-rounderMedium
Kia K4

Kia K4

DollarIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$473.08
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
All-rounderMedium
Kia K4

Kia K4

Secret dealIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
DepositLow deposit
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
All-rounderMedium
Kia K4

Kia K4

ThriftyIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$494.36 - $794.36
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates

Discover BUR Car Hire in Burbank - See Trusted Reviews

Read authentic reviews from real Burbank Airport car rental customers. Find verified ratings and choose your perfect vehicle with confidence.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
Fox rent a carBudget Friendly
3.1
21,895+ reviews
$93Walk to counter
$371 - $392
  • Competitive and fair pricing
  • Friendly professional staff service
  • Quick efficient rental process
National
2.9
57 reviews
$107In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Emerald Club car selection
  • Quick airport pickup
  • Friendly professional staff
Hertz
2.9
17000+ reviews
$128In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Professional and friendly service
  • Transparent and competitive pricing
  • Efficient and fast process
Thrifty
1.8
3700+ reviews
$104In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Friendly and helpful counter staff
  • Quick and efficient pick-up process
  • Clean and well-maintained vehicles
Alamo
1.8
3000+ reviews
$103In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Professional staff assistance
  • Fast pickup and return
  • Friendly customer service
Enterprise
1.8
23,900+ reviews
$106In terminal, Walk to counter
$400
  • Smooth Pickup Process
  • Friendly Helpful Staff
  • Clean Well-Maintained Vehicles
Dollar
1.4
3300+ reviews
$90In terminal, Walk to counterLow deposit
  • Smooth pickup and return process
  • Professional and helpful staff
  • Easy reservation experience
Europcar
1.4
3,800+ reviews
$909In terminal, Walk to counter
$336 - $2,877
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Free car upgrades available
  • Quick and efficient service
Avis
1.2
99 reviews
$77In terminal, Walk to counter
$336 - $493
  • Great price booking online
  • Outstanding service at airport
  • No hidden extra charges
Budget
1.2
5691+ reviews
$1601.8 mi from Burbank DowntownLow deposit
  • Excellent roadside assistance
  • Friendly helpful staff
  • Smooth pick-up 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: Jun. 20 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Hire Cars in the USA
This guide simplifies the process of filling up a hire car with petrol in the USA for British visitors, covering terminology, payment methods, and step-by-step instructions.
View details
A Brit's Guide to Fueling Your Rental Car in the USA
This guide helps UK travellers navigate American petrol stations and refuel their rental cars confidently, covering payment processes, fuel types, and essential tips.
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

"Airport locations capture 55% of US rentals, with Enterprise Holdings leading at 38% share. Burbank Airport (BUR) serves 1-2m annual transactions, outranked by LAX in the LA basin."

Booking Patterns

"SUVs dominate 45% of airport bookings in 2024. Summer peaks see 25% higher daily rates. Average rental duration is 5 days, with advance bookings made 18 days ahead."

Customer Pain Points

"42% of car rental complaints cite unexpected charges as the primary issue, followed by insurance disputes at 28%."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Enterprise Holdings Annual Report 2023
  • Auto Rental News Industry Analysis
  • J.D. Power Car Rental Satisfaction Study 2023
  • Bureau of Transportation Statistics
  • BBB Consumer Complaints Car Rental 2023
  • FTC Consumer Complaint Data

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Burbank

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

Drive Through Burbank - Your Essential California Road Trip Guide

Everything you need to know about driving and car rental in Burbank, California - from speed limits and gas prices to BAC laws and rental costs for your perfect LA adventure

LANGUAGES

English

CURRENCY

USD

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+1

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$65 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5-7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

40-56 km/h (25 mph residential, 35 mph urban streets)

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

105-113 km/h (65-70 mph on California freeways)

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.08% (Strictly Enforced - 0.02% for drivers under 21)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$1.65/L (Los Angeles metro area average as of May 2026)

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.56/L - $1.66/L (California regional variation)

Burbank Car Hire & Driving Guide

Essential answers for UK travellers renting a car and driving in Burbank, California

Can I drive in Burbank with my UK licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
UK licence holders can drive in California with their full UK licence for up to 12 months. However, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended alongside your UK licence, as some rental companies require it and police may ask for it. The IDP costs around £5.50 from the Post Office and is valid for one year. Without it, you risk being refused a vehicle or facing difficulties if involved in an accident.
I'm 22 — will I be hit with a young driver surcharge, and how much is it?
Yes, most US rental companies apply a Young Driver surcharge for drivers aged 21-24, typically adding $20-30 per day (approximately £15-23). Some premium and specialty vehicles have a minimum age of 25. At 22, you can rent but expect to pay roughly $25-35 daily on top of the base rate. Booking in advance and comparing insurers can help reduce costs.
How do toll roads work near Burbank — do I need a Fastrak device?
Burbank itself has no toll roads, but the nearby I-110 and I-10 express lanes use California's Fastrak system. If you plan to drive through Los Angeles congestion zones or bridges, rent a Fastrak transponder from your rental company — typically $2-3 per day plus toll charges. Cash is not accepted on most California toll roads, so a transponder is essential. Rental company billing can add 30-50% to toll costs, so consider opening a Fastrak account yourself for better rates.
What fuel type do I need, and is it easy to find petrol stations?
California petrol stations offer three grades: regular (87 octane, around $3.50-4.20 per gallon), mid-grade (89-90 octane), and premium (91-93 octane). Check your rental agreement — most economy cars run perfectly on regular unleaded. Diesel is rarely available and using it in a petrol car causes severe damage, so double-check the fuel type before filling up. Petrol stations are plentiful; most are self-service and open 24 hours on major highways, though some urban stations close overnight.
What weather hazards should I prepare for when driving in the Burbank area?
Burbank enjoys mild winters (10-20°C) but summers can be extreme — temperatures regularly exceed 35°C, which can cause tyre blowouts and engine overheating if your tyres are under-inflated. Wildfires are a genuine risk between June and October; check conditions before driving mountain routes. Occasional heavy rain from November to March makes mountain roads slippery. Always keep water in your car and ensure your hired vehicle's air conditioning is functioning before setting off.
Should I buy rental company insurance or rely on my credit card's cover?
US rental companies always include basic liability insurance, but their collision damage waiver (CDW) can cost $20-40 per day. Your UK credit card may provide CDW, but coverage is often partial and excludes SUVs, 4x4s, and luxury vehicles — categories common in California. Many UK travel insurance policies explicitly exclude US car hire without purchasing the rental company's CDW. For complete peace of mind, buy the rental company's CDW and keep receipts; you can then claim back through your credit card or travel insurer afterward.

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Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2025

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Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2024

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Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2023

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Asia's Best Car hire Booking Website 2022

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Best Car hire Platform Partner 2022 OF ABG

Business Excellence Awards 2024

Business Excellence Awards 2024

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Magellan Awards in Car hire Service Category

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

The Travolution Awards for Best On the Road

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