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Finding a rental car in Burbank is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands across California with no booking fees. Grab real-time deals at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), downtown lots or the Media District and filter for free cancellation, unlimited miles or simple one-way drop-off to LAX.
Burbank offers several rental options focused on neighborhood and airport locations:
| Location Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Burbank Airport (BUR) | • On-site rental facility (RITC) • Multiple companies in one location • Easy comparison shopping |
• Airport fees (though lower than LAX) • Limited hours (usually 6am-11pm) • May have higher base rates than city locations |
| Downtown Burbank | • Often lower rates than airport • Near shopping and dining • Multiple rental companies |
• Business hours only • Limited weekend hours • May require transportation to reach |
| Studio/Media District | • Convenient for studio visits • Near Warner Bros. and Disney • Business-oriented service |
• Premium pricing in some locations • Limited vehicle categories • Fewer rental company options |
Major Rental Companies in Burbank:
On average, car rentals in Burbank cost around $67 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Compare airport vs. downtown pick-ups – downtown Burbank branches often avoid airport surcharges and can be 5-15 % cheaper; just factor in the cost (or free hotel shuttle/ride-share) to get there.
Price-check Burbank vs. LAX – rates at BUR regularly run 15-25 % lower than big-hub LAX, plus you skip the shuttle circus and start driving sooner.
Play with your dates – mid-week pick-ups/returns (Mon-Thu) usually dodge the weekend bump, trimming another 5-10 %.
Go for weekly pricing when you need 5+ days; the system often auto-drops the total 15-25 % compared with paying daily.
Leverage free neighborhood pickup – several local branches will collect you within Burbank city limits, saving a rideshare fare.
Trim running costs – downtown garages give 90 min–3 hrs free parking and a membership warehouse station near Empire Center has the cheapest gas in town, so you can dodge hotel valet fees and pricey airport pumps.
Burbank offers much easier parking than central Los Angeles:
| Area | Parking Options | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Burbank | • Free garages (90 min-3 hours) • Metered street parking • Private lots |
• Time limits vary by garage • Evening parking usually unrestricted • Most meters enforced until 6 pm |
| Media District | • Studio visitor parking • Some metered areas • Business lot restrictions |
• Follow specific studio visitor instructions • Limited street parking near studios • Some areas permit-only during business hours |
| Magnolia Park | • Free street parking • Small business lots • Few restrictions |
• Time limits on Magnolia Blvd (2-3 hours) • Side streets generally unrestricted • Popular weekend shopping destination |
| Residential Areas | • Street parking available • Few permit zones |
• Street cleaning restrictions (check signs) • School zone restrictions during school hours • Generally easy compared to LA proper |
Local Driving Regulations:
Get a rental so you can easily:
Warner Bros. Studio – backlot tour, media district
Universal Studios Hollywood – theme park, CityWalk
Griffith Park & Observatory – hiking trails, skyline views
Hollywood Boulevard – Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre
Santa Monica – pier, beach sunset
Six Flags Magic Mountain – roller coasters, Valencia
Is Burbank a good location for renting a car in the Los Angeles area?
Yes, especially if you plan to visit the studios, Universal, Hollywood and the Valley. You'll find that Burbank has lower rental rates than LAX, less traffic, easier parking and good freeway access to most sights.
How far is Burbank from major Los Angeles attractions?
Universal Studios is about 5 miles (8 km) away (10-15 minutes), Hollywood is roughly 8 miles (13 km) (15-25 minutes), downtown LA is around 12 miles (19 km) (25-40 minutes) and Santa Monica Beach is about 22 miles (35 km) (40-60 minutes). Keep in mind that your drive time will change depending on traffic.
Are there any toll roads near Burbank?
You won't find any toll roads right in Burbank. The closest ones are the ExpressLanes on I-10, I-110 and I-105 in Los Angeles. Using them is optional and you need a FasTrak transponder or a pay-as-you-go plan.
How is parking in Burbank compared to central Los Angeles?
It's much easier and often free. In downtown Burbank, you can park for free in city garages, usually for 90 minutes to 3 hours. Most attractions also have their own parking lots. Street parking is easy to find and has fewer rules than in LA.
Can I easily visit Universal Studios from Burbank?
Absolutely. Universal Studios is only about 5 miles (8 km) from Burbank, so you can drive there in 10-15 minutes. Many visitors pick Burbank because it's close to Universal yet offers a more relaxed setting than staying right by the theme park.
What's the best vehicle for visiting both studios and Los Angeles attractions?
For most visitors, a midsize car is the best choice. It gives you enough space, gets good gas mileage and is easy to park. If you're a family visiting several theme parks, an SUV or minivan can be more comfortable for longer trips.
How does the Burbank Airport rental experience compare to LAX?
Renting a car at BUR is a much more relaxed experience. The rental counters are on-site so you don't need a shuttle, the lines are shorter and the fees are usually lower than at LAX. The main trade-off is that you have a smaller selection of cars and rental companies.
Can I pick up in Burbank and drop off at LAX if flying out?
Yes. Most rental companies let you do one-way rentals between airports in Southern California. You can expect to pay a one-way fee of about $25-$75, but the company might not charge it for longer rentals. You should allow 45-70 minutes to drive to LAX, depending on traffic.
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