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Road Genius makes it easy to find rental car offers in Van Nuys. Compare prices and make bookings in one place. With neighborhood depots and a counter at Van Nuys Airport, you can pick up a car near the 101 or 405 and dodge the big airport fees. From here it is a quick 15 minute hop to Universal Studios and a canyon drive to Santa Monica or Malibu.
| Location Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Van Nuys Airport (VNY) | • Several rental companies • Extended hours • Easy freeway access |
• Limited flight service (general aviation) • Smaller selection than major airports • May require advance reservations |
| Van Nuys Blvd Corridor | • Central to Valley locations • Multiple rental companies • Often competitive rates |
• Business hours only (usually 8am-6pm) • Limited weekend hours • May have limited luxury selection |
| Sherman Way/Victory Area | • Often lower rates • Less congested • Easy parking for pickup/drop-off |
• Fewer rental company options • Limited premium vehicle selection • Some locations closed Sunday |
Major Rental Companies in Van Nuys:
On average, car rentals in Van Nuys cost around $77 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Skip the big-airport tax – Van Nuys neighborhood branches usually run 10-15 % cheaper than LAX or BUR because they don't tack on airport concession fees.
Shift your dates by a day – Mid-week pickups and drop-offs often dodge weekend surcharges and limited Sunday hours, trimming another 5-10 %.
Go for the weekly rate if you're at 4–5 days – In Van Nuys a 5-day "weekly" plan can cost less than paying the daily rate for 4 days.
Use the free local-branch pickup service – Many Valley locations will collect you from your hotel or home, saving rideshare or taxi cash.
Compare the independents along Sherman Way/Victory – Smaller agencies there frequently post lower base prices than the big names on Van Nuys Blvd.
Refuel at Costco on Sepulveda before drop-off – It's consistently the cheapest pump in the Valley, letting you top up and avoid hefty rental refill fees.
Van Nuys and the San Fernando Valley generally offer easier parking than central Los Angeles:
| Area | Parking Options | Local Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Van Nuys Civic Center | • Free public lots • Street parking • Civic Center garage |
• Government building lots have time limits • Read street cleaning signs carefully • Avoid courthouse area during busy hours |
| Shopping Centers | • Free parking at most centers • Ample space at major malls |
• The Plant and Sherman Oaks Galleria offer plentiful free parking • Time limits enforced at some strip malls • Covered parking available at major malls |
| Residential Areas | • Street parking generally available • Fewer permit zones than central LA |
• Watch for street cleaning days (usually weekly) • School zone restrictions during school hours • Some apartments restrict street parking |
| Studio Areas | • Studio lots require passes • Street parking limited near studios |
• Universal and Warner Bros. have paid visitor parking • CBS Studio Center has designated visitor areas |
Local Driving Regulations:
Get a car so you can see:
Hollywood – Walk of Fame, Chinese Theater
Santa Monica Beach – pier, sunset views
Malibu – Pacific Coast Highway, seaside dining
Six Flags Magic Mountain – roller coasters
Is Van Nuys a good location for renting a car in Los Angeles?
Yes, Van Nuys is a great spot in the Valley to rent a car. You can easily get to Universal Studios, beach canyon routes and major freeways. Rates are often lower than in tourist areas. You'll also find parking is easier and traffic isn't as bad as in central LA.
How far is Van Nuys from major Los Angeles attractions?
Depending on traffic, you can drive from Van Nuys to Universal Studios in 15-25 minutes, to Hollywood in 25-40 minutes, to Santa Monica beaches in 30-50 minutes and to LAX in 35-60 minutes.
Are there any toll roads near Van Nuys?
No, you won't find any toll roads right in Van Nuys. The closest ones are the ExpressLanes on the I-10 and I-110 freeways in Los Angeles. Using them is optional and you'll need a transponder.
How is parking in Van Nuys compared to other LA areas?
You'll find it's much easier and often free. Most shopping centers and business areas give you free parking and it's easier to find street parking. This is a big plus compared to areas like Hollywood, Beverly Hills or Santa Monica.
Can I pick up in Van Nuys and drop off at LAX?
Yes, most major car rental companies let you do one-way rentals to LAX. You should expect a one-way fee of $25-50, but companies sometimes waive this fee for longer rentals. Plan for a 35 to 60-minute drive to LAX, depending on traffic.
Is Van Nuys Airport the same as Burbank Airport?
No, they are different. Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is mainly for private planes and doesn't offer commercial passenger flights. For those flights, you can go to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), which is about 7 miles away from Van Nuys.
What's the best vehicle for exploring both the Valley and beach areas?
For most people, a midsize car gives you the best mix of comfort, good gas mileage and easy handling. If you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach, a convertible makes the canyon drives to the coast more fun.
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