I'll never forget the first time I flew into Burbank for a major food conference. I was riding high, ready to network, but I made a rookie mistake. I landed, breezed through the wonderfully compact terminal, and walked over to the rental car center thinking I was ahead of the game. I was met with a line that snaked out the door. My "quick getaway" turned into a 90-minute ordeal under the California sun.
That's when I discovered the single most important secret to renting a car at this airport: joining the company's free loyalty program *before* you book. It's the golden ticket that lets you bypass the main counter entirely. Why? Because it transforms you from an anonymous reservation number into a recognized customer, allowing you to walk straight to your car.
This comprehensive guide is built on that hard-won lesson and two decades of travel experience. I'm going to walk you through every single step, from finding the best deal online to returning your car without a hitch. Forget the stress and confusion. By the end of this, you'll be navigating the Hollywood Burbank Airport car rental process like a seasoned pro, saving time, money, and your sanity.
And first things first, let's clear this up. While many of us, myself included, still affectionately call it Bob Hope Airport, its official name since 2017 has been Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). They are the exact same place, and I'll use the names interchangeably throughout this guide.
What You'll Need to Rent a Car at Burbank
- Valid U.S. Driver's License: It must be current and not expired. If you're an international visitor, you'll need your home country's license and often an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Major Credit Card: The card must be in the primary driver's name. Be prepared for a temporary hold of $200-$500+ on top of the rental cost. Debit cards are rarely a good idea and come with many restrictions.
- Your Reservation Confirmation: Have it ready on your phone or printed out. This contains your confirmation number and quoted rate.
- Proof of Personal Car Insurance: It's wise to have your insurance card or app handy. Many personal policies cover rental cars, which can save you from buying expensive waivers at the counter.
- Minimum Age Requirement: The minimum age is typically 21, but drivers under 25 will face a significant daily "Young Renter Fee."
A quick but critical note on credit cards: This is non-negotiable for most companies. The security hold they place on your card is to cover potential damages, tolls, or fees. Using a debit card, if even allowed, often requires a credit check and a much larger hold, making it a complicated and stressful process. Stick with a credit card.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Flawless Burbank (BUR) Car Rental Experience
- Step 1: Booking Smart (Weeks Before Your Trip)
Don't wait until you land. Book your car at least 2-3 weeks in advance for the best rates, especially during holidays or summer. Use a comparison site like Kayak or AutoSlash to get a baseline, but always check the rental company's website directly. Often, booking direct offers better terms and allows you to sign up for their loyalty program—this is the key I mentioned. Join the program (it's free!) and add your member number to your reservation. - Step 2: Arriving at Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Once you deplane and collect your luggage, you're just a short walk from your car. BUR is beloved for its convenience. The on-site rental car facility is located directly across from the terminal buildings. There's no need to hunt for a shuttle bus, which is a huge time-saver compared to an airport like LAX. - Step 3: Walking to the Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC)
From Terminal A (Southwest, Avelo), exit baggage claim and use the elevated covered walkway to cross the street to the RITC. From Terminal B (United, Delta, Alaska, etc.), use the ground-level crosswalk. The entire facility is clearly signed. The rental car counters are on the ground floor, and the cars are in the adjacent parking structure. - Step 4: The Pickup Process (The Moment of Truth)
If you did not join a loyalty program, you'll head to your company's counter and likely wait in line. If you did, check your program's instructions. Programs like Hertz Gold Plus Rewards or National's Emerald Club often let you go straight to a designated area in the garage, find your name on a board, and pick any car from your reserved class. This is where you save an hour. - Step 5: Inspect Your Vehicle Meticulously
Before you even put the key in the ignition, do a full walk-around. Use your phone to take a video or photos of every scratch, dent, or scuff on the car's exterior and interior. Pay close attention to the windshield and bumpers. If you find anything, have an employee note it in your rental agreement. This 5-minute check can save you from a multi-hundred-dollar damage claim later. - Step 6: Driving Away & Navigating
Getting out of the RITC is straightforward. Plug your destination into your GPS before you start driving. The airport is conveniently located near the I-5 and CA-134 freeways, giving you easy access to Downtown LA, Hollywood, and the San Fernando Valley. - Step 7: The Return Process
Leave a little extra time for the return. As you approach BUR, follow the signs for "Rental Car Return." The entrance is the same one you used to exit the RITC. Before you arrive, find a nearby gas station to refuel. My go-to is the Shell station at 2417 N Hollywood Way, just a minute from the airport entrance. Returning the car with a full tank is almost always cheaper than the pre-paid or post-paid options. An attendant will quickly check the car, note the mileage and fuel level, and email you a receipt. From there, it's a quick walk back to the terminal for your flight home.
Secrets to a Stress-Free Burbank Airport Car Rental
- The Loyalty Program Lifeline: I can't stress this enough. It's the difference between a 10-minute pickup and a 90-minute wait. Signing up for programs like Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, or National Emerald Club is free and unlocks the "skip the counter" perk. Do it now.
- My Rookie Mistake: The Pre-Paid Fuel Trap. On one trip, I was in a rush and accepted the pre-paid fuel option, thinking it would save time. Big mistake. They charge you for a full tank at an inflated price per gallon, and there's no refund for any fuel you return. I returned the car with a half-tank left and essentially donated about $40 to the rental company. Always choose the "Full to Full" option and refuel it yourself.
- Check Your Personal Insurance First: Before you leave home, call your auto insurance provider and the credit card company you'll use for the rental. Ask them specifically what kind of rental car coverage they provide. Many premium credit cards offer primary collision coverage, which is far better than what your personal auto insurance might offer. Knowing this lets you confidently decline the expensive Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) at the counter, which can save you $20-$30 per day.
- Don't Overlook Off-Airport Locations: While the on-site convenience at BUR is fantastic, if you're on a very tight budget and don't mind a short Uber ride, check the rates for the same company's non-airport locations in Burbank or North Hollywood. Sometimes the savings can be substantial enough to justify the slight inconvenience.
Quick Comparison of Major Rental Companies at BUR
| Company | Price Tier | Best For | Key Perk / Loyalty Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | $$-$$$ | Customer Service & Weekend Deals | Enterprise Plus (Points-based rewards) |
| National | $$$ | Business Travelers & Speed | Emerald Club (Choose your own car) |
| Hertz | $$$ | Wide Vehicle Selection | Gold Plus Rewards (Counter bypass) |
| Avis | $$-$$$ | Reliability & Corporate Rates | Avis Preferred (Counter bypass) |
| Budget | $$ | Cost-Conscious Travelers | Fastbreak (Counter bypass) |
| Alamo | $$ | Leisure Travelers & Families | Alamo Insiders (Discounts) |
Please note that pricing tiers are estimates and can fluctuate significantly based on demand, vehicle class, and time of year. Your own experience may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to book a car rental in advance at Burbank Airport?
Absolutely. Booking your car rental weeks or even months in advance is the single best way to secure a lower rate and ensure vehicle availability, especially if you need a specific car class like a minivan or SUV.
What is the best way to get from the terminal to the rental car center at BUR?
The best way is to simply walk. The Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC), which houses all the rental companies, is located directly across the street and is connected by a covered walkway and crosswalks.
Do I need extra insurance when renting a car in California?
It depends. First, check with your personal auto insurance and the credit card you're using to book. Many offer rental car coverage, which may be sufficient. If you have no other coverage, it is highly recommended to purchase the Loss Damage Waiver (LDW).
Can I use a debit card to rent a car at Hollywood Burbank Airport?
While some companies may allow it, it is strongly discouraged. Using a debit card typically involves a credit check, a much larger security deposit hold, and other strict limitations. A major credit card is the standard and ensures a smooth process.