Car rental Pasadena

At a glance

Locations: Find all Hertz car rental pick-up locations in Pasadena, including at Hollywood Burbank Airport.

Fleet: Browse the full range of Pasadena car rentals and find the right one for your trip.

Things to do: Discover the best things to do in Pasadena and see how a rental car gets you there, including Old Pasadena.

FAQs: Everything you need to know to rent a car in Pasadena, from one-way options to long-term rental and parking information.

 

Renting a car at Pasadena

Explore Pasadena, CA, with a Hertz car rental to see the Golden State with ease. Don’t worry about public transport and pricey taxis – you’ve got the convenience of doing it your own way with Hertz. Pick up at Hollywood Burbank International Airport (BUR) or one of our handy downtown locations and get your next adventure on the road.

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Pasadena rental locations

Pasadena rental car options

Popular vehicles to rent in Pasadena

Things to do in Pasadena

Old Pasadena
Old Pasadena

1 West Colorado Boulevard, Bounded by Pasadena, Arroyo Parkway, Del Mar, and Walnut, Pasadena, CA 91105

Old Pasadena is a historic 22-block downtown business district, featuring renovated 1800s buildings, lively shops like Abercrombie and Fitch, and energetic outdoor eateries such as Mi Piace. It’s a five-minute walk from Memorial Park in central downtown, with parking for your car rental across the area, close to the Ventura Freeway and South Pasadena Avenue.

Some of the notable attractions to see here are the Rose Bowl Stadium, home to the New Year’s Day Rose Bowl Game. Traveling with family? The kids will love a trip to Kidspace Children's Museum – 2.2 acres of interactive and engaging outdoor learning environments. There’s also the Rose Bowl Flea Market to catch more than 2,500 vendors and 20,000 buyers, a quintessential Pasadena itinerary staple.

focaccia bread.
Mi Piace

25 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91105

Indulge in tasty Italian fare in the heart of Old Pasadena at Mi Piace. They’ve been feeding visitors for over quarter of a century here, each bite infused with succulent flavors, prepared in an award-winning kitchen curated by trailblazing New York chef Tony Chi. The décor is bright and cheerful, helping to mimic the Manhattan style. The tables are lit, with red leather seats that are so comfortable it’s difficult to get back up once you sit in them.

The menu consists of classic dishes from the ‘boot. Feast on the olive oil and balsamic vinegar infused freshly baked focaccia bread. Salads include Ceaser salad, or insalata di Cesare in Italian, which includes baby Gem lettuce and a house made Ceaser dressing. Mains include pasta, signature cut meats, meat and fish options. This restaurant is not just somewhere you come and eat, it’s an experience. Mi Piace means ‘I like’ in Italian, but you won’t like it, you’ll love it.

hotel
Pasadena Hotel & Pool

928 East Colorado Boulevard Lake Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106

Enjoy a comfortable and welcoming stay at Pasadena Hotel in central downtown, where there’s parking for your car rental. The rooms are spacious, mixing 1920s old charm with relaxed Southern California cool. These include classic one king beds, classic two double beds, with pool view and presidential suite options too.

Imagine you’ve had a long day and need to get some good quality sleep, the 300-thread-count linens provide exceptional comfort. If you’re working remotely, there’s a desk and leather chair, with super-fast Wi-Fi. And if you ever run out of cell data, don’t fret, there’s unlimited phone calls to local numbers. You can also catch your favorite sporting event or cable show on the 50-inch HDTV with premium cable.

Long term car rental

ong-term car rentals in Pasadena are great for those staying here for a non-permanent time with an end date, whether the end date is known or not. Think temporary or seasonal contracts. Or maybe you don’t currently have a vehicle to drive, perhaps you bought a new one and it hasn’t been delivered yet. With simple one-time booking and full end date flexibility, a long-term car rental could be the solution to plug the gap. 

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One-way car rental

Book a one way rental car if you’re starting out in Pasadena, but ending up somewhere else. This is great for one-way journeys, like if you’re flying out of there from another airport a little further away, or epic road trips without doubling back. 

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Business rental 

Visiting Pasadena for work? Having you own set of wheels can make getting around while you’re here a breeze. Forget busy public transport, and expensive taxis, you’re in full control. Hertz Gold+ membership gives you the extra skip-the-counter privilege to help you get your vehicle quicker.

Business car rental

Popular road trips from Pasadena

Los Angeles
Pasadena to Los Angeles

10.4 miles & 20 minutes

Drive the historic Arroyo Seco Parkway (SR 110), passing through Highland Park and Elysian Park, with views toward the Dodger Stadium. In Los Angeles, explore Downtown’s Grand Avenue cultural district, including The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Angels Flight.

Long Beach
Pasadena to Long Beach

32.8 miles & 42 minutes

Follow SR 110 south through Los Angeles, then connect toward Long Beach, passing urban neighborhoods like Downtown and South LA, as well as the Los Angeles River. At the destination, see the waterfront, the Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village and the permanently anchored Queen Mary ship.

Las Vegas
Pasadena to Las Vegas

261 miles miles & 4 hours

Take I-210 east toward San Bernardino, then I-15 northeast through the Inland Empire and Mojave Desert. Along the way, expect breathtaking mountain and desert scenery. As you edge closer to Las Vegas, NV, the landscape becomes increasingly dry before the city skyline, with the famous Strip resorts starting to appear over the horizon as you drive in.

FAQs when renting a car in Pasadena

The cost to rent a car in Pasadena comes down to which vehicle you pick, how long you rent it for, and the dates you’ve booked it for. To see what your rental price could look like, start a reservation, with your preferred options, the booking widget allocates a price for your individual booking.

Renting a car in LA is a good idea because there are lots of things to do and see, with many of them spaced apart in different parts of the area. There is decent public transport in the area, but as with all public transport, the routes are fixed and times are on a schedule. A rental car lets you drive wherever you want, whenever you feel like it.

To rent a car in California, you need:

  • A valid full driver’s license
  • Drivers aged 21 to 24 may have a restricted vehicle choice and need to pay a young driver fee
  • A payment card (bring it with you when picking up your vehicle
  • Passport (for international citizens)

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The golden rule of driving in California is to treat other drivers the way you want to be treated. It’s about sticking to traffic laws, driving responsibly, and not taking risks that can be avoided.

This is entirely subjective and depends on your driving level and how comfortable you are behind the wheel. It’s manageable, but it is a busy area with a high population, so might require some patience if you’re from a smaller town or city.

There is free street parking for your car rental in Pasadena, but it’s not a lot, and perhaps a lot less than you might find in prominent U.S cities. Most of it isn’t ideal for street parking, with restricted daily time limits. It’s best to research public parking places before coming to Pasadena.

There are private parking options in Pasadena, in Old Pasadena, Civic Center and Playhouse districts. Find out more information about public parking in Pasadena.

A Quick Guide to Pasadena

The Gamble House

4 Westmoreland Place, CA, 91103

Built for David Gamble, one of the heirs to Proctor & Gamble, this house is a perfect example of the Arts & Crafts architecture movement in California. Designed and built by Henry and Charles Greene in 1908, it’s a masterpiece in wood (17 different types) and glass. A docent-led tour is the best way to get context on the house, the family and the Arts & Crafts style. Free parking is available for your Pasadena rental car on three nearby streets – Westmoreland Place, Orange Grove Boulevard and Walnut Street.

Rose Bowl Stadium

1001 Rose Bowl Drive, CA, 91103

The Rose Bowl Stadium is best known as the home of the eponymous Rose Bowl game, one of the highlights of the college football calendar. Beyond that, it has also hosted Super Bowls, World Cup Finals and huge concerts. On game-day, you can go and cheer on the UCLA Bruins who call it home, or head to the famous flea market on the second Sunday of each month. Parking for your Pasadena rental car is available – it’s recommended to purchase your parking pass in advance.

The Huntington Library

1151 Oxford Road, CA, 91108

The Huntington is a true triple threat – not merely a world-class library, it’s also an art museum with stately botanical gardens. The themed gardens cover 120 acres, with the Japanese, Chinese, Desert and Rose Gardens among the finest. The library holds gems such the original manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and a Gutenberg bible. Finally, the museum has modern American masterpieces by Hopper, Warhol and Mary Cassatt. You can park your Pasadena rental car for free while you visit the library.

Driving In and Around Pasadena

  • On-street metered parking in the Old Pasadena district operates from 11am-8pm from Sunday to Thursday and 11am-2am Friday to Saturday, with hourly rates for your Pasadena car rental. There’s no overnight parking between 2am-6am.
  • One Colorado Parking (91103) is located at the mall of the same name, just a couple of blocks south of I-210. There are both timed and flat rates available. If using the mall, several locations provide parking validation.
  • Schoolhouse Garage (91105) is open 24 hours a day, close to Pasadena Memorial Park and Huntington Library. If you park your Pasadena car rental here, the first 90 minutes are free.

 

  • Interstate 210 (I-210) goes east to west through the center of Pasadena. It swings northwest for more LA suburbs such as San Fernando, while east it becomes SR 210 as it heads to San Bernardino.
  • East Colorado Boulevard is the main east to west route through the city, forming part of historic Route 66. Route 66 continues as you then head south on South Arroyo Parkway.
  •  State Route 134 (SR 134) is the Ventura Freeway. Its eastern end is in Pasadena, and it leads west to landmarks such as Los Angeles Zoo and Walt Disney Studios. West of the Hollywood intersection, it then becomes Route 101.

 

How to get from car rental at Pasadena to Los Angeles

The fastest route to downtown LA covers about 11 miles in your holiday car rental.

  1. Drive south on North Marengo Avenue, then take a left on to East Glenarm Street.
  2. Left again on to CA-110 / Arroyo Seco Parkway, which you’ll follow for eight miles.
  3. Take exit 24A for I-5S, and merge onto US 101 South.
  4. Leave US 101 South via Exit 2B for Los Angeles Street.

 

How to get from Pasadena car rental to San Diego

The cool, coastal city of San Diego is just over two hours’ drive to the south when you rent a car from Pasadena. Leave Pasadena on the CA-110 / Arroyo Seco Pkwy, then take Exit 26B for the I-5 S which will carry you all the way to San Diego. Take Exit 17 when you arrive.

 

Courtyard by Marriott Old Town Pasadena

180 North Fair Oaks Avenue, CA, 91103

The streets of Old Pasadena are among the city’s highlights. This Marriott places you only seconds from them, and just a couple of blocks from Pasadena Memorial Park. Rooms are generous in size, while outdoor spaces include a firepit and a heated pool, ideal for making the most of the many sunny days. On-site parking is available for your Pasadena rental car, with a choice of hourly or daily rates.

The Langham Huntington

1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, CA, 91106

Formerly a Ritz Carlton, this storied hotel has stood here, in one form or another, since 1907 – it’s an iconic location next to the San Gabriel Mountains that has featured in numerous films and TV shows. Rooms are serene and luxurious, the gardens gorgeous and there are excellent events to keep kids entertained. There’s also a steakhouse, tap room and classic afternoon tea service. Valet parking is available for your Pasadena rental car at the Langham Huntington. Street parking and self-parking are not permitted.

The Westin Pasadena

191 North Los Robles Avenue, CA, 91101

Just north of Route 66, south of I-210, this Westin has a flawless location when it comes to exploring the city. You’re in close proximity to city hall, Fuller Theological Seminary and Pasadena Conference Center. Rooms are cool and modern, while the pool and gym are part of the hotel’s wellness package. Choose self-parking or valet parking for your Pasadena rental car, and if you choose to rent an electric car, you’ll find a charging point on-site.

Driving In and Around Pasadena

  • On-street metered parking in the Old Pasadena district operates from 11am-8pm from Sunday to Thursday and 11am-2am Friday to Saturday, with hourly rates for your Pasadena car rental. There’s no overnight parking between 2am-6am.
  • One Colorado Parking (91103) is located at the mall of the same name, just a couple of blocks south of I-210. There are both timed and flat rates available. If using the mall, several locations provide parking validation.
  • Schoolhouse Garage (91105) is open 24 hours a day, close to Pasadena Memorial Park and Huntington Library. If you park your Pasadena car rental here, the first 90 minutes are free.
  • Interstate 210 (I-210) goes east to west through the center of Pasadena. It swings northwest for more LA suburbs such as San Fernando, while east it becomes SR 210 as it heads to San Bernardino.
  • East Colorado Boulevard is the main east to west route through the city, forming part of historic Route 66. Route 66 continues as you then head south on South Arroyo Parkway.
  •  State Route 134 (SR 134) is the Ventura Freeway. Its eastern end is in Pasadena, and it leads west to landmarks such as Los Angeles Zoo and Walt Disney Studios. West of the Hollywood intersection, it then becomes Route 101.

How to Get from Car Rental at Pasadena to Los Angeles

The fastest route to downtown LA covers about 11 miles in your holiday car rental.

  1. Drive south on North Marengo Avenue, then take a left on to East Glenarm Street.
  2. Left again on to CA-110 / Arroyo Seco Parkway, which you’ll follow for eight miles.
  3. Take exit 24A for I-5S, and merge onto US 101 South.
  4. Leave US 101 South via Exit 2B for Los Angeles Street.

How to Get from Pasadena Car Rental to San Diego

The cool, coastal city of San Diego is just over two hours’ drive to the south when you rent a car from Pasadena. Leave Pasadena on the CA-110 / Arroyo Seco Pkwy, then take Exit 26B for the I-5 S which will carry you all the way to San Diego. Take Exit 17 when you arrive.

Best Restaurants in Pasadena

67 North Raymond Avenue, CA, 91103

Flavor is very much a priority at this ambitious Southeast Asian restaurant. Small plates include sensational choices such as oxtail dumplings and bone marrow with scallion confit. The 36-hour bone broth is the main event, whether it’s served with hearty brisket, oxtail, sirloin or chicken.

Russell’s

30 North Fair Oaks Avenue, CA, 91103

In a town big on upscale eateries, sometimes what you really need is the perfect diner. Russell’s is the answer. Open daily from 7am-9pm, you may have to line up for the hugely popular breakfasts. Expect classics like steak and eggs, oozing omelets and fluffy pancakes teetering in a pile. At lunch, the burgers are unmissable.

Little Flower

1424 West Colorado Boulevard, CA, 91105

This charming cafe takes you on a whistle-stop tour of the globe with its diverse menu. Start the day with their exemplary coffee and their breakfast bowl – or the more virtuous oatmeal with fruit. Lunch delivers aromatic Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches and a pastrami Reuben that’s worth the trip alone.

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