Car Rentals in Pasadena, USA

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Pasadena

Renting a car in and around Pasadena provides the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those interested in family activities, cultural experiences, or sports-related events. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage and adjust your travel plans as needed.

Pasadena is home to several key attractions, including the historic Rose Bowl Stadium, the Norton Simon Museum, and the Colorado Street Bridge, all of which are conveniently accessible by car. Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations such as Los Angeles, just a short drive away, featuring iconic sites like Universal Studios Hollywood and Santa Monica Beach. South Pasadena, located 4 km from Pasadena, also offers attractions like L.A. Live and The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Exploring the charming neighbourhood of Old Pasadena, with its historic district and delightful shops, is another easy option with a rental vehicle. Overall, having a car allows you to maximise your sightseeing opportunities and enjoy the diverse culture and experiences that Pasadena and its surroundings have to offer.

Most popular car hires in Pasadena

• Midsize SUV: This car type is ideal for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers. With room for up to 3 large suitcases, a midsize SUV offers excellent space and comfort, making it a popular choice for exploring the attractions in and around Pasadena. Its versatility allows for both city driving and longer excursions, ensuring a pleasant travel experience.
• Compact: Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or families, the compact car accommodates up to 5 travellers and up to 3 medium suitcases. Its smaller size makes it easy to navigate through Pasadena's streets and find parking. A compact car is a practical and economical choice for those who value efficiency while still enjoying the freedom of a hired vehicle.
• Fullsize: The fullsize car option is great for families or groups, comfortably seating up to 5 travellers while accommodating either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases. This provides ample space for luggage and passengers, making it a flexible choice for those looking to explore Pasadena without compromising on comfort. Its size ensures a more spacious interior, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Top rated car suppliers in Pasadena

• Avis: With 2 rental locations easily accessible in the Pasadena area, Avis is a popular choice among travellers. Known for their reliable service, Avis offers a variety of vehicles, with Midsize SUVs and Standard SUVs being the most booked options. This flexibility allows you to explore the beautiful sights of Pasadena at your own pace while managing your luggage with ease.
• Budget: Budget also has 2 convenient rental locations in Pasadena, making it a great option for those seeking value. This supplier is particularly favoured for their Midsize SUVs and Fullsize vehicles, providing ample space for your journey. With Budget, you can enjoy an economical car hire experience that allows you to make the most of your time in and around Pasadena.
• Sixt: Sixt offers a unique car hire experience with 1 rental location in the Pasadena area. They are well-regarded for their Luxury and Midsize SUVs, perfect for those looking to add a touch of comfort to their travels. With Sixt, you can expect friendly service and a smooth rental process, ensuring your exploration of Pasadena is both stylish and enjoyable.

Where to stay around Pasadena

• Pasadena: Located within the vibrant metropolis of Los Angeles, Pasadena offers a unique blend of culture and entertainment. Visitors can explore the historic Rose Bowl Stadium and enjoy the nearby Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens for a family-friendly outing. With a variety of restaurants and wineries, Pasadena is an excellent base for those looking to experience both city life and cultural attractions.
• Sierra Madre: Just 8 km away from Pasadena, Sierra Madre is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The area features charming shopping centres and the historic Richardson House, making it an ideal spot for culture seekers. The Rose Bowl Stadium is also within reach, providing a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local sports history. Sierra Madre's wineries and restaurants offer delightful dining options after a day of exploration.
• Tujunga: Situated 18 km from Pasadena, Tujunga is a fantastic destination for families seeking outdoor activities and entertainment. The area boasts access to Universal Studios Hollywood, a must-visit theme park for thrilling experiences. Explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Hollywood Boulevard for iconic city sights. Tujunga provides an array of dining options, including delightful restaurants and local wineries, ensuring a fulfilling culinary experience.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Pasadena

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary based on demand, so it is advisable to secure your vehicle well ahead of your trip. By booking in advance, you are more likely to obtain lower prices and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size cars strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most advantageous option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fuelling options, which are also acceptable—just be sure to return the car empty in this instance.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance when booking with Expedia is a straightforward process.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on undertaking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring additional costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Pasadena

The best value period to rent a car in and around Pasadena is March, when prices and demand are both at their lowest. Following this, April also offers slightly low prices and low demand, making it a great option for budget-conscious renters. In contrast, September tends to be the most expensive month, with slightly high prices and low demand, while October experiences high demand and average prices, making it a busier time for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
February	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
March	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
April	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly Low
May	65.1°F (18.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
June	70.9°F (21.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	76.3°F (24.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
August	77.5°F (25.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
September	75.6°F (24.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Low	Slightly High
October	68.4°F (20.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	High	Average
November	60.3°F (15.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High