Quick Summary
- LAX sits much closer to the Pacific Coast Highway than Burbank, so in pure distance terms it normally offers the quickest route to the ocean.
- Burbank is smaller and calmer to navigate, but you then have to cross the city to reach Santa Monica or Malibu, which can add time in traffic.
- Hola Car Rentals can help you compare both airports so you match your pick up point, route and vehicle to the way you want to start your trip.
How far is each airport from the Pacific Coast Highway
Los Angeles International Airport is only a short drive from the coastal stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway near Santa Monica. In light traffic you can reach the ocean in around half an hour using Lincoln Boulevard, the 405 and the 10 or one of the other signed routes out of the airport loop. The distance is modest, so most of your time is spent dealing with junctions rather than covering miles.
Hollywood Burbank Airport lies to the north of the city near the 5 and the 134. Reaching the Pacific Coast Highway from there usually means weaving past Hollywood and Beverly Hills before dropping down towards the coast. Even with smooth traffic, the drive is longer, and at busy times it can easily stretch beyond forty minutes.
What it feels like to drive out of each airport
LAX is a major international hub, which means more flights, more shuttles and more vehicles. The ring road can feel hectic and the rental shuttle buses often share space with hotel pick ups and drop offs. Once you have reached your vehicle, you normally face a sequence of signals and junctions before you feed onto the main roads that lead to the coast.
Burbank, by contrast, is compact and relaxed. Rental facilities are close to the terminal, traffic volumes are lower and the first few turns are less intense. Many visitors find that simply getting behind the wheel is easier here, especially after a long flight or with younger drivers who are new to big American airports.
Which airport is genuinely quicker for the Pacific Coast Highway
If your first priority is to reach the Pacific Coast Highway as quickly as possible, LAX usually wins thanks to its location. Once you clear the airport loop, you are only a handful of junctions away from the coast. In light or moderate traffic, heading straight from the terminals to the ocean can be surprisingly swift.
From Burbank you start further inland, so even with a smoother pick up you still face a longer cross city journey to the same stretch of coastline. At the busiest times of day this can result in a similar overall travel time, but in average conditions the extra distance from Burbank is hard to ignore.
Using Hola Car Rentals at LAX or Burbank
Whatever you choose, the experience is shaped by your vehicle as much as the airport. Once you have secured your car rental, you can focus on navigation instead of paperwork. Hola Car Rentals partners with a wide network at LAX, offering everything from compact cars to family sized models suitable for scenic drives along the cliffs.
If you prefer a smoother arrival at a smaller terminal, Hola Car Rentals can also connect you with partners at Burbank and other Southern California airports. You might choose a comfortable Enterprise supported vehicle from LAX, a practical van option for surfboards and luggage or a National backed model ready for longer coastal journeys.
Many Hola Car Rentals deals include no additional airport fees from Hola Car Rentals itself, clear fuel policies and free cancellation up to forty eight hours before pick up. That makes it easier to choose the airport that fits your flights and budget, then refine the rest of your plan around it.
Choosing the right airport for your style of trip
If you are landing in the afternoon and want to be on the Pacific Coast Highway before sunset, LAX is usually the more direct option. You will have a busier first ten minutes, but once you have joined the main roads the coast is close at hand.
Travellers who are more nervous about traffic, or who plan to see Hollywood and the studios before heading to the beach, may prefer Burbank. The airport itself feels quieter, and it suits itineraries that start inland and only reach the ocean after a day or two of city exploring.
FAQs
- Is traffic from LAX to the Pacific Coast Highway always terrible? Traffic can be heavy at peak times, but outside the busiest weekday hours many visitors are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they reach the coast. Allow a comfortable buffer if you are arriving in the afternoon or early evening.
- Does Burbank ever beat LAX for getting to the ocean? On a very congested day around LAX, a smooth run from Burbank can feel competitive. In general though, the extra distance from Burbank means that LAX remains the faster option in most conditions.
- Are rental car prices very different between the two airports? Pricing varies with demand, dates and vehicle type. Hola Car Rentals lets you compare options across both airports on a single platform, so you can weigh journey time against total trip cost.
- Can I pick up at one airport and drop at the other? One way rentals are often possible, though they may involve an extra fee. Hola Car Rentals shows these conditions clearly so you can decide whether the flexibility is worth the charge for your itinerary.
Whether you choose to roll straight out of LAX onto the Pacific Coast Highway or enjoy a gentler start from Burbank, the right booking will make every mile feel easier. Plan your coastal drive with Hola Car Rentals and give yourself a relaxed launch pad for one of the most iconic road trips in the United States.
