Quick Summary:
- After baggage claim, follow signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Cars.
- Find the correct shuttle stop outside the terminal kerb, then queue.
- Ride the shuttle to the off-airport car hire facility and locate your brand.
- Complete paperwork, inspect the vehicle, then follow exit signs to I-5.
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is compact and straightforward compared with larger hubs, but rental cars are not collected directly from the arrivals hall. Instead, most car hire pick-ups happen at an off-airport facility reached by a dedicated shuttle. The steps below walk you from the moment you land to the moment you drive away, including what signs to follow, where to stand, and what to double-check before you leave.
1) Arrive and get oriented in the terminal
After landing, follow the overhead signs to Arrivals and Baggage Claim. BUR has a smaller footprint than many Los Angeles area airports, so distances are short, and you will usually be kerbside within minutes of collecting your luggage.
If you already know your supplier and have completed online check-in, keep your confirmation and driving licence handy. If you need to compare options for Southern California airports more broadly, Hola Car Rentals also maintains information around Los Angeles airport car hire, such as car hire at Los Angeles Airport (LAX) and related pages. The pick-up process at BUR is different, but the same preparation basics apply.
2) From baggage claim, follow signs to rental car shuttles
Once you have your bags, look for signage pointing to Ground Transportation. At BUR, rental car companies typically operate via shuttle pick-up points outside the terminal. You are aiming for the kerbside area where shuttles and buses stop, not a desk inside the baggage hall.
As you walk, keep an eye out for “Rental Cars” on the wayfinding boards. If you are unsure, airport staff can point you to the correct kerb. The key is that you are not looking for a single unified rental car centre inside the terminal. You are looking for the shuttle zone that serves multiple brands.
3) Step outside to the kerb and locate the correct shuttle stop
Exit the terminal to the kerbside pick-up area. You will see a flow of passengers, ride-share pick-ups, taxis, and shuttles. Rental car shuttles are usually marked with the company name and may share a common stopping area depending on the current airport set-up.
What to look for:
Shuttle signage: either a pole sign or overhead board indicating rental car shuttles and where they load.
Branded vehicles: shuttles often display the car hire company logo on the front and sides.
Queue pattern: if several people are waiting with luggage at a marked stop, you are likely in the right place.
If you are travelling with children, heavy luggage, or a pram, position yourself where the driver can easily see you and where you can load bags safely. Keep smaller items and documents with you rather than in large suitcases, since you will need them at the counter.
4) Take the shuttle to the off-airport rental car facility
Once your shuttle arrives, confirm with the driver that it is going to your specific company or to the shared rental car facility. Load luggage as directed and take a seat. Travel time is usually short, but allow for wait times during busy arrival waves.
BUR’s off-airport facilities can feel simple compared with the larger, multi-storey set-ups you may have seen at other airports. Even so, you should expect a brief transfer. If you are comparing airports for your trip, you may also find it helpful to read how pick-up differs at other nearby gateways, including Los Angeles (LAX) car rental and Santa Ana (SNA) car rental.
5) On arrival, find your counter, kiosk, or bay
When the shuttle drops you off, you will typically see either a small counter area, a row of kiosks, or direct access to the car park with a check-in booth. Follow signs for your company name.
At this stage, the flow usually splits:
Counter service: join the queue, present your documents, and complete the agreement with a staff member.
Express pick-up: if you pre-registered, a kiosk or desk may direct you straight to a vehicle bay and paperwork station.
If multiple brands share the same location, make sure you are at the correct desk. It is easy to join the wrong queue if you only recognise the colour scheme. Look for the exact brand name on the sign above the counter.
6) Documents and payment, what to have ready
Having the correct items ready keeps the handover smooth. Commonly requested items include a full driving licence, a passport or ID, and a payment card in the main driver’s name. Some suppliers may ask for proof of address or additional ID, depending on where your licence was issued.
For car hire in Los Angeles, it is also smart to have your itinerary details available, such as your drop-off location and approximate return time. If you plan to add an additional driver, bring their licence as well, since they usually need to be present at pick-up.
Before you sign, scan the rental agreement for key points: fuel policy, mileage rules, deposit amount, and the procedure for roadside assistance. If anything does not match what you expected, ask for clarification while you are still at the counter.
7) Finding your vehicle and doing a quick but thorough inspection
After check-in, you will be directed to a numbered bay or a section of the car park. A staff member may point you to a specific car, or you may be invited to choose from a category row. Either way, do a short inspection before you drive away.
Inspection checklist you can complete in two to three minutes:
Exterior: walk around the car, checking bumpers, wheels, windscreen, and door panels for scuffs or chips.
Interior: check seats, dashboard, and boot space, and confirm child seats (if requested) are fitted securely.
Lights and tyres: look for warning lights on start-up and visibly low tyres.
Fuel and mileage: confirm the fuel level matches the contract and note the mileage reading.
If you spot damage, report it immediately and ensure it is recorded on the paperwork before leaving the facility. Taking time-stamped photos on your phone can help you keep a clear record, especially in bright California daylight where minor marks are easy to miss.
8) Exiting the facility and driving away, what to expect
When you are ready to leave, follow the “Exit” signs. You may stop at a gatehouse where staff verify your agreement, driving licence, and sometimes the vehicle category. Keep your documents accessible until you are fully out of the car park.
From BUR, you are well placed for quick access to major routes. Depending on the facility’s exit, you may be directed towards the nearest main road links that feed into I-5 and surrounding arterials. Use your sat-nav or phone navigation, but take a moment before moving off to set your first destination while parked.
9) Practical tips for a smoother BUR car hire pick-up
Time your pick-up realistically: although BUR is smaller, allow time for baggage, walking to the kerb, shuttle wait, and the counter queue. A realistic window can prevent a rushed inspection.
Keep small items separate: have licence, card, and booking details in a pocket or small bag, not buried in luggage.
Plan for toll roads and parking: if your route includes toll facilities, ask how toll charges are handled. For Los Angeles driving, also think about hotel parking costs and height limits if you opt for a larger vehicle.
Choose a vehicle type that suits your route: for beach trips, mountain drives, or carrying multiple suitcases, an SUV can be convenient. For general guidance on SUV options in the region, see SUV hire in California.
Know your alternatives if plans change: if you later switch airports for departure, it helps to understand how other locations operate, such as Avis car hire in California (LAX). Different airports may have different shuttle systems and return procedures.
10) Returning the car later, a quick note
Although this guide focuses on pick-up, it helps to visualise the return. Returning generally involves driving back to the same rental facility, following “Car Rental Return” signs as you approach the airport area. You will be directed into a returns lane where staff check mileage and fuel, then a shuttle takes you back to the terminal. To make your departure day easier, keep the return address saved in your navigation from the first day.
FAQ
Where exactly do you pick up a rental car at Hollywood Burbank Airport? Most car hire pick-ups are at an off-airport rental facility reached by a dedicated shuttle from the terminal kerbside. You do not usually collect the car directly inside arrivals.
How do I get from arrivals to the rental car shuttle at BUR? After baggage claim, follow signs for Ground Transportation and Rental Cars, then go outside to the marked shuttle loading area. Wait at the stop that matches your supplier’s branding.
Do I need to go to a counter, or can I go straight to the car? It depends on the supplier and whether you completed express check-in. Some drivers must visit the counter first, while others can use a kiosk or proceed to a vehicle bay with paperwork verification.
What should I check before driving away from the rental facility? Confirm the fuel level and mileage match the agreement, inspect the exterior and interior for damage, and report any marks before leaving. Set your navigation while parked to avoid distractions.
How long should I allow from landing to driving away? A typical timeline includes baggage claim, walking to the kerb, shuttle waiting time, the short transfer, and any queue at the counter. Allow extra time at peak periods and if travelling with lots of luggage.
