Quick Summary:
- Follow signs from baggage claim to the dedicated rental car shuttle stop.
- Use the free shuttle to reach the car hire centre in minutes.
- If walking is possible, stick to marked sidewalks and crossings.
- Arriving late, confirm after-hours pick-up rules before leaving arrivals.
Burbank Airport, also known as Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), is one of the most straightforward airports in Los Angeles for picking up a vehicle. It is smaller than LAX, the terminals are compact, and the rental facilities are designed to be reached quickly from arrivals. Still, first-time visitors can waste time by waiting at the wrong kerb, walking in the wrong direction, or assuming every rental company is in the same place. This guide explains how to get from arrivals to the rental car centre, what the shuttle process looks like, and what to do if you land late.
Language on signs can vary between “Rental Car Shuttle”, “Rental Cars”, and “Ground Transportation”. The core idea is the same: you leave the baggage claim level, head to the signed kerbside pick-up area, and either board a free shuttle or walk to nearby off-airport rental locations. Your exact steps depend on which terminal you arrive at and which company you are collecting from, but the flow is consistent.
Step-by-step: from arrivals to your rental car pick-up
Step 1, finish at baggage claim. After landing, follow the Arrivals and Baggage Claim signs. BUR’s baggage claim area is compact, so it is usually quick to orient yourself. While you wait for your luggage, check your confirmation for the rental company name, any after-hours instructions, and whether you need to visit a specific counter or go straight to a vehicle. If you are comparing options for car hire in the wider Los Angeles area, you may find it helpful to look at how larger airports handle it too, for example car hire in Los Angeles (LAX).
Step 2, head outside to ground transport. Once you have your bags, look for signs pointing to Ground Transportation or Rental Car Shuttles. Exit the terminal to the kerbside pick-up lanes. This is where most visitors go wrong, because there may be separate zones for hotel shuttles, rideshares, taxis, and rental car shuttles. Stay focused on the rental car signage rather than joining the first queue you see.
Step 3, find the rental car shuttle stop. At BUR, many car hire companies operate off-airport locations and provide a dedicated shuttle or pick-up van. Look for a marked stop or a section of kerb labelled for rental cars. If there is an information board, confirm you are standing in the correct place for your company. If you are unsure, ask an airport staff member or the ground transportation attendant, and give them the company name.
Step 4, board the free shuttle or pick-up van. Shuttles are typically frequent, but timing varies by company and time of day. Have your booking details ready and keep your luggage close, especially if the vehicle has limited space. The ride is usually short and designed to get you from arrivals to the rental facility with minimal fuss.
Step 5, check in at the rental facility. When you arrive, follow the signs to the counter or check-in area. If you have already completed online check-in, ask whether you can go straight to the vehicle bay. Confirm the fuel policy, mileage, toll arrangements, and any local driving restrictions. This is also the moment to verify the after-hours return process, so you are not surprised on the day you fly home.
Walking vs shuttle: which is better at Burbank?
Many travellers assume there is always one central rental car centre directly connected to the terminal. At BUR, the reality can be a mix: some locations are close enough to walk, while others rely on shuttles. If you are travelling with heavy bags, children, or a tight schedule, the shuttle is usually the most comfortable option, even if the distance looks short on a map.
When walking can work. Walking can be practical if your rental company is located very close to the airport boundary and the route follows proper sidewalks and crossings. It is also helpful if you arrive when shuttles are less frequent and you can safely manage your luggage. If you choose to walk, keep to pedestrian paths, obey traffic signals, and avoid cutting through vehicle-only areas.
When the shuttle is the smarter choice. If you arrive late, if it is hot, if you have bulky luggage, or if you are unfamiliar with Los Angeles road layouts, the shuttle avoids wrong turns. It also keeps you out of traffic-heavy areas where pedestrians are less expected. For most visitors, especially those collecting car hire after a long flight, the shuttle is the default choice.
What the rental car shuttle experience is like
At Burbank, shuttle vehicles are usually smaller than the large buses you might see at major hubs. That can be a benefit because loading and departure can be quick. It can also mean limited luggage space, so keep essentials in a day bag and be ready to lift your case into a storage area if asked.
Typical waiting time. Wait times vary. In peak periods, you may see a shuttle within a few minutes. Late at night, the interval can stretch longer. If you have been waiting and you do not see a shuttle for your company, call the number on your confirmation while you are still at the kerbside stop.
Where you get dropped off. Most shuttles will drop you at the company’s lot or office entrance. From there, you may walk a short distance to the counter and then to the vehicle bay. Take a photo of the location sign as you get off, it can help you remember where to return the car later.
Arriving late: what to do if your flight lands at night
Late arrivals are common in Los Angeles, and they are where car hire plans can unravel. The key is to handle it before you leave arrivals, because once you are outside and tired, it is easy to waste time moving between stops.
1) Check the desk hours and after-hours process. Some locations close earlier than you might expect, especially compared with LAX. If your arrival time is close to closing, call the location as soon as you land or while waiting for baggage. Ask whether they hold reservations past closing and what identification you need for after-hours collection.
2) Confirm the shuttle still runs. A location might be open, but the shuttle frequency may reduce late at night. If the shuttle stops at a certain time, ask for alternatives, such as a direct pick-up number or instructions for reaching the facility safely.
3) Know your Plan B. If you cannot collect your car hire until the next morning, decide whether you will take a taxi or rideshare to your accommodation and return for the car later. This is not ideal, but it can be better than rushing through pick-up paperwork when you are exhausted.
4) Keep evidence of flight delays. If your flight is delayed, keep the airline delay notification. Some rental locations can note the delay on your booking, which may help if you arrive close to closing time.
Tips to speed up pick-up once you reach the car hire centre
Have your documents ready. Bring your driving licence, a credit card in the main driver’s name, and your passport or additional ID if required. International visitors should check whether an International Driving Permit is recommended based on their licence type.
Inspect the vehicle before leaving. Walk around the car, take photos of any existing marks, and check that the fuel level matches the paperwork. Confirm that the headlights, indicators, and air conditioning work, because night-time pick-ups can hide issues.
Set up navigation before you drive off. BUR exits can feel busy if you are unfamiliar with Los Angeles driving. Set your first destination while parked, connect your phone safely, and take a moment to review the first few turns.
Choose the right vehicle for Los Angeles roads. A compact car is easy for city parking, while an SUV can be more comfortable for longer drives or family luggage. If you are planning a group trip, it can be useful to compare larger options elsewhere too, such as SUV rental options in California or minivan rental choices near Santa Ana (SNA), to understand typical sizes and luggage capacity.
Common mistakes to avoid at BUR arrivals
Waiting at the wrong kerb. Airports often separate hotel shuttles and rental shuttles. If you are waiting for a long time, double-check the sign at your stop and confirm with staff.
Assuming every company is in one building. Some airports have a single consolidated rental car centre. At BUR, many facilities are separate. Your confirmation will tell you which shuttle to take and where it drops you.
Not accounting for late-night processing time. Even if the shuttle is fast, the counter process can take longer at night if staffing is limited. Budget time for paperwork, vehicle selection, and a quick inspection.
Forgetting the return plan. Ask how to return the car if you have an early flight. Find out whether the return lot opens before the counter, and where the shuttle back to the terminal picks up.
How this compares with other Southern California airports
Burbank is often chosen specifically because it can be simpler than larger hubs. LAX is bigger, busier, and has longer internal distances, so getting to car hire there often feels more formal, with larger shuttle operations and heavier traffic. If you are weighing up airport options for a Los Angeles trip, reviewing the general process at Enterprise car hire at LAX or Hertz car rental in California (LAX) can give you a sense of how procedures differ by airport size and operator.
Santa Ana (SNA) is another popular alternative for parts of the region, and it can also offer a straightforward terminal-to-rental experience depending on provider location. For travellers planning coastal routes or Orange County stays, it may help to compare car hire at Santa Ana Airport (SNA) with BUR so you know what to expect at each arrivals area.
FAQ
Is there a single rental car centre at Burbank Airport? Many car hire providers use nearby off-airport facilities rather than one single on-site building. Follow rental shuttle signs and your confirmation details.
Where do I catch the rental car shuttle from arrivals? After baggage claim, go outside to the ground transportation area and locate the kerbside stop marked for rental car shuttles.
How long does it take to get from arrivals to the car hire facility? It is usually a short transfer, but total time depends on shuttle wait time plus check-in and vehicle collection.
What if my flight arrives after the rental desk closes? Call the location as soon as you land to confirm after-hours pick-up, whether your reservation is held, and whether the shuttle still operates.
Can I walk from the terminal to my rental car? Sometimes, depending on the company location and safe pedestrian routes. If you have luggage or arrive late, the shuttle is typically easier.
