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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Pasadena
Pasadena
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Pasadena
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Pasadena
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Pasadena
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Pasadena?
Pasadena, California, is a vibrant city known for its stunning architecture, cultural attractions, and beautiful gardens. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore Pasadena and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Discover hidden gems and make the most of your visit with the convenience of a rental car.
Unrestricted Exploration: A rental car allows you to explore beyond the typical tourist spots. You can venture into the scenic San Gabriel Mountains, visit the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, or take a leisurely drive along the historic Route 66.
Convenience and Flexibility: With a rental car, you can easily manage your itinerary without being tied to public transport schedules. Whether it’s attending events at the Pasadena Convention Centre or exploring Old Pasadena’s shops and restaurants, you have the freedom to come and go as you please.
Comfortable Family Travel: If you’re travelling with family or a group, a rental car offers a more comfortable and private travel experience. You can avoid the hassle of coordinating multiple transport options and enjoy a relaxed journey.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Pasadena
Before renting a car in Pasadena, it’s essential to understand the rental terms and conditions. Familiarise yourself with the age requirements, necessary documentation, insurance options, and other essential details to ensure a smooth rental experience.
Area
23 square miles (59.6 sq km)
Population
Approximately 140,000 residents
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST), UTC-8
Ideal for
Business trips and family vacations
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Pasadena require drivers to be at least 21 years old. However, drivers under 25 may be subject to additional surcharges.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
3. Insurance & DepositsRental agreements typically include basic insurance. However, additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies generally require returning the car with the same fuel level as when it was picked up to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for options like GPS navigation, child seats, or additional drivers. One-way rentals may also incur extra charges.
Car Rental Prices in Pasadena – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Pasadena?
To book a car in Pasadena, compare prices from different rental companies, choose the right vehicle for your needs, carefully review the rental terms and conditions, book in advance, and ensure you have all necessary documents when picking up the car.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best rental deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the surrounding areas.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid any surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, credit card, and proof of identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Pasadena
Pasadena is a city that blends culture, history, and modern attractions. Known for its iconic landmarks and beautiful neighbourhoods, it offers a unique experience for visitors.
Pasadena, California, nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, is a city celebrated for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and stunning architecture. As home to the Rose Bowl and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Pasadena offers a diverse range of attractions and activities. While Pasadena has accessible public transport, a rental car provides enhanced flexibility to explore both the city and its surrounding areas. Driving in Pasadena requires awareness of local traffic laws and parking regulations.
Top Attractions to Discover
The Rose Bowl
A historic stadium known for hosting the annual Rose Bowl game and other major events.
Old Pasadena
A vibrant district filled with shops, restaurants, and historic architecture.
Norton Simon Museum
An art museum featuring a remarkable collection of European paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Numerous parking garages are available in Old Pasadena and near popular attractions.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available but can be limited, especially during peak hours and events.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride options during major events to avoid traffic and parking challenges.
Gas Stations in Pasadena
Convenient Locations
Gas stations are readily available throughout Pasadena, with major brands represented.
Easy Access
Refuelling is generally easy with well-maintained stations and accessible locations.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find nearby stations in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting Pasadena
Plan for Traffic
Be aware of rush-hour traffic, especially on major thoroughfares like the 210 and 110 freeways.
Check Event Schedules
Check the local event calendar for potential traffic impacts, particularly around the Rose Bowl.
Utilise Navigation Apps
Use real-time navigation apps to navigate traffic and find the most efficient routes.
Stay Hydrated
Stay hydrated, especially during summer months, as temperatures can be high.
Key Transportation Hubs in Pasadena
Major Bus Stations
Pasadena Transit Hub
Serves as a central hub for local bus routes, providing connections throughout Pasadena and surrounding areas.
Railway Stations
Pasadena Metro Gold Line Stations
Several stations, including Del Mar, Memorial Park, and Fillmore, connect Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles and other parts of the region.
Airports
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Located approximately 30 miles southwest of Pasadena, LAX is the primary international airport serving the region.
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Situated about 18 miles west of Pasadena, BUR offers domestic flights and is a convenient alternative to LAX.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Pasadena?
Renting a car in Pasadena requires meeting a few key requirements. Make sure you have all the necessary documents and information to ensure a smooth rental process.
A valid driver’s license is required. International visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is not in English.
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and those under 25 may face additional fees.
A valid credit or debit card in the renter’s name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other government-issued ID may be required.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Pasadena as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill vibe
Kai Lee
Reviewed: 21.03.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 14.02.2025
Pasadena was a fantastic stop on our road trip! Having a car made getting around so easy. Beautiful city.
Benjamin Wilson
Reviewed: 24.09.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 09.07.2025
Loved Pasadena! Easy to navigate with my car; great food and charming streets. Perfect pit stop on our road trip.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 29.03.2025
Pasadena was delightful! Exploring the city by car was so convenient, especially for a weekend getaway. Highly recommend!
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 24.03.2025
Pleasant enough, really.
David Garcia
Reviewed: 13.08.2025
Pasadena was a dream! Cruising around in my rental, exploring the Rose Bowl and Old Town, made it perfect.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 22.11.2024