Car Rental - Pasadena


Rent a car in Pasadena and you’ll find a city set apart from nearby Los Angeles – one that’s laid-back, suffused with cool and nestled against the beauty of San Gabriel Mountains.

Start your journey at our Pasadena car rental location on East Colorado Boulevard, right at the heart of Pasadena and close to both the City College and the prominent Caltech. Explore the area and beyond in your rental, chosen from our versatile collection of vehicles ideal for solo travelers, couples and families needing plenty of room.

As well as the city itself, your rental car in Pasadena will give you a passport to the surrounding landscape, and you’re also just minutes from Los Angeles. A Californian road trip is always an unforgettable experience, whether it’s the short drive to lovely Long Beach, or a jaunt down the coast to vibrant San Diego.

Reserve your Pasadena rental car with Hertz today for an unforgettable time in the ‘City of Roses’.

Pasadena Locations

A Quick Guide to Pasadena

The Gamble House

4 Westmoreland Place, CA, 91103

Built for David Gamble, one of the heirs to Proctor & Gamble, this house is a perfect example of the Arts & Crafts architecture movement in California. Designed and built by Henry and Charles Greene in 1908, it’s a masterpiece in wood (17 different types) and glass. A docent-led tour is the best way to get context on the house, the family and the Arts & Crafts style. Free parking is available for your Pasadena rental car on three nearby streets – Westmoreland Place, Orange Grove Boulevard and Walnut Street.

Rose Bowl Stadium

1001 Rose Bowl Drive, CA, 91103

The Rose Bowl Stadium is best known as the home of the eponymous Rose Bowl game, one of the highlights of the college football calendar. Beyond that, it has also hosted Super Bowls, World Cup Finals and huge concerts. On game-day, you can go and cheer on the UCLA Bruins who call it home, or head to the famous flea market on the second Sunday of each month. Parking for your Pasadena rental car is available – it’s recommended to purchase your parking pass in advance.

The Huntington Library

1151 Oxford Road, CA, 91108

The Huntington is a true triple threat – not merely a world-class library, it’s also an art museum with stately botanical gardens. The themed gardens cover 120 acres, with the Japanese, Chinese, Desert and Rose Gardens among the finest. The library holds gems such the original manuscript of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and a Gutenberg bible. Finally, the museum has modern American masterpieces by Hopper, Warhol and Mary Cassatt. You can park your Pasadena rental car for free while you visit the library.

Driving In and Around Pasadena

  • On-street metered parking in the Old Pasadena district operates from 11am-8pm from Sunday to Thursday and 11am-2am Friday to Saturday, with hourly rates for your Pasadena car rental. There’s no overnight parking between 2am-6am.
  • One Colorado Parking (91103) is located at the mall of the same name, just a couple of blocks south of I-210. There are both timed and flat rates available. If using the mall, several locations provide parking validation.
  • Schoolhouse Garage (91105) is open 24 hours a day, close to Pasadena Memorial Park and Huntington Library. If you park your Pasadena car rental here, the first 90 minutes are free.

 

  • Interstate 210 (I-210) goes east to west through the center of Pasadena. It swings northwest for more LA suburbs such as San Fernando, while east it becomes SR 210 as it heads to San Bernardino.
  • East Colorado Boulevard is the main east to west route through the city, forming part of historic Route 66. Route 66 continues as you then head south on South Arroyo Parkway.
  •  State Route 134 (SR 134) is the Ventura Freeway. Its eastern end is in Pasadena, and it leads west to landmarks such as Los Angeles Zoo and Walt Disney Studios. West of the Hollywood intersection, it then becomes Route 101.

 

How to get from car rental at Pasadena to Los Angeles

The fastest route to downtown LA covers about 11 miles in your holiday car rental.

  1. Drive south on North Marengo Avenue, then take a left on to East Glenarm Street.
  2. Left again on to CA-110 / Arroyo Seco Parkway, which you’ll follow for eight miles.
  3. Take exit 24A for I-5S, and merge onto US 101 South.
  4. Leave US 101 South via Exit 2B for Los Angeles Street.

 

How to get from Pasadena car rental to San Diego

The cool, coastal city of San Diego is just over two hours’ drive to the south when you rent a car from Pasadena. Leave Pasadena on the CA-110 / Arroyo Seco Pkwy, then take Exit 26B for the I-5 S which will carry you all the way to San Diego. Take Exit 17 when you arrive.

 

Courtyard by Marriott Old Town Pasadena

180 North Fair Oaks Avenue, CA, 91103

The streets of Old Pasadena are among the city’s highlights. This Marriott places you only seconds from them, and just a couple of blocks from Pasadena Memorial Park. Rooms are generous in size, while outdoor spaces include a firepit and a heated pool, ideal for making the most of the many sunny days. On-site parking is available for your Pasadena rental car, with a choice of hourly or daily rates.

The Langham Huntington

1401 South Oak Knoll Avenue, CA, 91106

Formerly a Ritz Carlton, this storied hotel has stood here, in one form or another, since 1907 – it’s an iconic location next to the San Gabriel Mountains that has featured in numerous films and TV shows. Rooms are serene and luxurious, the gardens gorgeous and there are excellent events to keep kids entertained. There’s also a steakhouse, tap room and classic afternoon tea service. Valet parking is available for your Pasadena rental car at the Langham Huntington. Street parking and self-parking are not permitted.

The Westin Pasadena

191 North Los Robles Avenue, CA, 91101

Just north of Route 66, south of I-210, this Westin has a flawless location when it comes to exploring the city. You’re in close proximity to city hall, Fuller Theological Seminary and Pasadena Conference Center. Rooms are cool and modern, while the pool and gym are part of the hotel’s wellness package. Choose self-parking or valet parking for your Pasadena rental car, and if you choose to rent an electric car, you’ll find a charging point on-site.

Driving In and Around Pasadena

  • On-street metered parking in the Old Pasadena district operates from 11am-8pm from Sunday to Thursday and 11am-2am Friday to Saturday, with hourly rates for your Pasadena car rental. There’s no overnight parking between 2am-6am.
  • One Colorado Parking (91103) is located at the mall of the same name, just a couple of blocks south of I-210. There are both timed and flat rates available. If using the mall, several locations provide parking validation.
  • Schoolhouse Garage (91105) is open 24 hours a day, close to Pasadena Memorial Park and Huntington Library. If you park your Pasadena car rental here, the first 90 minutes are free.
  • Interstate 210 (I-210) goes east to west through the center of Pasadena. It swings northwest for more LA suburbs such as San Fernando, while east it becomes SR 210 as it heads to San Bernardino.
  • East Colorado Boulevard is the main east to west route through the city, forming part of historic Route 66. Route 66 continues as you then head south on South Arroyo Parkway.
  •  State Route 134 (SR 134) is the Ventura Freeway. Its eastern end is in Pasadena, and it leads west to landmarks such as Los Angeles Zoo and Walt Disney Studios. West of the Hollywood intersection, it then becomes Route 101.

How to Get from Car Rental at Pasadena to Los Angeles

The fastest route to downtown LA covers about 11 miles in your holiday car rental.

  1. Drive south on North Marengo Avenue, then take a left on to East Glenarm Street.
  2. Left again on to CA-110 / Arroyo Seco Parkway, which you’ll follow for eight miles.
  3. Take exit 24A for I-5S, and merge onto US 101 South.
  4. Leave US 101 South via Exit 2B for Los Angeles Street.

How to Get from Pasadena Car Rental to San Diego

The cool, coastal city of San Diego is just over two hours’ drive to the south when you rent a car from Pasadena. Leave Pasadena on the CA-110 / Arroyo Seco Pkwy, then take Exit 26B for the I-5 S which will carry you all the way to San Diego. Take Exit 17 when you arrive.

Best Restaurants in Pasadena

67 North Raymond Avenue, CA, 91103

Flavor is very much a priority at this ambitious Southeast Asian restaurant. Small plates include sensational choices such as oxtail dumplings and bone marrow with scallion confit. The 36-hour bone broth is the main event, whether it’s served with hearty brisket, oxtail, sirloin or chicken.

Russell’s

30 North Fair Oaks Avenue, CA, 91103

In a town big on upscale eateries, sometimes what you really need is the perfect diner. Russell’s is the answer. Open daily from 7am-9pm, you may have to line up for the hugely popular breakfasts. Expect classics like steak and eggs, oozing omelets and fluffy pancakes teetering in a pile. At lunch, the burgers are unmissable.

Little Flower

1424 West Colorado Boulevard, CA, 91105

This charming cafe takes you on a whistle-stop tour of the globe with its diverse menu. Start the day with their exemplary coffee and their breakfast bowl – or the more virtuous oatmeal with fruit. Lunch delivers aromatic Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches and a pastrami Reuben that’s worth the trip alone.

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