$8 Car Rental Pasadena, CA

These Pasadena insights are based on real traveler data from Expedia, aggregated using AI to help you plan your trip. Updated: August 28, 2026.

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Pasadena

Renting a car in Pasadena offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surroundings at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as the historic Rose Bowl Stadium, the impressive Norton Simon Museum, and the picturesque Colorado Street Bridge, all located within Pasadena. This convenience is particularly beneficial for families and those interested in cultural or sports-related experiences, allowing for easy luggage management and a more relaxed travel plan. Furthermore, your car rental provides easy access to nearby destinations, including Los Angeles, just a short drive away, where you can explore renowned spots like Universal Studios Hollywood and Santa Monica Beach. You can also venture to South Pasadena, located only 2 miles away, to enjoy attractions like The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Old Pasadena, with its charming historic district, is also within reach. Having a rental car enables you to create a personalized itinerary and explore these diverse experiences comfortably, making your trip truly enjoyable.

Most popular car rentals in Pasadena

• Midsize SUV: This option accommodates 5 travelers and allows for up to 3 large suitcases, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups. The spacious interior provides comfort for both short and long trips, and the extra luggage capacity is perfect for those looking to explore Pasadena and its surrounding areas without worrying about storage space.
• Compact: Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families, the compact car accommodates up to 5 travelers and has room for 3 medium suitcases. This option is great for navigating the city, as it is easier to park in tight spaces while still offering enough comfort and space for your journey in and around Pasadena.
• Fullsize: Accommodating 5 travelers with the flexibility of fitting either 3 large suitcases or 5 medium suitcases, the fullsize option is a fantastic choice for families or groups. With ample room for both passengers and luggage, this vehicle type offers a comfortable ride while allowing you to manage your belongings efficiently as you explore Pasadena and its attractions.

Top rated car suppliers in Pasadena

• Sixt: Sixt offers a reliable car rental experience with 1 location in Pasadena. Customers appreciate their friendly service and well-maintained vehicles, achieving an overall rating of 7.2 out of 10. The most popular vehicles booked through Sixt include Midsize SUVs and Compacts, making it a great choice for travelers looking for comfort and convenience during their stay.
• Budget: With 2 rental locations in Pasadena, Budget is known for its friendly service and minimal wait times, ensuring a smooth rental process. Travelers often choose Budget for their Midsize and Standard SUVs, which provide ample space for luggage and comfort on longer trips. Their commitment to meeting customer expectations makes them a favored option for many.
• Hertz: Hertz operates 1 location in Pasadena and is popular for its selection of vehicles, particularly Midsize SUVs and Economy cars. Though specific ratings are not highlighted, Hertz is well-regarded for its efficient service and wide range of rental options, making it easy for visitors to explore the area comfortably.

Where to stay around Pasadena

• Pasadena: Known for its vibrant cultural scene, Pasadena offers a variety of hotels and accommodations close to key attractions. Visitors can explore the historic Rose Bowl Stadium and The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, making it ideal for family and culture-themed vacations. Enjoy dining options that cater to diverse tastes within the city.
• Sierra Madre: Located 5 miles from Pasadena, Sierra Madre provides a charming escape with a focus on outdoor activities and family-friendly experiences. Accommodations here allow easy access to local landmarks like Richardson House and the Rose Bowl Stadium. The city also offers a range of dining options, including wineries and restaurants for a delightful culinary experience.
• Tujunga: Situated 11 miles away from Pasadena, Tujunga is perfect for those seeking outdoor fun and entertainment. Staying here gives travelers access to attractions such as Universal Studios Hollywood and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tujunga features various lodging choices and nearby dining establishments, including wineries, ensuring a pleasant stay.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Pasadena

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search based on vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental rates can vary depending on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re likely to obtain lower prices and greater availability, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size options strike a favorable balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This also applies to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age restrictions before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favorable option. Other policies may include full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be acceptable; just remember to return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind if unexpected issues arise during your trip. It's easy to add insurance when making a reservation with Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent additional charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is mandatory to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Pasadena

The best time to rent a car in and around Pasadena is January and February, when prices are slightly low and demand is at its quietest. March and April see a rise in prices and demand, making them the most expensive months for rentals. May offers average pricing with steady demand, while June through July can be busy with higher rental costs. As the year wraps up, October and November show moderately high prices with steady demand.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
February	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
March	57.0°F (13.9°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
April	61.5°F (16.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	65.1°F (18.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
June	70.9°F (21.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
July	76.3°F (24.6°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	77.5°F (25.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
September	75.6°F (24.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
October	68.4°F (20.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
November	60.3°F (15.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
December	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Pasadena

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Pasadena into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Pasadena and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Pasadena

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Pasadena. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Pasadena

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $8.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

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Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals