Burbank Airport (BUR) Terminal Guide 2026
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is Los Angeles' entertainment industry airport — the closest commercial airport to Warner Bros. Studios, Walt Disney Studios, Universal Studios, and the Hollywood Hills. This guide covers BUR's terminal layout, why it beats LAX for the Valley and studios, and flat-rate car service pricing to every LA destination.
No Metro Rail Connection to BUR
There is no Metro Rail (subway or light rail) serving BUR. The Metrolink commuter rail has a station near BUR, but it serves Ventura and San Bernardino County commuters — not Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or most LA destinations visitors need. For the studios, Hollywood, Glendale, or the Westside, private car service is far more practical than any transit option from BUR.
BUR Airport Overview: LA's Entertainment Industry Hub
Hollywood Burbank Airport sits in the city of Burbank at the edge of the San Fernando Valley, just north of the Hollywood Hills. With approximately 4.5 million annual passengers, BUR is dramatically smaller than LAX — and that is precisely its advantage. Security takes 10–15 minutes, parking is a 2-minute walk, and the terminal is modern and uncongested.
The airport was known as Bob Hope Airport until 2016, when it was renamed Hollywood Burbank Airport. The "Hollywood" branding is apt: Warner Bros. Studios is 1.5 miles away, Walt Disney Studios is 2 miles, and the combined Burbank media complex houses more entertainment production than any other geography in the world.
BUR at a glance: IATA code BUR, ICAO code KBUR. GPS: 34.2007°N, 118.3585°W. Altitude: 778 feet MSL. Runways: 08/26 (6,886 ft), 15/33 (5,802 ft). FBO: Atlantic Aviation (private/charter).
BUR Terminal Layout: Gates A and B
BUR operates a single terminal building with two gate areas (A and B). Both areas are connected post-security, so once you clear TSA there is no confusion about which side of the terminal to go to.
| Gate Area | Gates | Airlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gate Area A | Gates A1–A8 | Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, United, Frontier | American Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club |
| Gate Area B | Gates B1–B8 | Southwest Airlines, Sun Country | Southwest is BUR's highest-volume carrier |
Alaska Airlines is BUR's largest traditional carrier, offering the most routes and frequencies — particularly to Pacific Northwest cities (Seattle, Portland, Anchorage) and San Francisco Bay Area airports. Alaska's LAX growth has reduced some BUR frequency, but BUR remains a strong focus city.
Southwest Airlines operates more total seats out of BUR than any other carrier, serving major leisure and business markets including Las Vegas, Oakland, Denver, Phoenix, Baltimore, and Chicago Midway.
BUR vs LAX: The Right Airport Depends on Your Destination
Los Angeles has five commercial airports (LAX, BUR, LGB, ONT, SNA). Choosing correctly can save 45–90 minutes of driving. Here is the definitive breakdown:
| Destination | Best Airport | From BUR | From LAX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood / Studio City | BUR | 10 mi / 20 min | 30 mi / 60 min |
| Warner Bros. / Disney Studios | BUR | 2 mi / 5 min | 28 mi / 55 min |
| Universal Studios | BUR | 7 mi / 15 min | 20 mi / 40 min |
| Glendale | BUR | 5 mi / 12 min | 25 mi / 55 min |
| Pasadena | BUR | 15 mi / 25 min | 30 mi / 60 min |
| Beverly Hills / Century City | LAX | 22 mi / 45 min | 12 mi / 30 min |
| Santa Monica / Venice | LAX | 32 mi / 60 min | 8 mi / 20 min |
| Disneyland (Anaheim) | SNA | 40 mi / 60 min | 28 mi / 45 min |
Flat-Rate Car Service Pricing from BUR
All prices are one-way flat rates. No surge pricing. Flight tracking and meet-and-greet on all airport arrivals.
| Destination | Approx. Miles | Drive Time | Flat Rate (Sedan) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warner Bros. Studios / Burbank Studios | 2 mi | 5–10 min | $55 |
| Universal Studios Hollywood | 7 mi | 15–25 min | $72 |
| Hollywood / Hollywood Blvd | 10 mi | 20–30 min | $78 |
| Studio City / Sherman Oaks | 7 mi | 15–22 min | $68 |
| Glendale | 5 mi | 12–18 min | $60 |
| Pasadena | 15 mi | 22–35 min | $82 |
| Beverly Hills | 22 mi | 35–55 min | $105 |
| Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) | 17 mi | 25–45 min | $88 |
| Santa Monica | 30 mi | 45–70 min | $128 |
| LAX (transfer) | 29 mi | 40–65 min | $125 |
| Disneyland, Anaheim | 40 mi | 50–75 min | $125 |
* Rates for standard sedan. Escalade and Sprinter Van available — call (888) 420-0177.
Entertainment Industry Transportation from BUR
The Burbank Media District — also called the "Entertainment Capital of the World" — houses more major studios and production companies within a 5-mile radius than anywhere else on earth. Detailed Drivers serves production schedules, executive transport, and talent arrivals for the following:
| Studio / Company | Location | From BUR | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warner Bros. Studios | Burbank | 1.5 mi / 5 min | $55 |
| Walt Disney Studios | Burbank | 2 mi / 7 min | $55 |
| DreamWorks Animation | Glendale | 4 mi / 10 min | $58 |
| Nickelodeon Animation | Burbank | 2 mi / 7 min | $55 |
| NBC Universal / Peacock | Universal City | 7 mi / 15 min | $72 |
| Netflix Los Angeles | Hollywood / Sunset | 10 mi / 22 min | $78 |
| ABC (Prospect Studios) | Hollywood | 10 mi / 22 min | $78 |
Frequently Asked Questions About BUR
Is there light rail or train service from Burbank airport?
No direct Metro Rail serves BUR. Metrolink has a station near BUR, but it serves Ventura/San Bernardino County commuters, not Hollywood or the Westside. Car service is the most practical option for entertainment industry travelers.
Which airport is closest to Hollywood — BUR, LAX, or SNA?
BUR is the closest to Hollywood proper — approximately 10 miles and 20-30 minutes in normal traffic. LAX is about 30 miles and 45-90 minutes. For Studio City, Burbank studios, Hollywood Hills, and the San Fernando Valley, BUR is definitively the right airport.
Why is Burbank airport called Hollywood Burbank Airport?
The airport was renamed from Bob Hope Airport to Hollywood Burbank Airport in 2016. The 'Hollywood' branding reflects its primary market: the entertainment industry. Warner Bros., Disney, DreamWorks, and Nickelodeon are all within 5 miles of the terminal.
How far is Burbank airport from Universal Studios?
Universal Studios Hollywood is approximately 7 miles from BUR. Drive time is typically 15-20 minutes. Flat-rate car service from BUR to Universal Studios runs about $72.
How far is BUR from Disneyland in Anaheim?
Disneyland is approximately 40 miles south of BUR. Drive time is 45-75 minutes. Flat-rate car service from BUR to Disneyland runs about $125. For Disneyland visitors, SNA (Orange County) airport is closer at about 15 miles.
What airlines fly into BUR?
BUR is served by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United, Frontier, and Sun Country. Southwest operates the most seats; Alaska has the broadest route network from BUR.
BUR vs LAX — which should I use for Los Angeles?
BUR for: San Fernando Valley, Studios, Hollywood, Glendale, Pasadena. LAX for: Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westside LA. BUR has far shorter security lines, simpler parking, and a more comfortable terminal.
Does Detailed Drivers serve the major studios near BUR?
Yes. Warner Bros. (1.5 miles), Disney (2 miles), DreamWorks (4 miles), and Nickelodeon (2 miles) are all 5-10 minutes from BUR. Detailed Drivers provides production-schedule-aware transportation for entertainment industry clients. Call (888) 420-0177.
Book Car Service to or from BUR
Professional chauffeurs, flat-rate pricing, and production-aware scheduling for entertainment industry travelers. Hollywood studios are minutes away.