Hollywood Burbank Airport guide
Overview
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), officially known as Bob Hope Airport, serves the Greater Los Angeles area with a focus on convenience and efficiency. Located just a few miles from downtown Burbank and within easy reach of Hollywood, the airport handles both domestic and a limited number of international flights. Its compact size means shorter walks, quicker security lines, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger hubs like LAX.
Getting There
By Car
- From Downtown Los Angeles: Take US‑101 N → CA‑134 W → Exit 1B for Hollywood Way.
- From San Fernando Valley: Use I‑5 N → CA‑134 W → Exit 1B.
- From Orange County: I‑405 N → US‑101 N → CA‑134 W → Exit 1B.
By Public Transit
- Metro Bus: Lines 222 and 94 stop at the airport terminal.
- Amtrak: The nearby Burbank‑Downtown Station (about 2 miles away) connects to the Pacific Surfliner; a short rideshare or taxi completes the trip.
- Shuttle Services: Several hotels offer complimentary shuttles; check with your accommodation.
By Rideshare / Taxi
Designated pick‑up zones are located on the arrivals level outside both terminals. Expect typical LA traffic during peak hours (7‑9 am and 4‑7 pm).
Terminal Layout
Hollywood Burbank Airport has a single, two‑level terminal building:
| Level | Features |
|---|---|
| Departures (Upper Level) | Ticket counters, security checkpoint, gate areas A‑B, restaurants, and retail shops. |
| Arrivals (Lower Level) | Baggage claim, ground transportation desk, rental car counters, and curbside pick‑up/drop‑off zones. |
The terminal is wheelchair‑accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout.
Airlines & Destinations
| Airline | Primary Destinations |
|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | Las Vegas, Phoenix, Oakland, Sacramento, Chicago (Midway), Dallas (Love Field) |
| Alaska Airlines | Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Anchorage (seasonal) |
| American Airlines | Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago (O’Hare), Phoenix |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Detroit |
| United Airlines | Denver, San Francisco, Chicago (O’Hare) |
| JetBlue Airways | New York (JFK), Boston, Fort Lauderdale |
Note: Seasonal and charter flights may add additional cities; always verify with the airline’s schedule.
Parking & Transportation ### Parking Options
| Parking Type | Rate (per day) | Distance to Terminal | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short‑Term Garage | $2‑$4 per hour (max $24/day) | Directly attached | Ideal for quick trips or pick‑ups/drop‑offs |
| Long‑Term Lot A | $10/day | 5‑minute walk | Economical for stays longer than 24 h |
| Long‑Term Lot B | $8/day | 7‑minute walk (shuttle available) | Budget friendly; shuttle runs every 10 min |
| Valet Service | $25/day | Terminal entrance | Premium convenience |
| Economy Parking (Off‑site) | $6/day | 10‑minute shuttle | Requires advance reservation (various third‑party providers) |
All lots accept credit cards and offer EV charging stations (select spaces).
Ground Transportation
- Rental Cars: Located on the arrivals level; major brands include Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget.
- Public Transit: Metro Bus 222 connects to the North Hollywood Red Line station.
- Rideshare/Taxi: Pick‑up zones clearly marked; surge pricing may apply during events at nearby studios.
Dining & Shopping
Restaurants & Cafés
- Starbucks (Departures) – Coffee, pastries, quick bites.
- The Counter – Build‑your‑own burgers, salads, and milkshakes.
- Panda Express – Asian‑style fast food.
- Wolfgang Puck Express – Gourmet sandwiches, soups, and snacks.
- Local Favorites: In‑Terminal Burbank Brewing Company offers craft beer and pub fare.
Retail – Newsstands: Travel essentials, magazines, and snacks.
- Duty‑Free: Limited selection (mainly alcohol and cosmetics) for international departures.
- Boutique Shops: Travel accessories, neck pillows, and Burbank‑themed souvenirs.
Tips for Travelers 1. Arrive Early: Despite its size, aim for 90 minutes before domestic flights and 2 hours for peak travel periods. 2. Check Terminal Maps: Use the airport’s official app or website for real‑time gate changes.
- Utilize Mobile Boarding Passes: Saves time at security and reduces paper waste.
- Stay Connected: Free Wi‑Fi is available throughout the terminal (network: “BUR_Free_WiFi”).
- Explore Nearby: If you have a layover, the Burbank Town Center and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour are just a short drive away. —
Nearby Attractions | Attraction | Distance from BUR | Highlights |
|————|——————-|————|
| Warner Bros. Studio Tour | 3 mi | Behind‑the‑scenes looks at iconic film & TV sets. |
| Universal Studios Hollywood | 8 mi | Theme park rides, studio tour, and CityWalk entertainment. |
| Griffith Observatory | 12 mi | Panoramic views of LA, hiking trails, and astronomy exhibits. |
| Hollywood Walk of Fame | 10 mi | Classic Hollywood landmarks and souvenir shops. |
| Burbank Town Center | 2 mi | Shopping mall with dining, cinema, and retail options. |
FAQ
Q: Does Hollywood Burbank Airport have international flights?
A: Yes, limited seasonal and charter services to destinations in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean operate from BUR.
Q: Is there a curfew for flights at BUR?
A: The airport operates under a voluntary noise curfew from 10 pm to 7 am; most commercial flights adhere to these hours.
Q: Can I bring pets through security?
A: Yes, pets in carriers are allowed; they must be screened separately. Service animals are exempt from carrier requirements.
Q: Are there lounges available for passengers?
A: BUR does not have airline‑operated lounges, but several premium credit‑card lounges (e.g., The Plaza Premium Lounge) are present in the terminal.
Q: What is the best way to get to downtown Los Angeles from BUR?
A: Take a rideshare or taxi to the Union Station via the Metro Red Line (connect at North Hollywood Station) or drive directly via US‑101 S.
Resources
- Official Airport Website: https://www.hollywoodburbankairport.com
- Flight Status & Arrivals/Departures: https://www.flybarr.com/flight-status
- Metro Bus & Rail Information: https://metro.net/riding/maps/
- TSA Guidelines: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring
- Burbank Visitor Guide: https://www.visitburbank.com
Safe travels, and enjoy the convenience of Hollywood Burbank Airport!