A guide to Hollywood Burbank International Airport (BUR)
Quick insights
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is one of several commercial airports in the Los Angeles area, located approximately 10 miles from downtown L.A.
- BUR has two nearby train stations—each served by an airport shuttle.
- TSA wait times at BUR generally range from 5 to 20 minutes, though they may be longer durixng peak travel times.
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)—formerly known as “Bob Hope Airport”—serves the greater Los Angeles area. Primarily a domestic airport, BUR operates just a handful of routes to Canada. Due to the comparatively smaller size and lower volume of flights, travelers may experience quicker check-in and security screenings at BUR compared to nearby LAX.
The airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi and an assortment of shops and dining options, including some L.A. brands. Plus, you might even spot a celebrity during your visit.
Read on to explore topics about navigating BUR, including transportation, parking, security and more.
Navigating to and from BUR airport
BUR is located at 2627 N Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505. Travelers can access downtown Los Angeles by taking I-5 South for roughly 10 miles. The route is direct and typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Here are some potential transportation options to and from BUR:
- Taxi: The ground transportation islands are located immediately in front of the airport terminal and include signs marked “Taxi.”
- Rideshare services: The pickup spot is located at the ground transportation island across from the Terminal B entrance. Additional pickup details may be provided by your rideshare app.
- Metro Bus: BUR’s Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC) is a stop for Metro Bus (routes 169 and 222) and BurbankBus’s Orange Route and typically offers direct access to the passenger terminal.
- Amtrak: The Pacific Surfliner provides stops at the nearby Burbank Airport-South Train Station, with on-demand airport shuttle service.
- Metrolink: The Antelope Valley Line stops at Burbank Airport-North Train Station, and the Ventura County Line stops at Burbank Airport-South. Both train stations are serviced by the airport’s on-demand shuttle.
- Hotel shuttle: Several hotels operate courtesy shuttles to and from the airport, typically picking up at the ground transportation islands. Your hotel may provide additional, up-to-date availability and details.
- Car rental: Pickups are located at the Consolidated Rental Car Facilities of the RITC. Returns are made via the entrance on Avenue B, accessible from both the Hollywood Way and Empire Avenue airport entrances.
Airport parking at BUR
The following on-site parking may be available at BUR:
- Short-term parking: The Short Term Parking Structure near the terminal offers covered and uncovered parking spots, depending on the level.
- Long-term parking: Economy Lots C, E, F and G provide long-term parking. Lots E, F and G have pedestrian access. Lot C is served by a shuttle running approximately every 10-15 minutes daily.
- Valet parking: The Valet Center is located near the terminal. A full-service car wash and EV charging are typically available upon request.
The BUR parking webpageOpens overlay may include real-time parking availability. During peak travel times, on-site parking can fill up quickly, so reserving parking in advance (when available) or arriving early is recommended. Passengers may also use off-airport parking lots, which typically provide shuttle service to the airport.
Ticketless parking is available when passengers use the same credit card when entering and exiting lots. There is no cell phone lot at BUR, and if you’re picking up a passenger, airport officials recommend parking in the Short Term Parking Structure.
Security at BUR
Security checkpoints are located at the entrances to Terminal A and Terminal B.
Average wait times are roughly 5 to 20 minutes but may vary depending on the time of day. Peak travel times are typically early mornings and late afternoons, especially on Mondays and Fridays. TSA wait times may be available through some third-party apps.
Airport officials recommend arriving at BUR least an hour before a flight, but they advise arriving 2 hours prior during peak travel times. When determining your airport arrival time, you may want to consider how long pre-boarding tasks like checking bags or clearing security will take.
How to get through security faster
BUR participates in TSA PreCheck®, which can help streamline security screenings. With TSA PreCheck, eligible travelers can use designated lanes at airport security checkpoints and typically don’t need to remove light jackets, shoes or belts during screenings. TSA PreCheck membership lasts for 5 years, potentially making it a good value for frequent travelers.
At BUR, the security checkpoints at both terminals have TSA PreCheck lanes.
Some credit cards offer reimbursement for TSA PreCheck application fees.
Hollywood Burbank airport map
The airport website includes a map of BUROpens overlay, with information on terminals, walkways and the RITC. The map may also include amenities, dining and shopping locations to help you plan your airport travel.
BUR terminals
BUR consists of two terminals: Terminal A and Terminal B. Both terminals are accessible from the same main entrance, and the airport’s compact design means distances between gates are generally short.
Most passenger services are on the ground level. There are not multiple floors for departures and arrivals. Note that’s there’s no Customs office in BUR as the airport only serves a handful of routes to Canada, and travelers from Canada undergo customs screenings in Canada before they arrive at BUR.
The BUR website includes additional information, such as a list of operating airlinesOpens overlay and their locations within the terminals.
In summary
BUR is one of several airports serving the greater Los Angeles area. Due to its proximity to downtown L.A. and relatively smaller size, some travelers may find it more convenient to use compared to nearby LAX.
Transportation options at BUR may include taxis, rideshare services, hotel shuttles and rental cars. Plus, a range of public transportation options service the airport.
BUR offers short-term, long-term and valet parking options. There’s no cell phone lot, so the airport advises using the Short Term Parking Structure when waiting to pick up loved ones.
Travelers are advised to arrive at least an hour before a flight. TSA wait times are usually between 5 and 20 minutes but can vary. Travelers who want to streamline their security screening may wish to enroll in TSA PreCheck.
