Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): The Complete Guide

BUR Airport Overview

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is one of the best alternatives to LAX in the Los Angeles area, serving the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Glendale, Pasadena, and much of the eastern LA metro. The airport handles about 5 million passengers per year, which sounds modest, but for travelers whose destination is anywhere in the northern or eastern LA basin, BUR is dramatically more convenient than LAX.

The current terminal is small by major airport standards, but a brand-new 355,000 square foot replacement terminal with 14 gates is on track to open in October 2026. The new terminal will resolve longstanding safety and accessibility issues and add significantly improved facilities, consolidated rental car access, public art, and better public transit connections.

Current Terminal Layout (Until October 2026)

BUR currently operates with two terminals — Terminal A and Terminal B — that share a single connected building. You can walk between them without exiting the secure area.

Terminal A (Gates A1-A9)

Terminal A primarily serves Southwest Airlines. Nine gates handle Southwest's operations, which represent the largest single carrier presence at BUR.

Terminal B (Gates B1-B5)

Terminal B serves Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Avelo Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. Five gates handle all non-Southwest traffic.

New Terminal (Opening October 2026)

The new 14-gate terminal will replace both existing terminals. The 355,000 square foot facility will have a consolidated rental car facility, significantly improved dining and retail, public art installations, and better access to public transportation. If you are flying BUR after October 2026, the experience will be substantially improved.

Airlines at BUR

BUR is served by seven major commercial airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. Avelo Airlines also operates from BUR on select routes.

Why Choose BUR Over LAX

The advantages are real and significant:

• Security is fast. TSA lines at BUR are typically 10 to 20 minutes even during peak hours. At LAX, security can easily take an hour.
• No trams or people movers. One compact building means you park, walk to security, and you are at your gate in minutes.
• Parking is easier. Smaller facility with proportionally less demand than LAX.
• Better for the Valley and Hollywood. If your destination is Studio City, Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Arcadia, or anywhere in the San Fernando Valley, BUR puts you 20 to 30 minutes from your destination. LAX would mean an hour-plus drive through LA traffic.

Getting To and From BUR

Metro B Line (Purple Line) Light Rail

The Metro B Line (Purple Line) has a Burbank Airport station, making BUR one of the few LA area airports with genuine rail access. The Metro rail connects BUR to Hollywood, Universal City, and downtown Los Angeles. This is an excellent option for travelers going to Hollywood, Koreatown, downtown LA, or other transit-accessible neighborhoods. Fare is $1.75.

Rideshare and Taxi

Uber and Lyft pick up at the designated ground transportation area. Hollywood is 15 to 25 minutes and $20 to $35. Universal Studios is 10 to 15 minutes and $15 to $25. Pasadena is 25 to 35 minutes and $30 to $45. Downtown LA is 25 to 40 minutes and $35 to $55 depending on traffic — traffic on the 5 and 101 can be brutal during rush hours.

Rental Cars

Current rental car agencies operate from the terminal building. The new terminal opening in October 2026 will have a consolidated rental car facility. All major brands are available.

Parking

BUR has surface lots and a garage adjacent to the terminal. Daily rates run $20 to $30 for garage parking and $15 to $20 for economy surface lots. BUR parking is generally cheaper than LAX.

Dining and Shopping

The current terminal has limited food and shopping options due to its small size. National chains including Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and Wolfgang Puck Cafe operate in the terminal. The new terminal opening in October 2026 will bring substantially improved dining options.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

BUR offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. The connection is adequate for browsing and streaming. Power outlets are available at gate areas.

Lounges

BUR does not currently have any airline club lounges. No Admirals Club, Sky Club, or United Club is present at this airport. Priority Pass holders can check their network for any available partner lounges.

Tips for Navigating BUR

• Arrive 60 to 75 minutes before domestic flights. Security is fast at BUR, and the terminal is small. You do not need the 2-hour buffer you might need at LAX.
• Check the new terminal timeline if flying in late 2026. The new terminal is scheduled to open in October 2026. If your travel date is around that time, confirm which terminal is active.
• Use the Metro if heading to Hollywood. The Metro B Line connection is genuinely convenient and avoids the unpredictability of LA traffic.
• BUR is better for early flights. Early morning traffic in the San Fernando Valley is lighter than in other parts of LA, making an early departure from BUR easier to manage than one from LAX.
• No international flights. BUR handles domestic flights only. For international travel from the LA area, LAX or LAX's proximity to LGB should be your starting point.

Nearby Hotels

The Marriott Burbank Airport is the most convenient on-airport hotel option, located directly across from the terminal with free shuttle service. The Safari Inn, Courtyard by Marriott Burbank Town Center, and the Hilton Garden Inn Burbank Downtown are all within 5 to 10 minutes of the airport. Universal Studios Hollywood is about 10 to 15 minutes away and surrounded by hotel options.