EXPLORE Los Angeles Metro

Burbank arrival: Los Angeles starts with a mercifully small terminal

Welcome to Hollywood Burbank Airport, where arriving in Los Angeles does not require an expedition through an airport the size of a reluctant city. The terminal is compact, rental cars sit across the elevated walkway in the Regional Intermodal Transportation Center, and ground transportation waits outside. BUR is especially practical for Burbank, Hollywood, the studios and the San Fernando Valley. It is not magically close to every place marketed as Los Angeles, so check the actual address before volunteering for two hours of traffic. If someone is collecting you, agree on the terminal and pickup point before baggage claim because confident circling is not a transportation plan.

Burbank transport: two train stations, because one would be too simple

BUR has unusually useful rail access. Metrolink serves Burbank Airport-South on the Ventura County Line and Burbank Airport-North on the Antelope Valley Line. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner also stops at South. The airport provides on-demand shuttles to both stations, while the South station also connects to the RITC by an Empire Avenue crossing and elevated walkway. Metro Bus and BurbankBus stop at the RITC, and BurbankBus links the airport with Downtown Burbank and Metro North Hollywood on weekdays. Taxis, rideshare pickups and rental cars are available, but road travel times can expand spectacularly during Los Angeles traffic. Check live schedules before choosing rail because service frequency is not urban-subway frequent.

Burbank safety: sunshine, shaking and red flags are actual warnings

Burbank is a busy urban destination, so secure bags, keep valuables out of parked vehicles and use designated taxi or rideshare pickup areas. The more distinctive risks are Southern California hazards. Earthquakes arrive without warning, so drop, cover and hold on indoors, then expect aftershocks and avoid damaged structures. Dry, windy conditions can bring wildfire smoke, road closures and evacuation alerts, particularly near hillside areas. Check City of Burbank weather updates and sign up for AlertBurbank if conditions are active. Heat can also punish hikes in Griffith Park and nearby hills, so carry water and avoid pretending noon is an excellent time for cardio. The city is straightforward to visit, but the landscape occasionally submits its own itinerary.

Sources

• Hollywood Burbank Airport buses and trains
• Hollywood Burbank Airport shuttles and taxis
• City of Burbank earthquake guidance
• City of Burbank weather and red flag updates

Last verified: September 8, 2026