Getting Around Burbank
Burbank is a car-oriented city, and like much of the Los Angeles area, most people drive. Public transit here is best described as spotty: you may find yourself the only person waiting at a bus stop after a studio tour or TV taping. That said, a visitor without a car can still get around using a combination of local buses, the wider LA Metro network, commuter rail, and ride-hailing.
Local Buses: Burbank Bus
The city runs its own system, Burbank Bus, which links major destinations within Burbank. Its usefulness to visitors is limited because service only runs during weekday rush hours. The routes include:
- A route connecting Downtown Burbank with the Universal City/Studio City Metro station
- A route serving the media district, where studios such as Disney and Warner Bros. are located
- A route linking the Metrolink stations with Hollywood Burbank Airport
Fares are inexpensive and payable with exact change on buses that do not offer all-door boarding; transfers are not included.
LA Metro Buses
More extensive service comes from the Los Angeles-wide Metro system, which runs multiple bus routes through Burbank. Among the more frequent options are routes along San Fernando Blvd and Empire Ave (including a weekday-only Rapid service), a route along Victory Blvd, and a route along Empire Ave. All of these pass through Downtown Burbank, and several stop near the airport. Less frequent but useful routes include one along Olive Ave that connects Downtown Burbank to the studios and Universal City, and one along Hollywood Way that stops near the airport and connects directly to Hollywood. To ride Metro Rail you need a TAP card; Metro tokens are no longer accepted.
Rail: Metrolink and Amtrak
Burbank is served by two Metrolink commuter rail lines, the Antelope Valley Line and the Ventura County Line, which connect the city to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and onward through the San Fernando Valley. Burbank has three train stations:
- Burbank Airport–South station, located across the street from the airport terminal, served by the Metrolink Ventura County Line and by Amtrak
- Burbank–Downtown station, served by both Metrolink lines and by the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
- Burbank Airport–North station, served only by the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line; from here you transfer to a bus heading south on Hollywood Way to reach the airport terminal
Amtrak's Coast Starlight and Pacific Surfliner both serve Burbank, with Amtrak trains stopping at Burbank Airport–South station. The Pacific Surfliner runs along the coast between San Luis Obispo and San Diego via Los Angeles. Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach buses also offer connections to Burbank, but tickets for those are only available to passengers connecting with an actual Amtrak or Amtrak California train.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are widely used in the Los Angeles area, and are a practical option for getting between studio lots, the airport, and other destinations. At Hollywood Burbank Airport, shuttles and taxis pick up on the ground transportation islands directly in front of the terminal, and several local hotels run their own airport shuttles. Shared shuttle, town car, SUV, and limo providers also operate in the region.
Walkability and Bikes
Burbank is considered bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes, and the Metro Bike Share program is available. Walking is feasible for specific destinations, but given the city's car-oriented layout, most visitors rely on a vehicle or transit for longer trips.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Hollywood Burbank Airport (also known as Bob Hope Airport) is the main commercial airport serving Burbank and the surrounding San Fernando Valley communities, including North Hollywood, Glendale, Pasadena, and Simi Valley. The terminal sits at the southeast corner of the airport grounds, near Empire Ave and Hollywood Way. It has direct rail and public transportation connections, plus shuttle, taxi, and ride-share options, to Downtown Burbank, downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and the surrounding areas.
For rail access, the Burbank Airport–South station is directly across Empire Ave from the terminal and is served by Metrolink's Ventura County Line and by Amtrak. The Burbank Airport–North station is served only by the Metrolink Antelope Valley Line, and reaching the terminal from there requires a transfer to a bus heading south on Hollywood Way. If you are flying into the area on a private or VIP flight, Van Nuys Airport is another option to the west, and Los Angeles International Airport, farther south near Santa Monica and Culver City, offers additional domestic and international destinations.