Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR): The Entertainment Industry's Preferred Gateway
Hollywood Burbank Airport (IATA: BUR), officially known as Bob Hope Airport and now rebranded as Hollywood Burbank Airport, has long been the preferred choice for travelers seeking a hassle-free alternative to LAX in the greater Los Angeles area. Located in Burbank at the eastern edge of the San Fernando Valley, BUR sits adjacent to major entertainment industry employers including Warner Bros. Studios, Disney Studios, Universal Studios, and the cluster of production companies that have made the valley a global center of film and television. The airport is owned by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority, a joint powers authority representing the three cities, and operates from a compact single-terminal facility that allows passengers to arrive, clear security, and board in a fraction of the time required at LAX. Southwest Airlines is the dominant carrier at BUR, operating dozens of daily flights to major U.S. cities, while American, Alaska, Delta, and United provide additional service to key hubs.
BUR's single runway (08/26) limits its capacity compared to multi-runway airports, but its location makes it extraordinarily convenient for the San Fernando Valley, Glendale, Pasadena, and the eastern portions of the greater LA basin. The terminal is directly accessible from the 5 and 134 freeways, and rental car facilities are steps from the baggage claim area. BUR handles approximately 5 million passengers annually — a figure constrained by curfew restrictions that prohibit scheduled flights between 10 PM and 7 AM, a noise-mitigation measure that has been a source of ongoing tension between the airport authority and the surrounding communities. Despite its modest scale, BUR has consistently received high marks in passenger satisfaction surveys, earning recognition as one of the easiest airports to navigate in the United States.
Which airlines fly from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)?
Southwest Airlines operates the majority of BUR's flights, with nonstop service to more than 20 destinations. American Airlines, Delta, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines also serve BUR with connections to their respective hubs. Frontier and Spirit have operated seasonal service. The airport does not have international scheduled service; travelers connecting internationally typically use LAX or other regional airports.
Is there parking at Burbank Airport?
BUR offers a short-term parking garage directly connected to the terminal via a covered walkway, as well as economy surface lots. The economy lots are a short shuttle ride from the terminal. Daily rates are significantly lower than LAX. Hourly rates apply in the garage, making it practical for drop-offs and short waits. Several private off-airport parking facilities along Hollywood Way offer competitive rates with shuttle service.
Does BUR have a nighttime curfew?
Yes. Hollywood Burbank Airport enforces a nighttime curfew prohibiting scheduled commercial flights between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM. This restriction was a condition of the airport's operating agreements with the surrounding communities and has limited the airport's growth despite strong demand. Exceptions are sometimes granted for emergency diversions or delayed arrivals.
How close is BUR to the major Hollywood studios?
BUR is exceptionally close to the entertainment industry's core facilities. Warner Bros. Studios is approximately 1 mile from the terminal, Disney Studios (Burbank) roughly 2 miles, and Universal Studios Hollywood about 4 miles via the 134 freeway. This proximity makes BUR the de facto airport for industry executives, talent, and production crews transiting through the Los Angeles market.
Burbank Bob Hope Airport - BUR Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Burbank, Maryland.
| Name | Burbank Bob Hope Airport - BUR |
| Address | 2627 North Hollywood Way, Burbank CA 91505 Map |
| Phone | (818) 840-8840 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Burbank Bob Hope Airport - BUR
BUR Terminal Amenities, Ground Transport, and San Fernando Valley Connections
Hollywood Burbank Airport's single-terminal design is its greatest operational asset. From the curb to the gate typically takes under 15 minutes during off-peak periods, and the compact footprint means no inter-terminal trains or lengthy concourse walks. The terminal offers a selection of restaurants and grab-and-go food options near the gates, a bookstore, Wi-Fi throughout, and a USO lounge for military personnel. Rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) have designated pickup zones outside baggage claim, and taxis queue nearby. Burbank's public transit options include the Metro G Line (Orange) BRT at the nearby North Hollywood station and local bus connections, though most BUR travelers rely on rideshare or personal vehicles due to the valley's sprawl.
The Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority has periodically studied expanding or replacing the terminal to accommodate growing demand, but community opposition to increased noise and the existing curfew constraints have slowed development timelines. The current terminal building dates to the 1990s and has been incrementally upgraded. For general aviation and charter operations in the area, Burbank's proximity to Van Nuys Airport (VNY) — the busiest general aviation airport in the United States — means private aircraft operators often use VNY rather than BUR's commercial terminal area. BUR remains governed by FAA Western-Pacific Region standards and participates in California's statewide aviation system plan coordinated by Caltrans Division of Aeronautics.