Hollywood Burbank Airport Terminals
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides, since 1999.
Introduction and History
Hollywood Burbank Airport, formerly known as Bob Hope Airport, is a public airport located in Burbank, California. It opened on Memorial Day weekend in 1930 as United Airport, making it one of the oldest airports in the region. Initially built by United Aircraft and Transport Corporation, it was considered the first multimillion-dollar airport in the country and quickly became the primary airport for the greater Los Angeles area
The airport has undergone several name changes throughout its history, reflecting its evolving identity and ownership. It was renamed Lockheed Air Terminal in 1940 when Lockheed purchased the facility to support the war effort. In the late 1960s, it became Hollywood-Burbank Airport, and in 1978, it was sold to an airport authority created by Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena. The airport was renamed Bob Hope Airport in 2003 before adopting its current name, Hollywood Burbank Airport
When searching for flight information or airport services, make sure to use the current name "Hollywood Burbank Airport" or the airport code BUR for the most up-to-date results.
Terminal Information
Hollywood Burbank Airport currently consists of two interconnected terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B. Terminal A features nine gates (A1 to A9), while Terminal B has five gates (B1 to B5). The airport is known for its compact size and convenience, allowing passengers to quickly access their gates from parking lots and transportation drop-off points.
Due to the airport’s smaller size, you can typically get from your car to your gate in just a few minutes, making it a stress-free alternative to larger airports.
Airport Services and Amenities
Lounges
As of February 2025, there are no private lounges available at Hollywood Burbank Airport
Restaurants and Bars
The airport offers a variety of dining options across both terminals, including:
- Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar
- Wolfgang Puck Kitchen Counter
- Guy’s Burger Joint
- Jones Coffee Roasters
- Lunch Box Bar & Grill (in Concourse B)
- Sports Bar (in Concourse B)
- Peet’s Coffee (in Concourse B)
- Pasadena Marketplace (near Gate B3)
If you’re short on time, Pasadena Marketplace near Gate B3 offers a wide selection of grab-and-go options for a quick meal before your flight.
Relaxation Areas
While there are no dedicated rest zones or quiet areas in the airport, passengers can find seating throughout the terminals.
Other Services and Amenities
- Free WiFi throughout the airport
- Charging stations for electronic devices
- Pet relief areas
- Accessibility services for travelers with disabilities
- Shopping options including newsstands, gift shops, and local souvenir stores
- Water bottle filling station and drinking fountain between the restrooms and gate B4
Remember to bring a reusable water bottle to take advantage of the water filling station near gate B4, saving both money and reducing plastic waste.
It’s worth noting that Hollywood Burbank Airport is currently undergoing a significant transformation with the construction of a new replacement terminal. Set to open in October 2026, the new 355,000-square-foot facility will feature 14 gates, improved dining and shopping options, and enhanced passenger amenities.
Arrive at least 90 minutes before your domestic flight to allow enough time for check-in and security procedures, especially during peak travel times.
Future of the Airport
Hollywood Burbank Airport is undergoing a significant transformation with the construction of a new replacement terminal. The project, known as "Elevate BUR," broke ground on January 25, 2024, and is expected to be completed by October 2026. Key features of the new terminal include:
- A 355,000-square-foot building with 14 passenger gates
- New shopping and dining options
- A modern ticketing lobby with automated kiosks
- An updated TSA checkpoint
- A new baggage claim area
The $1.2 billion project aims to modernize the airport while maintaining its convenience and accessibility. The new terminal will meet current seismic standards and ADA accessibility requirements, addressing safety concerns associated with the original 1930s-era building
Tip: Stay informed about the airport’s renovation progress by checking the official Hollywood Burbank Airport website for updates and potential changes to terminal operations during construction.
Additional Interesting Information
- The airport is closer to popular attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles compared to LAX
- It is the only airport in the region with direct rail connections to Downtown Los Angeles via Metrolink and Amtrak services
- The new terminal design features a swooping roof canopy reminiscent of a silver screen, paying homage to Burbank’s film industry roots
- Despite the upgrades, the airport plans to maintain its signature feature of allowing passengers to walk directly to their planes
Consider using Hollywood Burbank Airport as an alternative to LAX for a potentially less crowded and more convenient travel experience when flying to or from the Los Angeles area.
Popular flights
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) offers a variety of popular domestic flights to major cities across the United States. Here are some of the most sought-after routes:
Popular Destinations from Burbank
Dallas (DFW)
- Flight time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes
- Frequent flights with fares starting from $177
Phoenix (PHX)
- Flight time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
- A popular short-haul destination with fares from $164
Seattle (SEA)
- Flight time: Around 2 hours 45 minutes
- Flights available from $227
Las Vegas (LAS)
- Flight time: Approximately 1 hour
- A frequent route with fares starting at $199
New York (JFK/NYC)
- Flight time: About 5 hours 30 minutes
- Cross-country flights available from $257
Other Notable Routes
- Chicago (ORD): ~4 hours flight time
- Denver (DEN): ~2 hours 30 minutes flight time
- Portland, OR (PDX): ~2 hours 15 minutes flight time
- Miami (MIA): ~5 hours flight time
- Atlanta (ATL): ~4 hours 30 minutes flight time
Flight times are approximate and may vary depending on weather conditions and specific routing. Always check with your airline for the most accurate flight duration.
Burbank Airport serves as a convenient alternative to LAX for many travelers, offering direct connections to major hubs across the country. The airport is particularly well-connected to destinations in the western United States, with frequent flights to cities like Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Seattle6.