Burbank or LAX? Choosing your airport from Glendale
From Glendale, Hollywood Burbank Airport is a short drive up the road. LAX is on the other side of the city. Yet many people in Glendale still fly from LAX without checking the alternative, and then spend the saving on time and stress.
The case for Burbank
Burbank is the easy airport. Two terminals, a short walk from the car to security, and no loop road to crawl around. You can arrive far closer to departure than you would dare at LAX, and coming home you are outside within minutes of landing.
For early flights the difference is obvious. A dawn departure from Burbank lets you sleep. The same departure from LAX has you on the freeway while it is still dark, hoping nothing has closed a lane.
The case for LAX
LAX has the reach. International flights and many direct long-haul domestic routes simply do not leave from Burbank. If the choice is a direct flight from LAX or a connection from Burbank, take the direct flight and plan the drive properly.
Planning it properly means leaving on live traffic, allowing for the terminal loop, and knowing which terminal you need before you set off.
A simple way to decide
- Flying within the western states? Check Burbank first.
- Flying abroad, or need a direct cross-country flight? It is probably LAX.
- Travelling with family and a lot of luggage? Pick the airport with the shorter walk, which is Burbank.
- Landing late at night? The closer airport is worth a small premium.
The ride either way
We run airport transfers from Glendale to every Los Angeles airport, with the flight tracked so the pickup moves when your flight does. If you are starting from Pasadena, Harris & Huri offer a Burbank airport car service with fares agreed before you book.
Send us your flight details and we will take it from there.