Source: Hollywood Burbank Airport
Hollywood Burbank Airport officially has a new front door. After decades of planning, the airport’s $1.3 billion replacement passenger terminal opened to travelers on Tuesday, October 13. The first departure, an Alaska Airlines flight to Santa Rosa, took off around 7 a.m.
The new 355,000-square-foot building replaces a terminal complex that dates back to 1930. It sits on the opposite side of the airfield, much farther from the runways, which was the main safety reason for the project. And if you love Hollywood Burbank Airport because it’s easy, good news: it’s still capped at 14 gates, and you still walk out onto the tarmac to board. No jet bridges.
Celebrating the Ribbon Cutting
A week before opening, on October 5, airport leaders, elected officials, and community members gathered in the new ticketing hall to cut the ribbon.
Burbank Mayor Tamala Takahashi pointed out that the project came in on time and on budget, and that residents helped shape the design. The goal was a modern terminal that still feels like the airport people already love.
The moment that stuck with us most came at the very end: as the ribbon was cut, the gospel choir KJLH RadioFree Voices sang, filling the brand-new hall with music and giving the day a real sense of celebration.
Source: Lauren Grelle
Built Around What the Community Asked For
When the airport asked for feedback, the community was clear: build it sustainably. The new terminal delivers on that in a few big ways:
- Built to LEED Silver or better. The terminal is designed to achieve a minimum of LEED Silver certification.
- Electric ground equipment. Electric ground service equipment is planned on the airside.
- EV charging. The new parking structure includes EV charging.
- Bigger climate goals. The airport has pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2045.
A Better Commute for Airport Workers
The airport is a member of the Burbank Transportation Management Organization (BTMO), and that partnership covers the hundreds of people who work at BUR, not just travelers. If you work at the airport or nearby, BTMO can help you find a carpool, vanpool, or transit option that fits your schedule. Learn more about BTMO’s Burbank Airport program.
Getting There Without Driving
One of the project’s stated goals is to get more people to the airport by rail and bus. Here’s how to leave the car at home:
Source: City of Burbank
Metrolink
- Burbank Airport-North Station (Antelope Valley Line, on San Fernando Rd. and Hollywood Way) connects to the new terminal by a pedestrian path and a free, on-demand airport shuttle.
- Burbank Airport-South Station (Ventura County Line, on Empire Ave.) also has free, on-demand shuttle service to the terminal.
Amtrak
- The Pacific Surfliner (San Diego to San Luis Obispo) stops at Burbank Airport-South Station, with the same free shuttle connection.
BurbankBus
- The BurbankBus Orange Route stops at the airport’s Regional Intermodal Transportation Center (RITC).
- As of October 13, the elevated walkway from the RITC to the terminal is closed. Hop on the free airport shuttle from the RITC’s ground-floor bus area instead. No reservation needed.
- Heading home? Follow signs to the rental car shuttle pickup on the ground floor of the parking structure across from the terminal, ride it to the RITC, and catch the Orange Route.
- Give yourself a few extra minutes for the shuttle connection.
Metro Bus and Metro Micro
- Metro Bus lines stop at the RITC transit center, with additional stops along Hollywood Way and Empire Ave.
- Metro Micro on-demand rideshare serves the North Hollywood/Burbank zone, including the South Station.
Rideshare and rental cars
- Rideshare pickups now use a dedicated lot near the terminal, and rental-car customers take a shuttle to the rental facility across Hollywood Way.
Heads up if you’re driving: the main entrance has moved from Thornton Ave. to Winona Ave. and Hollywood Way. Lot E is permanently closed, and valet has moved to the new terminal.
The Bottom Line
The new terminal keeps everything people liked about Burbank (14 gates, short walks, tarmac boarding) and adds a cleaner, quieter, more connected building on top of it. Next time you fly out of BUR, try getting there by train or bus. It’s easier than ever.