Burbank Vs Lax: Which Airport Is Superior?

If you're travelling to Los Angeles, you'll likely fly into either LAX or Burbank. While LAX is one of the largest airports in the world, Burbank is a small, domestic airport. So, which is better? Well, it depends on your needs. If you want a fancy environment with more flight options and restaurants, LAX is the one for you. But, if you want to avoid the crowds and traffic jams, Burbank is the better choice. It's also a lot closer to Hollywood, so if that's your destination, Burbank is ideal. However, Burbank doesn't have 24-hour concessions or duty-free shopping. So, while Burbank may be less stressful, LAX has more amenities. The decision is yours!

Burbank is less crowded than LAX

If you're looking to avoid crowds and long waits, Burbank Airport is a much better option than LAX. While both airports are fairly close to Beverly Hills, Burbank is a smaller airport with fewer airlines and flights. This means that it is less crowded and less stressful to navigate.

One traveller noted that Burbank is a "small airport that is almost never crowded", while LAX is "one of the largest airports in the world and is always crowded". Even when Burbank is crowded, it is still much faster to get through than LAX. One person said that when they flew out of Burbank, it took 40 minutes from arriving at the airport to getting to their gate, while at LAX, it took three hours.

Another person said that Burbank is a "small town airport" compared to LAX, which is a "zoo". The smaller size of Burbank Airport means that there are shorter walks to baggage claim and faster deplaning, as most airlines deplane through both the forward and aft doors.

The car rental process is also more streamlined at Burbank. At LAX, all the car rental offices are off-site, so passengers have to wait for a shuttle bus and then ride around the airport, stopping multiple times, before getting to their rental car. At Burbank, all the car rental offices are in one place, inside a parking structure that can be reached via an elevated walkway.

In terms of traffic, Burbank is also a better option. The area around LAX is often congested, and it can take over an hour to get in or out of the airport. On the other hand, Burbank has less traffic and is well-connected to nearby areas.

So, if you want to avoid the crowds and the stress of a large, busy airport, Burbank is definitely the better choice.

LAX has more and cheaper flights

When it comes to choosing between LAX and Burbank airports, one of the key considerations is the availability and cost of flights. In this regard, LAX has a clear advantage over Burbank.

Firstly, LAX offers a wider range of flights to choose from. It is one of the largest airports in the world, serving as a hub for many domestic and international carriers. This means that travellers have more options in terms of airlines, flight times, and destinations. Burbank, on the other hand, is a smaller, domestic-only airport with fewer airlines and flights operating. So, if you're looking for flexibility and a greater choice of flights, LAX is the better option.

Additionally, LAX often has cheaper flights compared to Burbank. This is especially true for travellers flying to or from destinations outside of California. As a major international airport, LAX handles a higher volume of traffic and can offer more competitive pricing. Burbank, being a smaller airport, may have higher airfares due to lower passenger numbers and fewer carriers serving the airport.

Another factor to consider is the convenience of flight times. While both airports offer a range of departure and arrival times, LAX generally has more frequent flights throughout the day. This can be crucial if you're looking to avoid early morning or late-night flights, as you'll have more options to choose from at LAX.

Furthermore, LAX is currently undergoing construction work, which may impact the overall airport experience. However, the ongoing development also means that LAX is constantly improving its facilities and infrastructure, aiming to enhance the comfort and efficiency of the airport.

In summary, when it comes to flight options and pricing, LAX has a distinct advantage over Burbank. With more flights, competitive pricing, and convenient departure and arrival times, LAX offers travellers a greater degree of flexibility and affordability. This is especially beneficial for those travelling on a budget or those who require a wider range of flight options to suit their specific needs.

Burbank is better for domestic travellers

If you're a domestic traveller, Burbank is a better option than LAX. Burbank is a small airport that is rarely crowded, whereas LAX is one of the largest airports in the world and is always crowded. It can take three hours to get from one end of LAX to the other during busy periods. In contrast, even during peak times, it takes just 40 minutes to get from one end of Burbank to the other.

Burbank is also a better option if you're staying in Hollywood, as it's much closer. It's also well-connected to other nearby areas and doesn't suffer from the same traffic issues as LAX.

Burbank is also a good option if you want to avoid the stress of a large airport. It's described as a "small town airport" and "like a small airport". It's also nostalgic and pleasurable to fly from.

However, there are some downsides to Burbank. It has fewer flight options, and these are often more expensive. It also doesn't have any 24-hour concessions, and there's no duty-free shopping.

LAX is better if you want a fancy environment

When it comes to choosing between Burbank and LAX, it's important to consider your priorities and what matters most to you in an airport experience. While both airports serve the Los Angeles area, they offer distinct advantages and cater to different preferences. If you're looking for a fancy environment with more options, LAX might be the better choice for you. Here's why:

Variety of Food Options:

LAX offers a larger variety of food options compared to Burbank. You can find some renowned restaurants at LAX, such as Real Food Daily, ensuring you have a diverse range of dining choices during your layover or while waiting for your flight.

24-Hour Concessions:

Unlike Burbank, LAX provides 24-hour concessions. This means you can grab a bite to eat or a quick coffee no matter the time of your flight. This is especially convenient for early morning or late-night travellers who may have limited options at Burbank.

Duty-Free Shopping:

If you're looking to indulge in some duty-free shopping, LAX is the way to go. While Burbank has several newsagents and gift shops, LAX hosts some of the most expensive designer fashion stores, making it ideal for those who enjoy a luxurious shopping experience while travelling.

Wider Range of Airlines and Flights:

As a major international airport, LAX operates a wider range of airlines and flights compared to Burbank, which is a smaller domestic airport. This means you'll have more options and potentially more convenient travel times and connections when flying through LAX.

Proximity to Beverly Hills:

Both airports are fairly close to Beverly Hills, but LAX is just a bit closer, located approximately 9.1 miles away. This proximity can be advantageous if you're heading to or from that area and want to minimise travel time to and from the airport.

Private Car Services:

If you prefer a more exclusive arrival or departure experience, LAX offers private car services that can take you to and from Beverly Hills and other nearby areas. This option allows you to travel in comfort and style, avoiding the potential hassle of navigating traffic and public transportation.

While Burbank may be preferred by those seeking a quieter and less crowded airport, LAX provides a fancier and more diverse range of options. From dining to shopping, and with a wider range of flights, LAX caters to travellers seeking a more upscale and varied airport experience. Ultimately, the decision between Burbank and LAX depends on your personal preferences and what you value most during your travel journey.

Burbank is better for travellers staying in Hollywood

If you're staying in Hollywood, Burbank is the better option for travellers. Burbank Airport is much closer to Hollywood than LAX, with one source saying it's a 20-minute drive, and another saying it's 15 minutes. It's also well-connected to nearby areas and there's less traffic, so you can avoid the congestion around LAX, which can add hours to your journey.

Burbank is also a smaller airport, so it's rarely crowded. One source says it's like a "small town airport", and even when it is busy, it's still better than LAX. It's also quicker to get in and out of, especially at TSA.

If you're staying in Hollywood, you may not even need a hotel for the first night, as it's not a long drive from Burbank. You can also get public transport from Burbank to Hollywood for a very low cost.

However, it's worth noting that Burbank has fewer flight options, and prices can be higher. There are also fewer eateries, and no 24-hour concessions.

Frequently asked questions