From Burbank Airport to LAX Airport
The best way to travel between the two airports is by Metrolink/Amtrak rail and FlyAway express coach. Trains and express buses are fast, and the entire journey (including walking) takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Beware that you are not going to save much time by taking a private shuttle despite paying at least 3 times as much as the train and FlyAway fares combined. Moreover, trains do not risk getting stuck in Los Angeles traffic, and FlyAway buses operate in separate "high-occupancy vehicle" lanes on freeways. Unless you have a lot of heavy luggage, a train+bus ride is a more sensible option in most cases. The two maps you will need for this journey are the Burbank Airport map and the Metrolink/Amtrak map.
First of all, you need to get to the Metrolink/Amtrak station (the Burbank Airport South station on the Ventura County line). The Burbank Airport South station is located one large block (400 m) south of the terminal (map). Exit the terminal, turn right, and walk south along the airport roadway towards the railroad. The entrance to the station is located at the T-shaped intersection near the railroad. The walk from any gate to the station takes about 7 minutes.
Now you are at the Metrolink/Amtrak station. The fare is $6. Buy a single-ride ticket from the Metrolink farecard machines (cash, debit or credit cards). A Metrolink ticket is valid on both Metrolink and Amtrak trains between Burbank and Union Station, so you can use it on Amtrak to get to Union Station. Board any Metrolink or Amtrak train headed to Union Station. Trains to Union Station typically depart from the southern boarding platform (the furthest from the terminal, across the tracks, check the destination signs on the platform); however, listen to the announcements as they may stop at the other platform occasionally. Travel to Union Station and get off the train. The travel time from Burbank Airport South to Union Station is 25 minutes; the complete schedule of both Metrolink and Amtrak departures to Union Station follows.
Weekdays: 05:47, 06:14, 06:43, 07:24, 07:59, 08:39, 08:50, 09:04, 09:17, 11:22, 11:35, 12:30, 15:01, 15:07, 15:41, 15:56, 17:00, 18:01, 19:17, 20:31, 21:14.
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 09:04, 11:35, 15:01, 19:17, 21:14.
At Union Station you will have to transfer from Metrolink/Amtrak to FlyAway. The FlyAway stop is at Bay 9 of the Patsaouras Transit Plaza located immediately east of Union station (on the side of the yellow high-rise building, to the left of the arriving trains). Simply follow the wide underpass underneath the train platforms to the Transit Plaza and take an escalator up. All bus bays are numbered; Bay 9 is on the far side of the bus island. The FlyAway fare is $9.75. Buy a ticket at the kiosk next to the bus stop (debit or credit cards only). FlyAway buses are large blue coaches properly marked as "FlyAway". Travel to LAX and get off the bus. The travel time from Union Station to LAX is about 45 minutes, but it may take up to 1 hour during rush hours on weekdays. Buses run every 30 minutes daily, with most departures from Union station on the hour and on the half-hour.
FlyAway buses stop at all airport terminals. Passengers are dropped off at the departure (upper) level of each terminal.
The total travel time from Burbank to LAX should be about 1 hour 30 minutes including all walking and riding the train and the bus (up to 1 hour 45 minutes if traveling during rush hours on weekdays). In addition, do not forget to factor in the wait time, which depends on when you arrive at the Burbank Airport South station and when the train brings you to Union Station.
While the FlyAway service operates at all times, Metrolink and Amtrak do not. As can be seen from the complete timetable above, Metrolink/Amtrak schedules are rather sparse, and there are certain periods of the day with few or no departures from Burbank Airport South to Union Station. During these periods you may choose to utilize another transit alternative instead. This other transit alternative takes about 45 minutes longer; however, it does not depend on train schedules and can be used virtually at any time. This alternative between Burbank and Union Station is described in the second half of this page (under "2. Secondary Option").
If you have any questions, please check the "Frequently Asked Questions" page first. If you carefully read all of the above, checked the FAQs, and still have a question, please feel free to contact me.
Reverse directions: from LAX Airport to Burbank Airport