From Burbank Airport to Los Angeles Union Station
All Amtrak trains serving Los Angeles depart from Union Station. However, if you are taking a train to Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, or the Bay Area, you do not need to travel to Union Station first. All trains to the above destinations stop right at the airport on their way from Los Angeles, so you can take a train directly from the airport to your destination without a trip to Union Station. For all other destinations, you will need to travel from the airport to Union Station.
1. Primary Option. The best way to travel between the airport and Union Station is by Metrolink/Amtrak rail. Trains are fast, and the entire journey (including walking) takes approximately 35 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 fare. Moreover, trains do not risk getting stuck in Los Angeles traffic. Unless you have a lot of heavy luggage, a train 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 the airport 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.
The total travel time from Burbank to Union Station should be about 35 minutes including all walking and riding the train. 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 next train departs.
While travel by Metrolink or Amtrak is convenient and fast, unfortunately the schedules are rather sparse. As can be seen from the complete timetable above, there are certain periods of the day with few or no departures. During these periods you may choose to utilize another transit alternative instead. This other transit alternative takes about twice as much time; however, it does not depend on train schedules and can be used virtually at any time.
2. Secondary Option. This alternative is recommended only if there are no scheduled Metrolink or Amtrak departures from the Burbank Airport South station within 45 minutes of your arrival at the airport. If there is a Metrolink or Amtrak train to Union Station within 45 minutes, just wait for that train instead.
When no Metrolink or Amtrak departures are scheduled, you can take a free shuttle from the airport to the nearest Metrorail station and then ride Metrorail to Union Station. Unlike Metrolink and Amtrak, Metrorail runs frequently throughout the day; however, the Metrorail option takes longer. The only map you will need for this journey is the Metrorail map.
First of all, you need to get to the Metrorail station (the North Hollywood station on the Red line). Contact SuperShuttle at the shuttle island in front of the airport terminal and request a free ride to the North Hollywood station. The travel time from the airport to the station is about 10-15 minutes; however, the wait time may be up to 15-20 minutes, so the entire trip takes about 30 minutes.
Now you are at the Metrorail station. The fare is $2.50. Buy a single-ride ticket from the farecard machines (cash or credit cards only). Pay your fare and pass through the turnstiles to the boarding platform. Take any train and travel to Union Station on the same Red line. The travel time from North Hollywood to Union Station is 29 minutes; trains run every 12 minutes daily.
Finally, you need to get from the Metrorail station to Union Station. Union Station is located right above the subway station; just take the escalators up. The entire walk takes about 3 minutes.
The total travel time from Burbank to Union Station for this Metrorail option should be about 1 hour 20 minutes including all walking, waiting, and riding the shuttle and the train.
The last Red line train leaves North Hollywood at 00:50 on Sundays-Thursdays and holidays and at 02:05 on Fridays and Saturdays. SuperShuttle operates until 22:00 daily; after that you can catch a taxi ride from the airport to the North Hollywood station (about $13-15).
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 Los Angeles Union Station to Burbank Airport