Burbank Airport to LA Convention Center

messydesk · August 3, 2009 3:52AM

Investigating best way to get from the Burbank airport to the LA Convention center, it appears that there is a bus route that will take me within a couple blocks of there in about hour without me having to pay attention to stops or transfers. Can any locals give any compelling reason for me not to use this means of transport to whisk me to the show this week?

notwilight · August 3, 2009 4:33AM

Seems locals don't ride the busses much. In CA you are what you drive...so you should have the bus to yourself. Every time I notice one it looks empty. --Jerry

PS: they may not run the empty busses very often...

LoveMyLiberty · August 3, 2009 4:34AM

Whisk???

My guess is you've never been to L.A.

Pay the money & take a cab! Better yet, rent a car & live longer.

messydesk · August 3, 2009 4:47AM

<< Whisk???

My guess is you've never been to L.A. >>

Been there often enough to know that the only thing that's ever "whisked" in LA is egg whites.

WTCG · August 3, 2009 4:59AM

The traffic conditions in the TMZ ("Thirty Mile Zone", the area including Beverly Hills, Hollywood and downtown L.A.) is notoriously awful even by So. Cal standards. It is the oldest developed area of the basin with dense population centers and narrow streets designed in the early part of the last century. Driving your own vehicle from Bob Hope Airport to downtown L.A. can take an hour during the best of times and much longer than that on a regular basis. A bus may in theory take one hour to reach the Convention center, but having that actually happen is another matter. Very few people in Southern California use public transportation but if you insist...

From Bob Hope Airport you can proceed to the airport's own Metrolink station. From there take a Metrolink train to Union Station. At Union Station catch a Metrorail train and ride to the "Pico" station. The Pico station is on the blue line and is the closest stop to the Convention center.

Or...

From the airport take a taxi to the "North Hollywood" station on the Metrorail red line and from there take the red line Metrorail train to the "Pico" station. That trip should take no more than 30 minutes each way.

touche · August 3, 2009 5:36AM

While at Union Station keep your .357 in your front pocket, with the hammer pulled back. Venture across the street to 'Cielito Lindo' in Olvera Street and eat the best taquitos in Calif. (eat with one hand).

streeter · August 3, 2009 6:22AM

(((((( I WOULD NOT TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN SO CAL IF YOU HAVE 50+ CENTS IN YOUR POCKET))))

Please, we need your posts here next week

The train works....kind of....

CAB it or FRIEND it.

Tootawl · August 3, 2009 7:44AM

Makes me glad that I decided to get a rental car.

adamlaneus · August 3, 2009 7:47AM

<< Makes me glad that I decided to get a rental car. >>

Yes, good start. Now, do not make any eye contact with any other driver.

yellowkid · August 3, 2009 8:06AM

The LA Chamber of Commerce would love you guys.....

WTCG · August 3, 2009 8:12AM

<< Makes me glad that I decided to get a rental car. >>

I don't know how much experience you have driving in the area but don't think driving yourself around is that much more safer than using the Metrorail. Californians are for the most part friendly people except when they're behind the wheel.

CarsonCityGold · August 3, 2009 8:14AM

I'm taking a shuttle from the airport to the hotel and staying within walking distance. I just "walked" around on Google Street View and was excited to find an IHOP accross the street from where I'm staying.

GFourDriver · August 3, 2009 8:49AM

Last time I was at Burbank Airport I got a ticket from the airport administrator for making too much noise. It came with a 1 year ban.

Stella · August 3, 2009 8:52AM

<< Last time I was at Burbank Airport I got a ticket from the airport administrator for making too much noise. It came with a 1 year ban. >>

This sounds like an interesting story. Maybe it's a good thing that I'm flying into LAX, though.

SanctionII · August 3, 2009 9:07AM

The ever so enlightened, "Green" and progressive folk who live (and take public transit) in the ever so enlightened and progressive and sophisticated and educated and refined and nuanced and just so much darn better than every other place known as "San Francisco" look down their noses at those car addicted, planet destroying, greenhouse gas emitting, carbon footprint the size of Montana, persons who live in L.A.

So if I were you, I would take public transit from Burbank to the Convention Center. In fact you should consider walking or riding a bike. If you do, you will be well thought of by the good residents of "The City By The Bay".

If you get mugged and assaulted along the way, well many San Franciscans would say that "the person who accosted you is probably disadvantaged in some way, so you can not judge him and condem him for his actions; in fact you should probably apologize and pay hom some money since your ancestor probably did his ancestor wrong some how, some way, in the past."

California in general, the SF Bay Area and SF in particular are populated by some folks who live in a strange, strange fantasy world indeed

; completely separate and apart from the world I and many others in the USA live in.

RedTiger · August 3, 2009 9:21AM

Burbank to the Convention Center sounds like one of the safer routes. It's not like there are a bunch of muggers waiting at the airport looking for wealthy victims to get on the bus. The replies here sound like folks that have never walked the downtown streets of a big city. Sheesh. Act low key, dress low key and you shouldn't have any problems. The bus from the airport is probably used 90% by folks that work there. The 10% that are tourists are backpackers and the like on a tight budget, and don't have much to take.

Don't believe the bus schedule, it is an approximation at best. With a cell phone and some street smarts, I say go ahead. Other options such as a cab will be about $60 plus tip, a private shuttle bus for like $25.

Bottom line: I say take the bus, spend the $70 that the cab would have cost on coins or books. Enjoy.

WTCG · August 3, 2009 9:22AM

<< The ever so enlightened, "Green" and progressive folk who live (and take public transit) in the ever so enlightened and progressive and sophisticated and educated and refined and nuanced and just so much darn better than every other place known as "San Francisco" look down their noses at those car addicted, planet destroying, greenhouse gas emitting, carbon footprint the size of Montana, persons who live in L.A.

So if I were you, I would take public transit from Burbank to the Convention Center. In fact you should consider walking or riding a bike. If you do, you will be well thought of by the good residents of "The City By The Bay".

If you get mugged and assaulted along the way, well many San Franciscans would say that "the person who accosted you is probably disadvantaged in some way, so you can not judge him and condem him for his actions; in fact you should probably apologize and pay hom some money since your ancestor probably did his ancestor wrong some how, some way, in the past."

California in general, the SF Bay Area and SF in particular are populated by some folks who live in a strange, strange fantasy world indeed

; completely separate and apart from the world I and many others in the USA live in. >>

Despite what Michael Savage wants his listeners to believe, I cannot think of anybody who lives in the Bay Area who I know personally who believes that "the person who accosted you is probably disadvantaged in some way..." as a valid excuse for committing a crime. Sure there are people who harbor sentiments that include blaming the victim, but I assure you those people are in the abeit very vocal but small minority.

Comparing the feasibility of using public transportation to get around San Francisco versus Los Angeles is not an equal comparison. Sure both cities have severely congested roads, but San Francisco has a very compact layout and most of the city is accessible by a reasonable length walk or bicycle ride. San Francisco also has a public transportation system that covers virtually the entire city proper, even the hard to reach places like the cliff house or Mount Davidson. On the other hand, Los Angeles is sprawled out, covering almost 500 square miles without much of a city center core and a public transportation system that is at best rudimentary. Los Angeles reaches more than 55 miles from north to south alone (versus San Francisco's 7 x 7 miles) and even the best public transportation system can't cover that length in distance in a reasonable amount of time. And one more thing...parking is much harder to find and much more expensive in San Francisco. Bottom line, you can get around fairly efficiently relying on public transportation in San Francisco but definitely cannnot do the same in Los Angeles.

adamlaneus · August 3, 2009 9:28AM

<< Despite what Randy Savage wants his listeners to believe... >>

[edit]

<< Despite what Fred Savage wants his listeners to believe... >>

(strike two)

I think you have your entertainment personalities mixed up:

This is Randy Savage, a professional wrestler:

Randy Savage is known for selling these:

This is Fred Savage, a child actor on the Wonder Years

He also played 'the mole' in the Austin Powers movies:

I think you mean that other guy...a radio personality...who has a last name of Savage.

WTCG · August 3, 2009 9:29AM

<< 

<< Despite what Randy Savage wants his listeners to believe... >>

I think you have your entertainment personalities mixed up:

I think you mean that other guy...a radio personality...who has a last name of Savage. >>

Thanks for catching that...I meant the other Savage, as in Michael.

Boy my game is off today. Too much focusing on the trip to the ANA tomorrow.

P.S. Fred's brother Ben was a classmate at Stanford. I've seen both of them and they're amazingly short.

SanctionII · August 3, 2009 9:39AM

WTCG.

You are 100% correct in comparing SF to LA with regard to public transit. SF is compact and has a well developed public transit system. It is easy to use it to get around the city and beat using cars (parking is hard to find and expensive when you do). I use public transit in SF (Bart, Muni, etc. when I have business there). In L.A public transit is not feasible most of the time. Simply to big.

My prior reply was "tounge in cheek".

There are great, hard working, decent people all over the State and all of its cities, including SF. There are also many who think just like I described; as there are some who think that anyone who does not live in the So. Cal. basin is crazy. Perhaps I get jaded hearing and reading daily media reports on aspects of California society that just make me shake my head and think how strange this place can be.

messydesk · August 3, 2009 11:12AM

Interesting perspectives on the whole public transportation scene. It actually seems to be very similar to Chicago in that there are two independent rail systems that aren't terribly convenient for a large amount of the population that has a commute that doesn't coincide with the routes, and buses that run on a fantasy schedule, although since Chicago does have a single, large downtown, it works well there. I was downtown LA in 2005 for the SIGGRAPH show, and it seemed a strange place. By 5:30 the whole area was dead and all the benches were being claimed for the night. I suppose this is a little different if there's an event at the concert hall. Anyway, WTCG's advice seems sound, and based on experience with the system. No indication that the journey is perilous, so I'll probably cab it to the North Hollywood station and take the train from there.

Pity that the use of public transportation has become politicized. Following the lost art of applying common sense, I'll use whatever is most convenient and cheap for me, while still being practical and safe, be it car, cab, train, jet pack, or trebuchet.

mozin · August 3, 2009 2:31PM

Thanks guys, for reminding me why I chose not to attend the ANA in LA. I would be a total wreck down there.

DennisH · August 3, 2009 2:41PM

Let me guess, dealers are going to want cash instead of checks, but I certainly don't want to carry very much down there...

droopyd · August 3, 2009 2:43PM

<< Driving your own vehicle from Bob Hope Airport to downtown L.A. can take an hour during the best of times and much longer than that on a regular basis. >>

30 minutes max outside of rush hour, manong.

droopyd · August 3, 2009 2:48PM

<< SF is compact and has a well developed public transit system. >>

Except for the fact that Muni and BART suck, they're really great.

BlindedByEgo · August 3, 2009 2:53PM

The bus from Burbank to the Convention Center will be perfectly safe. I grew up in the Valley (Studio City), still live close by (Ventura County), and know the area well.

I would, however, only take the transportation during the day; at night I would opt for a cab or find out if there is a smaller private shuttle scheduled to make the trip.

All of that being said, if I were making the trip I would have flown into LAX. There are MANY more transportation options out of there to Downtown.

If you are staying local to the convention center, keep your nocturnal forays to a minimum, and centered on the Staples Center area in large crowds. Oh, and keep your wallet in your front pants pocket.

wondercoin · August 3, 2009 5:33PM

Check to see if there is a "Super Shuttle" from the airport to downtown - that is what I would do.

Wondercoin

messydesk · August 3, 2009 10:18PM

<< All of that being said, if I were making the trip I would have flown into LAX. There are MANY more transportation options out of there to Downtown. >>

Normally, I would have, too, but I'm saving about $200 by flying into Burbank.

BlindedByEgo · August 3, 2009 11:09PM

<< 

<< All of that being said, if I were making the trip I would have flown into LAX. There are MANY more transportation options out of there to Downtown. >>

Normally, I would have, too, but I'm saving about $200 by flying into Burbank. >>

Often we get what we pay for

MORGANHUNTER2 · August 3, 2009 11:40PM

I actually enjoyed reading this post. Having lived in the valley for just shy of 20 years and working on the Red Line, as well as a few FWY modifications, I found it real easy to just rent a car at the airort, get on the 5 heading south to downtown, catch the 110 and exit at 9th Street head east until you hit Flower (I think flower is 2way at this point) and I'm pretty sure you cant miss the signs for the convention center parking.

L.A. has way to many people and cars, we all know that, but if you try to compare to other cities, take into consideration what traffic is like in the DC area or Boston or NY for that matter.

When in doubt take a cab- but know where you are going- google it and it will give you the shortest and quickest route.

But I alwasy enjoyed cruising the streets- much better way to know an area and its people.

something we seem to forget.

RedTiger · August 4, 2009 2:16AM

<< Interesting perspectives on the whole public transportation scene. It actually seems to be very similar to Chicago in that there are two independent rail systems that aren't terribly convenient for a large amount of the population that has a commute that doesn't coincide with the routes, and buses that run on a fantasy schedule, although since Chicago does have a single, large downtown, it works well there. I was downtown LA in 2005 for the SIGGRAPH show, and it seemed a strange place. By 5:30 the whole area was dead and all the benches were being claimed for the night. I suppose this is a little different if there's an event at the concert hall. Anyway, WTCG's advice seems sound, and based on experience with the system. No indication that the journey is perilous, so I'll probably cab it to the North Hollywood station and take the train from there.

Pity that the use of public transportation has become politicized. Following the lost art of applying common sense, I'll use whatever is most convenient and cheap for me, while still being practical and safe, be it car, cab, train, jet pack, or trebuchet. >>

It seems a shame that some baseless posts have scared you from the bus. I would encourage anyone raised or has spent much time in a big city to go ahead and take the Burbank Airport bus to downtown. A bit of street smarts, planning the route, staying alert, a cell phone, are all that is needed to go without incident. A person comfortable roaming about Chicago, I would expect would have zero problems on that bus.

Since 9/11, crimes aboard buses and other public transit have much higher penalties and street punks know it. Every MTA bus has a GPS link so that dispatch knows where it is at all times. The drivers have radio communication to headquarters. The one in a million scenario is that someone tails you as you get off the bus, but if you are dressed casual and don't flash any money, don't say where you are going, why would anyone do this? Like I said, most folks on an airport bus are airport workers, the rest are mostly tourists on a tight budget. As if a local mugger is going wait around at the airport where there is video surveillance everywhere, and then get on a bus for an hour to tail an unknown airport worker?

If you are still uncertain, I and others have also mentioned the private airport shuttle vans, where a person shares a large van with others, and it will take you to the convention center entrance for about $25. PrimeTime and Supershuttle are two companies that serve Burbank. Vans are more frequent to some regions than others (San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Westside, SouthBay, Downtown, Long Beach), not sure about vans to downtown.

GFourDriver · August 4, 2009 2:39AM

<<<<< Last time I was at Burbank Airport I got a ticket from the airport administrator for making too much noise. It came with a 1 year ban. >>

This sounds like an interesting story. Maybe it's a good thing that I'm flying into LAX, though. >>>

Not real interesting.... I was flying a Lear-25 which is pretty loud on take-off even using noise abatement proceedures.

fivecents · August 4, 2009 3:00AM

<< Burbank Airport to LA Convention Center >>

LA as in Lower Alabama?

touche · August 4, 2009 3:48AM

<< <<<<< Last time I was at Burbank Airport I got a ticket from the airport administrator for making too much noise. It came with a 1 year ban. >>

This sounds like an interesting story. Maybe it's a good thing that I'm flying into LAX, though. >>>

Not real interesting.... I was flying a Lear-25 which is pretty loud on take-off even using noise abatement proceedures. >>

You better steer clear of John Wayne airport, or they'll hang you by your thumbs. Planes have to cut back on power during takeoff so they don't wake Kobe Bryant and the others living in Newport Coast.

Boothill40 · August 4, 2009 5:19AM

streeter · August 4, 2009 5:56AM

Wondercoin recommended the SUPER SHUTTLE. Great idea.

I used it once, picked me up in Costa Mesa at my front door in 1992, $15...I think...to LAX.
Here's some ideas...
Local business results for airport shuttle near Burbank, CA, USA A. All Roads Transportation Burbank Airport Transportation - allroadstrans.com - (310) 676-5254 - More

B. VIP Exclusive Airport Transportation - www.vipexclusive.net - (818) 913-8844 - More

C. Amore Sedan & Limo - www.simonlimo.com - (310) 858-8191 - More

D. Glendale Car Service - www.gcslimo.com - (818) 547-3722 - More

E. Paradise Limousines - www.aparadiselimousine.com - (818) 968-6649 - More

F. Go Fly Airport Shuttle - maps.google.ca - (818) 209-9211 - More

G. Southwest Express Transportation - www.southwest-express.com - (888) 799-7938 - More

H. Taxis Services - maps.google.ca - (310) 859-0101 - More

I. southwest express transportation - southwest-express.com - (888) 799-7938 - More

J. Limousine and Town Car Pros In Burbank - www.burbank.limousineservices-24-7.com - (818) 392-6123 - More

GFourDriver · August 4, 2009 6:43AM

<<<You better steer clear of John Wayne airport, or they'll hang you by your thumbs. Planes have to cut back on power during takeoff so they don't wake Kobe Bryant and the others living in Newport Coast. >>>

Yeah, I know, been kicked out of there too.....

They have noise sensors all over the place on departure.

messydesk · August 4, 2009 2:30PM

<< From the Airport take the metrolink to Union Station, get on the redline and go to 7th and Flower station. From there go up stairs and catch the Blueline to Pico station the convention center is accross the street (Safe during daylight). I would recommend a cab after dark from the convention center back to Burbank as others have but that's only because I was a MTA Transit Cop in that area from 1990-1998. I wont be going as I have surgery on the 7th and will be out of service for about a month, to all going have a good time. >>

Checked the schedule for the MetroLink and I'd have to wait 2 hours for it at the airport, so it'll be a cab to the N Hollywood Red Line, then to 7th/Flower and walk 6 blocks. Buses too nondeterministic. Once I'm at the show, I'm meeting up with my host/transport for the rest of the time I'm there. Thanks for all the help/insight, everyone.

Konahead · August 4, 2009 4:09PM

<< Whisk???

My guess is you've never been to L.A.

Pay the money & take a cab! Better yet, rent a car & live longer. >>

Konahead · August 4, 2009 4:12PM

<< The LA Chamber of Commerce would love you guys.....

>>

It is what it is and it is not for the faint of heart. I was born and raised in NYC and it has nothing on LA. God Bless the 405

Konahead · August 4, 2009 4:16PM

<< The ever so enlightened, "Green" and progressive folk who live (and take public transit) in the ever so enlightened and progressive and sophisticated and educated and refined and nuanced and just so much darn better than every other place known as "San Francisco" look down their noses at those car addicted, planet destroying, greenhouse gas emitting, carbon footprint the size of Montana, persons who live in L.A.

So if I were you, I would take public transit from Burbank to the Convention Center. In fact you should consider walking or riding a bike. If you do, you will be well thought of by the good residents of "The City By The Bay".

If you get mugged and assaulted along the way, well many San Franciscans would say that "the person who accosted you is probably disadvantaged in some way, so you can not judge him and condem him for his actions; in fact you should probably apologize and pay hom some money since your ancestor probably did his ancestor wrong some how, some way, in the past."

California in general, the SF Bay Area and SF in particular are populated by some folks who live in a strange, strange fantasy world indeed

; completely separate and apart from the world I and many others in the USA live in. >>

Nevadan's call them Cal holes.

illini420 · August 4, 2009 4:24PM

<< Investigating best way to get from the Burbank airport to the LA Convention center, it appears that there is a bus route that will take me within a couple blocks of there in about hour without me having to pay attention to stops or transfers. Can any locals give any compelling reason for me not to use this means of transport to whisk me to the show this week? >>

I have a pretty good reason not to use the buses in L.A... didn't you see the movie "Speed"????

Seriously though, I don't see a problem with public transport here in L.A. if you find it convenient to where you're traveling. However, if I were traveling with lots of cash and/or coins, I'd feel much more comfortable in my own vehicle though.

Burbank Airport to LA Convention Center

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