Burbank to Los Angeles is 18 miles (29 km), a flight of about 25 minutes.
The right side delivers the best views at both ends of this short flight — the San Gabriel Mountains on departure and the Santa Monica Bay coastline on approach. The flight is so brief that there is essentially no cruise phase, making takeoff and landing views the entire experience, and right wins both.
Flight Path
The flight path runs roughly south-southwest over the San Fernando Valley, crossing the Santa Monica Mountains or the Hollywood Hills depending on routing, then descending over the Los Angeles basin. At this short distance the aircraft rarely exceeds 8,000-10,000 feet, keeping the urban grid and topography clearly visible throughout.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from BUR
RIGHTBUR typically departs east on runway 08 or west on runway 26. On the dominant westward departure (runway 26), the right side faces north toward the San Gabriel Mountains and the Verdugo Hills directly adjacent to the airport. These are immediately dramatic and close. On an eastward departure, the right side still picks up the Verdugo Hills and Glendale basin.
Landing at LAX
RIGHTLAX arrivals from the north typically approach on runways 24L/24R heading southwest, or on 06L/06R heading northeast. On the dominant southwest approach over the city, the right side faces northwest toward Santa Monica, the Pacific coastline, and the Santa Monica Bay. This is the more scenic orientation versus the left side which looks toward Inglewood and inland suburbs.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to Los Angeles International (LAX)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Burbank to Los Angeles. The right side delivers the best views at both ends of this short flight — the San Gabriel Mountains on departure and the Santa Monica Bay coastline on approach. The flight is so brief that there is essentially no cruise phase, making takeoff and landing views the entire experience, and right wins both.
What can I see during takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
During takeoff from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Right side for the best views. BUR typically departs east on runway 08 or west on runway 26. On the dominant westward departure (runway 26), the right side faces north toward the San Gabriel Mountains and the Verdugo Hills directly adjacent to the airport. These are immediately dramatic and close. On an eastward departure, the right side still picks up the Verdugo Hills and Glendale basin. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains (including Mount Wilson), Verdugo Hills, Glendale and Pasadena urban grid, Hansen Dam flood control basin.
What can I see when landing at Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
When landing at Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. LAX arrivals from the north typically approach on runways 24L/24R heading southwest, or on 06L/06R heading northeast. On the dominant southwest approach over the city, the right side faces northwest toward Santa Monica, the Pacific coastline, and the Santa Monica Bay. This is the more scenic orientation versus the left side which looks toward Inglewood and inland suburbs. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Bay coastline, Santa Monica pier area, Marina del Rey harbor, Los Angeles urban grid stretching to the horizon.
How long is the flight from Burbank to Los Angeles?
The flight from Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) to Los Angeles International (LAX) takes about 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 18 miles (29 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Burbank to Los Angeles flight path pass over?
The flight path runs roughly south-southwest over the San Fernando Valley, crossing the Santa Monica Mountains or the Hollywood Hills depending on routing, then descending over the Los Angeles basin. At this short distance the aircraft rarely exceeds 8,000-10,000 feet, keeping the urban grid and topography clearly visible throughout.