Los Angeles to Burbank is 18 miles (29 km), a flight of about 20 minutes.
Right-side seats win for the full journey. Takeoff offers dramatic coastal and mountain views over the Santa Monica range, and while landing favors the left, the scenic value of the departure sequence—ocean, beaches, and coastal mountains—outweighs the valley-focused approach.
Flight Path
The flight path is very short and stays over the Los Angeles metropolitan area. After climbing over the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastal zone, the aircraft transitions inland over the Hollywood Hills and crosses the Los Angeles Basin toward Burbank. The Griffith Observatory area and downtown Los Angeles skyline may be visible briefly in the middle of the flight depending on exact routing. The descent brings the aircraft over the San Fernando Valley with views of the Verdugo Mountains and approaching Burbank airport from the south.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from LAX
RIGHTRight-side seats capture the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline as LAX climbs northeastward. The aircraft departs over the ocean initially, then banks inland, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the coastal ridge and beach communities.
Landing at BUR
LEFTLeft-side seats offer the best views during descent into Burbank. The approach path brings aircraft over the San Fernando Valley, and left-side passengers see the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and the urban grid of the valley floor clearly.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Los Angeles to Burbank. Right-side seats win for the full journey. Takeoff offers dramatic coastal and mountain views over the Santa Monica range, and while landing favors the left, the scenic value of the departure sequence—ocean, beaches, and coastal mountains—outweighs the valley-focused approach.
What can I see during takeoff from Los Angeles International in Los Angeles?
During takeoff from Los Angeles International (LAX), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right-side seats capture the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastline as LAX climbs northeastward. The aircraft departs over the ocean initially, then banks inland, giving right-side passengers a clear view of the coastal ridge and beach communities. Notable sights include: Santa Monica Mountains, Pacific Ocean coastline, Malibu coastal bluffs, Santa Monica Bay.
What can I see when landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena in Burbank?
When landing at Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left-side seats offer the best views during descent into Burbank. The approach path brings aircraft over the San Fernando Valley, and left-side passengers see the San Gabriel Mountains to the north and the urban grid of the valley floor clearly. Notable sights include: San Gabriel Mountains, San Fernando Valley urban grid, Verdugo Mountains, Los Angeles River corridor.
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Burbank?
The flight from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Burbank Glendale Pasadena (BUR) takes about 20 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 Los Angeles to Burbank flight path pass over?
The flight path is very short and stays over the Los Angeles metropolitan area. After climbing over the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific coastal zone, the aircraft transitions inland over the Hollywood Hills and crosses the Los Angeles Basin toward Burbank. The Griffith Observatory area and downtown Los Angeles skyline may be visible briefly in the middle of the flight depending on exact routing. The descent brings the aircraft over the San Fernando Valley with views of the Verdugo Mountains and approaching Burbank airport from the south.