Uber / Lyft · 25–45 min downtown LA, traffic-dependent
Where they are
One map, pinned from each airport’s published coordinates.
Category scores
Overall is the published weighted sum. A highlighted score is ahead; a tie stays plain.
Ease of use
25% · Wayfinding, security wait, and layout.
BUR8.4
LGB8.8+0.4
Comfort & amenities
20% · Seating, Wi-Fi, cleanliness, and quiet.
BUR6.2
LGB8.1+1.9
Food & retail
15% · Food and retail quality and variety.
BUR5.5
LGB7.5+2.0
Ground access
15% · Transit, taxi, and parking to the city.
BUR8.6+2.0
LGB6.6
Reliability
15% · Delays, cancellations, and weather resilience.
BUR7.0
LGB8.0+1.0
Lounges
10% · Worth-it density and access quality.
BUR5.9+3.9
LGB2.0
Best for
BUR
San Fernando Valley, Hollywood, Glendale and Pasadena tripsAvoiding LAX traffic and long securityShort Southwest and Alaska hopsRail-connected trips via Metrolink and Amtrak
LGB
Domestic LA-basin trips that do not need a lounge or a rail station at the curbCLEAR Plus / PreCheck travelers on morning and early-afternoon flightsDrivers who will reserve Structure A or walk Structure BAnyone who wants Hawaiian HNL/OGG or Alaska SEA without going to LAX
Watch out for
BUR
No lounges of any kindMap apps may still route to the old terminal; use Hollywood Way and Winona AvenueFood outlets still opening in phases after the 13 Oct moveOutdoor stair boarding in all weather
LGB
No passenger lounge — aggregator “The Club LGB / Gate 5” is fictionCLEAR+ lanes close mid-afternoon even if the checkpoint is still openOfficial transportation page still says rental cars are in a GTC across the street — counters moved into the Historic Terminal on 17 Dec 2025Parking banner advertises $35/$30 from 1 October; live card on 12 Sep 2026 was still $30/$25
Amenities and tips
BUR
Power at every seatNew dining lineupMetrolink + shuttlePet relief and therapy dogsCompact layoutTerminal Garage
Arrive 1 hour before, 2 at holiday peaks
That is the airport's own advice; one 8-lane TSA checkpoint now serves every gate.
Use the new entrance
Drive to Hollywood Way and Winona Avenue; the old Thornton Avenue terminal is closed.
Food is still opening in phases
13 outlets are planned, from Pete's Pub in the Main Hall to Jet Tila's at Gate 13.
First departures on the 12 Sep 2026 board are around 06:50–07:00. CLEAR+ lanes close mid-afternoon; official enrollment hours run later.
One sterile side — North and South are a garden walk
After the only TSA you can walk between the North and South concourses through the open-air garden. Wrong side is embarrassing, not a reclear.
Trust the official shop-and-dine hours, not a lounge pin
Local names: Sheldrake/Sweet Jill’s, Boathouse on the Bay, Taco Beach, 4th Street Vine, Long Beach Burger Bar, George’s Greek. Several kitchens close mid-afternoon.
BUR · BUR moved into a bright new 14-gate terminal on 13 Oct 2026 with one 8-lane checkpoint, indoor baggage claim and power at every seat, and it keeps easy rail links. There are still no lounges, and the 13 food outlets have been opening in phases.
LGB · One checkpoint, an open-air garden between two short concourses, and real local food — traded against no lounge, $30 official parking, and a transportation page that still describes last year’s rental trailers.
