About Warner Bros. Studios
Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank is a renowned working film and television studio complex – the primary production facility and global headquarters of Warner Bros. Entertainment. It sits on a sprawling 110-acre lot at 3400 Warner Blvd in Burbank, California (near the Verdugo Hills). Founded in 1928 when Warner Bros. acquired the nearby First National Pictures lot, it quickly became the home of Hollywood’s first sound movies. Warner Bros. made history here with groundbreaking films like The Jazz Singer (1927, the first “talkie” with spoken dialogue) and Don Juan (1926, first synchronized sound), which financed the studio’s expansion. Over the decades, the company poured its box-office revenue into this campus, adding nine sound stages in the 1930s (all still in use today). It continued growing through the Golden Age of Hollywood, building iconic backlot streets (like the famous New York Street and Brownstone Street sets for classic films) and even a 2-million-gallon water tank in Stage 16 for scenes like the Noah’s Ark sequence in Caine Mutiny . Today the lot features around 45 soundstages (ranging from 6,000 to 32,000 square feet) and multiple outdoor set neighborhoods. Stage 16 alone is a colossal 32,000 square-foot soundstage – one of the world’s largest – equipped with a towering water tank for elaborate water scenes. Stage 24 was long nicknamed “The Friends Stage” and Stage 25 famously housed The Big Bang Theory for over a decade.
What makes Warner Bros. Studios special is its living history and scale. It is one of Hollywood’s senior studios, having served as the backdrop for classics like Casablanca (1942) and Streetcar Named Desire (1951), as well as hit TV sitcoms like Bewitched (1964–72) and The Big Bang Theory (2007–2019). Landmark features include its iconic Warners water tower and the Friends fountain (relocated here for the famous sitcom’s credits), both visible on guided tours. The complex blends historic architecture with modern expansion: recent “Second Century” projects added Frank Gehry–designed office buildings and a 1,000-car underground garage (completed 2023) to accommodate the studio’s growing operations. Despite these 21st-century upgrades, fans still encounter original Colonial Revival–style office buildings from the 1920s and classic backlot facades (downtown streets, country towns, and even a jungle lagoon). In short, Warner Bros. Studios isn’t just a production hub – it’s a living museum of movie and TV history. Its local importance can’t be overstated. The studio is one of Burbank’s largest employers and draws many visitors to the area. Tourists and fans flock here for the Hollywood experience, restaurants and shops thrive on this traffic, and the studio’s economic clout anchors much of the city’s film-industry identity. In fact, Warner Bros. spent an estimated billions on local wages and services each year, making it a cornerstone of the community’s economy and culture.
Events and Programming
Warner Bros. Studios primarily serves as a working production campus, but it also offers a variety of events and public programming, mainly through its official Studio Tour Hollywood. The centerpiece is the daily guided studio tour – a 3-to-4-hour “behind the scenes” experience that runs several times a day. Guests ride special open-air trams around the lot and visit iconic locations like the General Hospital sets, a G-rated New York City street, Western town facades, and the beautiful Turrets at the Warner Bros. Gate. Inside, the tour includes an interactive sound stage (Stage 48, “Script to Screen”) where visitors can try their hand at acting out scenes or sit on the actual Friends Café couch from Central Perk. Tour highlights include original Harry Potter and DC Universe exhibits: the Wizarding World displays (costumes, props, a Sorting Hat experience and a green-screen broom flight photo op) and a DC-themed finale (replica Batcave with multiple Batmobiles, Superman’s lair, and Superman/Wonder Woman costumes from recent movies). These exhibits are permanent parts of the standard tour, so visitors of all ages can meet Harry Potter and Batman lore along the way.
Apart from the daily tours, the studio hosts special events and immersive experiences, especially around holidays and blockbuster releases. For example, Warner Bros. has staged after-hours “Movie Night” tours and Halloween-themed excursions that include themed tours (like “WB Behind the Horror” with director Q&A and classic horror film screenings in the in-house theater). In winter 2025–26 the tour even recreated “Stars Hollow” from Gilmore Girls for a limited-time immersive holiday event, complete with character actors and interactive activities (fans could visit Luke’s Diner, get afternoon tea at the Dragonfly Inn set, etc.). Similarly, in 2021 the tour reopened with a brand-new DC Universe exhibit full of memorabilia, and it frequently celebrates anniversaries of its franchises (movie screenings and special guest panels have taken place on the lot from time to time). Some areas of the studio (like the elegant 513-seat Steven J. Ross Theater) are occasionally booked for private screenings, TV tapings, and corporate events (warner’s special events department can handle everything from trade shows to red-carpet galas). But for everyday visitors, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and its special themed tours are the main public programming. In short, fans will find weekly tours and periodically scheduled themed events (seasonal pop-up experiences, after-hours film nights, etc.) – and they’ll often stop to take in costumed character meet-and-greets or listen to filmmakers share stories during those limited events. On normal days, celebrity activity ranges from spotting production crews to high-profile shoots (the studio’s sound stages frequently host movie scenes and sitcoms, though these are usually closed off during filming).
Tickets and Booking
Admission to Warner Bros. Studios is by ticket only, and tickets must be reserved in advance. There is no public box office for studio tours at the gate – all tickets for the tours and special events are sold online. Standard studio tour tickets generally range around $65–75 for adults and somewhat less for children (for example, a 2025 holiday special event was priced at about $76 for adults, $65 for kids). Discounted rates for children (usually ages 3–12), and sometimes seniors or SoCal residents, may be available. Check the official tour website or authorized resellers for exact prices by age. It’s important to book early: popular dates (weekends, holidays, and school breaks) can sell out quickly. Tours often go on sale many weeks or months in advance, and it’s wise to reserve your preferred date/time as soon as possible. There is no on-site ticket counter selling walk-up tickets for regular tours. Group bookings and corporate events require contacting the studio’s special events office well in advance.
When booking, you’ll select a specific date and tour departure time, then pay online by credit card. Each person in the party (including infants and children) needs a ticket. Infants and toddlers (usually under age 3) are often free if they sit on a lap, but check the policy when booking. After purchase, you’ll receive an email confirmation. Plan to arrive roughly 30–45 minutes before your scheduled tour time for check-in and entry procedures. There are typically no refunds, so double-check dates carefully. If you do need to cancel, most policies allow rescheduling or credit (minus a fee) if done well ahead of time; again, read the terms closely when you buy. Also keep an eye out for special offers or packages: at times the studio offers “Tour Plus/Deluxe” add-ons (for example, a VIP package with extra merchandise or a special photo). But the regular tour itself is all-inclusive; you see all the major attractions (Harry Potter, DC, Friends, props, etc.) as part of that single tour experience. Families planning to visit should also note any seasonal offerings – the studio frequently adds themed holiday tours (Haunted Tour at Halloween, Gilmore Girls holiday events, etc.) which require separate special-event tickets and tend to be more expensive. In summary: the best strategy for popular shows or dates is to book online early. There’s no point of sale on-site, and resale platforms are not reliable for this – always use the official channel or authorized agents to ensure valid tickets.
Seating and Layout
Warner Bros. Studios is not a traditional theater with fixed seats; instead, visitors experience the venue as a walking/rolling tour. In practice, “seating” on the tour means the golf-cart style tram cars that carry tour groups. Each tram has about 20–25 seats arranged in rows, and there are often two levels of seating on the open-air vehicles. Guests generally find seats on the tram on a first-come check-in basis (or splitting up for larger groups). There are no bad seats on the tour – all positions on the tram get panoramic views of sets and lots – but the very front row may have the clearest sightlines for photography. Once the tram stops, everyone disembarks to stand or move around freely at each attraction.
The tour has a fixed route: after an orientation film and rehearsals inside, you board the trams and first head to iconic backlot streets (including Hollywood facades, Western sets, urban neighborhoods). Then the tram stops at an interactive soundstage (Stage 48) where the tour leader brings the group inside. Here, visitors can pose on the Friends café couch, ride Harry Potter’s broom (photography station), and explore props. After that, the tram continues through the lot’s backlot sets (for example, an old West street, New York town square, and the studio’s central park square). Mid-tour, the tram swings by Brownstone Street – a movie set styled like a classic Brooklyn block – where food carts and photo ops may be open. The tour finally heads indoors for the grand finale: the new DC Universe exhibit including the Batcave with Batmobiles, Superman’s Fortress, etc. At each stop, people can move about, take pictures, and use restroom facilities. There are no standing-only general admission areas; the tour is fully guided with set stops. If an event or screening is included, the studio’s 513-seat Steven J. Ross Theater (stage-facing amphitheater style) or the Brownstone Courtyard might be used – for example, some movie nights end with a film screening on its pro-quality sound system. In those cases, seats are assigned on arrival, but outside of such special events there is no preassigned seating to worry about.
Acoustics are excellent throughout. The trams have clear audio feeds so you hear the guide at every stop. In the theater, expect modern surround sound (the 513-seat theater is Dolby-equipped for premieres). The set lighting is studio-standard and pretty spectacular – every backlot street is lit as for a movie, day or night. The Warner Bros. special-events team describes the equipment: sound stages have full central air and rigging, while lighting inventory ranges from Arri HMI and tungsten to state-of-the-art LED movers and full lighting consoles. Production-grade cables and generators support any broadcast or shoot on site. For visitors this means the entire venue is ready for professional filming, so your tour will encounter vividly lit sets, loud concept designs, and realistic detail (for example, props that look story-authentic, or original costumes displayed with museum lighting). The main thing to avoid is wandering off the marked tour path – the lot is a busy studio with gated areas. Stick to the guides, and enjoy every carefully arranged vantage point of this unique “open set”.
Getting There and Parking
Warner Bros. Studios is located at 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505. It is just west of the Hollywood Way/Victory Boulevard intersection. By car, the lot is very easy to reach from the I-5 Freeway: take the Victory Blvd exit (Exit 140) and head west two blocks to Hollywood Way, then turn left. The main studio gate is on Warner Blvd just south of Victory. From the north on I-5, the Buena Vista exit (exit 141) is one block north – turn right on Victory and then left on Hollywood to Warner Blvd. Signs for Warner Bros. Studios will guide you to the visitor entrance.
There is ample on-site parking for tour guests (typically several parking lots marked for Visitors/Studio Tours). Parking is free of charge for studio guests. (Some special-event valet or reserved areas may exist for large corporate events, but the general public lots are complimentary.) Plan to arrive at least 20–30 minutes early, since the parking lot can fill around peak tour hours. Follow directions from the attendant to the Visitor parking area; then walk to the main entrance. Rideshare drop-off and pick-up zones are available near the front gate, which makes Uber/Lyft access convenient. The lot can get busy on weekdays, though it is rarely more than a couple minutes’ walk from car to entry.
Public transportation options include buses and trains. LA Metro buses that serve nearby stops include Route 155 (via Victory Blvd) and Route 501 (Glendale’s CityLink/Orange line along Glendale Ave and Victory). Stop at Victory/Hollywood and walk west one block to Warner Blvd. The local Glendale and Burbank transit services also run lines (like Glendale’s Line 1/1X or Burbank’s ART) to stops within walking distance. For trains, the Metrolink/Amtrak Ventura County line stops at the nearby Burbank Downtown Station; from there a short bus ride (or quarter-mile walk) on Olive Avenue south to Lake Street and west to the studio will get you there. The Glendale Station (on the same line) is about a 1.5-mile walk or a short bus ride away. No subway (Metro Rail) station serves this area directly. Most visitors find driving or rideshare the easiest option, but budget enough time first to check transit schedules. The studios do not provide shuttle service. If you arrive by taxi or rideshare, simply give the address and the attendant will point you to the tour check-in entrance.
Inside the Venue
When you enter Warner Bros. Studios, you’ll go through a security/registration process. Have your tour confirmation (print or mobile) and photo ID ready to show. Bags and personal items are subject to inspection; generally small daypacks, purses, and cameras are allowed but large suitcases or tripods should be left behind. The staff may ask you to store bulky items or carry smaller ones. Once cleared, you’ll proceed into the Grand Lobby/Welcome Center. This is where you check in at the studio tour desk and get any last-minute instructions. The lobby houses a Starbucks with coffee and snacks, as well as the Warner Bros. Studio Store (open to the public). This Store sells a wide range of official Warner Bros. merchandise: film and TV collectibles, photo prints of the lot, theme-park style memorabilia (Batman capes, Hogwarts robes, DC action figures, etc.), t-shirts, mugs, posters and more. If you plan to shop, note that you will exit through this Store at the end of the tour, so you can browse for souvenirs then. (Bonus: employees often leave purchases at the exit so you don’t have to carry them around the lot.)
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour experience itself is a mix of indoor and outdoor settings. The entire studio is outdoors unless you enter a soundstage or exhibit. Prepare for sun or mild weather; the lot is shaded and tree-lined in parts, but bring a light jacket for cooler times of year. Most of the tour is wheelchair-accessible: the trams accommodate wheelchairs and the soundstage floors are smooth. There are mobility scooters available on request (free to borrow). Service dogs are allowed if arranged in advance. Restrooms are available at multiple points: behind the studio store, in some sound stages, and near Brownstone Street. You’ll likely have a break around Brownstone Street or near the finale stage; refreshment carts or snack stands are sometimes open around there, but in general outside food and drink (apart from bottled water) are discouraged except at these occasional stands.
Photography and smartphone use are encouraged. The guides often stop for generous photo-ops (Friends couch, Batmobile, etc.). You may film videos on most tour sections (fans often record themselves reenacting film scenes), and flash photography is fine except in dark indoor darkness. However, tripods or professional camera rigs are not permitted. Feel free to post your photos on social media, but make sure to stay with your group and guide for narration. One insider tip: the best photo spots are mid-tour at Stage 48 and the Batcave – the studio rotates vehicles and backdrops regularly, so keep an eye on announcements for special props that might be up on your visit.
As for amenities: restrooms have free-running cold water, and hand sanitizer stations are everywhere. There is no coat check other than storing your own items. Wi-Fi / guest internet is not provided in the studio (cellular reception is generally good, however, so your own data service works). If you have any needs (medical, lost item, etc.) there is a Guest Services desk near the lobby. Overall, the atmosphere inside is casual and friendly. The facility is often buzzing with film crews shooting shows or movies, so you might hear equipment noise. But outside of filming areas, the tour is family-friendly and well-policed. You’ll find a mix of excitement and nostalgia as the tour highlights Warner’s movie magic around you.
Nearby Amenities
The Warner Bros. lot is on Burbank’s media corridor, so visitors have plenty of nearby dining and hotel options for before or after their tour. Right around the corner on Victory Boulevard or the nearby Hollywood Way strip, you’ll find fast-casual spots like Olive Garden (Italian), Johnny Rockets (burgers), and local favorites (In-N-Out Burgers and World-famous Porto’s Bakery and Cafe are each a short drive away). For a sit-down meal, the nearby Castaway restaurant (with panoramic valley views) and Granville (casual American fare in an old house) are popular pre-theater dinner choices. The Hilton Garden Inn Burbank Downtown and Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport are within a mile – these mid-range hotels offer free shuttle service to the airport and are close to shopping center restaurants and bars, though they may require a rideshare. West of the studio, near Alameda and Magnolia, is Burbank’s downtown area: here you’ll find trendy spots like The Smoke House (American steakhouse), and bars like The Morrison or Barone’s, which are lively in the evenings. In Burbank’s adjacent community of Toluca Lake, and nearby Glendale’s Americana district, there are more nightlife venues if you’re staying late: breweries, lounges, and pubs are plentiful (Anthony’s Pizzeria, Barney’s Beanery, etc.). Public transit late-night schedules diminish after 9 PM, so rideshares or local buses (the Metro 501 route operates late) are your safest return options. Visitors often arrive a bit earlier to explore one of Burbank’s brewpubs or early evening specials before tours, or book a big breakfast at the hotel and head in. Shuttle and taxi services, plus Uber/Lyft, are readily available in Burbank around clock time. Helpful insider tip: if you have a tight schedule, Burbank movies are known to start shortly after dusk – plan your studio visit no later than mid-afternoon if you want to catch an evening movie or event in town.
What Makes This Venue Special
Warner Bros. Studios Burbank is as much a cultural landmark as it is a studio. Architecturally, the lot marries old Hollywood charm with modern flair. The original 1920s office buildings (Classic Revival style with Warner’s logo crest) stand by contemporary structures (notably the Frank Gehry-designed office complex from 2023). But perhaps the most iconic visual is the Warner Bros. water tower with the soaring “W” shield – it’s been a studio emblem in photos and film clips for decades. Another one-of-a-kind feature is the Friends fountain: the very fountain rackety in the show’s opening credits now sits on the lot, open for fans to view and photograph. That couch outside Monica’s apartment building is one example of many beloved pop-culture touchstones preserved here. The turn-of-the-century two-story Brownstone Street, the Wizarding World dioramas, and the batmotorium (Batcave garage) all feel like walking through an interactive blockbuster museum.
Historically, this studio has countless “firsts” and legends. It’s where the concept of the “sound stage” was perfected (Stage 16’s rise – literally elevating an entire sound stage for 1930s megamusicals – changed how films were made). Over successive generations, every major film and TV genre has been filmed here. From the gangster films of the 1930s (Public Enemy was made here) to musicals, war dramas (aerial and naval sets) to TV sitcoms: The Big Bang Theory , Gilmore Girls (the Stars Hollow exteriors), Ellen (at one point Ellen’s show, the lot’s Stage 1 had a live audience), and Wizards of Hogwarts – they all used these backlots. This gives the studio a mythical status: actors and filmmakers speak of it reverently. (Friends star Lisa Kudrow even filmed a video tour calling it “the best storybook” and pleaded that any new owner must keep it as it is – a place where a cast danced and filmed in the cold to shoot that fountain scene.)
Even local tradition has grown around the studio. Burbank celebrates movie milestones with street festivals and red-carpet premieres (sometimes held right on lot or downtown). Local schools often take field trips here to show kids a “Hollywood Day.” And industry professionals see the lot as “church” – many directors and crew have offices here, and attending a premiere at the Warner’s glitzy old theater is a rite of passage. Both artists and fans love the studio because it offers tangible magic: on tour you can actually ride the cart through historic film sets, walk out on a famous stage, and see costumes up close. No other venue combines everyday production bustle with such a deep sense of cinematic history. In short, Warner Bros. Studios matters not only because it’s a high-tech film factory, but because it’s a cherished piece of Hollywood heritage. It embodies decades of storytelling – and lets visitors feel like a part of that ongoing story.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair-friendly. Special low-floor trams can accommodate most manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters (provide notice when booking if you need a scooter; they are free on site). Service dogs are welcome (notify the studio in advance). If you need an American Sign Language interpreter, call at least 72 hours ahead so they can arrange one. Hearing impairment-friendly headsets are available on request. The studio aims to accommodate all guests, so mention any other needs in advance.What to Bring: Carry minimal belongings – a small bag or backpack is fine. You should bring your tour ticket (printed or on mobile), a government ID, and a camera/phone for photos. Bring water, sunscreen or a hat for sunny days, and wear comfortable shoes (lots of walking and getting on/off the tram). There are no bag checks or cloakrooms, so pack light. Rain gear can be handy if the weather is uncertain, as much of the lot is outdoors. A portable phone charger is a good idea; parts of the tour can last 3 hours and cell signal is reliable but you might snap many photos.What Not to Bring: Don’t bring oversized items (tripods, backpacks larger than 15", large balloons, drones, weapons of any kind, or outside food/drinks beyond small snacks and bottled water). Also, costume props or cosplay may be frowned upon during regular tours (the studio asks guests not to come in full costume, though on some special events like holidays themed tours, it might be allowed or even encouraged). Smoking/vaping is prohibited on studio property (except in designated off-lot areas that the guide will point out on request).Timing: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in. The tour operates roughly 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM daily (times can vary by season), and it generally closes on major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.). Plan to spend about 3–4 hours total for the tour. If you have time pressure, avoid booking the last tour of the day, as it may finish closer to store closing time.Age Recommendations: There is no strict age minimum, but the tour content is best for ages 5 and up. Little ones (under 5) may find it hard to stay engaged for 3+ hours and certain stops might not interest toddlers. Parents of young kids often bring quiet activities or plan breaks (there are restrooms and restroom in central spots). Children under 3 commonly ride free, but after that standard child pricing applies. School groups and families are common, and kids usually love the hands-on exhibits (sitting on the Friends couch, reaching at props in Harry Potter areas, etc.).Dress Code: No formal dress code is required. Casual, comfortable attire is recommended. Avoid high heels or slippery soles since you’ll be on trams and possibly limited outdoor terrain. The studio does not allow costume disguises (unless it’s a themed event with special permission). One area to note: if there’s a visit to a working soundstage, avoid anything that could fall off in a breeze (like wide hats) – but mostly you can dress normally. Some guests like to wear movie-themed t-shirts or jackets (Batman logos and Hogwarts scarves are common) to add to the fun, so feel free to show your fandom!Camera and Phone Use: Yes – photos and short videos are welcome on the tour. The staff encourages snapshots at the public sets (especially Stage 48 and Batcave). Live filming is fine unless the crew blocks a set for shooting. Leave the selfie sticks behind, as they can be awkward in crowds. If it’s dark indoors (usually not on stage sets, but the DC Batcave part is lit like Gotham City), your phone might handle low light but a quick flash or night mode can help. Keep your belongings secure, as the tour does involve hops on and off vehicles.Local Insight: Tours are often more crowded on weekends. If you can, try a weekday morning for a slightly more relaxed experience. Also, tour stops and the tram route can vary depending on what’s being filmed. The guide will let you know if a particular backlot street is closed off (for example, if a movie is shooting there). Many visitors find it helpful to speak up – if there’s a franchise you adore (DC, Harry Potter, etc.), let the guide know and they might tailor commentary. And lastly: tip the guide! They often work on commission and appreciate a good note or gratuity if you’ve enjoyed the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I purchase tickets and what do they cost?
Tickets for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood must be bought online in advance. Prices vary by package but generally range around $60–80 for adults and slightly less for children. There’s no walk-up box office, so visit the official tour website or authorized seller to select your date and time. Occasionally promotions or special event packages (like holiday tours) will have different pricing. Children under age 3 typically enter free; ages 3–12 usually get a reduced rate.
Can I get a discount or special offer?
Warner Bros. often offers a SoCal resident discount (sometimes around $9.95 for a general tour, one day only) and group discounts for student or tour groups. These specials must be booked through the official channel. Membership clubs, AAA, or credit-card deals rarely apply. Keep an eye on social media or the tour website for any current promotions. Military rates or other discounts are official exceptions, so mention any applicable status when booking.
Where do I go when I arrive at Warner Bros. Studios?
Pull into the Warner Bros. lot at the main gate on Warner Blvd. Follow signs to “Studio Tour Visitors.” Park in the Visitor parking lot (free of charge) and walk to the grand lobby. There you’ll check in at the Tour Center with your confirmation. The tour begins inside after security. If you arrive late, the tour departs promptly at its scheduled time, so plan to be 15–20 minutes early to spare.
Is there parking at the studio and is it free?
Yes, the studio provides on-site parking for visitors at no extra charge. Look for the visitor parking lots near the entrance on Warner Boulevard. Parking is first-come, so arriving early is wise on busy days. There are no long-term paid lots or validation needed; it’s simply free for tour guests. Rideshare drop-offs/pick-ups are also permitted at the front gate.
Can I get to Warner Bros. Studios by public transit?
Yes. Metro and local buses stop within walking distance of the studio. For example, Metro Bus 155 (along Victory Blvd) and Glendale’s Bus 501 both serve Victory & Hollywood, about two blocks from the studio. The nearest train is the Burbank Downtown Metrolink/Amtrak station; from there you’d take a short bus or rideshare. Plan your trip using the LA Metro trip planner. Note that buses and trains run on weekend schedules, and schedules vary late at night.
Is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely. Warner Bros. welcomes guests with mobility needs. They provide accessible tour trams (with spaces for wheelchairs) and loan wheelchairs free of charge if needed. The soundstages and most sets on the tour are wheelchair-friendly. If you need a wheelchair, request it when booking or at check-in. The studio also offers sign-language interpreters (with advance notice) and service animals are welcome.
Can children/toddlers join the tour?
Yes, kids of all ages are allowed on the tour, but it’s best suited for children age 5 and up. Little ones under 3 often ride free but might find the pace and length (3+ hours) challenging. School-aged children usually love the interactive exhibits (Friends couch, Harry Potter show, etc.). Plan extra bathroom or snack breaks if you have toddlers. Car seats or strollers are not needed once you’re inside – there’s a lot of walking and steps on the tram entry. Be sure to purchase any required child tickets when booking your group.
What items can I bring on the tour, and what are prohibited?
You may bring cameras, phones, wallets, keys, and small bags. Water bottles are fine (and you’ll find water fountains). Prohibited items include large suitcases, selfie sticks, drones, weapons, professional recording gear, and outside food (other than small snacks). If in doubt, leave bulky items at home or in your car. The studio staff will not confiscate anything, but you will be asked to check large items in your car or carry only what you need.
Can I take pictures and video during the tour?
Yes, filming and photography are allowed on most parts of the tour. Guests often snap photos on set walking around Brownstone Street, or of vehicles in the Batcave. You’ll be encouraged to take souvenir pictures of the movie props and sets (for example, standing by the Batmobile or on the Friends couch). Just be mindful of crew members who might be filming; if you’re on set during an active shoot, the guide will let you know when cameras are rolling, and in those moments photography might be limited. Otherwise, flash is allowed. No selfie-stick or monopod is needed or allowed, and filming professional interviews is not permitted.
Are costumes or cosplay allowed on the tour?
For regular guided tours, the studio requests that guests not wear elaborate costumes. Dress in comfortable casual clothes. A themed T-shirt or hat is great, but full cosplay (masks, capes, etc.) is discouraged on public tours. (Check if any special event you’re attending allows costuming – for example, their Halloween or comic-themed nights sometimes encourage cosplay.) Restrict costumes on the normal tour so as not to confuse filming. Just come as you are and have fun taking photos with the permanent sets!
What should I wear to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour?
Wear comfortable casual clothes and shoes. Most of the tour is outdoors in a Burbank climate (sunny, mild), so a hat and sunscreen are smart on warm days. Layers are helpful if you visit in cooler season or indoors. Avoid high heels or slippery soles since you’ll be climbing on and off trams. Costumes and masks aren’t allowed on regular tours, but showing your fandom with a Warner Brothers T-shirt or sweatshirt is perfectly fine!
How long is the tour, and do I need to stay with the group?
A standard tour lasts about 3 to 3.5 hours. You do need to stay with your tour group from start to finish. The tram and guide move on a schedule, so you cannot leave mid-tour and rejoin. Plan your day so that you can dedicate a half day for the tour. You can leave a staff member walking the route if absolutely necessary (for restroom breaks), but basically expect to be engaged the whole time. Most guests find the 3-hour length comfortable; it includes multiple set stops and a final exhibit. If you think shorter would be better for young children, consider taking breaks or dividing the day around those needs.
Are there restaurants or food on the studio lot?
Inside the tour itself, there is no full-service restaurant (except for a small cafe booth near Brownstone Street on occasion). The main lobby has a Starbucks and snack options, and the Warner Bros. Studio Store sells bottled drinks. So bring water and light snacks. For meals, the best options are off-site before or after. The nearby Warner Bros. commissary (for crew/cast) is NOT open to the public. Guests usually eat at local restaurants (see “Nearby Amenities”) before or after the tour.
What if it’s raining – does the tour run in bad weather?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine. The trams are covered and the stages are indoors, so only minor delays occur if there’s heavy rain. Bring an umbrella or light rain jacket if the forecast is wet. It rarely storms in Burbank; showers typically won’t cancel your tour. The studio suggests dressing for a little rain and maybe carrying a plastic poncho for outdoor segments. The final indoor portions (theater and props rooms) are especially cozy if it pours outside.
How early should I arrive before my tour time?
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour departure. This allows time to park, check in at the tour desk, and use restrooms if needed. Check-in opens roughly 30 minutes prior. Arriving a bit early helps you get through security smoothly. If you arrive late, the tour will still leave on time (groups can’t be delayed), so allow extra time for traffic and parking.
Can I see specific sets like the Friends apartment or the Batman set?
On the tour you will visit or pass many famous sets, but not all at once. The tour consistently includes Stage 48 where the Friends Central Perk set is – you can sit on the actual orange couch. There’s also the iconic Friends fountain for photos. The tour’s finale is the DC Universe exhibit, which includes a replica Batcave with several Batmobiles and costumes. You’ll see the water tower and many classic street sets (including those used for Batman scenes in film). Exact sets shown can vary by day (depending on filming in progress), but the guide will highlight whichever iconic locations are available during your visit. In summary: yes, the big ones like the Friends café and Batcave are part of the tour experience.
Is the tour audio guided in other languages?
Currently, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is only offered in English. All guide narrations and presentations are in English. If you or someone in your group needs special language assistance (for example ASL), you should arrange that in advance by contacting Guest Services. There are no multilingual audio guides provided at this time.
Can I visit soundstages or offices where actual shows are being filmed?
The tour goes by and depicts exteriors of working stages, but you will not enter any active production set. If a television show is being taped with a live audience (e.g. The Ellen Show in the past), the tour might drive by that soundstage, but you cannot sit in on those productions. The public tour is separate from actual filming. However, tour guests often get to walk through an empty former stage that’s set up as an exhibit (like Stage 48). In short: you see the facades and re-creations, but not a live studio audience experience unless it was announced as part of special event programming.
Is any part of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour outdoors or exposed to the weather?
Yes. The majority of the tour is outdoors on the lot. You will spend time on open-air trams and walking through street sets that are subject to weather (like Brownstone Street and New York Street). Some segments are indoors (the introductory screening room, Stage 48 soundstage, the DC finale in a large indoor space). We recommend checking the weather before you go. On sunny days wear sunscreen and a hat. On cooler days a light jacket is enough. On rare rainy days the trams are covered. The tour runs rain or shine.
What time should I arrive if I also want to explore Burbank or attend an evening movie?
If you plan to do something in Burbank (dinner, movie, etc.) before or after the tour, allow at least one extra hour on top of the 3–4 hours the tour takes. For example, if you have an evening film, consider taking a mid-afternoon tour so you finish by late afternoon. Burbank traffic can get busy after 5pm, so factor in travel time. Arriving early for lunch (or staying late for dinner) at a nearby restaurant is a good plan. Always check the movie schedule or restaurant hours in advance. Late-night rideshares back to the studio are usually quick since Burbank streets avoid big city congestion.
