The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is one of Los Angeles's most popular attractions, and for good reason. It gives fans of Friends, Harry Potter, the DC Universe, and classic Hollywood filmmaking a real, behind-the-scenes look at how their favorite shows and movies come together. Knowing how long the tour takes, what each part includes, and when to go will help you plan a full and enjoyable day for the whole family. The tour takes place on an active production lot in Burbank, so a little planning goes a long way toward getting the most out of your visit.
Average Time Commitment for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
The standard Warner Bros. Studio Tour takes about three hours. It's the most popular option and a great fit for first-time visitors and families. The first hour is a guided experience aboard a cart, led by a knowledgeable tour guide who highlights the working backlot. The remaining two hours are self-guided, giving you time to explore interactive exhibits, themed areas, and soundstage experiences at your own pace.
What Happens During the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Experience
Everything starts at the studio lot in Burbank. Guests should arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled check-in time. A short welcome film kicks off the visit with famous faces and memorable movie moments.
From there, guests board a guided cart and travel through the studio backlots, which span 110 acres. Along the way, the tour guide highlights sets that have appeared in countless films and television shows. Stops include Brownstone Street, Mid-West Street (recognizable as Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls), and New York Street. Photography is welcome in most areas of the tour, so there are plenty of chances to capture the moment. Because this is an active working studio, the scenery shifts from day to day depending on current productions, so every visit is a little different.
Once the guided tour wraps up, guests head to Stage 48: Script to Screen, the self-guided centerpiece of the experience. This is where visitors can experience movie magic firsthand, from experimenting with green-screen technology to checking out authentic costumes and props. The final stretch features recreated sets from the DC Universe and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts, including a Hogwarts house sorting ceremony that's a hit with kids and adults alike. One note for families: children must be at least five years old to participate in any of the studio tours.
When To Schedule Your Visit for the Best Experience
Timing plays a big role in the overall tour experience. Weekday mornings draw the smallest crowds, which means shorter waits and a better chance of seeing active productions on the lot.
Summer and holidays bring the heaviest traffic, though Warner Bros. often introduces special themed experiences that families love. The shoulder months (March through May and September through November) typically offer the best mix of favorable weather, lighter crowds, and active production schedules.
Wear comfortable walking shoes since the tour covers a lot of ground. Soundstages are kept cool for equipment, so bring a light jacket. And book your time slot early, especially during peak season, to lock in the best availability.
Combining the Tour With Other CityPASS Attractions
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour leaves plenty of room in your day for other Los Angeles attractions. The studio's Burbank location puts you close to several other popular spots. The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is just a few minutes away in Griffith Park, making it an easy same-day pairing, especially for families with younger kids. Universal Studios Hollywood is also nearby in Universal City, though that's a full-day commitment on its own.
For attractions a bit farther out, like the GRAMMY Museum, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, or Madame Tussauds Hollywood, a morning studio tour still leaves a comfortable window to make the drive and enjoy an afternoon visit.
CityPASS tickets make it simple to see more. Depending on the package you choose, you get admission to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour and/or Universal Studios Hollywood, plus your choice of three additional attractions. You get nine consecutive days to use your tickets, and there's no limit on how many attractions you can visit in a day, so an early start can help you make the most of your day.
Get your Los Angeles CityPASS tickets and start planning your Warner Bros. Studio Tour visit today.