Thinking about living in Santa Clarita and working in Burbank? You are not alone. Many buyers trade a shorter commute for more space, newer homes, and parks in the Santa Clarita Valley. The key is knowing what your day will really look like. In this guide, you will get realistic drive-time ranges, rail options, neighborhood tips, and a simple checklist to test the commute before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Commute at a glance
- Off-peak driving: about 25–35 minutes from central Santa Clarita to central Burbank.
- Peak driving: commonly 45–75 minutes in rush hour, and more than 90 minutes when there are incidents.
- Direction matters: mornings are heavier southbound toward Burbank, evenings heavier northbound back to Santa Clarita.
- Rail option: Metrolink’s Antelope Valley Line can be a predictable alternative for many commuters, with a last‑mile transfer in Burbank.
Driving basics
Main route to Burbank
Most drivers use I-5 South through the Newhall Pass into the San Fernando Valley, then continue on I-5 or switch to local streets into Burbank. Parts of SR-14 feed into I-5 near the pass. This is the most direct and widely used corridor.
Typical travel times
If you drive outside rush hour, many trips land in the 25–35 minute range. During weekday peak periods, plan for 45–75 minutes. Incidents like collisions or stalled vehicles can push travel times higher because there are limited parallel freeway alternatives.
Congestion hot spots
Expect slowdowns at the Newhall Pass and I-5 interchanges where merging, truck traffic, and heavy volumes converge. Special events in the Valley and construction projects can increase delays. Build in a buffer for important mornings and evening returns.
Ways to save time
- Carpool where you can to access HOV lanes on relevant segments.
- Shift your departure earlier or later to dodge peak windows.
- Use real-time tools to check conditions and incidents before you leave.
- Keep a backup route in mind for surface-street detours when needed.
Metrolink option
How the train helps
Metrolink’s Antelope Valley Line connects Santa Clarita Valley stations to the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles. It avoids most freeway delays and offers predictable peak-period schedules. Many buyers park at a station, ride the train, then handle the last mile in Burbank by walking, a local bus, rideshare, or an employer shuttle.
What to consider
Metrolink frequency is stronger during commute times and lighter midday and on weekends. You will likely need a transfer in Burbank, so check whether your workplace is walkable from the station or if there is a simple bus or shuttle. Confirm station parking rules, hours, and availability, since some lots fill early.
Last-mile in Burbank
Your final leg may include a short walk, local bus, bike, rideshare, or an employer shuttle. Some larger employers offer commute programs. If you prefer biking, look for bike parking and safe access at the stations you plan to use.
Neighborhoods that ease the drive
Close to I-5 and Newhall Pass
- Stevenson Ranch and southern Valencia: These areas are closer to I-5 and typically reduce the distance to the Newhall Pass.
- Newhall and Old Town Newhall: Southwest SCV locations that offer convenient access to I-5 exits.
These areas can still see peak congestion, but proximity helps reduce total drive time.
Near rail and park-and-ride
- Areas near Santa Clarita’s Metrolink stations, including neighborhoods around the Newhall station, make rail commuting easier.
- Parts of Valencia, depending on proximity to a station or express bus connections, can work well for train riders.
If you plan to use Metrolink, weigh first and last-mile time, station parking, and schedule alignment with your work hours.
More space, longer commute
- Canyon Country and other east or northeast SCV neighborhoods often offer larger lots and more affordable single-family homes.
- You will likely add time to your drive and rely more on I-5, so factor that into daily planning.
Family schedule planning
School and childcare logistics
If you have school-age children, align bell schedules with your commute window. Consider on-campus programs, local childcare, or carpooling to smooth pickups and activities. Plan a backup driver for occasional late meetings or overtime days.
Hybrid work makes a difference
If you can work from home part of the week, your commute equation changes dramatically. On in-office days, choose the most predictable mode, whether that is an early drive with a buffer or a train that matches your start time.
After-school activities
Sports and clubs can add multiple trips each week. Keep practice locations and start times in mind when picking a neighborhood. A slightly closer location to I-5 or a Metrolink station can free up time in the afternoon.
Cost and time tradeoffs
Compare the value of space and price in Santa Clarita against your time on the road. Add up fuel, vehicle wear and tear, parking, train fares if you ride, and the time you spend traveling. If you can carpool and use HOV lanes, you may save minutes in peak windows. If you prefer predictability, Metrolink can reduce stress, though you will plan around a timetable.
Buyer checklist
- Work hours: How fixed are your start and end times, and can you shift them?
- Commute test: Can you test your exact route or train for a week during real hours?
- Employer support: Do you get a shuttle, parking, or transit subsidy, and is there on-site bike parking?
- Train fit: Do Metrolink schedules match your work times, and are there late options if needed?
- Access: How close is the home to a station or a major freeway entrance, and what is your first or last-mile time?
- Family plan: Will school and childcare logistics fit your commute window?
- Parking: What are the station parking rules and availability for the lot you would use?
- Cost comparison: How do gas, maintenance, fares, and parking stack up against your time value?
- Resale: Does the location appeal to future commuters, with access to stations, highways, or community amenities?
How to test your commute
- Run multiple trip tests during your actual work windows, both directions, across several weekdays.
- Try both modes. Drive one day, ride Metrolink on another, and note total door-to-door time.
- Check variability. Keep an eye on incident alerts, special events, and construction that could affect your route.
- Time the last mile. In Burbank, try your walk, bus, shuttle, or rideshare during peak times.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Relying on a single test drive outside peak hours.
- Ignoring station parking rules or arriving after lots fill.
- Underestimating last-mile time from the Burbank station to work.
- Forgetting about special events that add traffic in the Valley.
- Overlooking your partner’s commute or weekly activity schedule.
What this means for your home search
If you want faster drives, target neighborhoods closer to I-5 and the Newhall Pass. If you prefer predictable timing, look near Metrolink stations and test the last mile to your workplace. If you need more space, look farther east or north, then budget extra time and identify good carpool options. With a clear plan, the Santa Clarita-to-Burbank commute can fit your day without constant surprises.
Ready to match your commute plan with the right neighborhood and home? Reach out to Alin Kazarian for local guidance on routes, rail access, and family-friendly communities, all with boutique, client-first service. Start your search with a conversation at Alin Kazarian.
FAQs
How long is the Santa Clarita to Burbank drive in rush hour?
- Plan for 45–75 minutes during peak periods, with the possibility of longer times when incidents occur.
Is Metrolink a reliable alternative to driving from Santa Clarita?
- Yes for many commuters during peak windows, but check current schedules, station parking, and your last-mile plan in Burbank.
Which Santa Clarita neighborhoods can shorten the Burbank commute?
- Stevenson Ranch, southern Valencia, and Newhall often reduce distance to I-5, while areas near Metrolink stations favor rail access.
What should families consider about the commute and school schedules?
- Align bell times with your commute, plan for after-school care or carpools, and have a backup driver for late days.
How do I compare costs between driving and taking the train?
- Add fuel, maintenance, and parking for driving versus fares and parking for rail, then factor in your time value and predictability.
What are common congestion points on the I-5 corridor?
- The Newhall Pass and I-5 interchanges see frequent slowdowns, especially with merging traffic and incidents.
