What is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood?
A guided tour of a working film and TV studio in Burbank, where films and shows have been made since the 1920s, from *Casablanca* to *Friends*, *Gilmore Girls* and *The Big Bang Theory*. You ride a small tram with a guide through the backlot streets and sound stages, then explore self-guided exhibits for about two hours.
It's very different from Universal Studios Hollywood: there are no rides. It's for film and TV fans who want to see where things are really made, and it has the best Friends, Harry Potter and DC superhero exhibits in Los Angeles.
Because the studio is in active use, what you see changes daily: guides route the tram around live productions, and sometimes you'll stand on a set that's in use that week.
Which tour should you book?
Our pick
Studio Tour for most people and families. TCM Classic Films if you love old Hollywood. Studio Tour Plus if you want more time with a guide and lunch included: it's the best value upgrade. Deluxe only for serious film fans, as it's a full day.
Prices can change and seasonal events (like the Friends-themed *Friendsgiving* in late autumn) have their own tickets. The official site has the current prices for your date. Southern California residents sometimes get discounted rates.
Passes and third-party tickets
The Studio Tour is included in some Los Angeles sightseeing passes. A pass only pays off if you're doing several expensive attractions. Pass holders still need to reserve a tour time.
Age rules and ID
- Under 5s are not allowed on any tour, including in a carrier or stroller. Plan childcare or a different activity for toddlers.
- Ages 5-17 must be with an adult.
- Adult pricing starts at 11.
- This is an active studio lot with security checks. Adults should bring a government-issued photo ID.
How busy is the WB Studio Tour?
Tours are timed and trams are small, so the guided part never feels crowded. The crowds build in the self-guided areas at the end, especially in the afternoon when tours that started at different times all end up there at once.
By time and day
How to skip the lines
- Book online on the official site. Weekend and holiday tours sell out.
- Choose the first tour of the day. You'll finish the guided part before most other groups start.
- Arrive 30 minutes early to park, go through security and check in.
- Go straight to the photo spots after the guided part: the Central Perk couch first, then the Sorting Hat and the Batmobiles.
- Leave large bags behind. They're not allowed, and there's no point carrying them through security.
What you'll see
The guided tram tour
- Storytelling Showcase: a short introduction to the studio's history.
- The backlot: the Brownstone, Midwest and New York streets, which have stood in for cities all over the world. Your guide shows you where famous scenes were shot.
- Sound stages: the guide picks stages that aren't in use. Sometimes you'll walk onto a set that's being used for a current show.
- The Friends fountain: the real fountain from the opening credits, when production allows.
Stage 48: Script to Screen (self-guided)
The recreated Central Perk from *Friends*, with the orange couch, plus The Big Bang Theory sets, interactive production exhibits and the Art of Sound area where you can try sound effects. Central Perk Café sells coffee and food.
Action and Magic Made Here (self-guided)
- Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts: Privet Drive, the Hogwarts Great Hall with the Sorting Hat, wand choreography, the Potions and Herbology classrooms and Newt Scamander's shed.
- DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains: the Batcave with the Batpod and Batmobiles, Wonder Woman's study, Arkham Asylum's gates, Superman's office and Aquaman's lair.
Plans by visitor type
Friends fans
Book the first tour and go straight to the Central Perk couch. Ask your guide about the fountain. If you're visiting in late autumn, look at the seasonal Friendsgiving event.
Harry Potter fans
The Hollywood tour has a smaller Harry Potter section than the London studio tour, but the Sorting Hat experience is popular with all ages. Combine with The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Hollywood for a full day.
Families
Kids must be at least 5. The DC and Harry Potter exhibits and the Sorting Hat are the hits. The Studio Tour is the right length for children.
Classic film lovers
Book the TCM Classic Films Tour: longer, with a guide focused on 1920s-1970 Hollywood and historic sets.
Limited mobility
The tour is mostly by tram with some walking. Contact the studio in advance to arrange access. ASL-interpreted tours need 72 hours' notice.
Getting there
Address: 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505. There's paid parking for tour guests. Allow extra time for LA traffic, especially on weekday mornings.
Insider tips
- First tour, weekday. The single best way to avoid lines at the photo spots.
- Ask your guide what's filming. Guides know which stages are busy that day and often point out where current shows are made.
- Do the self-guided areas in reverse. Most groups start with Stage 48. If its queues are long, do Harry Potter and DC first.
- Studio Tour Plus is worth it for fans: a smaller group, more stops and lunch included for about $80 more.
- No toddlers. It's the single most common surprise for families. Under 5s aren't allowed, even in a carrier.
- Book the date first, then the time: the booking page has a countdown timer, so have your details ready.
Mistakes to avoid
- Bringing a child under 5.
- Arriving at your tour time instead of 30 minutes early.
- Booking an afternoon tour and then being rushed through the self-guided exhibits.
- Filming video: only photos are allowed.
- Expecting rides. It's a studio tour, not a theme park.
Is it worth it?
Yes, for film and TV fans. It's the most authentic studio tour in Los Angeles, on a working lot, with real sets and excellent guides, and the Friends and Harry Potter areas are a bonus. If your group wants rides and shows, choose Universal Studios Hollywood instead. If you have time, do both.
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FAQs
How much is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood?
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The Studio Tour is $79 for adults and $68 for ages 5-10. TCM Classic Films is $99/$79, Studio Tour Plus $160/$138 and the Deluxe Tour $330.
Can children under 5 go on the WB Studio Tour?
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No. Under 5s aren't allowed on any tour.
How long is the Warner Bros. Studio Tour?
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About 3 hours: 45-60 minutes guided, then about 2 hours of self-guided exhibits. Studio Tour Plus is 4 hours and the Deluxe Tour 6 hours.
Do I need to book in advance?
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Yes. Tours are timed and weekends and holidays sell out.
Is the Friends set on the tour?
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Yes. Stage 48 has the recreated Central Perk set and couch. The real Friends fountain is a photo stop when production allows.
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
