You’re driving down Olive Avenue in Burbank, squinting at the GPS, and suddenly there it is. Warner Bros Gate 4. It’s not the flashy, tourist-heavy entrance you see in the glossy brochures. It’s a working gate. Real. Functional. A bit intimidating if you don't know the drill.
Most people think "Warner Bros" and imagine the giant shield or the water tower. But if you're actually going there for a meeting, a taping, or a specialized check-in, Gate 4 is often where the rubber meets the road.
Honestly, the logistics of a major Hollywood lot are a nightmare if you aren't prepared. Gate 4 is situated at 3772 West Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91505. It’s the primary studio entrance for many visitors who aren't necessarily there for the standard $70+ tourist tram ride.
Why Gate 4 Is Different From the Tour Center
If you’re looking for the gift shop and the Friends fountain right off the bat, you’ve probably come to the wrong place. The main Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood entrance moved a while back. It’s now located over at 3400 Warner Blvd, complete with a massive parking structure and a sleek welcome center.
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Gate 4? That’s for the business of show business.
It’s the portal for guests, vendors, and sometimes audience members for specific shows. You can’t just roll up, wave at the guard, and expect to see the Batmobile.
Security here is tight.
You’ll pull up to a booth. A security officer—who has seen everything and isn't particularly impressed that you once saw Barbie twice—will ask for your government-issued ID. No ID, no entry. Period. They aren't kidding about this.
The Protocol for Getting Past the Booth
Once you’re cleared, you get a visitor pass. Don't lose it. It's your lifeline.
Basically, the instructions for Gate 4 usually follow a very specific path:
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- Stop at the booth. Have that ID ready before you even reach the window.
- State your business. Are you here for a meeting in Building 129? A taping?
- Follow the directions. Usually, they’ll tell you to make your first left before you hit the iconic water tower.
It's sort of a "choose your own adventure" situation after that. If you take a right at the dead end, you’re deeper into the lot. If you miss a turn, you might accidentally end up on the set of Abbott Elementary or Young Sheldon (or whatever is currently occupying the stages), and security will find you. Fast.
The Geography of the Lot Near Gate 4
What most people get wrong is the scale. Warner Bros. is basically a city. We’re talking 110 acres of soundstages and backlot sets.
Gate 4 sits on the northern edge of the lot. It’s close to some heavy-hitter locations.
Stage 4 and the Legacy of Blade Runner
Just inside the vicinity of this entrance is Stage 4. If you’re a film nerd, this is holy ground. This is where Ridley Scott filmed parts of Blade Runner back in 1982.
The history is baked into the concrete. You’ve got buildings that have been standing since the 1920s when it was still First National Pictures.
The Walk-Thru vs. Drive-Thru Reality
The hours for Gate 4 aren't 24/7 for everyone. Generally, for "Walk-Thru" access (if you’re a local or taking a rideshare), it’s open Monday through Friday from about 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.
If you’re driving in? The "Drive-Thru" hours are broader—usually 4:30 am to 9:00 pm.
But look, these times change based on production needs. If a massive blockbuster is shooting a night scene that requires total light control or street closures, Gate 4 might be a ghost town or a fortress.
Tips for Not Looking Like a Lost Tourist
If you find yourself at Warner Bros Gate 4, you’ve probably got an appointment. Here is how to handle it like a pro.
Rideshare is your friend. Parking in Burbank is a special kind of hell. If you get dropped off at Gate 4, you can walk through the pedestrian lane after showing your ID. It saves you the "where do I park my rental car" panic.
Don't take photos of the gate.
Security gets jumpy. They have signs everywhere. Yes, it’s a famous studio. No, they don't want you livestreaming the security protocols or the license plates of the Black SUVs rolling in.
Know your destination building.
"I'm here for Warner Bros" won't get you past the guard. You need a name and a building number.
Expert Insight: If you're looking for the Studio Store or the public tour, do not go to Gate 4. You will be politely (or firmly) told to U-turn and head to the Tour Center at 3400 Warner Blvd.
Is Gate 4 Worth Seeing?
If you're just a fan? Not really.
It’s a gate. A booth. Some asphalt.
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The magic happens behind it, on the backlots like Midwest Street (where Gilmore Girls was filmed) or Hennesy Street. But you can’t see those from the sidewalk on Olive Ave. The walls are high for a reason.
However, if you are a production professional or a "Friend of the Studio," Gate 4 is your home base. It’s the entrance that feels the most "Old Hollywood" because of its proximity to the original office buildings and the historic soundstages.
What Really Happens if You Go to the Wrong Gate?
It happens. A lot.
Usually, the guard will give you a small map or point you down the street toward the Tour Center. It’s about a five-minute drive around the perimeter.
Don't try to argue. Don't try to "peek."
Warner Bros. is an active production facility. They have millions of dollars of equipment and high-profile talent on the move. They take the "No Public Access" signs at Gate 4 very seriously.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you actually have a reason to be at Warner Bros Gate 4, here is your checklist:
- Confirm your credentials: Make sure your contact at the studio has "put you on the gate." This means your name is in their computer system.
- Bring your Physical ID: A photo of your license on your phone won't work. You need the plastic.
- Arrive 20 minutes early: Security lines at Gate 4 can get backed up with delivery trucks and crew vans.
- Check the address: Double-check your email. If it says 3400 Warner Blvd, you’re a tourist. If it says 3772 W Olive, you’re at Gate 4.
The studio is a living, breathing entity. Gate 4 is just one of its many valves. Understanding the difference between a "production gate" and a "tourist entrance" is the first step to navigating Burbank without losing your mind.
Before you head out, verify your destination one last time on the official Warner Bros. Studio Operations map. It’ll save you a very awkward conversation with a guy in a uniform.