Route guide
Cheap Flights from Atlanta to Los Angeles: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 1,940 mi
- Typical flight time
- 4 h – 5 h
- Airports
- 1 × 5
- Time difference
- 3 h behind
This page covers the practical side of flying between Atlanta and Los Angeles: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Airport pairs to compare
Atlanta's airport is one of the busiest in the world and acts as a major connecting hub for the Southeast. Los Angeles spreads across a vast basin, so the best airport depends on where you are staying. LAX is the main gateway, but several smaller airports sit within driving distance.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| ATL to LAX | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International | Los Angeles International |
| ATL to BUR | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International | Hollywood Burbank |
| ATL to SNA | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International | John Wayne (Orange County) |
| ATL to LGB | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International | Long Beach |
| ATL to ONT | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International | Ontario International |
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Atlanta: Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines
- At Los Angeles: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines
Delta Air Lines has a base at both ends, which can make nonstop service more likely. Schedules change, so a specialist confirms what actually operates on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Atlanta
Spring and fall are mild. Summers are hot and humid with frequent afternoon storms.
Los Angeles
Spring and fall are comfortable. May and June often bring a coastal marine layer of morning cloud, and summer is a busy season.
Getting between the airport and town
Atlanta: MARTA rail runs from the airport terminal to downtown and midtown, which is often faster than road traffic at peak hours.
Los Angeles: Freeway traffic can turn a short distance into a long trip at rush hour, so allow generous time between the airport and your destination.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Because it is such a large connecting point, give yourself more time between flights here. The terminals are linked by an underground train.
- If you are flexible about airports, ask for prices into more than one of them. Fares and schedules can differ noticeably.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Atlanta from Los Angeles?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 1,940 miles (3,130 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 4 h to 5 h in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At Atlanta: ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International). At Los Angeles: LAX (Los Angeles International), BUR (Hollywood Burbank), SNA (John Wayne (Orange County)), LGB (Long Beach), ONT (Ontario International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Los Angeles is 3 hours behind Atlanta.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.