Route guide
Cheap Flights from Houston to Los Angeles: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 1,380 mi
- Typical flight time
- 3 h – 4 h
- Airports
- 2 × 5
- Time difference
- 2 h behind
This page covers the practical side of flying between Houston 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
Houston has two main airports: Bush Intercontinental to the north and Hobby to the southeast. Hobby is closer to downtown. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| IAH to LAX | George Bush Intercontinental | Los Angeles International |
| IAH to BUR | George Bush Intercontinental | Hollywood Burbank |
| IAH to SNA | George Bush Intercontinental | John Wayne (Orange County) |
| IAH to LGB | George Bush Intercontinental | Long Beach |
| IAH to ONT | George Bush Intercontinental | Ontario International |
| HOU to LAX | William P. Hobby | Los Angeles International |
| HOU to BUR | William P. Hobby | Hollywood Burbank |
| HOU to SNA | William P. Hobby | John Wayne (Orange County) |
| HOU to LGB | William P. Hobby | Long Beach |
| HOU to ONT | William P. Hobby | Ontario International |
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Houston: United Airlines, Southwest Airlines
- At Los Angeles: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines
United Airlines 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
Houston
Fall through spring is the most comfortable period. Summers are hot and humid, and hurricane season runs June through November.
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.
Hurricane season runs from June through November and can affect travel to or from Houston. Read the fare rules on changes and consider weather coverage if you travel then.
Getting between the airport and town
Houston: Rental cars and ride-hail are the most common choices. Distances are large, so check where your hotel is before choosing an airport.
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
- Compare both airports when you look at fares, and keep weather in mind if you travel in late summer.
- 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 Houston from Los Angeles?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 1,380 miles (2,210 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Houston to Los Angeles?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 3 h to 4 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 Houston: IAH (George Bush Intercontinental), HOU (William P. Hobby). 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 2 hours behind Houston.
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.