Route guide
Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to Denver: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 860 mi
- Typical flight time
- 2 h – 3 h
- Airports
- 5 × 1
- Time difference
- 1 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Los Angeles and Denver: 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.
Quick answer: Los Angeles to Denver is about 860 miles (1,380 km) and a typical flight takes 2 h to 3 h. Denver is 1 hour ahead of Los Angeles. Los Angeles has 5 airports to compare and Denver has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
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. Denver's airport lies on the plains northeast of the city, roughly 25 miles from downtown, so ground transport time matters.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| LAX to DEN | Los Angeles International | Denver International |
| BUR to DEN | Hollywood Burbank | Denver International |
| SNA to DEN | John Wayne (Orange County) | Denver International |
| LGB to DEN | Long Beach | Denver International |
| ONT to DEN | Ontario International | Denver International |
About the airports
- LAX · Los Angeles International
The main gateway, on the west side near the coast. - BUR · Hollywood Burbank
A smaller airport that is convenient for Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley. - SNA · John Wayne (Orange County)
A good option if you are staying in Orange County. - LGB · Long Beach
A small, easy airport near the southern part of the region. - ONT · Ontario International
An inland airport that suits trips to the eastern suburbs. - DEN · Denver International
Sits roughly 25 miles northeast of downtown, with a commuter rail line to Union Station.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Los Angeles: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- At Denver: United Airlines, Southwest 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
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.
Denver
Ski season (roughly late November through April) and summer are the busiest periods. Winter storms can disrupt flights, and spring snow is not unusual.
How long is Los Angeles to Denver?
At about 860 miles, Los Angeles to Denver is a short-to-medium flight. Fares on routes this length are sensitive to the day of the week and the time of day, so check a few departure times before you settle.
Time zones and timing
Denver is 1 hour ahead of Los Angeles, so you land at a local time 1 hour later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
Getting between the airport and town
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.
Denver: The A Line commuter train runs from the airport to Union Station downtown. Shuttles and rental cars serve the mountains.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
- If you are flexible about airports, ask for prices into more than one of them. Fares and schedules can differ noticeably.
- If you are heading to a ski area, allow extra time on mountain roads in winter, and watch the forecast before travel day.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Denver to Los Angeles?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Los Angeles or all flights from Denver.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Los Angeles from Denver?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 860 miles (1,380 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Los Angeles to Denver?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 2 h to 3 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 Los Angeles: LAX (Los Angeles International), BUR (Hollywood Burbank), SNA (John Wayne (Orange County)), LGB (Long Beach), ONT (Ontario International). At Denver: DEN (Denver International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Denver is 1 hour ahead of Los Angeles.
When is the best time to fly from Los Angeles to Denver?
In 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. In Denver: Ski season (roughly late November through April) and summer are the busiest periods. Winter storms can disrupt flights, and spring snow is not unusual. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Los Angeles to Denver?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.
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.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.