Route guide
Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to Philadelphia: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 2,400 mi
- Typical flight time
- 5 h – 6 h
- Airports
- 5 × 1
- Time difference
- 3 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Los Angeles and Philadelphia: 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 Philadelphia is about 2,400 miles (3,860 km) and a typical flight takes 5 h to 6 h. Philadelphia is 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles. Los Angeles has 5 airports to compare and Philadelphia 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. Philadelphia's airport is a hub with strong connecting traffic, and it is linked to Center City by regional rail.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| LAX to PHL | Los Angeles International | Philadelphia International |
| BUR to PHL | Hollywood Burbank | Philadelphia International |
| SNA to PHL | John Wayne (Orange County) | Philadelphia International |
| LGB to PHL | Long Beach | Philadelphia International |
| ONT to PHL | Ontario International | Philadelphia 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. - PHL · Philadelphia International
A hub airport with regional rail service to Center City.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Los Angeles: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines
- At Philadelphia: American Airlines
American 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.
Philadelphia
Spring and fall are the most comfortable. Summers are hot and humid, and winter storms can disrupt flights.
How long is Los Angeles to Philadelphia?
At about 2,400 miles, Los Angeles to Philadelphia is a long domestic-style flight of several hours. Meal options, seat choice and baggage rules matter more on a trip this long, so compare the full total rather than just the base fare.
Time zones and timing
Philadelphia is 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles, so you land at a local time 3 hours later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination. Check the arrival date on any overnight itinerary, since it can differ from the departure date.
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.
Philadelphia: SEPTA Regional Rail runs from the airport to Center City.
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.
- Because many passengers connect here, keep extra time between flights, especially in winter.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Philadelphia to Los Angeles?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Los Angeles or all flights from Philadelphia.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Los Angeles from Philadelphia?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 2,400 miles (3,860 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 5 h to 6 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 Philadelphia: PHL (Philadelphia International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
Philadelphia is 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
When is the best time to fly from Los Angeles to Philadelphia?
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 Philadelphia: Spring and fall are the most comfortable. Summers are hot and humid, and winter storms can disrupt flights. 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 Philadelphia?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska 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.