Route guide
Cheap Flights from New York to Los Angeles: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 2,470 mi
- Typical flight time
- 5 h – 6 h
- Airports
- 3 × 5
- Time difference
- 3 h behind
This page covers the practical side of flying between New York 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
New York is served by three major airports across two states, so choosing the right airport is one of the biggest levers on both price and door-to-door time. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| JFK to LAX | John F. Kennedy International | Los Angeles International |
| JFK to BUR | John F. Kennedy International | Hollywood Burbank |
| JFK to SNA | John F. Kennedy International | John Wayne (Orange County) |
| JFK to LGB | John F. Kennedy International | Long Beach |
| JFK to ONT | John F. Kennedy International | Ontario International |
| LGA to LAX | LaGuardia | Los Angeles International |
| LGA to BUR | LaGuardia | Hollywood Burbank |
| LGA to SNA | LaGuardia | John Wayne (Orange County) |
| LGA to LGB | LaGuardia | Long Beach |
| LGA to ONT | LaGuardia | Ontario International |
| EWR to LAX | Newark Liberty International | Los Angeles International |
| EWR to BUR | Newark Liberty International | Hollywood Burbank |
| EWR to SNA | Newark Liberty International | John Wayne (Orange County) |
| EWR to LGB | Newark Liberty International | Long Beach |
| EWR to ONT | Newark Liberty International | Ontario International |
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At New York: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways
- At Los Angeles: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines
United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines have 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
New York
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) bring the mildest weather. December fills up with holiday visitors, and late summer can be hot and humid.
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
New York: Subway, commuter rail and buses link all three airports to Manhattan. Taxis and ride-hail are everywhere but depend heavily on traffic.
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
- Winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the usual causes of delays, so leave extra connection time in those seasons.
- 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 New York from Los Angeles?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 2,470 miles (3,970 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from New York to Los Angeles?
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 New York: JFK (John F. Kennedy International), LGA (LaGuardia), EWR (Newark Liberty 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 New York.
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.