Travelling from Phoenix to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Begin your journey at one of Phoenix's main airports, Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport (PHX) or Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA). Check out your options for booking a flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles taking off from either of these.
When it comes to touching down in Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a primary hub. Another is Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
Book a direct Phoenix to Los Angeles flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 1 hour 30 minutes.
Los Angeles is one hour behind Phoenix and observes the UTC-8 timezone.
Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport (PHX) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 128 weekly flights to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles is with Southwest Airlines at 22:45. Choose the first PHX to LAX departure with United Airlines at 05:20 to make the most of your arrival in Los Angeles.
To ensure you don't miss your Phoenix to Los Angeles flight, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months like April, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier than usual. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights when you travel during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Phoenix to Los Angeles
Booking ahead of time is often the key to locking in a cheap Phoenix to Los Angeles flight. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more expensive your ticket may be.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across each month when looking for your plane ticket from Phoenix to Los Angeles.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Phoenix to Los Angeles by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Phoenix to Los Angeles flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Phoenix
Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport (PHX)
Set off from Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport (PHX) on a nonstop flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles. From PHX, you can fly straight to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
You'll find plenty of airlines that offer direct Phoenix to Los Angeles plane tickets out of PHX. Get up and away with one of these trusted names:
PHX is around 6 kilometres from central Phoenix. If you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving from the centre, it'll take 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 25 minutes.
After a leisurely start to your travels? Stay near Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Phoenix Sky Harbour Airport earns top marks for on-time performance. 80% of flights that depart PHX reach their destination on time.
PHX is located at 3400 Sky Harbour Boulevard.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles takes about 35 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 19 kilometres away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 1 hour.
If you have a late flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near LAX:
Hit the road running by picking up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and experience the lesser-explored corners of Los Angeles and beyond.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your ride from Los Angeles International Airport around one week before your departure date.
LAX is situated at One World Way.
Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Central Los Angeles is around 27 kilometres from Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Once your flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 35 minutes.
The journey will take about 1 hour 15 minutes on public transport.
There are some great places ready to welcome you near VNY. Settle in and get cosy after your Phoenix to Los Angeles flight at any of these well-located options:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or slow-moving taxi lines. Pick up a Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare rates and availability from Budget, Dollar and Hertz.
Pick the vehicle you actually want, not just what's available, by securing your ride from VNY in advance. You can also avoid paying extra, especially when demand is high.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
It's time to figure out your travel dates for your flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles. July is the busiest month for a trip to Los Angeles. If you want a more low-key vibe, go in March.
Book a Phoenix to Los Angeles ticket departing in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Los Angeles to range from 16ºC to 32ºC.
February has average temperatures of between 6ºC and 26ºC. Look for cheap flights from Phoenix to Los Angeles around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Los Angeles
Once you've booked your flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Los Angeles:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl are popular attractions which should be on any good Los Angeles itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
You've seen Los Angeles, now it's time to explore other parts of the United States. Journey about 177 kilometres southeast to San Diego to tick off its must-visit sights. From San Diego Zoo to Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 499 kilometres northwest of Los Angeles, San Jose is another essential stop in the United States. No visit is complete without checking out Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Interactive and Santa Clara Valley.
