How far is New York (JFK) from Los Angeles (LAX)?

The distance from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) is 2,475 miles (3,982 km).

How Long Is the Flight from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX)?

Q: How long is the flight from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX)?

The direct flight from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) takes approximately 5 hours 30 minutes. The return flight takes 5 hours.

Direct flight time: 5 hours 30 minutes · 2,475 miles

Flight Time Details

JFK → LAX

5 hr 30 min

LAX → JFK

5 hr

Distance

2,475 mi

3,982 km

Time Difference

-3 hr

Arrival Time Planner

If you depart at:

Direction:

You arrive at:

--:--

Westbound takes longer due to headwinds. The return east is typically 30 minutes shorter.

Airlines Flying This Route

JetBlueDeltaAmerican AirlinesUnited

That Flight Time Is Equivalent To...

🎬 Watching 3 average-length movies
📖 Reading 7 chapters of a novel
🎵 Listening to 94 songs
😴 Not quite enough for a proper nap
🚗 Driving 358 miles at highway speed

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight from New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX)?

The direct flight takes approximately 5 hours 30 minutes. The return flight (LAX → JFK) takes 5 hours due to wind patterns.

What is the time difference?

Los Angeles (LAX) is 3 hours behind New York (JFK). Use the arrival planner above to calculate your local arrival time.

Why is the return flight a different length?

Jet stream winds blow west-to-east at 100-200 mph at cruising altitude. Eastbound flights get a tailwind (shorter), while westbound flights face a headwind (longer).

More Flight Routes

JFK → LHR New York (JFK) to London (LHR) JFK → CDG New York (JFK) to Paris (CDG) LAX → NRT Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (NRT) LHR → DXB London (LHR) to Dubai (DXB) JFK → MIA New York (JFK) to Miami (MIA) ORD → JFK Chicago (ORD) to New York (JFK)