Introduction
Las Vegas and Los Angeles—two of the most iconic cities in the western United States—are constantly buzzing with travelers. Whether you’re headed to Sin City for a weekend getaway or flying into LA for business or to stroll down Venice Beach, this short hop between Nevada and California is one of the most popular routes in the country. But how far is Las Vegas from Los Angeles by plane?
It’s a question both frequent fliers and first-timers ask. With so many options for getting between these two vibrant destinations—plane, car, bus, and even train—it’s crucial to know whether hopping on a flight really saves you time and money. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about the air travel route between Vegas and LA, including distance, duration, airlines, pricing, and helpful tips to make your journey smooth and enjoyable.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly how far it is, what to expect, and how to plan the perfect trip between these two cities. Whether you’re heading for the flashing lights of the Strip or the palm trees of LA, you’re in the right place.
Distance Between Las Vegas and Los Angeles by Plane
Image Credit: airportdistancecalculator.com
Let’s cut straight to the chase: the flight distance between Las Vegas and Los Angeles is approximately 236 miles (about 380 kilometers). That’s the straight-line distance, also known as the “as-the-crow-flies” distance. This is the shortest distance between two points, typically how airlines calculate their travel paths.
Now, compare that to the driving distance, which is around 270–290 miles, depending on your route and final destination in LA. The road route can take anywhere between 4 to 6 hours, depending on traffic—especially brutal if you’re caught in LA’s legendary congestion. So, if you’re looking to shave off some serious time, flying is usually your best bet.
This short distance also makes the LAS to LAX route one of the top 10 busiest domestic routes in the U.S. every year. Business travelers, vacationers, and locals alike constantly move between these two major metros. Thanks to the minimal distance, the route is served by a wide range of carriers and flight times, giving you tons of flexibility.
If you’re visualizing the route, imagine taking off from the glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip, heading southwest across the Mojave Desert, and touching down in one of the busiest air hubs in the world—Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Simple, efficient, and very scenic from a window seat!
Average Flight Time from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
Image Credit: Expedia
Given the short distance, it probably won’t surprise you to hear that flight time is just as brief. Most direct flights between Las Vegas and Los Angeles clock in at around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. But here’s where it gets interesting: the actual time spent in the air is usually only 45–50 minutes. That’s barely enough time to scroll through your social feed or finish a podcast episode.
But don’t forget, your travel time isn’t just what happens in the air. Add in the time for:
- Getting to the airport (30–60 minutes)
- Security checks (15–30 minutes, or more during busy periods)
- Boarding and taxiing (15–20 minutes)
- Waiting for your luggage (if you checked any)
Put it all together, and the full experience from hotel door to final destination can take 3–4 hours, which is still quicker and more comfortable than a drive across the desert.
Also, keep in mind that flight time can vary slightly depending on:
- Airline efficiency
- Weather conditions
- Air traffic congestion (especially at LAX)
- Time of day (early morning vs. afternoon)
While delays are not common on such a short route, it’s always a good idea to check your airline’s history for on-time performance, especially if you’re connecting to an international flight or have a tight schedule on arrival.
Airlines That Operate Between Las Vegas and Los Angeles
When it comes to airline choices for this route, you won’t be short of options. The Las Vegas to Los Angeles route is incredibly well-served, with more than 30 flights per day, often spread out across every hour.
Here are the major players:
- Southwest Airlines – Known for its flexibility, free bags, and multiple flights daily.
- Spirit Airlines – Budget-friendly with super low base fares (but watch out for extra fees).
- Delta Air Lines – Reliable with great service, ideal for connections.
- American Airlines – A good choice for those with AAdvantage miles or flying internationally.
- United Airlines – Frequent flier favorite with strong on-time performance.
Each airline typically offers non-stop options, though some less popular times may include connections. For such a short distance, we strongly recommend direct flights only—there’s no point in adding layovers unless you’re booking with points and have limited availability.
Best Time to Fly from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
image credit: Unsplash
Want to save money or avoid crowds? Timing your flight can make a big difference.
✈️ Cheapest Times:
- Midweek flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) often have the lowest fares.
- Late-night or very early flights are usually cheaper and less crowded.
🚫 Avoid:
- Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons – These are peak travel times, especially for weekenders.
- Holiday weekends – Expect higher prices and packed airports.
🌞 Seasonal Trends:
- Summer brings higher demand due to vacations.
- Winter holidays can be crowded due to family travel and end-of-year getaways.
- Fall and early spring offer a sweet spot of good weather and lower fares.
To find the best deals, use fare comparison tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Hopper. Setting up fare alerts can also help you snag a deal when prices drop.
Direct vs. Connecting Flights
When you’re only flying 236 miles, it almost seems ridiculous to even consider a connecting flight, right? And you’d be correct—direct flights between Las Vegas and Los Angeles are absolutely the way to go.
✈️ Why Direct Flights Are Better
- Time-efficient: You’ll save at least 2–4 hours compared to connecting routes.
- Fewer headaches: No need to change planes or deal with layover delays.
- Lower risk of missed connections: Delays on short routes are rare, but missing a connector can ruin your trip.
- Cost-effective: Surprisingly, direct flights are often cheaper due to the popularity and competition on this route.
🛬 When Might You Have a Connection?
Most connecting flights between LAS and LAX happen when:
- You’re using points or miles and no direct flights are available.
- You’re continuing onto another city and LAS-LAX is your first leg.
- You accidentally book through a third-party site without checking the details.
⚠️ Watch Out For:
- Long layovers at hub airports like Phoenix (PHX), Dallas (DFW), or Denver (DEN)
- Hidden city ticketing — some travelers book flights with LA as a layover to save money, but this can get you in trouble with airlines
Unless there’s a compelling reason (like price or points), always book a nonstop flight. It’s faster, easier, and makes way more sense on such a short route.
Travel Experience: What to Expect on Board
Flying between Vegas and LA is one of those experiences where you blink and it’s over. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared and comfortable.
🛫 Plane Size & Layout
Most flights are on:
- Boeing 737s
- Airbus A320 series
These are narrow-body jets with around 150–180 seats, often configured in a 3-3 layout.
On rare occasions, airlines may use smaller regional jets, especially from alternate airports like Burbank or Long Beach.
🎧 In-Flight Amenities
- Spirit & Frontier: No free drinks, snacks, or entertainment; bring your own
- Southwest: Free snacks, soft drinks, and live TV streaming on your device
- Delta, American, United: Basic drink/snack service; some offer Wi-Fi and in-seat entertainment (though limited for short flights)
Given the short duration, most travelers don’t expect much, and rightly so. Think of it more like a high-speed shuttle bus in the sky.
🧳 Baggage Tips
- Carry-on only is highly recommended
- Budget carriers charge for both carry-on and checked bags
- Make sure your bag meets size requirements, especially on Spirit or Frontier—they are known for strict enforcement
👨✈️ Flight Crew & Service
On these short flights, cabin crew are typically focused on:
- Safety demonstrations
- Quick beverage/snack service (if available)
- Ensuring a smooth, efficient boarding and deplaning process
Don’t expect full meals or lengthy interactions. It’s a get-on, get-there, get-off kind of trip—but still more comfortable than a bus or car ride.
Booking Your Flight Smartly
Image Credit: Expedia
Getting the best deal on your LAS to LAX flight doesn’t require a ton of effort—you just need to book smart. Here’s how.
💻 Use Flight Comparison Tools
- Expedia Travel: Vacation Homes, Hotels, Car Rentals, Flights
- Trip.com – Predicts the best time to buy
- Google Flights – Excellent for visualizing price changes
- Skyscanner – Great for flexible dates
- Kayak – Ideal for finding hidden deals or last-minute flights
These tools let you compare across airlines and dates, and many offer price alerts so you can book when fares drop.
📆 Flexibility is Key
- Flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays often saves 30–40%
- Early morning or late-night flights are cheaper and less delayed
- Avoid major holidays or event weekends in either city
🧠 Book Direct with the Airline When Possible
While third-party sites are useful for browsing, it’s often smarter to book directly with the airline:
- Easier to manage your reservation
- Better customer support
- Fewer fees or restrictions
🎯 Use Points or Miles
This short route is perfect for:
- Credit card rewards redemptions
- Frequent flyer mile deals
- Companion passes (e.g., Southwest)
Because of the low mileage requirement, you can often book a round-trip using very few points.
Final Thoughts on Flying from Las Vegas to Los Angeles
Traveling from Las Vegas to Los Angeles by plane is one of the easiest, most convenient short-haul flights in the U.S. Whether you’re a Vegas weekend warrior or a business traveler hopping between two powerhouse cities, flying just makes sense.
With a flight distance of only 236 miles and a travel time of about an hour, this is the ultimate “hop on, hop off” air route. Thanks to tons of airlines, competitive pricing, and frequent departures, it’s also one of the most affordable flights you can book in North America.
Yes, you could drive, and yes, the bus is cheaper. But nothing beats the speed, comfort, and convenience of flying—especially when you score a great deal. Just be smart about booking, pack light, and avoid layovers unless absolutely necessary.
So whether you’re headed to LA’s beaches or Vegas’s bright lights, your flight will be over before you know it. Safe travels—and don’t forget your boarding pass!
FAQs
1. How early should I arrive at the airport for a LAS to LAX flight?
Aim to arrive at least 1.5 hours before departure. While security lines at LAS are usually efficient, give yourself extra time during peak hours or holidays.
2. Can I find last-minute flights between Las Vegas and Los Angeles?
Yes, this route is popular and frequently serviced, so last-minute options are available. However, last-minute fares are usually more expensive, so book in advance if possible.
3. Are there red-eye flights on this route?
Typically, no. Because the flight is so short, most airlines schedule departures between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Red-eyes are more common on cross-country or international routes.
4. Is TSA PreCheck helpful for such a short flight?
Absolutely. Even for short trips, TSA PreCheck can save you 15–30 minutes—especially at busy airports like LAX. It also makes for a less stressful start to your journey.
5. What’s the fastest way from LAX into downtown Los Angeles?
The quickest option is usually a ride-share (Uber or Lyft), which takes around 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. There’s also a Metro Shuttle (FlyAway Bus) that connects to Union Station for about $9.75.