Travelling from Mexico City to Los Angeles: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can take off from in Mexico City. Check out your options leaving from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) or Santa Lucia Air Force Base (NLU) when reserving your flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) are Los Angeles's major entry points.
The average duration of a direct flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles is 4 hours 8 minutes. Los Angeles's timezone is UTC-7, which makes Los Angeles 1 hour behind Mexico City.
With 72 flights a week between the two airports, Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular route. Board the earliest flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles with Aeromexico at 06:35. If you're keen to get more out of your day before you fly, the latest departure from MEX to LAX is with VivaAerobus at 19:55.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles.
Planning to travel during a peak time like school or public holidays? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To play it safe, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
To visit United States for tourism purposes, you will need an embassy visa if you have a passport from Mexico. However, visa rules are subject to change and other documentation may be needed depending on the purpose and duration of your trip. Always check the most recent guidelines before booking your cheap flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles.
Flying from Mexico City
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
You can get a direct flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles leaving from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX). Start your journey at MEX and end it at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Top carriers that have direct flights from Mexico City to Los Angeles departing MEX include:
We make it a piece of cake to find a flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles with a stopover. To see the options departing from Benito Juarez International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight that has a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Top stopovers include:
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
The journey from central Mexico City to MEX takes about 57 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 8 kilometres in 24 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Catching an early flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by picking one of these hotels close to Benito Juarez International Airport:
Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU)
Break up your flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles with a stop so you can recharge or tick another place off your list. Some great stopovers between Benito Juarez International Airport and Los Angeles include:
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
On public transport, you can travel from central Mexico City to NLU in about 1 hour and 46 minutes. The terminal is roughly 40 kilometres away, and making the trip by car takes approximately 55 minutes.
You're going on holiday, so why not book an extra night away at a hotel close to Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport? Before your flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles, think about staying at Villa Granada.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is around 32 kilometres from the centre of Los Angeles. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is around 32 minutes.
Getting there by public transport typically takes 54 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles. Reserve one of these accommodation options near LAX instead:
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is around 32 kilometres from central Los Angeles. Once you've hopped off your flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles, allow for a drive time of approximately 34 minutes to get to the heart of the city.
You can also opt for public transport, which will take roughly 1 hour and 41 minutes.
After your flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles, rest your head at a hotel close to VNY. These are some comfortable options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Mexico City to Los Angeles
Currently, $168 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Mexico City to Los Angeles. The cheapest price for a return flight is $324. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Lock in cheap tickets from Mexico City to Los Angeles by booking 10 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
Plan your trip for June. That's the cheapest month for flight tickets from Mexico City to Los Angeles. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across each month.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. You'll be notified right away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you time searching for cheap tickets from Mexico City to Los Angeles every day.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Mexico City to Los Angeles.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
July is the busiest month for flights from Mexico City to Los Angeles. To escape the crowds, visit Los Angeles in May.
Before booking a flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles, consider the kind of weather you like best. August is the warmest month in Los Angeles, with the temperature ranging from 16ºC to 32ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from Mexico City to Los Angeles in February if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 6ºC and 26ºC on average.
More about Los Angeles
Start your Los Angeles trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are must-do's during your Los Angeles adventure.
Complete your Los Angeles trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles to track down awesome deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare offers in one place. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in Los Angeles, from the most popular car rental to the average daily price.