Flying from Phoenix to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Start your trip planning by checking out the departure points for your flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles. Explore the options for departing from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) or Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), two of the city's main airports.
The primary hubs where you can touch down in Los Angeles are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
On average, direct flights from Phoenix to Los Angeles take 1 hour 29 minutes. Los Angeles and Phoenix share the same timezone (UTC-7), so you won't have to change your watch once you land.
With 159 weekly flights between the two airports, Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the busiest route. Hop on the earliest flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles with United Airlines at 05:40. If you'd like to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last departure from PHX to LAX is with American Airlines at 22:45.
Give yourself enough time to get on your flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're taking off during a major holiday or other peak period, allow extra time. A good rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
You won't need your passport or a visa to travel within United States. You will need a valid form of identification however, such as an ID card or driver's licence. Make sure they're on your packing list once you've booked cheap flights from Phoenix to Los Angeles.
Flying from Phoenix
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
Set out from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) on a nonstop flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles. From PHX, you can fly directly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
At PHX, there's a good selection of carriers offering direct flights from Phoenix to Los Angeles, including:
Consider adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Tucson International Airport (TUS)
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG)
Located around 8 kilometres from central Phoenix, PHX can be reached in about 11 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The same journey by public transport will take roughly 34 minutes.
Want an easy start to your holiday? Stay near Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
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 your own car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is about 32 minutes.
It takes around 54 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles. Stay at one of these accommodation options near LAX instead:
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is about 32 kilometres from central Los Angeles. Once you've disembarked your flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles, expect a drive time of approximately 34 minutes to get to the heart of the city.
The journey will take approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel close to VNY. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles:
How to find the cheapest flights from Phoenix to Los Angeles
Right now, $42 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Phoenix to Los Angeles. The cheapest price for a return flight is $77. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
To snag cheap tickets from Phoenix to Los Angeles, book your trip 9 months ahead of your departure date.
May is the cheapest month for flight tickets from Phoenix to Los Angeles. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Phoenix to Los Angeles. You don't need to check every day to find out if prices have dropped. We'll notify you the moment the price changes.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Phoenix to Los Angeles. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
July is the busiest month for flights from Phoenix to Los Angeles. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Los Angeles in May.
Before booking a flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles, consider the kind of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Los Angeles, with the temperature ranging from 16ºC to 32ºC.
Search for cheap tickets from Phoenix to Los Angeles in February if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 6ºC and 26ºC on average.
More about Los Angeles
Once you've booked your flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles, think about where to rest your head in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Los Angeles:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are essential stops on your Los Angeles itinerary.
Complete your Los Angeles trip with a car rental
Browse our range of car rentals once you've found your hotel and cheap flight from Phoenix to Los Angeles. Whether you want a compact ride, spacious sedan or something more luxurious, you can compare companies in one go to find the best deal.