How long does it take to get from New York to Los Angeles?

The fastest option is to fly which takes 5 hours 30 minutes. Other options: fly (5 hours 30 minutes), drive (41 hours), train (67 hours), bus (70 hours).

How long is the flight from New York to Los Angeles?

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

How long is the drive from New York to Los Angeles?

The fastest driving route (I-40 Southern (via Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arizona)) takes approximately 41 hours covering 2780 miles.

How Long from New York to Los Angeles?

Q: How long is the train from New York to Los Angeles?

The train (Amtrak (multiple routes)) takes 67 hours. No direct train. Best option: Lake Shore Limited to Chicago, then Southwest Chief to LA. 67 hours total.

Compare all ways to travel: fly (5 hours 30 minutes), drive (41 hours), train (67 hours), bus (70 hours)

Time Comparison

✈️ Fly

5h 30m

🚗 Drive

1d 17h

🚂 Train

2d 19h

🚌 Bus

2d 22h

America's definitive coast-to-coast journey. Fly in 5.5 hours, drive in 2.5 days, or take the scenic train through the heartland.

✈️

Flight

JFK → LAX

5h 30m

LAX → JFK

Distance

2,475 mi

Time Zone Diff

-3h

JetBlueDeltaAmerican AirlinesUnited

Westbound takes longer due to headwinds. Return east is ~30 min shorter.

Arrival Time Planner

Depart at:

Direction:

Arrive at:

--:--

🚗

Drive

I-80 Northern (via Pennsylvania, Nebraska, Nevada)

1d 18h

2800 miles Tolls: $30–50

The fastest straight shot. Flat through the Midwest, dramatic through Nevada.

I-40 Southern (via Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arizona)

1d 17h

2780 miles Tolls: $10–20

Follows old Route 66 for long stretches. Desert beauty through New Mexico and Arizona.

I-10 Deep South (via Florida Panhandle, Texas, Arizona)

1d 20h

2930 miles Tolls: $15–25

Warmest in winter. Longest but avoids mountain passes.

Fuel Cost Estimator

Your MPG:

Gas $/gal:

Estimated fuel cost:

🚂

Train

Duration

2d 19h

Frequency

Daily departures, requires overnight transfer in Chicago

Price Range

$200–$800 (coach to sleeper)

Amtrak (multiple routes)

No direct train. Best option: Lake Shore Limited to Chicago, then Southwest Chief to LA. 67 hours total.

🚌

Bus

Duration

2d 22h

Frequency

Multiple daily departures

Price Range

$100–$250

Greyhound / FlixBus

Multiple transfers required. 2.5–3 days of continuous travel. Not for the faint of heart.

Should You Fly or Drive?

✈️ Fly if...

• You're traveling solo (no car rental savings to split)
• Time is more valuable than money
• The drive is 6+ hours
• You don't need a car at your destination

🚗 Drive if...

• You have 2+ passengers (split gas costs)
• You need a car at your destination
• You have lots of luggage
• The journey itself is part of the fun

That Travel Time Is Equivalent To...

✈️ Flight: Watching 3 movies · Listening to 94 songs
🚗 Drive: 56 podcast episodes · 42 audiobook chapters
🚂 Train: Reading 134 chapters of a novel · 161 email replies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way from New York to Los Angeles?

The fastest option is to fly which takes 5 hours 30 minutes. However, factor in 2+ hours of airport time (security, boarding, taxi) for a more realistic door-to-door comparison.

What is the cheapest way from New York to Los Angeles?

The bus (Greyhound / FlixBus) is typically cheapest at $100–$250.

What is the time difference between New York and Los Angeles?

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

More Travel Routes

New York → London ✈️ 7h 0m New York → Boston ✈️ 1h 15m 🚗 3h 🚂 3h New York → Washington D.C. ✈️ 1h 15m 🚗 4h 🚂 2h Los Angeles → Las Vegas ✈️ 1h 5m 🚗 4h Los Angeles → San Francisco ✈️ 1h 20m 🚗 5h 🚂 9h Chicago → New York ✈️ 2h 15m 🚗 12h 🚂 19h