Book cheap flights to Los Angeles, CA

Flying into the expansive basin of Los Angeles offers an immediate perspective on a sprawling metropolis framed by the Pacific Ocean and the San Gabriel Mountains. As a primary gateway to the West Coast, this destination functions as a global centre for the creative industries while maintaining a complex geographic identity defined by its diverse, sun-drenched coastal plains.

The city’s cultural landscape is anchored by landmarks that reflect both its cinematic heritage and architectural ambition. Visitors often explore the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the modernist curves of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, or ascend to the Griffith Observatory for panoramic views. The artistic character of the region is further solidified by the extensive collections at the Getty Center and the mid-century allure of the Santa Monica Pier.

Travel to this urban hub reveals a unique intersection of natural beauty and high-energy innovation. Whether the journey is motivated by the culinary diversity of the local neighbourhoods or the storied history of the Hollywood Sign, the city remains a significant site for cultural discovery. The atmosphere is shaped by a constant flow of ideas and a climate that encourages year-round exploration of its outdoor and artistic spaces.

Los Angeles’ high season and its energetic pulse

The high season in Los Angeles runs from May to October, when daytime temperatures of 24°C to 29°C sustain a lively, outdoor atmosphere. As visitors descend into Los Angeles International Airport, they are often met by the famous "June Gloom" morning mist, which quickly burns off to reveal clear, blue skies. This period defines the city’s outdoor lifestyle, where the pace of life shifts towards the coast and the rooftop terraces of West Hollywood.

The social calendar during these months is packed with memorable experiences, from evening concerts at the Hollywood Bowl to outdoor cinema screenings in Griffith Park. The city feels remarkably kinetic, with bustling boardwalks and extended daylight hours that allow for long afternoons exploring the Santa Monica Pier. While the popular districts are at their most crowded, the collective energy of the high season captures the glamorous, sun-drenched identity that defines Los Angeles in the global imagination.

The relaxed rhythm of the low season

The low season, spanning from November to April, offers a more temperate and introspective side of the city. While temperatures remain mild, hovering around 9°C to 20°C, the occasional rainfall transforms the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains into a lush, green backdrop. Landing in the city during these months provides a clearer view of the skyline, as the air is often at its crispest following a winter shower.

Life slows down significantly, allowing for a more authentic encounter with cultural hubs like the Getty Center or the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The winter months are particularly special for those looking to experience the local holiday spirit or catch the start of the awards season buzz near Dolby Theatre. Without the intense summer heat, hiking the trails to the Hollywood Sign becomes a far more comfortable endeavour, offering a peaceful perspective on this sprawling metropolis.

Los Angeles is served by an extensive network of air gateways that cater to a high volume of domestic and international traffic. Travellers booking a flight to Los Angeles will find that the choice of airport often depends on their final destination within the vast Southern California basin.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Los Angeles International Airport, commonly known by its IATA code LAX, is the primary international gateway for the region and is situated approximately 30 km south-west of Downtown Los Angeles. As one of the busiest airports in the world, it serves as a major hub for United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines, featuring nine passenger terminals arranged in a U-shape. The airport handles a vast array of long-haul flights to Los Angeles from every continent, alongside a comprehensive network of domestic routes.

The LAX FlyAway coach is the simplest way into the city centre, with direct services to Union Station and Van Nuys, with a journey time of roughly 35–60 minutes depending on traffic. For those preferring the rail network, a free shuttle bus connects all terminals to the C Line (Green) at the Aviation/LAX Station, where passengers can transfer towards South LA or the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station for connections to the A Line (Blue). Taxis and authorised ride-hailing services operate from the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1, providing transport to Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, or Hollywood in approximately 30–50 minutes.

Ontario International Airport (ONT)

Ontario International Airport (ONT) is located about 60 km east of Downtown Los Angeles in the city of Ontario, serving as a convenient alternative for those heading to the Inland Empire or eastern suburbs. It primarily handles domestic traffic with a focus on low-cost carriers and point-to-point services, though it does host select international routes to Central America and East Asia. The airport consists of two main commercial terminals and is known for a significantly less congested environment compared to the city’s primary hub.

To reach central areas from the terminals, travellers can take the Omnitrans Route 61 bus, which links the airport to the East Ontario Metrolink Station. From there, Metrolink commuter trains run to Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles, with a total travel time of about 60–90 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing options are readily available outside the arrivals area, offering a direct drive to the San Gabriel Valley or City centre in approximately 45–70 minutes, varying greatly with peak-hour congestion.

John Wayne Airport (SNA)

Situated roughly 55 km south-east of Los Angeles, John Wayne Airport (SNA) is the main air facility for Orange County and the Santa Ana area. It is a preferred choice for visitors heading to major theme parks or the coastal cities of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. The airport features three interconnected terminals—A, B, and C—serving a variety of domestic carriers and limited short-haul international flights.

Travellers heading towards Los Angeles can utilise the iShuttle or local bus services to reach the Tustin Metrolink Station or the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center. From these hubs, Metrolink or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains provide a scenic route to Union Station, taking about one hour. For those staying in Orange County, shuttle vans and taxis provide quick access to the Anaheim Resort District within 20–30 minutes.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), formerly known as Bob Hope Airport, is located just 20 km north of Downtown Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley. It is often favoured by frequent travellers for its small scale and proximity to Hollywood and the major film studios. The airport operates two terminals and is served by several major domestic airlines providing regional connections across the western United States.

This airport is unique for having its own dedicated rail platforms; the Burbank Airport-South Station is within walking distance of the terminals and is served by the Ventura County Line and the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner. These trains reach Union Station in approximately 25 minutes. Additionally, the Burbank Airport-North Station provides access to the Antelope Valley Line, while local buses and ride-hailing services offer quick transit to Glendale and the NoHo Arts District.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Long Beach Airport (LGB) is a smaller, municipal airport located about 40 km south of Downtown Los Angeles. Known for its distinctive Art Deco terminal and open-air concourses, it serves as a secondary domestic hub with a focus on West Coast routes. It offers a more relaxed arrival experience for those staying in the southern coastal suburbs or the port area.

Direct public transport to the city involves taking a local Long Beach Transit bus to the Downtown Long Beach area, where passengers can board the A Line (Blue) light rail for a 50-minute journey to 7th Street/Metro Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Taxis and ride-hailing services are available at the terminal, reaching Long Beach destinations in 15 minutes or central Los Angeles in approximately 40–60 minutes.

Los Angeles offers an unparalleled array of attractions, from world-renowned cultural institutions to stunning natural landscapes. Discover the best of the city with these top things to do and see:

• Griffith Observatory: Perched high on the slopes of Mount Hollywood, this Art Deco landmark offers a silent vantage point over the twinkling grid of the city, where the cosmos feels within reach through its historic telescopes.
• The Getty Center: Set against the Santa Monica Mountains, this architectural marvel houses a world-class art collection within travertine walls, surrounded by seasonal gardens that provide a serene escape from the urban pace.
• Santa Monica Pier: The famous solar-powered Ferris wheel serves as a beacon for those seeking the quintessential coastal experience, where the historic wooden planks meet the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.
• Hollywood Walk of Fame: Stretching along Hollywood Boulevard, this storied path immortalises the legends of the silver screen, allowing visitors to trace the history of global entertainment one brass star at a time.
• Venice Beach Boardwalk: A lively sensory explosion, this seaside stretch is defined by its bohemian spirit, street performers, and the famous Muscle Beach, capturing the eclectic soul of the Californian coast.
• The Broad: Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, this contemporary art museum is as famous for its "veil and vault" honeycomb exterior as it is for the provocative modern masterpieces found within its galleries.
• Grand Central Market: Operating since 1917, this bustling food hall reflects the city’s rich immigrant heritage through a fragrant array of global flavours and neon-lit stalls.
• Runyon Canyon Park: A favourite for locals and visitors alike, these rugged trails offer a vigorous ascent into the hills, rewarding hikers with panoramic views that stretch from the skyscrapers of the financial district to the sea.
• Walt Disney Concert Hall: The stainless-steel curves of this Frank Gehry masterpiece create a shimmering focal point for the city’s performing arts, renowned for acoustic perfection and avant-garde design.

Chasing the palm-lined boulevards and Pacific surf of Los Angeles? Finding the right flight usually hinges on good timing and a little give in your plans, so let the Opodo search tools stack up airlines and departure times for your journey to the West Coast. Those who travel a lot can also draw extra savings and member benefits from Opodo Prime, ensuring every trip to Los Angeles International Airport is as seamless as the flight itself.