Denver, United States → Los Angeles, United States · ✈ 2h 10min · 🚗 21h 43min
721 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: southwest
The distance from Denver to Los Angeles is 1,336 km (830 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 2h 10min.
The straight-line distance from Denver, United States to Los Angeles, United States is approximately 1,336 kilometers (830 miles or 721 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Los Angeles is located southwest of Denver. Denver is in North America, in the Mountain region of United States, while Los Angeles is in North America, in West Coast, United States. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,336 km | ~2h 10min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~1,737 km | ~21h 43min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~1,603 km | ~13h 22min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Denver to Los Angeles. For 1,336 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 1,737 km, fuel costs for driving from Denver to Los Angeles are approximately $139–$261 USD (at $0.08–$0.15 per km, depending on vehicle efficiency and local fuel prices). Additional costs may include tolls, parking, and accommodation for longer trips.
Denver sits at 39.7392°N, 104.9903°W, while Los Angeles is located at 34.0522°N, 118.2437°W. The initial compass bearing from Denver to Los Angeles is 246° (WSW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Denver heading roughly WSW. Because the Earth is curved, the actual heading shifts gradually along the route — pilots and navigation systems update it continuously instead of holding a single fixed compass bearing.
The latitude difference is 5.69° and the longitude difference is 13.25°. Each degree of latitude represents about 111 km, which is one reason cross-latitude routes feel longer even when the map looks similar to east–west journeys.
The geographic midpoint between Denver and Los Angeles is approximately 37.0800°N, 111.8652°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 668 km from each city. For road trips, a stop near this latitude/longitude makes for a natural overnight or lunch break.
Los Angeles is roughly 1 hour behind Denver. When it is 09:00 in Denver, it is approximately 08:00 in Los Angeles. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Denver is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 727,211. Located in the Mountain region, it is an important hub in North America. Despite its smaller size, Denver plays an important regional role in United States and attracts visitors year-round.
→ See all distances from Denver
Los Angeles is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 3,979,576. Situated in the West Coast region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Los Angeles offers solid transport connections and a variety of arrival options as a major city in United States.
→ See all distances from Los Angeles
1,336 km is a long-distance route that typically requires air travel. This is comparable to spanning a large continent. For context, London to Dubai is about 5,500 km.
At 1,336 km, the Denver-Los Angeles route is about 3.3% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 2h 10min.
See how the Denver to Los Angeles distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Denver to Los Angeles is approximately 1,336 kilometers (830 miles, 721 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 2h 10min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 21h 43min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Los Angeles is approximately -1h behind compared to Denver.
The estimated road distance is approximately 1,737 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,336 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: May 30, 2026.