Los Angeles, United States → New York, United States · ✈ 5h 25min · 🚗 63h 58min
2,125 nautical miles · Time difference: +3h ahead · Direction: northeast
The distance from Los Angeles to New York is 3,936 km (2,446 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 5h 25min.
The straight-line distance from Los Angeles, United States to New York, United States is approximately 3,936 kilometers (2,446 miles or 2,125 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
New York is located northeast of Los Angeles. Los Angeles is in North America, in the West Coast region of United States, while New York is in North America, in Northeast, United States. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 3,936 km | ~5h 25min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~5,117 km | ~63h 58min | Long journey, consider stops |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Los Angeles to New York. For 3,936 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 5,117 km, fuel costs for driving from Los Angeles to New York are approximately $409–$768 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.
Los Angeles is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 3,979,576. Located in the West Coast region, it is an important hub in North America. Los Angeles is a significant metropolitan area in United States with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Los Angeles
New York is a notable city in United States with a population of approximately 8,336,817. Situated in the Northeast region, it serves as a key destination in North America. New York is one of United States's largest cities, offering major airport hubs, extensive public transport, and a wide range of accommodation options.
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3,936 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.
The 3,936 km between Los Angeles and New York means a beam of light could travel this distance in approximately 13.1 milliseconds — but a flight still takes 5h 25min.
Combined, Los Angeles and New York have a population of over 12,316,393 people, making this a major urban corridor.
The classic coast-to-coast route spans 3 time zones. Driving Route 66 (the historic version) adds roughly 800 km to the straight-line distance, but the cultural experience is unmatched.
See how the Los Angeles to New York distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Los Angeles to New York is approximately 3,936 kilometers (2,446 miles, 2,125 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 5h 25min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 63h 58min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
New York is approximately +3h ahead compared to Los Angeles.
The estimated road distance is approximately 5,117 km, which is about 30% longer than the 3,936 km straight-line distance.
📍 Data: Coordinates from OpenStreetMap contributors. Distances calculated using the Haversine formula. Travel times are estimates only. Last verified: April 7, 2026.