Los Angeles, United States → Vancouver, Canada · ✈ 2h 41min · 🚗 28h 17min
940 nautical miles · Time difference: Same timezone · Direction: northwest
The distance from Los Angeles to Vancouver is 1,740 km (1,081 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 2h 41min.
The straight-line distance from Los Angeles, United States to Vancouver, Canada is approximately 1,740 kilometers (1,081 miles or 940 nautical miles). This measurement uses the Haversine formula, computing the great-circle distance — the shortest path between two points on Earth's surface.
Vancouver is located northwest of Los Angeles. Los Angeles is in North America, in the West Coast region of United States, while Vancouver is in North America, in British Columbia, Canada. Both cities are in North America.
| Mode | Distance | Est. Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Flight | 1,740 km | ~2h 41min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~2,262 km | ~28h 17min | Long journey, consider stops |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~2,088 km | ~17h 24min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Los Angeles to Vancouver. For 1,740 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 2,262 km, fuel costs for driving from Los Angeles to Vancouver are approximately $181–$339 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 sits at 34.0522°N, 118.2437°W, while Vancouver is located at 49.2827°N, 123.1207°W. The initial compass bearing from Los Angeles to Vancouver is 348° (NNW), so a great-circle flight path leaves Los Angeles heading roughly NNW. 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 15.23° and the longitude difference is 4.88°. 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 Los Angeles and Vancouver is approximately 41.6929°N, 120.3919°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 870 km from each city. On long-haul flights this point usually falls over open ocean or remote terrain, which is why in-flight maps often look "empty" mid-route.
Los Angeles and Vancouver share the same approximate time zone, so meetings, calls, and arrivals don't require any clock adjustment. This makes the route especially convenient for short business trips. Daylight saving time can shift the offset by an hour during certain months, so confirm the exact difference for your specific travel dates.
Los Angeles uses the US Dollar (USD), while Vancouver uses the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Plan to exchange currency before departure or use a low-fee travel card on arrival — airport rates are typically the worst available. The primary local language shifts from English in Los Angeles to English / French in Vancouver. Learning a few basic phrases makes a noticeable difference at hotels, restaurants, and transit hubs.
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
Vancouver is a notable city in Canada with a population of approximately 631,486. Situated in the British Columbia region, it serves as a key destination in North America. Vancouver is a popular destination in the British Columbia region of Canada, known for its unique character and attractions.
→ See all distances from Vancouver
1,740 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 1,740 km between Los Angeles and Vancouver means a beam of light could travel this distance in approximately 5.8 milliseconds — but a flight still takes 2h 41min.
See how the Los Angeles to Vancouver distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Los Angeles to Vancouver is approximately 1,740 kilometers (1,081 miles, 940 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 2h 41min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 28h 17min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Vancouver is approximately Same timezone compared to Los Angeles.
The estimated road distance is approximately 2,262 km, which is about 30% longer than the 1,740 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.