New York, United States → Los Angeles, United States · ✈ 5h 25min · 🚗 63h 58min
2,125 nautical miles · Time difference: -3h behind · Direction: southwest
The distance from New York to Los Angeles 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 New York, United States to Los Angeles, 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.
Los Angeles is located southwest of New York. New York is in North America, in the Northeast 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 | 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 New York to Los Angeles. 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 New York to Los Angeles 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.
New York is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 8,336,817. Located in the Northeast region, it is an important hub in North America. As one of the largest cities in United States, New York is a major international gateway with extensive air connections and multiple airports.
→ See all distances from New York
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
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 New York and Los Angeles means a beam of light could travel this distance in approximately 13.1 milliseconds — but a flight still takes 5h 25min.
Combined, New York and Los Angeles 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 New York to Los Angeles distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from New York to Los Angeles 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.
Los Angeles is approximately -3h behind compared to New York.
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.