Phoenix, United States → Los Angeles, United States · ✈ 1h 13min · 🚗 9h 20min
310 nautical miles · Time difference: -1h behind · Direction: west
The distance from Phoenix to Los Angeles is 574 km (357 miles). The fastest way to travel is by flight. A direct flight takes approximately 1h 13min.
The straight-line distance from Phoenix, United States to Los Angeles, United States is approximately 574 kilometers (357 miles or 310 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 west of Phoenix. Phoenix is in North America, in the Southwest 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 | 574 km | ~1h 13min | Best option for speed |
| 🚗 Drive | ~746 km | ~9h 20min | Feasible with breaks |
| 🚂 Regular Train | ~689 km | ~5h 44min | Scenic but slow |
Our recommendation: flight is typically the best way to travel from Phoenix to Los Angeles. For 574 km, flying saves significant time and is usually the most practical choice.
Based on an estimated road distance of 746 km, fuel costs for driving from Phoenix to Los Angeles are approximately $60–$112 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.
Phoenix sits at 33.4484°N, 112.0740°W, while Los Angeles is located at 34.0522°N, 118.2437°W. The initial compass bearing from Phoenix to Los Angeles is 278° (W), so a great-circle flight path leaves Phoenix heading roughly W. 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 0.60° and the longitude difference is 6.17°. 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 Phoenix and Los Angeles is approximately 33.7887°N, 115.1480°W. This is the great-circle halfway position — the spot where you would be exactly 287 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 Phoenix. When it is 09:00 in Phoenix, 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.
Phoenix is a major city in United States with a population of approximately 1,680,992. Located in the Southwest region, it is an important hub in North America. Phoenix is a significant metropolitan area in United States with good domestic and international transport connections.
→ See all distances from Phoenix
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
574 km is a medium-distance route, similar to traveling across a mid-sized European country. A flight covers this distance quickly, but driving or rail travel remains feasible for those who prefer ground transport. For reference, New York to Chicago is about 1,150 km.
At 574 km, the Phoenix-Los Angeles route is about 1.4% of Earth's circumference. A commercial jet covers this distance in about 1h 13min.
See how the Phoenix to Los Angeles distance compares to similar routes:
The straight-line distance from Phoenix to Los Angeles is approximately 574 kilometers (357 miles, 310 nautical miles).
A direct flight takes approximately 1h 13min, based on 800 km/h cruising speed plus 30 minutes for takeoff and landing.
Estimated driving time is approximately 9h 20min, based on 80 km/h average speed and roads being ~30% longer than straight-line distance.
Los Angeles is approximately -1h behind compared to Phoenix.
The estimated road distance is approximately 746 km, which is about 30% longer than the 574 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.