Flying from Beijing to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Beijing has two main airports where you can kick off your travels. Explore your options for booking a flight from Beijing to Los Angeles flying out of Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing International Airport (PKX).
Touch down in Los Angeles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
The average duration of a direct flight from Beijing to Los Angeles is 12 hours 36 minutes. Los Angeles's timezone is UTC-7, which makes Los Angeles 15 hours behind Beijing.
The most popular route for flights from Beijing to Los Angeles is from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). You can choose from 6 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to get going first thing, the earliest flight from PEK to LAX is the 14:00 Air China service. If you prefer to travel later, the final departure is at 23:05 with Air China.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This way, you'll have plenty of time to catch your flight from Beijing to Los Angeles.
If you're jetting off during a public holiday or other peak period, allow extra time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at check-in and security will be longer.
If you hold a passport from China, you will need an embassy visa to visit United States. This applies when booking a cheap flight from Beijing to Los Angeles for tourism purposes. The rules may differ if you're travelling for business or other reasons. Always consult official visa guidelines before you book and definitely before flying.
Flying from Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
If you're after a direct flight from Beijing to Los Angeles, they're available from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Get from PEK to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) without any stops.
You can book a direct flight from Beijing to Los Angeles with Air China. This top airline operates services from PEK.
We make it a cinch to plan a flight from Beijing to Los Angeles with a stopover. To see your options departing from Beijing Capital International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight that has a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
PEK is around 31 kilometres from central Beijing. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 40 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions.
Need a convenient hotel near Beijing Capital International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Beijing to Los Angeles, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure gate:
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Make the most of your vacation with a stopover on your flight from Beijing to Los Angeles. Visit friends or family or cross another city off your list. Whatever you decide to do, check out these options between Beijing Capital International Airport and Los Angeles:
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Depending on traffic conditions, you can drive to PKX from central Beijing in about 1 hour and 3 minutes. The airport is approximately 56 kilometres away.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your flight from Beijing to Los Angeles? Relax in a hotel near Daxing International Airport before your vacation officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles is approximately 32 kilometres. It takes around 32 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey of about 54 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Beijing to Los Angeles. Check in to one of these accommodation options near LAX instead:
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
The centre of Los Angeles is around 32 kilometres from Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Once your flight from Beijing to Los Angeles has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 34 minutes.
The trip will take approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Beijing to Los Angeles, tuck yourself in at a hotel near VNY. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Beijing to Los Angeles
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Beijing to Los Angeles is C$597. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$1,015. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares may change.
Get cheap flights from Beijing to Los Angeles by booking 9 months ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
The cheapest month for tickets from Beijing to Los Angeles is May. You can easily compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest travel date.
Sign into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. You'll get notified straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you time looking for cheap flights from Beijing to Los Angeles every day.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Beijing to Los Angeles.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
July is the busiest month for flights from Beijing to Los Angeles. To travel when it's less crowded, go to Los Angeles in May.
Schedule your flight from Beijing to Los Angeles for August if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Los Angeles to range from 16ºC to 32ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Beijing to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC and 26ºC.
More about Los Angeles
Start your Los Angeles trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Beijing to Los Angeles, browse our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are popular attractions which should be on every Los Angeles itinerary.
Complete your Los Angeles trip with a car rental
Check out our lineup of car rentals once you've found your hotel and cheap flight from Beijing to Los Angeles. Whether you want a compact ride, roomy sedan or something that makes a statement, you can compare companies in one go to find the perfect deal.