Flying from Seattle to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Seattle's main airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Explore your options for flying out of this base when searching for your flights from Seattle to Los Angeles.
The major arrival points in Los Angeles are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
On average, direct flights from Seattle to Los Angeles take 2 hours 52 minutes. Los Angeles and Seattle share the same timezone (UTC-7), so you won't need to change your watch when you arrive.
The most popular route for flights from Seattle to Los Angeles is from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Take your pick of 367 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from SEA to LAX is the 05:30 Spirit Airlines service. If you prefer to travel later, the final departure is at 21:20 with Delta Air Lines.
Give yourself enough time to catch your flight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at security and check-in are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good general rule for peak times? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
For a domestic flight within United States, you don't need a visa or even a passport. However, you'll have to present some form of identification, like an ID card or driver's licence. Once you've found cheap flights from Seattle to Los Angeles, make sure your ID is up to date.
Flying from Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
You can catch a direct flight from Seattle to Los Angeles jetting off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Begin your trip at SEA and arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Direct flights from Seattle to Los Angeles are available from numerous airlines at SEA. Book your journey with one of these:
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and perhaps even explore another city. When browsing flights from Seattle to Los Angeles departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Some popular options include:
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Roberts Field Airport (RDM)
Portland International Airport (PDX)
SEA is about 23 kilometres from central Seattle. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 18 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 54 minutes.
After an easy start to your vacation? Stay near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Seattle to Los Angeles or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE)
Split up your flight from Seattle to Los Angeles with a stop so you can freshen up or cross another place off your list. Top stopovers between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Los Angeles are:
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Roberts Field Airport (RDM)
Portland International Airport (PDX)
LKE is around 3 kilometres from central Seattle. It'll take you 11 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 23 minutes.
It's your vacation, so why not enjoy an extra night away? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport the day before your flight from Seattle to Los Angeles:
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles is approximately 32 kilometres. It'll take you around 32 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes roughly 54 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Reserve one of these accommodation options near LAX instead:
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
The centre of Los Angeles is approximately 32 kilometres from Van Nuys Airport (VNY). After your flight from Seattle to Los Angeles has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 34 minutes.
You can also travel by public transport, which typically takes 1 hour and 41 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near VNY. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Seattle to Los Angeles:
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to Los Angeles
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Seattle to Los Angeles is C$38. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$75. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares can change.
To score cheap flights from Seattle to Los Angeles, book your trip 9 months before your departure date.
The cheapest month for tickets from Seattle to Los Angeles is May. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool and choose the date that offers the best deal.
Locking in a cheap ticket from Seattle to Los Angeles couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Seattle to Los Angeles.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
May is the quietest month for flights from Seattle to Los Angeles, while July is the busiest. Choose the best time to visit Los Angeles based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book your flight from Seattle to Los Angeles for August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Los Angeles to range from 16ºC to 32ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, book a cheap ticket from Seattle to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC and 26ºC.
More about Los Angeles
After booking your flight from Seattle to Los Angeles, think about where you'll stay in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Los Angeles:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are must-do's during your Los Angeles adventure.
Complete your Los Angeles trip with a car rental
Discover our range of car rentals once you've booked your hotel and cheap flight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Whether you're looking for a compact ride, roomy sedan or something that makes a statement, you can compare companies in one go to get the best deal.
