Flying from Chengdu to Los Angeles: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can take off from in Chengdu. Explore your options departing from Tianfu International Airport (TFU) or Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) when reserving your flight from Chengdu to Los Angeles.
Step off your plane in Los Angeles at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
Jump on a direct Chengdu to Los Angeles flight and you'll be flying for an average of 13 hours 25 minutes.
Los Angeles's timezone is UTC-7, which makes Los Angeles 15 hours behind Chengdu.
The most popular route for flights from Chengdu to Los Angeles is from Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). You can select from three services every week between these two airports. If you want to set off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from TFU to LAX is the 21:45 Sichuan Airlines option. If you prefer to travel later, the last available departure is at 22:30 with Sichuan Airlines.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your Chengdu to Los Angeles flight.
During popular months like July, it's best to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight when you travel during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chengdu to Los Angeles
Book three months before you want to fly. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap Chengdu to Los Angeles flights.
Organise your trip for June. That's the best month for scoring an awesome deal on plane tickets from Chengdu to Los Angeles. If you're flexible on when you fly, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Locking in a cheap flight from Chengdu to Los Angeles is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Chengdu to Los Angeles flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chengdu
Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Chengdu to Los Angeles, you can leave from Tianfu International Airport (TFU). Travel from TFU to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) without making any stops.
Keep an eye out for deals with Sichuan Airlines. This airline offers direct Chengdu to Los Angeles plane tickets from TFU.
Central Chengdu to TFU is around 48 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take about 1 hour 15 minutes to get there if you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing.
Catching an early flight from Chengdu to Los Angeles? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to Tianfu International Airport:
86.59% of flights departing from Tianfu International Airport reach their destination according to schedule. Given its strong performance rating, disruptions are unlikely when flying out of TFU.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Visit friends or family or just take some time to unwind with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your Chengdu to Los Angeles flight, here's where you can stop when leaving from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport:
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)
CTU is around 16 kilometres from central Chengdu. It takes 30 minutes or so to get to the airport when driving from the city centre.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Chengdu to Los Angeles? Relax in a hotel near Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport before your trip officially begins. Consider one of these stays:
The majority of flights that leave Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport arrive at their destination as expected. It maintains a strong on-time performance rate of 90%.
You'll find CTU at Airport Expressway Entrance.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 19 kilometres from the centre of Los Angeles. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 30 minutes.
It typically takes 55 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Chengdu to Los Angeles, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near LAX:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and chase adventure across Los Angeles and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from Los Angeles International Airport about one week ahead can help you get the lowest rate.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
The centre of Los Angeles is located around 29 kilometres from Van Nuys Airport (VNY). After your flight from Chengdu to Los Angeles has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should be around 35 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 40 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Chengdu to Los Angeles, kick back at a hotel near VNY. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or cab lines. Grab a Van Nuys Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare offers from Budget, Dollar and Hertz.
Avoid the slow-moving lines and paperwork at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Secure your ride from VNY in advance so you can just get the keys and go.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
May is the quietest month for flights from Chengdu to Los Angeles, while July is the busiest. Work out the best time to visit Los Angeles based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Lock in a Chengdu to Los Angeles ticket departing in August if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Los Angeles to range from 16ºC to 32ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Chengdu to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC and 26ºC.
More about Los Angeles
Start your Los Angeles trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Chengdu to Los Angeles, explore our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are top attractions which should feature on any good Los Angeles itinerary.
Explore more of United States
San Diego is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be explored after you've seen Los Angeles. Around 177 kilometres to the south-east, check out popular attractions including San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego.
If you're interested in discovering another great destination in United States, consider San Jose, roughly 499 kilometres north-west of Los Angeles. Winchester Mystery House, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art are among its highlights.
