Flying from Houston to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Kick off your travels at one of Houston's main airports, Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH) or Houston Hobby Airport (HOU). Check out your options for booking a flight from Houston to Los Angeles jetting off from either of these.
When it comes to arriving in Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a primary hub. Another is Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
The average time for a direct Houston to Los Angeles flight is 3 hours 35 minutes.
The timezone in Los Angeles is UTC-8, which is two hours behind Houston.
With 97 weekly flights between the two airports, Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from Houston to Los Angeles with United Airlines at 05:10. If you'd like to make the most of your day before flying, the latest flight from IAH to LAX is with Spirit Airlines at 23:02.
Leave enough time to get on your Houston to Los Angeles flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect bigger queues during popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Houston to Los Angeles
Booking early is often the key to locking in a cheap Houston to Los Angeles flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Houston to Los Angeles is easier if you're flexible with your dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest prices across each month and pick up an incredible deal.
You don't need to check every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment a better deal is available on cheap flights from Houston to Los Angeles.
Save money on your Houston to Los Angeles flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Houston
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH)
You can catch a direct flight from Houston to Los Angeles leaving from Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH). Begin your journey at IAH and arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
There are plenty of airlines that offer direct Houston to Los Angeles plane tickets out of IAH. Your next adventure starts with one of these:
Travelling from central Houston to IAH takes about 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a convenient hotel close to Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Houston to Los Angeles, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure lounge:
Of the flights that depart from Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport, 79% arrive on time at their destination.
You'll find IAH at 16930 JFK Boulevard.
Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
You can catch a direct flight from Houston to Los Angeles out of Houston Hobby Airport (HOU). Kick off your travels at HOU and disembark at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
You can book a direct Houston to Los Angeles plane ticket with Southwest Airlines. This is one of the top carriers that operates this route out of HOU.
Using public transport, you can travel from central Houston to HOU in around 50 minutes. The airport is roughly 16 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
You're off on holiday, so why not spend an extra night away from home? Consider checking in to one of these hotels near Houston Hobby Airport the day before your flight from Houston to Los Angeles:
79% of flights out of Houston Hobby Airport meet their expected arrival time.
HOU is located at 7800 Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The distance from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles is approximately 19 kilometres. It'll take you around 35 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting to the centre on public transport will take you around 1 hour.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Houston to Los Angeles, few things beat the convenience of staying near 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 find adventure across Los Angeles and beyond.
Get the best deal by booking your ride from Los Angeles International Airport around one week before your travel date.
The street address for LAX is One World Way.
Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Central Los Angeles is around 27 kilometres from Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Once your flight from Houston to Los Angeles has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 35 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 1 hour 15 minutes or so.
There are some great places to lay your head close to VNY. Settle in and get cosy after your Houston to Los Angeles flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Budget, Dollar and Hertz make picking up a Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Usually, the earlier you book, the better the prices and vehicle selection. Reserve your ride from VNY as soon as you've confirmed your plans.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Houston to Los Angeles. July is the most popular month to travel to Los Angeles. If you prefer a more peaceful vibe, go in March.
Before locking in your Houston to Los Angeles tickets, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Los Angeles, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC to 32ºC.
February sees average temperatures of between 6ºC and 26ºC. Search for cheap flights from Houston to Los Angeles around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Los Angeles
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Los Angeles right here. Check out these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Houston to Los Angeles:
Hollywood Sign and Universal Studios Hollywood are just the start of the major attractions to put on your Los Angeles to-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Hollywood Bowl.
Explore more of the United States
Los Angeles has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of the United States you'll want to see. About 177 kilometres southeast of Los Angeles, a trip to San Diego will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with leading attractions like San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum.
Around 499 kilometres northwest of Los Angeles, San Jose is another essential stop in the United States. Start your sightseeing at Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Interactive and Santa Clara Valley.