Flying from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Sao Paulo is home to two main airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Explore your options for booking a flight from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles departing from Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) or Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport (VCP).
When choosing where to land in Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY) are the major entry points.
Jump on a direct Sao Paulo to Los Angeles flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 12 hours 10 minutes.
Los Angeles's timezone is UTC-8, making Los Angeles five hours behind Sao Paulo.
With four weekly flights between the two airports, Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the busiest route. Hop on the earliest flight from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles with LATAM Airlines at 22:50. If you'd like to make the most of your day before taking off, the last departure from GRU to LAX is with LATAM Airlines at 23:15.
Leave enough time to get on your Sao Paulo to Los Angeles flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport well in advance. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights when you fly during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles
To score cheap Sao Paulo to Los Angeles flights, reserve your journey three months ahead of your planned departure.
The best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles is August. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you when there's a better deal on cheap flights from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles.
Save money on your Sao Paulo to Los Angeles flight with the help of our filters. Select your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Sao Paulo
Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles, you can leave from Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport (GRU). Travel from GRU to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in one continuous trip.
Be on the lookout for deals with LATAM Airlines. This carrier offers direct Sao Paulo to Los Angeles plane tickets from GRU.
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and perhaps even explore another city. When browsing Sao Paulo to Los Angeles flights departing from Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH)
Panama City Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
The journey from central Sao Paulo to GRU takes around 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 21 kilometres in 45 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Have an early flight from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays close to Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport:
Of all flights departing from Sao Paulo Guarulhos Airport, 71% arrive on time at their destination.
Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport (VCP)
VCP is about 80 kilometres from central Sao Paulo. It takes 1 hour 30 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 2 hours 20 minutes.
Get your holiday started early with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles, kick back in one of these hotels near Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport:
Sao Paulo Viracopos Airport has an on-time performance of 74%. This figure provides insight into how often flights departing from this airport land on time.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles takes about 35 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 19 kilometres away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour.
Consider booking a hotel near LAX if you're coming in on a late flight from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles. Choose one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Hit the road running by picking up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and explore beyond Los Angeles's usual tourist stops.
Lock in the best rate by booking your ride from Los Angeles International Airport around one week in advance of your trip.
LAX is located at One World Way.
Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
The centre of Los Angeles is about 27 kilometres from Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY). As soon as your flight from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of around 35 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near VNY. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles:
Budget, Dollar and Hertz make collecting a Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located around or in the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Generally, the earlier you book, the more you save and the better your options. Lock in your ride from VNY as soon as you know your dates.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
March is the quietest month for flights from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles, while July is the busiest. Choose the ideal time to visit Los Angeles based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Book a Sao Paulo to Los Angeles ticket departing in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Los Angeles to range from 16ºC to 32ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles in February if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 6ºC and 26ºC on average.
More about Los Angeles
Start your Los Angeles trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Sao Paulo to Los Angeles, check out our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to start. Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl are popular attractions which should feature on any well-planned Los Angeles itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited Los Angeles, now it's time to explore other corners of the United States. Journey around 177 kilometres southeast to San Diego to check off its leading attractions. From San Diego Zoo to Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
If you're looking to explore another side of the United States, head for San Jose, roughly 499 kilometres northwest of Los Angeles. Winchester Mystery House, The Tech Interactive and Santa Clara Valley are highlights.