Houston (IAH) to Los Angeles (LAX) is about 1,380 miles and typically takes 3 h 20 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
IAH to LAX at a glance
| Route | Houston (IAH) to Los Angeles (LAX) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 1,380 miles / 2,210 km |
| Typical flight time | 3 h 20 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 2 hours behind |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines |
About the Houston to Los Angeles route
Houston to Los Angeles covers about 1,380 miles, a mid-length domestic trip that most airlines can serve nonstop or with one easy connection.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 3 h 20 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 3 h to 3 h 45 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 1,380 miles (2,210 km), not a published schedule.
Los Angeles is 2 hours behind Houston on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, IAH to LAX is longer than about 48% of them.
For comparison, Houston to Newark (IAH to EWR) is about 1,400 miles, so Los Angeles is about the same distance out from IAH.
The airports
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Bush Intercontinental is United's gateway to Latin America and Texas. Full IAH guide.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
LAX is the West Coast's largest gateway, with heavy service to Asia, Australia, Latin America and every major U.S. market. Full LAX guide.
Do not stop at IAH and LAX. Also compare around Houston, Houston Hobby (HOU); and around Los Angeles, Hollywood Burbank and San Diego (SAN), because a different airport can change both the fare and your ground travel.
Airlines on this route
United Airlines has a hub at both ends, so it is the most likely to offer frequent nonstop service and easy rebooking on this route.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines also have a major presence at one of the two airports.
Airlines add and drop frequencies throughout the year. Our agents can check what is actually scheduled on your dates.
Common connection points
Connecting itineraries on this route often look like United Airlines via Denver (DEN), which adds about 350 miles (25% beyond the direct distance) or Delta Air Lines via Salt Lake City (SLC), which adds about 410 miles (30% beyond the direct distance). Choose the connection with the best weather odds for your travel month and leave a comfortable layover; our layover guide explains how much time is realistic.
Best time to fly
Seasonal factors to weigh: at LAX, marine-layer fog can slow early-morning operations from late spring through summer. At IAH, hurricane season from June to November can bring weather-related disruptions.
Ground transport
Getting to and from IAH
Metro buses and a flat-rate airport shuttle serve downtown; most visitors use rideshare or rental cars.
Getting to and from LAX
Rideshare pickup happens at the LAX-it lot outside the terminal loop, and a shuttle connects to the Metro rail network; road traffic on the 405 and 105 can be unpredictable.
Booking tips
If you are flying to Los Angeles for a vacation, compare the fare with bags included, since leisure travelers often check luggage. Our fare-type guide shows what low fares leave out.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Houston to Los Angeles?
A typical IAH to LAX flight takes about 3 h 20 min, with a likely range of 3 h to 3 h 45 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Los Angeles from Houston by air?
The great-circle distance between IAH and LAX is about 1,380 miles (2,210 km).
Which airlines fly from Houston to Los Angeles?
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at IAH or LAX, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Houston and Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is 2 hours behind Houston on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near Houston?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Houston Hobby (HOU). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book IAH to LAX?
For leisure routes like this, book early for school holidays and peak seasons. Domestic fares are often competitive one to three months ahead, while international trips benefit from more lead time. Compare several dates, since fares are priced flight by flight.
Explore related routes
More flights involving Houston (IAH)
- Delhi to HoustonDEL to IAH
- Houston to ChicagoIAH to ORD
- Houston to DenverIAH to DEN
- Houston to NewarkIAH to EWR
- Houston to San FranciscoIAH to SFO
- Houston to SeattleIAH to SEA
More flights involving Los Angeles (LAX)
- Anchorage to Los AngelesANC to LAX
- Austin to Los AngelesAUS to LAX
- Boston to Los AngelesBOS to LAX
- Charlotte to Los AngelesCLT to LAX
- Cleveland to Los AngelesCLE to LAX
- Detroit to Los AngelesDTW to LAX
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.