Los Angeles (LAX) to Seattle (SEA) is about 960 miles and typically takes 2 h 30 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
LAX to SEA at a glance
| Route | Los Angeles (LAX) to Seattle (SEA) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 960 miles / 1,540 km |
| Typical flight time | 2 h 30 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | None |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines |
About the Los Angeles to Seattle route
Los Angeles to Seattle covers about 960 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 2 h 30 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 2 h 10 min to 2 h 55 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 960 miles (1,540 km), not a published schedule.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, LAX to SEA is longer than about 32% of them.
For comparison, Los Angeles to Denver (LAX to DEN) is about 860 miles, so Seattle is a bit farther out from LAX.
The airports
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.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Sea-Tac is Alaska Airlines' home hub and a growing Delta gateway to Asia, which makes it a useful connecting point for Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific routes. Full SEA guide.
Do not stop at LAX and SEA. Also compare around Los Angeles, Hollywood Burbank and San Diego (SAN); and around Seattle, Portland (PDX), because a different airport can change both the fare and your ground travel.
Airlines on this route
Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines have a hub at both ends, so they are the most likely to offer frequent nonstop service and easy rebooking on this route.
American Airlines and United Airlines also have a major presence at one of the two airports.
Schedules change by season, and a nonstop that exists in summer may not operate in winter. Confirm the current options before you plan around a specific flight.
Common connection points
Connecting itineraries on this route often look like Alaska Airlines via San Francisco (SFO), which adds about 60 miles (6% beyond the direct distance) or United Airlines via San Francisco (SFO), which adds about 60 miles (6% 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 SEA, july through September has the clearest weather and the heaviest demand, including cruise-season traffic to Alaska. At LAX, marine-layer fog can slow early-morning operations from late spring through summer.
Ground transport
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.
Getting to and from SEA
Link light rail runs from the terminal to downtown Seattle in roughly 40 minutes without road traffic.
Booking tips
Business-heavy routes like LAX to SEA often have the most frequencies on weekday mornings and evenings. If you need flexibility, a standard fare that allows changes is often worth the difference. See Basic Economy vs Main Cabin.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Seattle?
A typical LAX to SEA flight takes about 2 h 30 min, with a likely range of 2 h 10 min to 2 h 55 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Seattle from Los Angeles by air?
The great-circle distance between LAX and SEA is about 960 miles (1,540 km).
Which airlines fly from Los Angeles to Seattle?
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at LAX or SEA, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
Are there other airports near Los Angeles?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Hollywood Burbank and San Diego (SAN). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book LAX to SEA?
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 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
More flights involving Seattle (SEA)
- Atlanta to SeattleATL to SEA
- Austin to SeattleAUS to SEA
- Boston to SeattleBOS to SEA
- Detroit to SeattleDTW to SEA
- Dubai to SeattleDXB to SEA
- Houston to SeattleIAH to SEA
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.