Miami (MIA) to Los Angeles (LAX) is about 2,340 miles and typically takes 5 h 15 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
MIA to LAX at a glance
| Route | Miami (MIA) to Los Angeles (LAX) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 2,340 miles / 3,760 km |
| Typical flight time | 5 h 15 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 3 hours behind |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines |
About the Miami to Los Angeles route
Covering around 2,340 miles, the trip from Miami (MIA) to Los Angeles (LAX) is one of the longer domestic routes. Expect several hours in the air and a noticeable shift in local time.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 5 h 15 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 4 h 55 min to 5 h 40 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 2,340 miles (3,760 km), not a published schedule. Flights heading west usually take noticeably longer than flights heading east because of prevailing winds aloft, so the return flight can differ by 30 minutes or more.
Los Angeles is 3 hours behind Miami on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, MIA to LAX is longer than about 74% of them.
For comparison, Miami to Boston (MIA to BOS) is about 1,260 miles, so Los Angeles is a bit farther out from MIA.
The airports
Miami International Airport (MIA)
Miami International is American Airlines' gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America and a big cargo airport. Full MIA 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 MIA and LAX. Also compare around Miami, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL); 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
American Airlines has a hub at both ends, so it is the most likely to offer frequent nonstop service and easy rebooking on this route.
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, 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 Delta Air Lines via Atlanta (ATL), which adds about 200 miles (9% beyond the direct distance) or Alaska Airlines via San Francisco (SFO), which adds about 580 miles (25% 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 MIA, winter is peak season; hurricane season runs June through November and can affect flights.
Ground transport
Getting to and from MIA
The Metrorail Orange Line connects via the MIA Mover to downtown Miami.
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 Miami to Los Angeles?
A typical MIA to LAX flight takes about 5 h 15 min, with a likely range of 4 h 55 min to 5 h 40 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Los Angeles from Miami by air?
The great-circle distance between MIA and LAX is about 2,340 miles (3,760 km).
Which airlines fly from Miami to Los Angeles?
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at MIA or LAX, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Miami and Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is 3 hours behind Miami on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near Miami?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood (FLL). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book MIA 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 Miami (MIA)
- Atlanta to MiamiATL to MIA
- Charlotte to MiamiCLT to MIA
- Chicago to MiamiORD to MIA
- Dallas to MiamiDFW to MIA
- Miami to BostonMIA to BOS
- Miami to CancunMIA to CUN
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.