Cheap flights to Los Angeles from across Australia

About flights to Los Angeles

Home to the Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, countless movie studios and iconic beaches, Los Angeles just oozes with glitz, glamour and endless sunshine. It’s also the perfect gateway into the USA for those wanting to explore other American cities. Below, Traveloka’s guide has everything you need to know before galavanting over to Los Angeles.

How long is the flight to Los Angeles

• Brisbane to Los Angeles: 13 hours, 35 minutes
• Canberra to Los Angeles: 17 hours, 5 minutes (with stops)
• Perth to Los Angeles: 18 hours, 55 minutes (with stops)
• Melbourne to Los Angeles: 14 hours, 15 minutes
• Sydney to Los Angeles: 13 hours, 35 minutes

Which airlines fly direct to Los Angeles

• Virgin Australia/United Airlines: Virgin and United codeshare flights to Los Angeles. These airlines are full service, providing complimentary meals, beverages, and in-flight entertainment.
• Qantas/American Airlines:  Qantas is a full-service airline that allows you to earn frequent flier points with Qantas Points. Meals, drinks and entertainment are all free on international flights. Qantas codeshares with American Airlines for flights to LAX. 
• Delta Airlines: Delta provides a full-service on international flights, with meals, inflight entertainment and beverages all included with the fare.

You can book flights with any of these airlines on Traveloka, where you'll find the best deals and convenient booking options.

Where you can fly direct to Los Angeles from

The below airlines have direct flights to Los Angeles from Australian cities.

• Virgin Australia/United Airlines:Melbourne, Sydney
• Qantas/American Airlines:  Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney
• Delta Airlines: Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney

Where is the airport in Los Angeles?

If you’ve even seen photos of celebrities photographed by the paparazzi outside an airport, chances are it’s this one. Los Angeles International Airport (nicknamed LAX), is the main international airport serving the Greater Los Angeles area and is located 29km southwest of Downtown Los Angeles. From the airport, there are several transport options to choose from:

• Bus:  There are multiple bus routes available including: L.A. Metro, Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus and Torrance Transit,
• Train: The Metro C Line connects at Aviation/LAX Station. There is also a new LAX/Metro Transit Center scheduled to open in June 2025.
• Shuttles: The FlyAway nonstop bus service connects LAX and Union Station and Van Nuys, with fares costing US$9.75 (AU$15) one way. Many hotels also provide complimentary shuttle buses, so double-check if this is the case at your accommodation.
• Taxi/ Ride share: Taxis are available and cost around US$50 (AU$78) to get from LAX to downtown Los Angeles. Ride share options are also available at LAX with Lyft, Opoli, and Uber all authorised to pick up passengers from the airport. Taxis and Ubers will arrive at the LAX-it lot next to Terminal 1. This designated pick-up spot can be walked to or there is a LAX-it shuttle to get you there.
• Car rental: As Los Angeles generally is known to not have the most extensive public transport network, it might be handy to rent a car. Car rental is available but are located off airport premises, but the companies will meet arriving customers under the purple “Rental Car Shuttles” sign on the Lower/Arrivals Level islands outside baggage claim.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Los Angeles

The summer months, particularly July, are generally the most popular time to visit Los Angeles, making them the most expensive. On the flip side, the off season can be much more affordable, with airfare prices starting from as low as  AU$720. May is one of the quieter months to visit, so could be a good time to plan your trip if you’re on a budget and your dates are flexible. Pro tip: keep an eye on Traveloka’s promotions, particularly around sales events such as EOFY and Black Friday to save some serious cash.

Visa and passport requirements when flying to Los Angeles

While Aussies won’t necessarily need a visa for entry into Los Angeles if their visit is for less than 90 days, the USA has strict rules surrounding their borders. Aussies will need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) if they are eligible so they can enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If a person is ineligible for this, a visa is required. Whether you’re applying for an ESTA or a visa, this needs to be completed ahead of departure from Australia.

How early to arrive at the airport

Flying to Los Angeles from anywhere in Australia will be an international long-haul flight. Because it’s an international flight, it’s generally recommended to be at the airport at least three hours prior to the flight’s departure.

Keen to make the most of your trip to Los Angeles? Get the details sorted with Traveloka and book your hotel and accommodation, check out the activities, hire a car and more!