Distance from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport
Great-circle distance, compass bearing and a transit estimate between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
initial heading from John F. Kennedy International Airport
nonstop, airborne
About the John F. Kennedy International Airport–Los Angeles International Airport route
The great-circle (straight-line) distance from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in United States to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in United States is approximately 3,974 km — that is 2,146 nautical miles or 2,469 statute miles. The initial heading from John F. Kennedy International Airport is about 274° (west).
A nonstop flight covering this distance is roughly 5h 3m in the air, based on a typical jet cruise speed with an allowance for taxi, climb and descent. Scheduled block times are usually a little longer, and routings bend for winds, airspace and air-traffic flow.
How this is calculated
The distance is the great-circle (orthodromic) distance between the published coordinates of John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport — the shortest path over the Earth’s surface. Actual flight paths are longer, following airways, winds and airspace. Transit figures are planning approximations, not schedules.
Frequently asked questions
How far is John F. Kennedy International Airport from Los Angeles International Airport?
The great-circle distance from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is about 3,974 km (2,146 nautical miles / 2,469 miles).
What direction is Los Angeles International Airport from John F. Kennedy International Airport?
Setting out from John F. Kennedy International Airport, the initial bearing to Los Angeles International Airport is about 274°, which is roughly west.
How long is the flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport?
A nonstop flight is approximately 5h 3m airborne at a typical cruise speed. Published block times are usually somewhat longer.