Cheap Flights to Los Angeles

Discover Los Angeles

Cheap Flights to Los Angeles, USA

Why visit Los Angeles?

Though not as immediately beautiful as its neighbour to the north, its sister city, San Francisco, Los Angeles has become the quirky rebel of the family. Mixing bohemian chic with its arts and music scene, revelry and fun with its world-famous clubs and nightlife, beachside fun with its endlessly sunny days and golden shores, intellectual might with its celebrated and progressive research centres at Caltech, USC and UCLA, and of course, good old fashioned Hollywood glamour, there is a reason people come to Los Angeles, and a reason they stay. Step into this city of dreams, and let yourself be charmed by its idiosyncrasies.

Things to do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a vast network of small towns that have merged into the larger metropolis, and understanding and enjoying LA is about discovering which parts of the city you will love. Start in Santa Monica, where you can frequently spot stars stepping out for a bite to eat along the waterfront, because this neighbourhood is where most Los Angeleans come out to for a bite to eat, a little shopping, some surf and maybe even a movie. Once you park your car, this part of town is totally walkable, making it a great place to spend a balmy evening.

Next, head to Hollywood, the most famous neighbourhood in the city. Once very rundown, the city has poured a lot of money into revitalising the area, and now it is a quirky mix of pure kitsch, and trendy glamour. Stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, check out Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and catch a flick at the nearby ArcLight. If it’s a nice day—and it will be—go into the Hills to get that perfect picture of the most famous landmark in the city, the Hollywood sign.

From Hollywood, it is only a quick journey to Beverly Hills where shoppers will be in hog heaven. Pop down Rodeo Drive for all the flashiest designer labels, or grab a cocktail at the Beverly Hills Hotel, for that perfect Los Angeles vibe.

For something a little different, head to the joyfully eclectic neighbourhood of La Brea and see the Palladian style mansions, mock-Tudor manors and the fairytale cottages that make this part of the city unique. Or people-watch down by Venice Beach, where you can sit and enjoy a meal at one of the cafes along the shore and see every type of person pass you by.

However, if it’s beach fun you’re looking for, make your way to Malibu. There are lots of excellent fresh seafood restaurants in Malibu which makes it a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike, but the real draw is the beaches which are much less crowded, and boast waters as blue as the sky.

Best time to visit Los Angeles

· Los Angeles is famed for its year-round sun, and this isn’t an exaggeration. Summers are hot, with averages of 28-30°C, but March to May is considered the best time to go, when the mercury remains steady at about 19-20°C.

· Winters can be as low as 9°C but as high as 20°C, so if you visit during this season, pack layers.

Best time to book

· For long-haul flights to the USA, you’re best booking 28 weeks before you want to leave in order to find those competitive deals.

Expect to pay

· United States Dollar (USD).

· A cup of coffee in Los Angeles shouldn’t cost you anymore than about 4USD ($5.50).

Arriving in Los Angeles by plane

· Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) handles the international traffic into the city. Almost all large carriers fly into this airport, some of which include United, Qantas, American Airlines, Virgin Airlines, Delta, Emirates, Air New Zealand, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific and Etihad Airways.

· LAX is around 28km from downtown Los Angeles, but offers links to every part of the city. Each terminal provides passengers with food and shopping options, as well as access to ATMs and complimentary WiFi.

· You can fly to LAX from anywhere in Australia, but most places will connect through either Hong Kong (HKG), or other Australian hubs. Brisbane (BNE), Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) run direct routes to the city.

Visa requirements

· Australian passport holders may be eligible for the visa waiver program under the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), but for more information on how to apply, please see the Smart Traveller website.

Transportation to city centre

· A taxi can be between 35-75USD ($48-105) depending on where in the city you plan to go. If you’d rather organise a fixed price ahead of time, airport transfers can be arranged through our website.

· There are also shuttle vans, as well as bus and rail services into Los Angeles.

· Many travellers to Los Angeles opt to rent a car, as that is the easiest way to get around the city. There is a large car rental centre attached to the airport, or you can organise a car ahead of time using the Skyscanner search tool.

Where to stay in Los Angeles

· Book a hotel in Hollywood; in downtown, the hills or the west and you can find a variety of options from budget motels to high-end boutique hotels. This is a great place to stay, with lots of restaurants and bars, and a hopping nightlife.

· Santa Monica is a tourist favourite because it is walkable, close to the beach, and offers excellent shopping and restaurants. On the pricier side, but totally worth it if you want that typical Los Angeles experience.

· Beverly Hills is for pure, unadulterated luxury, with lots of famous hotels, shops, and upmarket restaurants all at your doorstep.

· Downtown is a cheaper part of the city to stay, and doesn’t have much going on at night, but this part of the city is slowly becoming more and more interesting, as it gears itself more towards visiting tourists rather than business travellers working in the CBD.

Useful tips before you go

· Tipping is part of the culture in the USA, and in Los Angeles the standard is to tip between 15-20% for restaurants, 10% for cabs and shuttle services, and a few dollars to bartenders.

Please note that the information provided above is accurate as of May 2016