Flying from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Los Angeles and you'll be in the air for an average of 4 hours 55 minutes.
The timezone in Los Angeles is UTC-7. The city is three hours behind Durham, where Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular route, with 18 weekly departures to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from RDU to LAX is with Delta Air Lines at 20:20. Opt for the first departure with Delta Air Lines at 06:30 if you want to get on your way earlier.
Give yourself enough time to catch your RDU to Los Angeles flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're travelling during a bank holiday or another peak period, give yourself more time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at check-in and security will be longer.
Direct Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Los Angeles tickets are available for booking. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is where you'll arrive.
Top airlines that offer direct flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Los Angeles include:
RDU is about 16 kilometres from central Durham. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Los Angeles? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels close to RDU:
Raleigh-Durham International Airport has a strong on-time performance, reducing the likelihood of delays. Departures from RDU arrive at their destination as scheduled 80.09% of the time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Los Angeles
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Los Angeles flight is $122. The cheapest price for a return flight is $247. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Book two months before you want to travel. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from RDU to Los Angeles.
June is the best month for landing an amazing deal on Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Los Angeles tickets. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
You don't need to keep checking in to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you as soon as there's an even better deal on cheap flights from RDU to Los Angeles.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Los Angeles.
Airports in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The distance from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles is roughly 32 kilometres. It'll take you around 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 55 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Los Angeles, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these hotels near LAX:
Travel at your own speed with a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and find adventure across Los Angeles and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from Los Angeles International Airport about one week in advance of your flight from RDU to Los Angeles can help you get the best possible rate.
LAX is located at One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Central Los Angeles is around 32 kilometres from Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Once your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Los Angeles has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 35 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 40 minutes.
There are some great places to call home for the night near VNY. Unwind and get cosy after your RDU to Los Angeles flight at any of these well-located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or cab lines. Pick up a Van Nuys Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Check out the availability and rates from Budget, Dollar and Hertz.
Avoid the slow-moving lines and paperwork at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Reserve your ride from VNY in advance so you can simply get the keys and go.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
Carefully consider your trip dates before locking in your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Los Angeles. The city comes alive in high season, but rates are typically higher and attractions can be busy. Go to Los Angeles in low season if you want a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Los Angeles is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Book your Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Los Angeles flight ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from RDU to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC (43ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF).
More about Los Angeles
Start your Los Angeles trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Los Angeles, browse our selection of hotels including:
The Broad and Griffith Observatory are just the start of the big attractions to add to your Los Angeles travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
Explore more of United States
Los Angeles will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of United States you should also see. Around 177 kilometres south-east of Los Angeles, a visit to San Diego will keep you busy. Check out popular attractions like San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego.
Around 499 kilometres north-west of Los Angeles, San Jose is another favourite stop in United States. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Winchester Mystery House, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art.