New York to Los Angeles Distance
The distance from New York to Los Angeles is approximately 2,790 miles (4,490 km) by road, and about 2,451 miles (3,944 km) as the crow flies. Driving coast to coast takes around 41–42 hours of non-stop driving, making it one of the longest and most iconic road trips in the United States. Use our free calculator above to get the exact route, live driving time, and an interactive map for your journey.
Road Distance
2,790 miles / 4,490 km via I-80 W or I-40 W, the two most common cross-country routes.
Driving Time
~41–42 hours of continuous driving. Most road trippers split this over 5–7 days with stops.
Flight Time
A direct flight takes about 5h 30min–6h, covering the straight-line distance of 2,451 miles.
Straight-Line Distance
2,451 miles (3,944 km) as the crow flies — the shortest possible distance between the two cities.
How to Calculate the Distance from New York to Los Angeles
Getting the exact road distance for this route takes seconds with our free tool:
Type New York, NY in the "From" field above.
Type Los Angeles, CA in the "To" field.
Instantly see road distance, driving time, and the full route on the map.
Best Driving Routes from New York to Los Angeles
There are two main highway routes for this cross-country trip, each with a different character:
I-80 West (Northern Route)
- Passes through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Iowa, Nebraska
- Through Wyoming, Utah, Nevada into California
- ~2,900 miles, slightly longer but scenic
- ✅ Best in spring/summer/fall
I-40 West (Southern Route)
- Passes through Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas
- Through New Mexico, Arizona into California
- ~2,790 miles, follows old Route 66 corridor
- ✅ Better for winter travel, milder weather
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is New York from Los Angeles by car?
The driving distance from New York to Los Angeles is approximately 2,790 miles (4,490 km), depending on which route you take. Use our calculator above to get the exact distance for your specific start and end points.
How long does it take to drive from New York to Los Angeles?
Non-stop, the drive takes about 41–42 hours. Most travelers split the trip across 5 to 7 days, driving around 6–8 hours per day with stops for rest, food, and sightseeing.
What is the flight distance from New York to Los Angeles?
The straight-line (flight) distance is about 2,451 miles (3,944 km). A direct commercial flight typically takes 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours.
What states do you pass through driving from New York to LA?
On the I-80 route you pass through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and California. On the I-40 route you pass through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.
Is it worth driving from New York to Los Angeles instead of flying?
It depends on your goals. Flying is far faster (under 6 hours), but driving lets you see iconic stops along the way — Route 66 towns, national parks, and major cities. Many travelers treat it as a once-in-a-lifetime road trip rather than the fastest way to travel.
Planning Your New York to LA Trip
Road Trip Planning
Break the drive into daily legs of 6–8 hours and calculate exact distances between your overnight stops.
Fuel & Budget Estimate
Use the road distance to estimate fuel costs — at 4,490 km, expect roughly 350–450 liters of fuel depending on your vehicle.
Freight & Moving
Moving companies and freight carriers use this distance to estimate delivery timelines across the country.
Compare Routes
Enter any midpoint city (Chicago, Denver, Nashville) to compare northern vs southern route distances.
Other Popular US Distances
Planning to follow the classic highway route? Check out our complete Route 66 map guide from Chicago to Santa Monica.