Flying from Los Angeles to Beijing: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Los Angeles. Check out your options leaving from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY) when booking your flight from Los Angeles to Beijing.
Step off your plane in Beijing at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing International Airport (PKX).
Book a direct Los Angeles to Beijing flight and you'll be traveling for an average of 14 hours 40 minutes.
Beijing is 15 hours ahead of Los Angeles and is in the UTC+8 timezone.
With eight flights a week between the two airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the most popular route. Hop on the earliest flight from Los Angeles to Beijing with Air China at 12:20. If you prefer to make the most of your day before flying, the last flight from LAX to PEK is with United Airlines at 23:45.
Allow plenty of time to catch your Los Angeles to Beijing flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak month such as July? School holidays and other high seasons can mean longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Beijing
Book two months before your departure date. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Los Angeles to Beijing flights.
The best month for picking up cheap plane tickets from Los Angeles to Beijing is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then select the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Los Angeles to Beijing couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when a better deal is available.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Los Angeles to Beijing flights.
Flying from Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
If you're after a direct flight from Los Angeles to Beijing, you can leave from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Fly from LAX to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) without any stops.
Air China is a popular airline that offers direct Los Angeles to Beijing plane tickets leaving from LAX.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Los Angeles to Beijing flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Los Angeles International Airport. Take a break from traveling at one of these airports:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Haneda Airport (HND)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Traveling from central Los Angeles to LAX takes around 55 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 19 kilometers in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
In search of a handy hotel close to Los Angeles International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Los Angeles to Beijing, these stays will put you moments from your departure lounge:
81.05% of flights leaving Los Angeles International Airport land at their destination on schedule. With its strong performance rating, you're unlikely to be delayed when taking off from LAX.
The address for LAX is One World Way.
Arriving in Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is approximately 26 kilometers from the center of Beijing. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 40 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Los Angeles to Beijing. Reserve one of these accommodation options near PEK instead:
Go beyond Beijing and discover places outside the usual tourist stops with your own wheels. You can pick up a Beijing Capital International Airport rental car from Hertz.
Increase the odds of securing a great price by booking early. Reserving your ride from Beijing Capital International Airport several weeks in advance is a smart idea.
You'll find PEK at Capital Airport Rd.
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Daxing International Airport (PKX) is around 40 kilometers from central Beijing. After your flight from Los Angeles to Beijing, it'll take you approximately 1 hour 5 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to PKX. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Los Angeles to Beijing:
Best time to go to Beijing
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Los Angeles to Beijing. April is the busiest month to travel to Beijing. If you like a more relaxed vibe, go in February.
Before locking in your Los Angeles to Beijing tickets, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Beijing, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 35ºC (95ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Beijing in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -11ºC (12ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF) on average.
More about Beijing
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Beijing right here. Browse these options once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to Beijing:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square are must-do's during your Beijing adventure.
Explore more of China
Tianjin is just one of the many places in China waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Beijing. Around 113 kilometers to the south-east, top sights here include Ancient Culture Street, Porcelain house and Haihe River.
Around 418 kilometers south of Beijing, Tai'an is another favorite stop in China. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Sanyi Cypress, Xixi Stone Pavilion and Qiuxian Cave.