Flying from Los Angeles to Chengdu: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Los Angeles. Explore your options leaving from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport (VNY) when organising your flight from Los Angeles to Chengdu.
When choosing where to land in Chengdu, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) are the chief entry points.
Around 15 hours 55 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Los Angeles to Chengdu flight.
Chengdu is 16 hours ahead of Los Angeles and follows the UTC+8 timezone.
With two weekly flights between the two airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) is the busiest route. Hop on the first flight from Los Angeles to Chengdu with Sichuan Airlines at 23:15. If you'd like to get more out of your day before flying, the last departure from LAX to TFU is with Sichuan Airlines at 23:15.
For a relaxed travel experience, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably catch your Los Angeles to Chengdu flight.
You'll likely experience longer lines in popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Chengdu
Lock in cheap Los Angeles to Chengdu flights by booking five months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for picking up a bargain.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Los Angeles to Chengdu is October. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
There's no need to search every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Los Angeles to Chengdu.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Los Angeles to Chengdu flights.
Flying from Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Set out from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Chengdu. From LAX, you can travel directly to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU).
Sichuan Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct Los Angeles to Chengdu plane tickets from LAX.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save on your Los Angeles to Chengdu flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Los Angeles International Airport. Take a break from travelling at one of these popular options:
Guangzhou Airport (CAN)
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
LAX is around 19 kilometres from central Los Angeles. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour.
Searching for a handy hotel close to Los Angeles International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Los Angeles to Chengdu, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
Los Angeles International Airport scores high marks for on-time performance. 80% of flights that depart LAX arrive at their destination on time.
The address for LAX is One World Way.
Arriving in Chengdu
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU)
The distance from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) to central Chengdu is approximately 48 kilometres. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 1 hour.
If you have a late flight from Los Angeles to Chengdu, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near TFU:
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Central Chengdu is about 11 kilometres from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU). As soon as your flight from Los Angeles to Chengdu has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should be around 35 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take around 45 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel close to CTU. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Los Angeles to Chengdu:
The address for Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is Airport Expressway Entrance.
Best time to go to Chengdu
December is the most popular month for flights from Los Angeles to Chengdu. To skip the crowds, head to Chengdu in March.
Book a Los Angeles to Chengdu ticket departing in August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Chengdu to range from 21ºC to 33ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Chengdu in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 0ºC and 13ºC on average.
More about Chengdu
Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to Chengdu, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chengdu:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Sichuan Tower of China, Jinli Street and Sichuan Museum are must-visits when exploring Chengdu.
Explore more of China
Nanchong is just one of the many cities in China waiting to be discovered once you've seen Chengdu. Around 193 kilometres to the east, top sights here include Lingyun Mountain Scenic Area, Nanchong Xishan Scenic Area - Wanjuanlou Scenic Area and Sichuan Nanchong Xishan Scenic Area Qileshan Scenic Area.
Around 467 kilometres north of Chengdu, Tianshui is another favourite stop in China. Experience major highlights starting with Qimulin Mountain, Yuquanguan Scenic Area and Tianshui Shenjin Mountain Provincial Forest Park.
