Is there a train to LA?

Amtrak runs from Chicago, but requires a bus or train connection from Bloomington.

What is the best highway?

I-70 is the most direct route for the majority of the trip.

Do I need a rental car in LA?

Yes, LA is highly car-dependent for most tourist activities.

Are there direct flights?

No, all flights from IND to LAX require at least one stop.

What is the cheapest month to fly?

February and October typically offer the lowest airfares.

Bloomington

Los Angeles

Flight Driving

Bloomington to Los Angeles

Updated: 29 May 2026

Traveling from Bloomington to Los Angeles covers approximately 2,100 miles. The most efficient route involves driving 50 miles north to Indianapolis International Airport (IND) for a direct or connecting flight to LAX. Alternatively, a cross-country road trip follows I-70 West through St. Louis and Denver before merging onto I-15. Expect a flight duration of roughly 5 hours, while driving takes about 32 hours of pure road time. This journey transitions you from the rolling hills of Southern Indiana to the Pacific coastline.

Total Distance: Driving distance 3,380 km; straight-line air distance 2,850 km.

Fastest Way

Flying from Indianapolis (IND) to Los Angeles (LAX) takes approximately 7 hours total including airport transit.

Cheapest Way

Driving is often cheaper for groups of three or more, costing roughly $400 in fuel.

Compare Bloomington to Los Angeles Routes

	Flight Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	5 hours 30 mins	32 hours
Avg Price	$300 - $600	$400 - $700 in fuel
Operator	United Airlines	Personal Vehicle
Route	IND to LAX via hubs like Denver or Chicago.	I-70 W to I-15 S.
Tip	Book your shuttle from Bloomington to IND at least 24 hours in advance.	Check your tire pressure before crossing the Rockies.

Travel Tips

Airport Shuttle
Use the Bloomington Shuttle Service for reliable transport to IND.
Time Zone
Remember you will lose three hours moving from Eastern to Pacific time.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water during the flight to combat cabin dryness.
Navigation
Download offline maps for the stretch through Utah and Nevada.
Packing
Layer your clothing as temperatures fluctuate significantly between the Midwest and the desert.

Safety Tips

Road Fatigue
Stop every four hours to stretch and avoid highway hypnosis.
Vehicle Check
Ensure your cooling system is serviced before driving through desert regions.
Emergency Kit
Carry a roadside emergency kit with jumper cables and extra water.
Airport Security
Arrive at IND two hours before your flight to clear security comfortably.