Is there a train from Glendale to LA?

No direct train exists; you must drive to Phoenix or take a bus to connect to Amtrak.

How long is the drive to LA?

The drive typically takes 6 hours under normal traffic conditions.

What is the best highway to take?

Interstate 10 West is the most direct and efficient route.

Are there tolls on this route?

There are no traditional toll booths, but some express lanes in LA require a FasTrak transponder.

Yes, Greyhound and FlixBus operate routes from Phoenix to Los Angeles.

Glendale

Los Angeles

Flight Driving

Glendale to Los Angeles

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Glendale to Los Angeles spans approximately 375 miles. Most travelers prefer driving via Interstate 10 West, which takes about 6 hours depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can fly from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport in 75 minutes. The route crosses the Sonoran Desert and enters the Los Angeles Basin through the San Gorgonio Pass. Expect heavy congestion when entering the Inland Empire during weekday rush hours.

Total Distance: 603 km driving distance; 570 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from PHX to LAX takes 75 minutes in the air, though airport security adds 2 hours.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the cheapest option if traveling with more than one person, costing roughly $75 in fuel.

Compare Glendale to Los Angeles Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	1 hour 15 minutes	6 hours
Avg Price	$120-$250	$60-$90 in fuel
Operator	Southwest Airlines	Personal Vehicle
Route	PHX to LAX.	I-10 West through Quartzsite and Indio.
Tip	Book at least three weeks in advance to secure lower fares.	Avoid the I-10 corridor between Ontario and downtown LA on Friday afternoons.

Travel Tips

Traffic Timing
Leave Glendale before 5:00 AM to beat the worst of the Los Angeles freeway congestion.
Fuel Stops
Fill your tank in Quartzsite, AZ, as gas prices increase significantly once you cross into California.
Parking
Use parking apps like SpotHero to find affordable garage rates in downtown Los Angeles.
Airport Transit
Use the FlyAway bus from LAX to reach Union Station for a cost-effective transfer to the city center.
Hydration
Keep extra water in your car, as the desert stretch between Phoenix and the California border is extremely arid.

Safety Tips

Desert Heat
Check your coolant levels before departing, as summer temperatures in the desert can exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Freeway Safety
Stay in the middle lanes on I-10 to avoid aggressive merging traffic near major interchanges.
Emergency Kit
Carry a basic roadside emergency kit including jumper cables and a flashlight for the remote desert sections.
Visibility
Dust storms can occur suddenly in the desert; pull over safely if visibility drops to near zero.