Yes, flying is much faster and often cheaper than driving.

What is the best airport?

Los Angeles International (LAX) is the primary airport.

Yes, LA is very spread out and public transit is limited.

How long is the drive?

It is a 24-hour drive that typically takes two to three days.

Are there direct flights?

Yes, several airlines offer direct flights from Kansas City to Los Angeles.

Merriam

Los Angeles

Flight Driving

Merriam to Los Angeles

Updated: 29 May 2026

The journey from Merriam to Los Angeles is a major cross-country trip of approximately 2,500 kilometers. The most common driving route takes you west on I-70 through the Rockies and then south on I-15. This is a multi-day drive that requires careful planning. Alternatively, direct flights are available from Kansas City International to Los Angeles International Airport. Flying is the most practical option for most travelers.

Total Distance: 2,500 km driving distance; 2,200 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from MCI to LAX is the fastest way to reach the city.

Cheapest Way

Flying is often more cost-effective than the multi-day drive.

Compare Merriam to Los Angeles Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours 45 mins	24 hours
Avg Price	$250-$500	$300-$450 in fuel
Operator	Delta Air Lines	Personal Vehicle
Route	MCI to LAX	I-70 West to I-15 South.
Tip	LAX is a massive airport; allow extra time for ground transportation.	The drive is long; plan for at least two overnight stops.

Travel Tips

Traffic
LA traffic is legendary; avoid driving during peak hours whenever possible.
Public Transit
The Metro rail system is expanding and can be useful for avoiding traffic.
Parking
Parking is expensive and hard to find; use apps to reserve spots in advance.
Dining
Explore the diverse food scenes in Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and Boyle Heights.
Weather
The weather is generally mild, but it can get chilly near the coast at night.

Safety Tips

Road Safety
Be prepared for aggressive driving on the LA freeways.
Personal Safety
Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded tourist areas.
Emergency Prep
Keep a roadside emergency kit in your car if you choose to drive.
Navigation
Use real-time traffic apps to navigate the complex freeway system.