Is it cheaper to fly or drive to LA?

Flying is generally cheaper when accounting for fuel, hotels, and food costs for a 3-day drive.

What is the best highway route?

I-20 West to I-10 West is the most direct and well-maintained route.

How long is the flight?

A direct flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Do I need a car in LA?

Yes, Los Angeles is a sprawling city where a car is highly recommended for convenience.

Are there trains to LA?

Yes, Amtrak's Sunset Limited runs from New Orleans to LA, but requires a separate connection from Georgia.

Roswell

Los Angeles

Flight Driving

Roswell to Los Angeles

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Roswell to Los Angeles covers approximately 3,500 kilometers across the southern United States. Most travelers fly from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, a journey of about 5 hours. Driving requires navigating I-20 West through Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas before connecting to I-10 West. This route traverses diverse landscapes including the humid South, the arid deserts of West Texas, and the mountains of Arizona. Expect a multi-day drive if choosing the road route, typically taking 35 to 40 hours of active driving time.

Total Distance: Driving distance 3,540 km, straight-line air distance 3,100 km.

Fastest Way

Direct flight from ATL to LAX takes just over 5 hours, saving days of travel time.

Cheapest Way

Flight booked during off-peak mid-week periods often costs less than fuel and hotel costs for driving.

Compare Roswell to Los Angeles Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	5 hours 15 mins	38 hours
Avg Price	$250 - $550	$400 - $700 (fuel/lodging)
Operator	Delta Air Lines	Personal Vehicle
Route	ATL to LAX	I-20 W to I-10 W
Tip	Book at least 21 days in advance to secure lower fares on non-stop flights.	Ensure your vehicle is serviced for high-heat desert driving before crossing into New Mexico.

Travel Tips

Airport Transit
Use the FlyAway bus from LAX to reach Union Station efficiently.
Time Zone
Remember to adjust your watch back three hours when arriving in California.
Hydration
Carry extra water if driving through the Mojave Desert sections of I-10.
Traffic
Avoid driving on LA freeways during peak hours of 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM.
Booking
Use flight comparison tools to track price drops for ATL departures.

Safety Tips

Vehicle Check
Check tire pressure and coolant levels before starting the long drive.
Rest Stops
Plan stops every 4 hours to prevent driver fatigue on long stretches.
Emergency Kit
Keep a roadside emergency kit with jumper cables and a flashlight in your trunk.
Navigation
Download offline maps as cellular service can be spotty in rural West Texas.