About flights from Los Angeles (VNY)
Van Nuys Airport sits in the San Fernando Valley, about 25 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, and it operates in a completely different register than LAX. No international terminal chaos, no snaking security lines that eat an hour before you've even found your gate. This is a general aviation hub that handles charter and private-style operations, and knowing it exists changes how you think about getting in and out of Southern California. Small but purposeful, it's the kind of airport that rewards travelers who do their homework.
Quick stats for VNY
- Direct destinations: 9
- Countries served: 2
- Continents reached: 1 of 6
- Average flight distance: 1,847 km
- Longest non-stop: Kahului (OGG) — 3,995 km (~4h 60m)
- Shortest non-stop: Thermal (TRM) — 224 km (~17 min)
- Reach score: 48/99
Why fly to Los Angeles?
Nine direct routes from a single airport sounds modest until you look at where those routes actually go. The longest haul out of VNY reaches all the way to Kahului on Maui — nearly 4,000 kilometers over open Pacific, which is a serious flight from what most people assume is a local airstrip. On the other end of the spectrum, you can be wheels-down in Thermal, California in under 30 minutes, useful if you're heading to the Coachella Valley without the fuss of a major terminal. One route crosses into Mexico, which hints at the airport's quiet but real regional utility. Carrier 5E holds down most of this network, keeping things tight and specialized rather than sprawling.
Longest non-stop flights from VNY
The furthest destinations you can reach non-stop from Los Angeles:
- Kahului, USA (OGG) — 3,995 km, approximately 4h 60m
- Teterboro, USA (TEB) — 3,944 km, approximately 4h 56m
- Miami, USA (OPF) — 3,768 km, approximately 4h 43m
- San Jose Cabo, Mexico (SJD) — 1,496 km, approximately 1h 52m
- Aspen, USA (ASE) — 1,175 km, approximately 1h 28m
Short-haul flights from VNY
Quick getaway options with the shortest flights from Los Angeles:
- Thermal, USA (TRM) — 224 km, approximately 17 min
- Las Vegas, USA (LAS) — 368 km, approximately 28 min
- Napa, USA (APC) — 560 km, approximately 42 min
- Sun Valley, USA (SUN) — 1,095 km, approximately 1h 22m
- Aspen, USA (ASE) — 1,175 km, approximately 1h 28m
Top countries by direct connections from VNY
Van Nuys connects to 2 countries. Here are the most served:
- USA — 8 destinations (Aspen, Kahului, Las Vegas, Miami and 4 more)
- Mexico — 1 destination (San Jose Cabo)
Tips for travelers at VNY
The 101 and 405 freeways converge near Van Nuys, so driving is genuinely straightforward if you're coming from the Valley or the Westside. Build in time for surface street congestion though — Sepulveda Boulevard can stall badly during afternoon rush. Rideshares drop off cleanly at the terminal, and the whole process feels noticeably calmer than anything at LAX. Summer heat in the Valley is real, often 10 degrees warmer than the coast, so dress accordingly and stay hydrated before a flight. Always confirm your departure details directly with 5E, since smaller carriers at general aviation airports update schedules more fluidly than the big guys.
Airlines operating from VNY
The following airlines offer non-stop flights from Van Nuys:
5E
Frequently asked questions about flying to Los Angeles
How do I get from Van Nuys Airport to downtown Los Angeles?
You can rent a car, use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, or take a taxi—it's about 15-20 miles away depending on traffic, usually taking 30-60 minutes. Public transit options are limited from VNY, so having a car or booking a ride in advance is your best bet.
What's the best time to fly from Los Angeles?
Late September through early November and mid-January through February tend to have fewer crowds and better prices, while summer and winter holidays are peak travel times with higher fares. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically cheaper than weekend flights.
How many destinations can I reach directly from Van Nuys Airport?
Van Nuys Airport has 9 direct destinations available, making it convenient for regional travel without connections. These routes primarily serve smaller cities and regional hubs across the western United States.
Do I need a visa to fly internationally from Los Angeles?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and destination country, so you'll want to check with the embassy or consulate of your destination at least 6-8 weeks before travel. US citizens typically need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond their travel dates.
What's a helpful tip for flying from Van Nuys Airport?
Van Nuys is a smaller, general aviation airport that's less crowded than LAX or Burbank, so you'll experience shorter security lines and a more relaxed atmosphere. Arrive 1-1.5 hours before your flight instead of the usual 2 hours for major airports.
Is flying from Van Nuys cheaper than other LA airports?
Van Nuys tends to have lower landing fees and fewer crowds, which can sometimes result in competitive fares, though prices vary by airline and destination. Since it's smaller with fewer carriers, you might have fewer flight options compared to LAX or Burbank, so compare prices across all three airports.
Plan your trip from Los Angeles
Browse the complete list of 9 destinations below to find your next flight from Van Nuys. Each route page includes distance, estimated flight time, and airline information to help you plan your trip.