Distance and flight time from Zurich to Los Angeles
The great-circle distance between Zurich and Los Angeles is 9,534 km (5,924 mi, 5,148 nautical miles). By private jet the flight takes between 11h 42m and 25h 56m block time depending on the aircraft class. For most travellers an ultra-long-range jet fits: it covers the route nonstop in about 11h 42m.
- Light jet: 18h 29m (with 3 fuel stops)
- Midsize jet: 16h 05m (with 2 fuel stops)
- Super midsize jet: 13h 59m (with one fuel stop)
- Heavy jet: 13h 42m (with one fuel stop)
- Ultra long range jet: 11h 42m (nonstop)
Empty legs and aircraft on the Zurich – Los Angeles route
Over the last 18 months we recorded 3 empty legs from Zurich to Los Angeles. The most frequent aircraft were Global Express and Global 7500. Most flights operate from Zurich Airport (LSZH) to Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX).
Range and fuel stops
Not every jet can fly every route nonstop. With reserves, light jets reach about 2,800 km, super midsize jets around 5,500 km and ultra long range jets more than 11,000 km. If the destination is further away, the operator plans a fuel stop of roughly 45 minutes.
For transatlantic flights or routes to Asia the larger class often pays off: it costs more per hour but saves stops and therefore time.
- Turboprop / PC-12: up to approx. 2,200–2,800 km
- Light jet: up to approx. 2,800 km
- Midsize jet: up to approx. 3,700 km
- Super midsize jet: up to approx. 5,500 km
- Heavy jet: up to approx. 7,000 km
- Ultra long range: 11,000 km and more
Calculating the distance between airports
We calculate distance as the great-circle distance (the shortest path over the globe) and also show it in nautical miles, the standard unit in aviation. Because aircraft follow airways and approach procedures, the distance actually flown is slightly longer; the flight time already includes this.
How we calculate
- Distance: great-circle calculation from both airports’ coordinates, plus 5% for airways and approach procedures.
- Flight time: distance flown divided by the class’s typical cruise speed, plus 15 minutes for climb and descent and 10 minutes of taxi per take-off and landing.
- Fuel stops: added once the route exceeds practical range with reserves, 45 minutes on the ground per stop.
- Wind is not included. Strong headwinds (typically westbound across the Atlantic) can add 10–15% to flight time; tailwinds shorten it.
Frequently asked questions
How far is it from Zurich to Los Angeles?
The great-circle distance is 9,534 km (5,924 mi) or 5,148 nautical miles. The distance flown is about 5% longer because of airways.
How long is the flight from Zurich to Los Angeles?
By private jet about 11h 42m in an ultra-long-range jet. A typical airliner flying nonstop takes about 12h 44m gate to gate. Wind and air traffic control can change this by a few minutes.
Can a light jet fly Zurich – Los Angeles nonstop?
No, a light jet would need 3 fuel stops and about 18h 29m in total. Nonstop flights start with an ultra-long-range jet (11h 42m).
How much is a private jet from Zurich to Los Angeles?
A one-way charter in an ultra-long-range jet costs roughly €183,200 to €354,000 for the whole aircraft. Empty legs on this route recently had a median price of €95,500.