This coast-to-coast flight is where aircraft choice matters most: light jets usually need a fuel stop.
For a group of four to six, a super-midsize jet is the usual pick. Count on 5 hr 40 min from Teterboro to Van Nuys and a quote somewhere between $44,000 and $56,500, depending mostly on the date.
What you'll pay to fly private from New York to Los Angeles
Charter is priced per aircraft. Four people or one, the number on the quote doesn't change.
| Jet size | Typical aircraft | Seats | One way | Per person, 6 flying |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light jet (fuel stop) | Phenom 300, Citation CJ3 | 6–7 | $37,500–$49,500 | from about $6,200 |
| Midsize jet (fuel stop) | Citation XLS+, Learjet 60 | 7–8 | $41,500–$54,000 | from about $6,900 |
| Super-midsize jetUsual pick | Challenger 350, Gulfstream G280 | 8–9 | $44,000–$56,500 | from about $7,300 |
| Heavy jet | Gulfstream G450, Falcon 2000 | 10–14 | $54,000–$73,000 | from about $9,000 |
Estimated 2026 ranges with fees included. Holiday weeks and big events can go above the top of the range.
Check the real price for your date
What moves the price
A super-midsize like the Challenger 350 is the common choice for nonstop flights with luggage.
Holidays and big events push quotes up fast. Award season in February and March gets busy.
Aircraft availability near Teterboro on your date matters as well.
Fees to ask about
What tends to appear on the final invoice:
- Landing, parking and handling fees at Teterboro and Van Nuys.
- De-icing at Teterboro on cold mornings, which can add a meaningful amount between December and March.
When two quotes differ a lot, the gap is often in these lines. Every fee is explained in our guide to charter fees.
Time in the air
Flight time barely changes with the size of the jet on a trip like this. The table shows typical time in the air, airport to airport.
| Jet size | Time in the air | Nonstop? |
|---|---|---|
| Light jet | about 6 hr 50 min | Usually 1 stop |
| Midsize jet | about 6 hr 25 min | Usually 1 stop |
| Super-midsize jet | about 5 hr 40 min | Yes |
| Heavy jet | about 5 hr 25 min | Yes |
2,450 miles (2,129 nautical miles) between Teterboro and Van Nuys, in a straight line.
Which airports to use
Leaving New York
Departures mostly use Teterboro (TEB), about 8 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Other options: Westchester (HPN), Republic (FRG).
Arriving in Los Angeles
- Van Nuys (VNY), about 11 miles from Beverly Hills in a straight line. In the San Fernando Valley. The main private jet airport for Los Angeles.
- Burbank (BUR), about 9 miles from Beverly Hills in a straight line. Close to the studios and Hollywood.
- John Wayne (SNA), about 41 miles from Beverly Hills in a straight line. Serves Orange County. Known for strict noise rules that limit departure times.
Best jet size for New York to Los Angeles
For a flight this long, a super-midsize is the usual choice. Smaller jets often need a fuel stop, which eats the time you're paying to save.
Good to know on this route
- Westbound flights fight headwinds, so they take noticeably longer than the return.
- Van Nuys is the main arrival for the Westside and the Valley, Burbank for Hollywood and the studios.
- Holiday weekends fill up early.
How to pay less
- Move by a day: shifting just one day away from a holiday or event often lowers the quote.
- Be open on airports: ask for quotes from more than one airport at each end; the cheapest aircraft isn't always at the obvious one.
- Book peak dates early: for holiday weeks and big events, planes sell out and late quotes climb.
- Look for empty legs: repositioning flights sold at a discount. The timing is fixed and they can disappear at short notice.
From request to boarding, the process is short. See how to book a private jet for the details.
Get a quote for New York to Los Angeles
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Questions
How much is a private jet from New York to Los Angeles?
About $44,000 to $56,500 one way in a super-midsize jet. Light jet: $37,500 to $49,500. Midsize jet: $41,500 to $54,000. Heavy jet: $54,000 to $73,000. Dates, positioning and fees decide where you land in the range.
How long is the flight from New York to Los Angeles?
About 5 hr 40 min in a super-midsize jet, airport to airport, for 2,450 miles. Smaller aircraft may need a fuel stop.
Which airports do private jets use for New York to Los Angeles?
Most flights leave Teterboro (TEB) and land at Van Nuys (VNY). Alternatives include Westchester (HPN), Republic (FRG), Burbank (BUR), John Wayne (SNA).
Can I find an empty leg on this route?
Sometimes. Empty legs appear when a jet repositions after dropping off a client. They cost less, but the time is fixed and the flight can be cancelled.
How do I know the operator is safe?
The operator should hold an FAA Part 135 certificate. Many also carry ARGUS or Wyvern ratings, which are worth asking for.
Other routes
How we estimate prices
None of these figures is a quote. They come from the straight-line distance, a typical speed for each jet size and an all-in hourly range calibrated on prices charter companies publish. Full method on the cost calculator page.