Los Angeles to Guatemala City is a short, well-served Central American route with several nonstop options — you can be in Guatemala City in under five hours without changing planes. This guide covers who flies the route, what a fair return fare looks like in dollars, and when to book for the best price.
Route: Los Angeles (LAX) → Guatemala City, La Aurora (GUA)
Distance: approximately 3,530 km (2,194 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 4h 45m – 4h 50m southbound
Direct flights: Yes — Avianca, United, Volaris and Alaska Airlines all fly non-stop from LAX. American and other carriers offer one-stop routings that are occasionally cheaper.
Fares from Los Angeles to Guatemala City (USD)
Guatemala is a year-round destination, but fares track North American travel demand. The Christmas/New Year holidays and the July–August summer break are the busiest and priciest; the quieter shoulder months in spring and early fall are cheapest. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Demand |
|---|---|
| January | medium-high |
| February | medium |
| March | medium (spring break) |
| April | medium |
| May | low-medium |
| June | medium (summer) |
| July | high |
| August | high |
| September | low |
| October | low-medium |
| November | medium |
| December | very high (holidays) |
We do not quote a target fare for this route. Our price tracking holds no recorded observations for it, so a “typical” or “good deal” figure here would be an estimate dressed up as a measurement — so this page leaves it out rather than guess. The seasonal pattern above is the part we can stand behind; check the live fare for the number.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 4¾ hours):
- Avianca — the most frequent non-stop operator on the route, with the widest choice of departure times.
- United — non-stop from LAX; useful if you’re collecting miles or connecting on beyond Guatemala.
- Volaris — low-cost non-stop; the cheapest headline fares, but bags and seats are extra.
- Alaska Airlines — non-stop service with a full-service economy product.
One-stop (sometimes cheaper, about 7–11 hours total):
- American Airlines — via Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami or another US hub; no non-stop, but a large network.
- Copa Airlines — via Panama City; a good option if you’re combining Guatemala with elsewhere in Central America.
With four carriers competing on non-stops, this route stays well-priced. If price is everything, compare Volaris’s all-in fare (with bags added) against the full-service non-stops before you book.
When to book & how to save
- Book 1–3 months ahead for the best balance of price and choice; fares to Guatemala rarely fall in the final couple of weeks.
- Avoid the peaks: Christmas/New Year and the July–August summer break are the most expensive; September and the spring shoulder are the cheapest.
- Compare the all-in price on Volaris: its base fare is often the lowest, but adding a checked bag and a seat can close the gap with Avianca or United.
- Check checked-bag rules: full-service carriers usually include a bag from LAX; ultra-low-cost fares typically do not.
- Be flexible by a day or two — midweek departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones on this route.
Arriving in Guatemala City
All flights land at La Aurora International (GUA), which sits unusually close to the city — only about 6 km south of the center, inside the metropolitan area. There’s no train, so the usual way in is a taxi or ride-hail: an authorized airport taxi to Zona 10 (the main hotel district) runs roughly $10–$20 and takes 15–30 minutes depending on traffic. Many travelers heading to Antigua arrange a shared or private shuttle direct from the airport (about an hour). Agree the fare before you set off if you take a street taxi.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Guatemala City?
Non-stop flights take about 4 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 50 minutes southbound (Los Angeles to Guatemala City), and a similar time coming back. One-stop itineraries through a US hub or Panama City typically take 7 to 11 hours in total, depending on the connection.
Are there direct flights from Los Angeles to Guatemala City?
Yes. Avianca, United, Volaris and Alaska Airlines all fly non-stop from LAX to Guatemala City, with several departures a day between them. If you don’t mind a stop, American and Copa offer one-stop routings that are occasionally cheaper.
How much does it cost to fly from Los Angeles to Guatemala City?
A typical economy return runs about $300–$560 depending on the season. The best deals dip to around $250–$300, usually in September or during airline sales, while the December holidays and the summer peak sit toward the top of that range.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles to Guatemala City?
September is usually the cheapest, with returns from around $300, followed by the spring and early-fall shoulder months. Avoid late December, and July–August, which are the busiest and most expensive.
Which airlines fly from Los Angeles to Guatemala City?
Non-stop: Avianca (the most frequent), United, Volaris and Alaska Airlines. One-stop: American Airlines via a US hub and Copa Airlines via Panama City. Avianca and Volaris are often competitively priced.
Which airport do I fly into in Guatemala City?
You arrive at La Aurora International (GUA), Guatemala’s main airport and the only one serving the capital. It’s just about 6 km from the city center, so transfers into town are quick — typically 15–30 minutes by taxi or ride-hail.
How far in advance should I book Los Angeles to Guatemala City flights?
Aim to book 1 to 3 months ahead. Fares tend to rise as departure approaches, especially around the December holidays and the summer break, so booking early almost always wins on this route.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually a little cheaper than Friday–Sunday, and flying out and back on weekdays save a little on a return. Being flexible by a day or two is one of the easiest ways to cut the fare.
Is Volaris cheaper than Avianca or United to Guatemala City?
Volaris often has the lowest base fare, but it’s an ultra-low-cost carrier: checked bags, seat selection and carry-ons beyond a personal item cost extra. Once you add what you need, the all-in price can match a full-service non-stop on Avianca or United, so always compare the total, not just the headline.
Route and schedule details from current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
