Thinking about flying across the Atlantic from the City of Angels? LAX to Madrid flights offer a brilliant way to swap palm trees for plazas, and Hollywood for historic charm. Whether you’re jetting off for a European holiday, visiting family, or heading out for work, having the lowdown on this route can help you plan like a pro. From flight times to airline options and a few handy tips, here’s everything you need to know before booking that long-haul trip from Los Angeles to Spain.
Los Angeles to Madrid Flight Time
Let’s cut to the chase: how long are you going to be in the air? A direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) typically takes around 11 to 11.5 hours.
Madrid is 9 hours ahead of Los Angeles, which means if you depart LAX in the early evening, you’ll be landing mid-afternoon the following day in Spain. Most transatlantic flights are overnight, which helps ease the transition—just don’t count on a full eight hours of beauty sleep in economy.
Top Tip: Bring your own travel pillow, hydration tablets, and a good book. You’re going to be on that plane for a while.
LAX to Madrid
This long-haul journey connects two iconic destinations: the sprawling energy of Los Angeles with the timeless elegance of Madrid. From LA’s glitzy urban sprawl to Madrid’s cultural corridors, it’s a route used by everyone from backpackers and businesspeople to those simply chasing a change of scenery.
You’ll be departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the busiest in the world, so give yourself plenty of time to navigate check-in and security. On the other end, Madrid-Barajas (MAD) is a well-oiled machine, offering easy access to central Madrid by metro, taxi, or hire car.
The route is particularly popular during the summer months and winter holidays, so booking early is a smart move.
LAX to Madrid Flights
When it comes to flying this route, you’ve got a few solid options, including both non-stop and connecting flights. Here are some of the airlines to consider:
- Iberia Airlines – Offers seasonal direct flights from LAX to Madrid with a good reputation for punctuality.
- American Airlines – Often codeshares with Iberia and may offer direct or one-stop options.
- Delta, United & Lufthansa – Typically offer connecting flights through their European hubs.
- Air France & KLM – Common choices with layovers in Paris or Amsterdam respectively.
As I’m a big guy, 6ft 3″ and built like a brick outhouse, I will always look for the best deals on long haul, be it Premium Economy, Business or even First Class. Yes it costs more, but trust me when I say for me it is worth it.
Direct flights are still a bit limited from LAX to Madrid, so you might end up with a layover depending on your travel dates.
To get the best deals:
- Book at least two months in advance
- Use flight comparison tools and set alerts
- Travel mid-week to avoid inflated weekend fares
LAX has plenty of pre-flight distractions—lounges, food courts, and shops—while Madrid-Barajas makes arrivals easy with efficient customs and solid onward transport options.
How Long Is a Flight from Los Angeles to Madrid, Spain?
We’ve touched on it, but here it is again with a bit more context. A direct flight from LAX to Madrid clocks in at around 11 hours. That puts it on the longer side for transatlantic routes, but it’s still manageable with the right in-flight routine.
Comparatively, a New York to Madrid flight takes just over 7 hours, while Miami to Madrid sits closer to 8.5 hours. So yes, Los Angeles is further afield—but the trade-off is more uninterrupted time to binge-watch a new series or get stuck into a chunky novel.
Wind patterns can play a role in the final flight time, especially heading east. Some flights arrive faster than expected thanks to tailwinds, while return legs from Madrid to LAX can feel a bit longer due to headwinds.
Factor in check-in, boarding, passport control, and waiting for luggage, and you’re looking at a 15-hour+ total journey door to door.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Booking a LAX to Madrid Flight?
Absolutely—if Madrid’s on your travel list, flying from LAX is a smart and relatively stress-free option. Just make sure to:
- Check for direct flight availability before you book
- Budget for the time difference and jet lag recovery
- Pack a charger, sleep mask, and a few comfort items for the long haul
Madrid greets you with grand architecture, rich culture, and enough tapas to feed a small army. Pair that with a well-timed flight from Los Angeles, and you’re in for a cracking start to your Spanish adventure.
Now as I have said before, I personally loathe Madrid airport, for my own, personal reasons. This is to the extent that when we are flying to LAX next, we are going Alicante to Dublin, then flying from Dublin. This is with Air Lingus!
Bon voyage and safe travels!
