We fly to California daily

11 hour flight time

M T W T F S S
London Heathrow (LHR) to Los Angeles (LAX)
London Heathrow (LHR) to San Francisco (SFO)

Visas and entry requirements

Foreign nationals or
non-US citizens

 

  • Upload your passport details and complete contact tracing information ahead of departure (this can be done during Online Check In which opens 24 before your flight)
  • Ensure you have a valid passport and ESTA (if eligible for the US Visa Waiver Program). 

US citizens/nationals or Lawful permanent residents

 

  • Upload your passport details and complete contact tracing information ahead of departure (this can be done during Online Check In which opens 24 before your flight)

What you need to know

Handy hints to help you hit the ground running in Los Angeles.

Local time

GMT -8 hours

Currency

US Dollar $

Language

English and Spanish

Electricity

120 volts 60Hz

Plug type A and B

 

 

Local transport

For information on bus and rail services in Los Angeles including schedules and pricing, visit metro.net. Taxi services are available in LA but will be more expensive than public transport.
 

There are lots of ways to get around San Fran. Visit the SFMTA website for information on taxis, buses, light rail, cable cars and more.
 

For the full Cali road trip experience we recommend hiring a car and hitting the open road.

Airport Guides

Before you set off, take a look at Airport guides.
 

View Los Angeles airport guide
 

View San Francisco airport guide

San Francisco

Whizz between quirky, vibrant neighbourhoods aboard the iconic cable cars. This California icon is also home to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.

San Francisco destination guide

Los Angeles

The City of Angels might be famous for its Hollywood stars, but there’s much more going on here than celebrity gossip.

Los Angeles destination guide

California flight deals

Browse our best prices for flights to California

See flight deals

Discover California

Book your flights to California and explore some of the state's majestic national parks. Have a swim in Lake Tahoe, test yourself with a climb up Mount Shasta, or take some pictures with the amazing backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge.

In Central California, visit Monterey Bay Aquarium and discover some of the West Coast's famous sea life. Or if you love the outdoors, take in the sunset at Big Sur State Park. For architecture aficionados, there's plenty to see at the spectacular Hearst Castle.

You should also consider a trip to Southern California where kids (and adults) will love Disneyland, Legoland and Balboa Island (be sure to get that famed delicious balboa bar). Go surfing in Orange County, top up your tan at Newport Beach or let loose with LA's nightlife. 

Curious to know more about California?
Check out our stories below for more inspiration

The Hollywood sign

You can see it from far and wide, but the Hollywood Sign is best experienced up close.

Los Angeles must do's

Fun for little ones (and big ones too!)

From Hollywood to Hogwarts, the whole family will find something to love in LA

Family fun in LA

Joshua Tree National Park

Straddling two deserts, Joshua Tree National Park is around a three-hour drive from LA.

See Joshua Tree

Chinatown

The largest Chinatown outside of Asia, this dizzying neighborhood offers up an incomparable cultural experience.

Going local in San Francisco

Surfing spots

Learn to hang ten during your next trip to LA, thanks to the city’s surfing schools.

Surf's up

Secret gardens

Los Angeles is not without its green spaces – head to the hills for relaxation and killer views.

On the road

Why you’ll love flying with Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic cabin

Cabins and seats

Our seats have been carefully designed to help you fly in total comfort during the flight, no matter which cabin you're in. Find out how our Upper Class, Premium and Economy seats measure up.

Explore our seats and cabins
Virgin Atlantic Premium cabin

Inflight services

Whichever cabin you're travelling in, you'll enjoy exciting inflight entertainment and delicious food and drinks throughout the flight.

 

Fly with us
Virgin Atlantic Upper Class

Virgin Points

We reward your adventures with Virgin Points. Whether you're taking off, doing the weekly shop or splashing out on an exclusive stay, points make it all more rewarding.  

Join the club