Los Angeles → Las Vegas

Los Angeles to Las Vegas is the most frequently flown short-hop private jet route on the West Coast — a 230-nautical-mile sprint that takes under an hour and has become the default mode of transport for Hollywood executives, entertainment industry talent, tech founders, and high-rolling casino clientele. The 3.5 to 4-hour drive on Interstate 15 through Barstow and the Mojave Desert feels like a journey from another century once you have experienced the 50-minute alternative.

Airport & FBO Analysis

Van Nuys Airport (KVNY) is the private aviation capital of Los Angeles and the busiest general aviation airport in the world. With over a dozen FBOs lining the field — including Signature Flight Support, Clay Lacy Aviation, and Castle and Cooke Aviation — Van Nuys offers unmatched infrastructure. Clay Lacy Aviation's facility is particularly notable, with a 40,000-square-foot terminal, private suites, and a history rooted in Hollywood's aviation elite. Van Nuys sits in the San Fernando Valley, approximately 25 minutes from Beverly Hills and 35 minutes from West Hollywood, making it the default for Westside-based clients.

In Las Vegas, Harry Reid International Airport (KLAS, formerly McCarran) is the primary destination. The Atlantic Aviation and Signature Flight Support FBOs at Henderson Executive Airport (KHND) provide a quieter alternative about 15 minutes south of the Strip. At KLAS itself, the Signature and Atlantic FBOs handle the majority of private jet traffic, with VIP lounges, rapid ground handling, and direct transfers to waiting vehicles. Many of the major casino resort groups — MGM, Wynn, Caesars — maintain dedicated representatives at the FBOs to greet and escort high-value guests directly to their suites.

Aircraft Recommendations

At just 230 nautical miles and under an hour of flight time, this route is quintessential light jet territory. A Citation CJ3+, Phenom 300E, or HondaJet Elite runs $8,000 to $14,000 and is perfectly matched to the mission — fast boarding, quick climb, and a short cruise before descent into the desert. For groups of 8 or more, or clients who simply prefer a larger cabin, a midsize jet at $14,000 to $22,000 is available, but represents a comfort premium rather than a range necessity. Turboprops can technically serve this route but are not recommended — the time savings versus a light jet are negligible and the experience gap is significant.

Seasonal Pricing Intelligence

Las Vegas generates year-round demand that defies traditional seasonality, but specific events create dramatic price spikes. CES in January is the single biggest driver, with private jet traffic into Las Vegas roughly tripling during the show and pricing surging 40 to 60 percent. Major championship fights (boxing and MMA), EDC Las Vegas in May, the NFL Draft when hosted in Vegas, and New Year's Eve each create comparable peaks. The quietest months tend to be mid-July through August, when desert temperatures exceed 110 degrees and leisure traffic moderates, offering the best pricing opportunities.

Ground Experience

From Van Nuys, the luxury hotels of Beverly Hills — The Beverly Hills Hotel, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, The Peninsula — are 20 to 30 minutes south. In Las Vegas, the Wynn, Bellagio, and Venetian maintain dedicated airport liaison programs, with some properties dispatching Rolls-Royce or Maybach vehicles directly to the FBO ramp. For clients staying at off-Strip properties like the Four Seasons at Mandalay Bay or the Encore, ground transfers from the KLAS FBOs take under 10 minutes. Several FBOs also coordinate helicopter transfers directly to casino helipads for the most time-sensitive arrivals.

Booking Tips

• Same-day booking is almost always possible — this is among the best-served routes in North America with abundant aircraft positioned in both cities.
• For CES and major fight nights, book 2 to 3 weeks in advance; for all other travel, 24 to 48 hours is typically sufficient.
• Empty leg opportunities are extremely common, especially Friday afternoons (LA to Vegas) and Sunday evenings (Vegas to LA) — discounts of 50 percent or more are routine.
• Consider the return trip: many operators offer round-trip packages with guaranteed return times, which can be more cost-effective than two one-way bookings, particularly during event weekends when return demand is uncertain.