Los Angeles International to Madrid Barajas
5833 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 12h 08m with 10 airlines operating direct service from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Madrid Barajas (MAD). Cheapest fares are usually in Jun (around $574 return), with peak prices in Jun (around $574). Departures on a Tuesday tend to undercut weekend prices on this corridor.
Flying from Los Angeles International
Los Angeles International spreads across nine terminals arranged in a U around the central hub, with the inter-terminal LAX-it shuttle and the new Automated People Mover (opening late 2026) connecting them. Metro Rail does not yet enter the airport directly — the K Line shuttle and FlyAway bus to Union Station are the rail-adjacent options. American, Delta, United, Southwest and Alaska all run major operations here; international long-haul fills T2 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Arriving in Madrid
Madrid Barajas is the largest airport in Spain and Iberia's main hub, 12 km northeast of the city. Metro Line 8 reaches Nuevos Ministerios in 16 minutes for €5. Iberia, American, Delta and United operate the US-Madrid corridor. Madrid is one of the cheapest European long-haul destinations from the US East Coast; January and February deliver the best fares year-round.
Who flies LAX to MAD?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| American Airlines | AA | 12h 08m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 12h 08m | Economy |
| United Airlines | UA | 12h 08m | Economy |
| British Airways | BA | 12h 08m | Economy |
| Virgin Atlantic | VS | 12h 08m | Economy |
| Qantas | QF | 12h 08m | Economy |
| Singapore Airlines | SQ | 12h 08m | Economy |
| Korean Air | KE | 12h 08m | Economy |
| ANA | NH | 12h 08m | Economy |
| Emirates | EK | 12h 08m | Economy |
10 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
Best time to fly LAX→MAD
Synthesised from 12-month price aggregates. Cheapest months in green, peak in red.
Estimated baseline. Prices update on a 30-day cadence as Travelpayouts data refreshes. Cheapest day-of-week typically Tuesday.
Los Angeles to Madrid FAQs
Direct flights from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Madrid Barajas (MAD) take approximately 12h 08m for the 5833-mile journey, plus 30–60 minutes of taxi, climb and descent. Total airport-to-airport time depends on cruise winds and air-traffic queueing on approach.
Jun is typically the cheapest month on this route, with one-way fares from $455. Jun is the peak — expect prices 2–3× higher. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for best fares; last-minute prices on this corridor rise sharply inside two weeks of departure.
10 carriers operate direct service from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Madrid Barajas (MAD): American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and 5 more. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — American Airlines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
Visa-free Schengen for US passport holders up to 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS authorisation will be required from late 2026. Always check travel.state.gov for the latest entry requirements before booking.
Madrid Barajas (MAD) is the primary international airport for Madrid. Allow 30–60 minutes for the ground transfer by train, express bus, taxi or rideshare depending on traffic and time of day. See the airport's official website for current train and shuttle timetables.