What is the exact distance from Los Angeles to San Francisco?

The driving distance from Los Angeles to San Francisco is 613 kilometers (381 miles). The straight-line distance is 559 km.

How long does it take to drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco?

The estimated driving time from Los Angeles to San Francisco is 6.5 hours under normal traffic conditions. This can vary based on traffic, road conditions, and your driving speed.

What is the fastest route from Los Angeles to San Francisco?

The fastest route is typically 613km and takes about 6.5 hours. This route is optimized for time and usually uses major highways and roads.

Are there alternative routes from Los Angeles to San Francisco?

Yes, we provide up to 2 different route options including the fastest route, shortest distance route, and alternative paths that may offer different scenery or avoid certain road types.

Does the route from Los Angeles to San Francisco include tolls?

Yes, some routes from Los Angeles to San Francisco may include toll roads. Check the detailed route information below for specific toll road indicators.

Can I get turn-by-turn directions from Los Angeles to San Francisco?

While we provide the route overview and key information, for detailed turn-by-turn directions, we recommend using the route data with your preferred GPS navigation app or mapping service.

Los Angeles to San Francisco Distance

381 miles•613 km•6.5 hours

Driving distance and route information from Los Angeles, United Statesto San Francisco, United States. Compare multiple routes and get detailed travel information.

⭐

FASTEST ROUTE

380.77 mi

(612.79 km)

⏱️6h 29m

Via North Main Street, West Temple Street

North Main Street → West Temple Street

🛣️ 70% Highway💰 Tolls

📏

SHORTEST ROUTE

402.41 mi

(647.61 km)

⏱️6h 49m

Via North Main Street, West Temple Street

North Main Street → West Temple Street

🛣️ 70% Highway💰 Tolls

📏 Straight-line distance: 347 miles (559 km)

See crow flies distance →

Share this route

citytocitydistances.com/los-angeles-to-san-francisco

Complete Driving Guide: Los Angeles to San Francisco

Essential Route Information

TOTAL DISTANCE

381 mi

613 kilometers

DRIVING TIME

6.5 hours

390 minutes

FUEL ESTIMATE

51 L

$77 cost

📍 Route Overview

Starting PointLos Angeles, California

DestinationSan Francisco, California

Route Options2 available routes

Countries Crossed1 country

Time Zone ChangesCheck local times

🚗 Driving Details

Average Speed94 km/h

Straight-line Distance559 km

Route Efficiency91%

Toll RoadsYes - Budget required

Ferry CrossingsNo ferries

Compare All Routes from Los Angeles to San Francisco

Route Type	Distance	Drive Time	Avg Speed	Tolls
⭐ Fastest Route	381 mi (613 km)	6.5 hours	95 km/h	✅ Yes
Alternative 1	402 mi (648 km)	6.8 hours	95 km/h	✅ Yes

Complete Journey Overview: Los Angeles to San Francisco

The road journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco spans approximately 381 miles (613 kilometers), making it a long-distance drive that typically requires 6.5 hours of continuous driving under normal traffic conditions.

This route connects California, United States with California, United States, traversing through various regions within United States. The journey offers 2 distinct routing options, each with unique advantages in terms of distance, time, or scenic value.

The most efficient route from Los Angeles to San Francisco follows major highways and arterial roads, maintaining an average speed of approximately 94 km/h. This route has been optimized for speed, though it includes toll roads that require payment.

🗺️ Travel Planning Essentials

✓

Fuel Planning: Expect to use approximately 15 gallons (51 liters) of fuel for this 381 mile journey. Plan fuel stops every 250-300 miles.

✓

Rest Stops: For safety, plan a 15-minute break every 2 hours of driving. Total journey with breaks: 7.5 hours.

✓

Best Travel Times: Avoid peak traffic hours (7-9 AM and 5-7 PM) in major cities along your route for optimal travel time.

✓

Weather Check: Monitor weather conditions along the entire route, especially during winter months or rainy seasons.

💰 Cost Estimation Guide

Fuel Cost (approximate)$53

Toll Costs$19

Vehicle Wear (per mile)$95

Total Trip Cost$168

* Costs are estimates based on average fuel prices and vehicle maintenance. Actual costs may vary.

Alternative Transportation Options

🚗

By Car

6.5 hours

381 miles

✈️

By Plane

0.7 hours flight

559 km direct

🚌

By Bus

8.5 hours

Multiple stops

🚂

By Train

Check availability

Scenic route