Route map
Start / endStopsHalfway
LA to San Francisco: the drive
The drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco covers 382 miles (615 km) and takes about 6 hrs without stops, mostly on I-5 and I-580.
It's doable in one day, but with fuel, food and a couple of stops plan on roughly 7 hr 45 min door to door.
We found 2 worthwhile stops within about 25 miles of the route, including Fort Tejon State Historic Park and Harris Ranch.
| Main roads | Approx. miles |
|---|---|
| I-5 | 255 |
| I-580 | 61 |
Best time to go: Year-round; Sierra mountain routes are best May to October.
Best stops between LA and San Francisco
- 1
Fort Tejon State Historic Park
An 1850s US Army dragoon post in a shady oak grove right beside I-5 on the Grapevine. A calm break before or after the climb over the Tejon Pass.
Photo: Yellowute at English Wikipedia · Public domain - 2
Harris Ranch
The best-known halfway stop on I-5 between LA and San Francisco: a restaurant, bakery and fuel at the Coalinga exit.
Where to stay in San Francisco
The gateway for Yosemite, Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.
Map not loading? See places to stay near San Francisco →
Renting a car for this trip
Most travelers fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and pick up a car there. If you're not driving back, compare one-way rentals that drop off at SFO. One-way fees vary a lot between companies. A mid-size car is fine for all paved roads on this route. You only need an SUV for the optional dirt-road detours.
Need a car?
Rental cars at LAX
Compare prices from major and local agencies at Los Angeles International Airport in one search. Dropping off near San Francisco? Search a one-way rental; drop fees vary a lot between companies, so compare first.
Compare rental cars →Free cancellation on most bookings.
Trip cost calculator
Estimate gas or charging, hotels and car rental for a round trip from LA to San Francisco:
LA to San Francisco road trip FAQ
How long is the drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco?
About 6 hrs without stops for 382 miles via I-5 and I-580. With breaks for fuel and food, allow around 7 hr 45 min.
What is the halfway point between LA and San Francisco?
Coalinga, CA is about halfway, roughly 191 miles from each end. It's a good place for fuel and a meal.
Can you drive from LA to San Francisco in one day?
Yes. At 6 hrs of driving it's a comfortable one-day trip. Leave early so you arrive with daylight to spare.
What are the best stops between LA and San Francisco?
Top stops include Fort Tejon State Historic Park and Harris Ranch. See the full list with detour times above.
How much does gas cost from LA to San Francisco?
About $49 one way in a car that gets 28 mpg with gas at $3.60 a gallon. Use the calculator on this page to plug in your own car and prices.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco?
Year-round; Sierra mountain routes are best May to October.
Route calculated from OpenStreetMap data and checked 2026-11-09. Drive times assume normal traffic and no stops.
