Road trip cost

How Much Does It Cost to Drive From San Francisco to Los Angeles?

The drive from San Francisco, CA to Los Angeles, CA covers about 380 miles and takes around 6 hr — a comfortable day trip. Plan one fuel stop and a meal break and you'll arrive without overspending on gas.

Distance

380 mi

Driving time

6 hr

Avg. fuel (28 MPG)

13.6 gal

Estimate your trip cost

Pre-filled with the San Francisco → Los Angeles distance.

Distance

miles

Vehicle MPG

mpg

Gas price

$/gal

Passengers

Round trip

Estimated Trip Cost

$0.00

Per Person

$0.00

Gallons

0.00gal

Total miles: 380 (one way).

Fuel cost by vehicle type

Estimated one-way fuel cost at $3.45/gal (US average). Adjust for your local price.

Vehicle	MPG	Gallons	Est. cost
Compact car	35	10.9	$37.46
Sedan	28	13.6	$46.82
SUV	22	17.3	$59.59
Pickup truck	18	21.1	$72.83

Cost at different gas prices

Assuming a 28 MPG sedan over the 380-mile route.

Gas at $3.15/gal

$42.75

one way · ~13.6 gal

Gas at $3.45/gal

$46.82

one way · ~13.6 gal

Gas at $3.85/gal

$52.25

one way · ~13.6 gal

About the drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles

This 380-mile route between San Francisco, CA and Los Angeles, CA is one of the more popular drives in the region. Expect roughly 6 hr behind the wheel under normal traffic conditions.

Road trip tips

I-5 north (fast) or US-101 (scenic)
Pick your route
Check current gas prices on AAA or GasBuddy before you leave.
Fuel up before entering remote stretches — prices can jump 50¢/gal.
Use cruise control on the highway to improve real-world MPG.

Fuel costs are estimates based on average gas prices and vehicle efficiency. Actual costs may vary based on traffic, weather, terrain, and driving style.

Frequently asked questions

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

The drive is about 380 miles and takes roughly 6 hr under normal traffic. Add buffer for stops, construction, and rush hour around either city.

How much gas does the trip use?

In a 28 MPG sedan, expect about 13.6 gallons one way. A 22 MPG SUV would use roughly 17.3 gallons.

What's the typical fuel cost?

At the US average of $3.45/gal, a 28 MPG vehicle costs about $46.82 one way. Round trip roughly doubles that. Use the calculator above for your exact MPG and local gas price.

Is it cheaper to drive or fly?

For one or two people on shorter routes (under ~500 miles), driving is usually cheaper once you factor in airport parking, baggage fees, and rental cars. Flying often wins for solo long-distance trips.