Distance from San Francisco to Los Angeles
383 miles via I-5 (6 hours) or 447 miles via Highway 1 (8-10 hours). Compare routes, costs, and plan your California road trip.
383 miles
via I-5 (fastest)
447 miles via Highway 1
6 hours
via I-5 non-stop
8-10 hours via Highway 1
1.5 hours
flight time
$80-200 airfare
Route Options
Route 1: I-5 South (Fastest)
Distance: 383 miles | Time: 6 hours non-stop
The fastest route through California's Central Valley. Mostly straight highway with minimal scenery but efficient.
Route: San Francisco → I-280 S → I-5 S → Los Angeles
Major Stops: Gilroy, Los Banos, Coalinga, Kettleman City, Bakersfield, Grapevine
✓ Best for: Speed, business travel, avoiding traffic
Route 2: Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway)
Distance: 447 miles | Time: 8-10 hours minimum (2-3 days recommended)
One of the world's most scenic drives. Stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and iconic California coastal towns.
Route: San Francisco → Highway 1 S → Los Angeles
Major Stops: Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur, Hearst Castle, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara
✓ Best for: Scenic views, photography, leisure travel, first-time visitors
Route 3: US-101 (Middle Option)
Distance: 432 miles | Time: 7-8 hours
A compromise between speed and scenery. Goes through wine country and coastal valleys.
Route: San Francisco → US-101 S → Los Angeles
Major Stops: San Jose, Gilroy, Salinas, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara
✓ Best for: Wine tasting, moderate scenery, avoiding I-5 monotony
Highway 1 Closures
Big Sur section of Highway 1 is prone to landslides and closures, especially in winter. Always check Caltrans road conditions before your trip.
Flying vs Driving
| Method | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive (I-5) | 6 hours | $60-80 gas | Speed, flexibility |
| Drive (Highway 1) | 2-3 days | $300-600 total | Scenic experience |
| Fly | 1.5 hours + 3-4 hours airport | $80-200 | Time-sensitive travel |
Cost Calculator
Driving Cost
$61.55
383 miles • 6 hours
Gas only • Add $50-100 for food/stops
Flying Cost
$140
1.5 hours flight time
Average fare • Add 3-4 hours for airport
Cost Breakdown
Gas (13.7 gallons)$61.55
Tolls$0
Things to Do Along the Way
In San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
Iconic bridge with walking paths and viewpoints
Fisherman's Wharf
Waterfront area with seafood and sea lions
Alcatraz Island
Historic prison tour (book ahead)
Chinatown
Oldest Chinatown in North America
Highway 1 Stops (Scenic Route)
Monterey Bay Aquarium
3 hours from SFWorld-class aquarium with sea otters, jellyfish, and ocean exhibits. Allow 2-3 hours.
Must-see attraction
Carmel-by-the-Sea
3.5 hours from SFCharming coastal village with art galleries, boutiques, and white sand beach.
Great for lunch stop
Big Sur
4-5 hours from SFDramatic coastal cliffs and redwood forests. See Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls, and Pfeiffer Beach.
Most scenic section
Hearst Castle
5.5 hours from SFOpulent hilltop estate with guided tours. Book tickets in advance.
2-3 hour tour
Santa Barbara
6 hours from SFSpanish-style architecture, beaches, and wine tasting. Great overnight stop.
Popular overnight location
I-5 Stops (Fast Route)
Harris Ranch (Coalinga)
Famous steakhouse and rest stop (3 hours from SF)
Kettleman City
Gas, food, and rest area (3.5 hours from SF)
In Los Angeles
Hollywood Sign & Walk of Fame
Iconic landmarks and celebrity stars
Santa Monica Pier
Beach, amusement park, and sunset views
Getty Center
Art museum with stunning architecture
Venice Beach
Boardwalk, street performers, and canals
Travel Tips
Best Time to Travel
- Best months: April-May and September-October (mild weather, fewer crowds)
- Summer (June-August): Peak season, crowded, book ahead
- Winter (December-February): Rain and fog on Highway 1, check road conditions
- Avoid: Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons for less traffic
Gas and Costs
- Gas prices: $4.50-5.50/gallon in California (higher than national average)
- Fill up: Before leaving SF and in Kettleman City (I-5) or Monterey (Highway 1)
- No tolls: Both I-5 and Highway 1 are toll-free
- Budget: $60-80 gas (I-5), $300-600 total (Highway 1 with overnight)
Food and Stops
- I-5: Harris Ranch (steakhouse), Kettleman City (fast food), Grapevine (rest area)
- Highway 1: Monterey (seafood), Carmel (cafes), Big Sur (limited options), Santa Barbara (diverse dining)
- Pack snacks: Big Sur has few services and high prices
- Reservations: Book restaurants ahead in Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Barbara on weekends
Safety and Driving
- Highway 1: Sharp curves, steep cliffs, narrow sections—drive carefully and slowly
- Check road conditions: Visit Caltrans for Highway 1 closures (common in Big Sur)
- Drive during daylight: Highway 1 is dangerous at night, especially in fog
- Cell service: Limited in Big Sur—download maps offline
- I-5 Grapevine: Steep grade, watch for trucks and wind
Pro Tips
- • Highway 1 in 2-3 days: Overnight in Monterey (Day 1) and Santa Barbara (Day 2) for the best experience
- • Book ahead: Big Sur lodging fills up months in advance in summer
- • Start early: Leave SF by 7-8 AM to avoid traffic and arrive before dark
- • Combine routes: Take Highway 1 south, return via I-5 north for variety
- • Photography: Best light is early morning and late afternoon on Highway 1
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is San Francisco from Los Angeles?
San Francisco to Los Angeles is 383 miles via I-5 (fastest route) or 447 miles via Highway 1 (scenic coastal route). Driving time is 6 hours via I-5 or 8-10 hours via Highway 1.
Should I take I-5 or Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
I-5 is faster (6 hours) but less scenic, going through Central Valley farmland. Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) takes 8-10 hours but offers stunning ocean views, Big Sur, and coastal towns. Choose I-5 for speed, Highway 1 for scenery.
How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Via I-5: 6 hours non-stop. Via Highway 1: 8-10 hours minimum, but most travelers take 2-3 days to enjoy stops at Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel, and Santa Barbara.
Is it better to fly or drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Flying takes 1.5 hours and costs $80-200, but add 3-4 hours for airport time. Driving via I-5 takes 6 hours and costs $60-80 in gas. Drive if you want flexibility or scenic stops; fly if time is limited.
What are the best stops between San Francisco and Los Angeles?
Via Highway 1: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur (McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge), Hearst Castle, Morro Bay, Santa Barbara. Via I-5: Harris Ranch (food stop), Kettleman City (rest stop).
How much does it cost to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Gas: $60-80 (383 miles via I-5) or $70-90 (447 miles via Highway 1). No tolls on either route. Budget $150-300 for food and $100-200 for overnight accommodation if taking Highway 1.
When is the best time to drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
Best: Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) for mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is popular but crowded. Winter can have rain and fog on Highway 1. Avoid Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons for less traffic.
Is Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles safe?
Yes, but drive carefully. The road has sharp curves, steep cliffs, and narrow sections, especially in Big Sur. Check Caltrans for closures (landslides are common). Drive during daylight, avoid fog, and take your time.
Can you do San Francisco to Los Angeles in one day?
Yes via I-5 (6 hours). Via Highway 1, it is technically possible (8-10 hours) but not recommended—you will miss the scenery. Most travelers take 2-3 days on Highway 1 to enjoy stops and overnight in Monterey or Big Sur.
Where should I stop overnight between San Francisco and Los Angeles?
Popular overnight stops: Monterey (3 hours from SF), Big Sur (4 hours from SF), San Luis Obispo (5 hours from SF), or Santa Barbara (6 hours from SF). Book ahead in summer and weekends.