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Trip from Anaheim, CA to Buttonwillow, CA

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

2h 56m

Distance

152.2 mi

245 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$35

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

49 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
2h 45m ★
6 AM
2h 57m
8 AM
3h 19m
10 AM
3h 4m
12 PM
3h 2m
3 PM
3h 6m
5 PM
3h 18m
8 PM
2h 50m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Buttonwillow, CA, CA

Buttonwillow, CA

Anna Arysheva

Trip Overview

The drive from Anaheim, CA to Buttonwillow, CA covers 152.2 miles and takes about 2h 56m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Golden State Freeway, I 5 Truck, Westside Freeway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 50 miles on Golden State Freeway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $34.98 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

76.1 miles from Anaheim, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 56m. Total distance: 152.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 56m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 2h 56m highway drive covering 152.2 miles, with most of the trip on Golden State Freeway and I 5 Truck. The longest continuous stretch is about 50 miles on Golden State Freeway.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Golden State Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 50 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Golden State Freeway and I 5 Truck. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.6 miles in near I 5 / Santa Ana Freeway.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 152.2 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 4.6 miles (I 5 / Santa Ana Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 22.6 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 48 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

6
4.6 mi into trip | ~7m in | I 5 / Santa Ana Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 / Santa Ana Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
22.6 mi into trip | ~28m in | I 5 / Golden State Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 / Golden State Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
48 mi into trip | ~58m in | I 5 / Golden State Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 / Golden State Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
50.3 mi into trip | ~1h in | I 5 Truck

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 161A Toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
7
110.2 mi into trip | ~2h 9m in | I 5 / Westside Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 / Westside Freeway toward I 5 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 5 North

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Golden State Freeway 50 mi 57m
I 5 Truck 37.7 mi 43m
Westside Freeway 37.2 mi 39m
Santa Ana Freeway 21.3 mi 24m
McKittrick Highway 3.9 mi 5m
West Lincoln Avenue 1 mi 2m
Hageman Road 0.3 mi <1m
Tracy Avenue 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Golden State Freeway — 50 mi, about 57m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Anaheim, CA and Buttonwillow, CA.

1

Start on this road

200 ft · 16 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto South Anaheim Boulevard

422 ft · 21 sec · South Anaheim Boulevard
3

Turn left onto West Lincoln Avenue

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Lincoln Avenue
Use the left lane.
4

Turn left

0.2 mi · 14 sec
Toward I 5 North: Los Angeles
5

Merge onto I 5

3.3 mi · 3 min · Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

18 mi · 20 min · Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

25 mi · 29 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

2.2 mi · 2 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

1.5 mi · 1 min · I 5 Truck
Exit 161A Toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck

36 mi · 41 min · I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

22 mi · 25 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

37 mi · 39 min · Westside Freeway
Toward I 5 North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit onto CA 58

0.2 mi · 34 sec · CA 58
Exit 257 Toward CA 58: Buttonwillow, McKittrick
14

Continue on CA 58

0.3 mi · 29 sec · Tracy Avenue
15

At end of road, turn right onto CA 58

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Hageman Road
16

Continue on CA 58

3.9 mi · 5 min · McKittrick Highway
17

Turn right onto North Main Street

347 ft · 17 sec · North Main Street
18

Turn right onto East 1st Street

49 ft · 2 sec · East 1st Street
19

Arrive at destination

East 1st Street

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 76.1 miles from Anaheim, CA, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 33 miles or 40m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 76.1 miles or 1h 30m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 25m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Buttonwillow, CA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Anaheim, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.

+

Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.

+

Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Anaheim, CA

This is one driving day of about 152.2 miles and 2h 56m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 33 miles from Anaheim, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Golden State Freeway for about 50 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 76.1 mi from Anaheim, CA · 1h 30m into the drive

city in Los Angeles County, California, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Santa Clarita, CA

76 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Hollywood, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 33 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Santa Clarita, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 76.1 miles from Anaheim, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Buttonwillow, CA

The final approach into Buttonwillow, CA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Buttonwillow, CA.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Anaheim Packing District

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anaheim, California

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17145337225

Visit website

Anaheim Packing District

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30

Anaheim, California

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17145337225

Visit website

Muchá! Comida Chapina

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

3.1 mi from route ~8 min detour $10 to $20 mile 43.5

North Hollywood, California

Hours: 8 am–9 pm

+18185034511

Visit website

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~11 min detour

4.2 mi from route ~11 min detour Moderately mile 32.6

Universal City, California

Hours: 11 am–10 pm

+18185099463

Visit website

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30

Orange, California

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+17147873925

Visit website

Pirates Dinner Adventure

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $50 to $10

Buena Park, California

+17146901497

Visit website

Central Kitchen at The Lorenzo

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 21.7

Los Angeles, California

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+12139082400

Visit website

Brot Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20

Orange, California

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17146029894

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.1 mi from route mile 108.7

Arvin, California

Hours: 4:30 am–11 pm

Visit website

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 97.8

Lebec, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour

Fullerton, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 54.3

Santa Clarita, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 97.8

Lebec, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 65.2

Castaic, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Fullerton, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 32.6

Burbank, California

Hours: 4–7 pm

+18887584389

Visit website

Wat Thai of Los Angeles

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 43.5

North Hollywood, California

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

Visit website

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 32.6

Los Angeles, California

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18188812586

Visit website

Griffith Park Trails

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 32.6

Los Angeles, California

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

Disneyland Railroad - Main Street Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour

Anaheim, California

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+17147814636

Visit website

Mission Escape Games

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Anaheim, California

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+16572345625

Visit website

Animation Academy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Anaheim, CA

Hours: 9 am–7:30 pm

+17147814636

Visit website

Casa Adobe de San Rafael and Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 32.6

Glendale, California

Hours: 8 am–6 pm

+18185482184

Visit website

Infinity Escape

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour

Fullerton, California

Hours: 2:30–11 pm

+16572352578

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultura...

22 mi from route ~55 min detour Free near mile 47.2
View on nps.gov
César E. Chávez National Monument

César E. Chávez National Monument

National Monument

Yes, we can! Widely recognized as the most important Latino leader in the United States during the twentieth century, Cesar Chavez led farm workers and supporters in the establishment of the country's...

27 mi from route ~67 min detour Free near mile 110.2
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$34.98 one way

$69.96 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 53 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $36.05 $72.10
premium $6.18 $37.01 $74.03
diesel $5.61 $33.60 $67.21

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$35

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$60–$85

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 53.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

49 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

EVCS Charging Station

Fullerton, California

EVCS

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Fullerton, California

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

La Mirada, California

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Burbank, California

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

EVgo Charging Station

Whittier, California

EVgo

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Burbank, California

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Valencia, California

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Charging Station

Fullerton, California

ChargePoint

1 DCFC

ChargePoint: 22 Tesla: 10 Electrify America: 6 Other: 4 EVgo: 3 EVCS: 2 Blink: 1 EV Connect: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 45.7 0 $15.98 $7.31
Efficient EV 38.1 0 $13.32 $6.09
EV Truck/SUV 60.9 0 $21.31 $9.74

Gas CO2

53 kg

EV CO2

18 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 17, 2026

Origin

Anaheim, CA

Evening in Anaheim on Thursday

Local time

7:26 PM

PDT

Current temp

73°F

Partly Sunny

SW 10 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Destination

Buttonwillow, CA

Evening in Buttonwillow on Thursday

Local time

7:26 PM

PDT

Current temp

50°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

23 degrees cooler at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

2h 56m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Anaheim, CA to Buttonwillow, CA covers 152.2 miles and takes about 2h 56m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Golden State Freeway, I 5 Truck, Westside Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 76.1 miles from Anaheim, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $34.98 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 152.2 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.6 miles (I 5 / Santa Ana Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 22.6 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 48 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Anaheim, CA to Buttonwillow, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument.

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Explore More

Return Trip

Buttonwillow, CA to Anaheim, CA

Plan the drive back the other way.

151.6 mi 2h 56m

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