Origin
Big Pine, CA
Afternoon in Big Pine on Thursday
Local time
2:15 PM
PDT
Current temp
41°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Big Pine, CA to Anaheim, CA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
5h 23m
Distance
270.2 mi
435 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$62
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 10m
★
6 AM
5h 23m
8 AM
5h 50m
10 AM
5h 33m
12 PM
5h 30m
3 PM
5h 34m
5 PM
5h 49m
8 PM
5h 15m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Big Pine, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 270.2-mile drive from Big Pine, CA to Anaheim, CA will take approximately 5 hours and 23 minutes. It's a straightforward, single-day trip with a projected fuel cost of $62. You'll primarily be on the Blue Star Memorial Highway and the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, eventually transitioning to I-15. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of over 100 miles, this route is designed for efficient travel across the Pacific Coast region. It's a practical option for getting from point A to point B without extensive detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
135.1 miles from Big Pine, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 40m into the drive .
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 23m. Total distance: 270.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile.
Drive Character
Expect a route that's a mix of driving styles, with a significant portion on local roads contributing to its "turn-heavy" profile. While 21% of the drive is on highways, the character leans towards navigating through different communities. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 103.3 miles on the Blue Star Memorial Highway, offering a good period of consistent travel before you start making more turns. This blend means you'll experience varied road conditions and speeds throughout your journey.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Blue Star Memorial Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 103.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 107.1 miles in near US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway.
Driving Effort
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 270.2 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 107.1 miles (US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 204.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
107.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 8m in
|
US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway toward US 395 South: San Bernardino
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 395 South: San Bernardino
7
204.3 mi into trip
|
~4h 5m in
Take the exit toward I 15 South: San Bernardino, Los Angeles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 15 South: San Bernardino, Los Angeles
8
238 mi into trip
|
~4h 42m in
Take the exit toward CA 60 West, CA 60 East: Riverside, Los Angeles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 106A; 106B
Toward CA 60 West, CA 60 East: Riverside, Los A...
7
238.2 mi into trip
|
~4h 42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CA 60 West: Los Angeles
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward CA 60 West: Los Angeles
8
255.2 mi into trip
|
~5h 3m in
|
CA 57 / Orange Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57 / Orange Freeway toward CA 57 South, CA 60 Alt West: Santa Ana, Brea Canyon Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward CA 57 South, CA 60 Alt West: Santa Ana,...
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Big Pine, CA to Anaheim, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Los Angeles along the way.
Los Angeles
204.3 mi in
|
~4h 5m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Star Memorial Highway | 103.3 mi | 2h 3m |
| Grand Army of the Republic Highway | 97.2 mi | 1h 53m |
| I 15 | 17.7 mi | 19m |
| Pomona Freeway | 16.4 mi | 18m |
| Orange Freeway | 12.3 mi | 14m |
| Barstow and Mojave Freeway | 9.7 mi | 10m |
| CHP Officer Larry L. Wetterling and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Lieutenant Alfred E. Stewart Memorial Highway | 5.6 mi | 6m |
| North Main Street | 2.2 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Blue Star Memorial Highway
— 103.3 mi, about 2h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Big Pine, CA and Anaheim, CA.
1
Start on US 395; US 6 Hist
26 mi
·
30 min
·
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
2
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Edwards Street
3
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
15 mi
·
17 min
·
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
North Main Street
5
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
56 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
7.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Blue Star Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 395
30 mi
·
34 min
·
Blue Star Memorial Highway
Toward US 395 South: San Bernardino
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on US 395
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Red Mountain Road
9
Continue on US 395
67 mi
·
1 hr 20 min
·
Blue Star Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 15 South: San Bernardino, Los Angeles
Use the straight lane.
11
Merge onto I 15; US 66 Hist
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Barstow and Mojave Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 15; US 66 Hist; US 91 Hist; US 395 Hist
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
CHP Officer Larry L. Wetterling and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Lieutenant Alfred E. Stewart Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 15; US 66 Hist
6.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Barstow and Mojave Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto I 15
18 mi
·
19 min
·
I 15
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
20 sec
Exit 106A; 106B
Toward CA 60 West, CA 60 East: Riverside, Los Angeles
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward CA 60 West: Los Angeles
Use the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto CA 60
16 mi
·
18 min
·
Pomona Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57
405 ft
·
5 sec
·
Orange Freeway
Toward CA 57 South, CA 60 Alt West: Santa Ana, Brea Canyon Road
Use the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 57
0.8 mi
·
56 sec
·
Orange Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Orange Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57
9.9 mi
·
11 min
·
Orange Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Exit 4
Toward Lincoln Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
23
Turn right onto East Lincoln Avenue
2.1 mi
·
4 min
·
East Lincoln Avenue
Use the right lane.
24
Turn left onto South Anaheim Boulevard
470 ft
·
25 sec
·
South Anaheim Boulevard
Use the left lane.
25
Turn right
200 ft
·
14 sec
26
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 5h 23m duration, this drive is best tackled in a single day. Aim for an early morning departure from Big Pine to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic as you approach Anaheim. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically along your longest stretch on the Blue Star Memorial Highway to break up the drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on that 103.3-mile segment, as services can be spaced out on these highways.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 135.1 miles from Big Pine, CA, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.3 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 59 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.1 miles or 2h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Anaheim, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Big Pine, 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 Big Pine, CA
This is one driving day of about 270.2 miles and 5h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Big Pine, 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 Blue Star Memorial Highway for about 103.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 135.1 mi from Big Pine, CA · 2h 40m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
135 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 59 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 135.1 miles from Big Pine, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Blue Star Memorial Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 103.3 miles.
Arriving in Anaheim, CA
The final approach into Anaheim, 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 Anaheim, CA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$62.10 one way
$124.21 round trip
$5.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
95 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.02 | $64.00 | $127.99 |
| premium | $6.18 | $65.71 | $131.42 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $59.66 | $119.31 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$62
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$87–$112
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 81.1 | 1 | $28.37 | $12.97 |
| Efficient EV | 67.6 | 0 | $23.64 | $10.81 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 108.1 | 1 | $37.83 | $17.29 |
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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.
Destination
Anaheim, CA
Afternoon in Anaheim on Thursday
Local time
2:15 PM
PDT
Current temp
72°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
31 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 23m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Big Pine, CA to Anaheim, CA covers 270.2 miles and takes about 5h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Blue Star Memorial Highway, Grand Army of the Republic Highway, I 15. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 135.1 miles from Big Pine, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $62.10 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 270.2 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 107.1 miles (US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 204.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Big Pine, CA to Anaheim, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Los Angeles along the way.
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