Trip from Davis, CA to Los Angeles, CA

Drive Time

7h 18m

Distance

395.3 mi

636 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$92

one way

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min

4 AM

7h 7m ★

6 AM

7h 18m

8 AM

7h 39m

10 AM

7h 26m

12 PM

7h 23m

3 PM

7h 27m

5 PM

7h 38m

8 PM

7h 12m

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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Los Angeles, CA

Stephen Leonardi

Trip Overview

Driving from Davis to Los Angeles covers 395.3 miles and typically takes about 7 hours and 18 minutes. This route is designed as a highway-focused journey, making it a straightforward day trip if you are comfortable with a full day of driving. You will rely primarily on the Westside Freeway, I-5, and the Hollywood Freeway to navigate through the Pacific Coast region. Budgeting approximately $54 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for the trip. While it is certainly feasible to complete this in one day, having a clear plan for your 2 scheduled stops will keep you fresh behind the wheel.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

197.7 miles from Davis, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 36m into the drive .

Drive Character

With 97% of the trip spent on highways, you should expect a highly efficient but focused driving experience. The route is dominated by a 296.5-mile stretch on the Westside Freeway, which defines the bulk of your time on the road. Because this is an interstate-heavy journey, the drive is consistent and lacks the technical, winding nature of backroads. You will notice a steady pace as you transition from the Davis area toward the sprawling urban landscape of Los Angeles. Expect a functional, high-speed transit that prioritizes arrival time over scenic diversions.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.

There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Westside Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 296.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside 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 9.9 miles in near US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway.

Route Complexity 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 395.3 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 9.9 miles (US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 19 key points

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

9.9 mi into trip | ~13m in | US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway toward Sacramento, South Lake Tahoe

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

Use the none lane. Exit 82 Toward Sacramento, South Lake Tahoe

13.2 mi into trip | ~16m in

Take the exit toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Redding, 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 4A Toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Redding, Los Angel...

13.4 mi into trip | ~17m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 5 South: Los Angeles

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 4A Toward I 5 South: Los Angeles

372.6 mi into trip | ~6h 48m in | I 5 Truck

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck toward I 405 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 158 Toward I 405 South

378.1 mi into trip | ~6h 55m in

Take the exit toward CA 170 South: Hollywood

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 153B Toward CA 170 South: Hollywood

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Westside Freeway	296.5 mi	5h 19m
I 5 Truck	63.9 mi	1h 13m
Hollywood Freeway	16.2 mi	20m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway	5.3 mi	6m
Golden State Freeway	4.1 mi	4m
Yolo Causeway	3.7 mi	4m
Capital City Freeway	3.3 mi	3m
Richards Boulevard	0.4 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Westside Freeway — 296.5 mi, about 5h 19m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Davis, CA and Los Angeles, CA.

Start on F Street

0.2 mi · 41 sec · F Street

Turn right onto 1st Street

316 ft · 19 sec · 1st Street

Turn left onto Richards Boulevard

0.4 mi · 1 min · Richards Boulevard

Use the left lane.

Turn left

0.2 mi · 30 sec

Use the left lane.

Merge onto I 80

5.3 mi · 6 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on I 80

3.7 mi · 4 min · Yolo Causeway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto US 50; I 80 Business

3.3 mi · 3 min · Capital City Freeway

Exit 82 Toward Sacramento, South Lake Tahoe Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 13 sec

Exit 4A Toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Redding, Los Angeles Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 27 sec

Exit 4A Toward I 5 South: Los Angeles Use the slight right lane.

Merge onto I 5

59 mi · 1 hr 5 min · Westside Freeway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

0.8 mi · 48 sec · Westside Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

237 mi · 4 hr 13 min · Westside Freeway

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

58 mi · 1 hr 6 min · I 5 Truck

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

4.1 mi · 4 min · Golden State Freeway

Use the none lane.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

0.3 mi · 17 sec · I 5 Truck

Exit 158 Toward I 405 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck

5.3 mi · 6 min · I 5 Truck

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 32 sec

Exit 153B Toward CA 170 South: Hollywood Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on CA 170

16 mi · 20 min · Hollywood Freeway

Use the none lane.

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec

Exit 2C Toward Broadway Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Continue on West Aliso Street

409 ft · 18 sec · West Aliso Street

Use the straight lane.

Turn right onto North Spring Street

0.3 mi · 35 sec · North Spring Street

Use the right lane.

Turn left onto West 1st Street

354 ft · 12 sec · West 1st Street

Use the left lane.

Arrive at destination

West 1st Street

Trip Plan

To manage the 7-hour and 18-minute duration effectively, aim to depart early to avoid the heaviest traffic near your destination. Since the longest stretch spans 296.5 miles, prioritize using your 2 stops strategically to refuel and stretch your legs before hitting the final leg of the drive. Keep in mind that the I-5 corridor is a major artery, so stay alert for changing traffic patterns as you approach the Hollywood Freeway. Planning for a single day of travel works well here, but remain flexible with your timing if you encounter unexpected congestion. Having your $54 fuel budget ready will help you keep moving without unnecessary interruptions at the pump.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.

Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.

The halfway point lands around 197.7 miles from Davis, CA, or about 3h 36m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 296.5 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 87 miles or 1h 38m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 197.7 miles or 3h 36m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 6m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Davis, 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.

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Davis, CA

This is one driving day of about 395.3 miles and 7h 18m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Davis, CA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.

The longest stretch is on Westside Freeway for about 296.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 197.7 mi from Davis, CA · 3h 36m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bakersfield, CA

198 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.

Popular next leg

Bakersfield, CA to Los Angeles, CA

111.9 mi · 2h 11m

Pacing Suggestions

Lathrop, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 87 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Turlock, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 197.7 miles from Davis, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Westside Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 296.5 miles.

Arriving in Los Angeles, CA

The final approach into Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, 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

$91.54 one way

$183.08 round trip

$5.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 138 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$6.07	$94.41	$188.81
premium	$6.24	$97.16	$194.32
diesel	$5.64	$87.82	$175.64

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$92

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$117–$142

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 138.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $42 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	118.6	1	$41.51	$18.97
Efficient EV	98.8	1	$34.59	$15.81
EV Truck/SUV	158.1	1	$55.34	$25.30

Gas CO2

138 kg

EV CO2

46 kg (67% 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.

Forecast data refreshed 2 days ago

Origin

Davis, CA

Afternoon in Davis on Sunday

Local time

12:53 PM

PDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Los Angeles, CA

Afternoon in Los Angeles on Sunday

Local time

12:53 PM

PDT

Current temp

77°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

28 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

7h 18m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Davis, CA to Los Angeles, CA covers 395.3 miles and takes about 7h 18m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Westside Freeway, I 5 Truck, Hollywood 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 197.7 miles from Davis, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $91.54 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.