This 418.6-mile journey from Fairfax, CA to Long Beach, CA is designed for a single day of driving, estimated to take around 7 hours and 53 minutes. You'll be spending about 98% of your time on major highways, making it a straightforward, highway-focused trip. With a fuel cost estimated at $96 and planned stops, it's a manageable drive for those looking to cover ground efficiently. The route traverses the Pacific Coast region, offering a direct connection between Northern and Southern California.
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
209.3 miles from Fairfax, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 57m into the drive
.
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive on this route, with 98% of the miles covered on major freeways. You'll navigate stretches of the Westside Freeway, I 5 Truck, and Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway. The longest uninterrupted segment you'll encounter is a substantial 224.4 miles on the Westside Freeway, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. This profile suggests a journey characterized by speed and efficiency rather than winding scenic byways.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 32 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 224.4 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 4 miles in.
Route Complexity9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 418.6 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 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.6 miles (I 580 / John T. Knox Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22 miles (I 580 / Interstate Highway 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
4 mi into trip|~9m in
Take the ramp toward US 101 South: San Francisco, Oakland
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward US 101 South: San Francisco, Oakland
9
4.6 mi into trip|~10m in|I 580 / John T. Knox Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580 / John T. Knox Freeway toward I 580: Richmond Bridge, Oakland
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 451B
Toward I 580: Richmond Bridge, Oakland
8
22 mi into trip|~32m in|I 580 / Interstate Highway 80
Keep slight left at fork onto I 580 / Interstate Highway 80 toward I 580 East, I 880 South: Downtown Oakland, Hayward, Stockton, Alameda, San Jose
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 580 East, I 880 South: Downtown Oaklan...
8
22.2 mi into trip|~32m in|I 580 / MacArthur Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 580 / MacArthur Freeway toward I 580: Downtown Oakland, Hayward, Stockton
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 580: Downtown Oakland, Hayward, Stockt...
8
371.8 mi into trip|~6h 56m 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
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fairfax, CA and Long Beach, CA, road signs point toward Hayward, Stockton, Alameda and San Jose.
Hayward
22 mi in|~32m|via I 580
Stockton
22 mi in|~32m|via I 580
Alameda
22 mi in|~32m|via I 580
San Jose
22 mi in|~32m|via I 580
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
224.4 mi
4h
I 5 Truck
58.6 mi
1h 7m
Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
29.3 mi
33m
I 405 Truck
23 mi
26m
San Diego Freeway
18 mi
20m
William Elton Brown Freeway
17 mi
18m
MacArthur Freeway
16.4 mi
18m
John T. Knox Freeway
13.6 mi
17m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 224.4 mi, about 4h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfax, CA and Long Beach, CA.
1
Start on this road
472 ft·39 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto Center Boulevard
1.6 mi·4 min·Center Boulevard
3
Continue on Red Hill Avenue
0.6 mi·57 sec·Red Hill Avenue
4
Continue on Fourth Street
0.5 mi·49 sec·Fourth Street
5
Keep slight left at fork onto Fourth Street
1.1 mi·2 min·Fourth Street
Use the left lane.
6
Turn right onto Hetherton Street
0.1 mi·17 sec·Hetherton Street
Use the right lane.
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward US 101 South: San Francisco, OaklandUse the straight / left lanes.
8
Merge onto US 101
0.3 mi·28 sec·Redwood Highway
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580
14 mi·17 min·John T. Knox Freeway
Exit 451BToward I 580: Richmond Bridge, OaklandUse the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto I 80; I 580
3.8 mi·4 min·Eastshore Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 580
0.3 mi·21 sec·Interstate Highway 80
Toward I 580 East, I 880 South: Downtown Oakland, Hayward, Stockton, Alameda, San JoseUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 580
16 mi·18 min·MacArthur Freeway
Toward I 580: Downtown Oakland, Hayward, StocktonUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto I 580
12 mi·13 min·Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580
18 mi·20 min·Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580
11 mi·11 min·William Elton Brown Freeway
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 580
5.9 mi·6 min·William Elton Brown Freeway
17
Merge onto I 5
224 mi·4 hr·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
58 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
4.1 mi·4 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 5 Truck
Exit 158Toward I 405 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405 Truck
23 mi·26 min·I 405 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
18 mi·20 min·San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
377 ft·9 sec
Toward I 710 South: Long BeachUse the slight right lane.
24
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·39 sec·this road
Exit 32BToward I 710 South: Long Beach
25
Merge onto I 710
2.4 mi·3 min·Long Beach Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Continue on I 710
0.5 mi·40 sec·Seaside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, AquariumUse the slight left / straight lanes.
28
Continue on Shoreline Drive
1.3 mi·2 min·Shoreline Drive
29
Turn left onto South Chestnut Place
0.2 mi·30 sec·South Chestnut Place
Use the left / uturn lanes.
30
Turn right onto West Ocean Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·West Ocean Boulevard
31
Continue on East Ocean Boulevard
0.1 mi·21 sec·East Ocean Boulevard
Use the left lane.
32
Arrive at destination
East Ocean Boulevard
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 7-hour, 53-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Fairfax to bypass potential traffic, especially as you approach the Los Angeles area. With two recommended stops, plan them strategically to break up the 418.6 miles. Given the highway-focused nature, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and keep an eye on fuel levels, especially during the longest stretch of 224.4 miles. The efficiency of this route means you'll have flexibility in your stop timing, but a mid-point break is advisable.
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 209.3 miles from Fairfax, CA, or about 3h 57m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 224.4 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 92 miles or 1h 51m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 209.3 miles or 3h 57m 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 41m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Long Beach, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fairfax, 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 Fairfax, CA
This is one driving day of about 418.6 miles and 7h 53m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 92 miles from Fairfax, 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 224.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 209.3 mi from Fairfax, CA
· 3h 57m into the drive
The midpoint is around 209.3 miles from Fairfax, 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 224.4 miles.
Arriving in Long Beach, CA
The final approach into Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Celebrate and honor the contributions and sacrifices of American civilians on the WWII home front. Discover how diverse communities lived, worked, and interacted. Many faces, many stories, many truths...
Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908,...
Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. Go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history f...
Established in 1988, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park celebrates America’s maritime heritage on the Pacific Coast. Our 50-acre park has grown around Aquatic Park Cove, a protected area...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 14.4
From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 spec...
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...
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
Free
near mile 389.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$96.21 one way
$192.42 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg147 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$99.15
$198.29
premium
$6.18
$101.80
$203.60
diesel
$5.61
$92.42
$184.84
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$96
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$121–$146
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 146.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $44 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
125.6
1
$43.95
$20.09
Efficient EV
104.7
1
$36.63
$16.74
EV Truck/SUV
167.4
2
$58.60
$26.79
Gas CO2
146 kg
EV CO2
49 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.
Forecast data refreshed 4 days ago
Origin
Fairfax, CA
Evening
in Fairfax on Tuesday
Local time
6:32 PM
PDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Long Beach, CA
Evening
in Long Beach on Tuesday
Local time
6:32 PM
PDT
Current temp
56°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
8 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 53m 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 Fairfax, CA to Long Beach, CA covers 418.6 miles and takes about 7h 53m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Westside Freeway, I 5 Truck, Arthur H. Breed Junior 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 209.3 miles from Fairfax, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $96.21 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.
This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 418.6 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 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.6 miles (I 580 / John T. Knox Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22 miles (I 580 / Interstate Highway 80): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Fairfax, CA and Long Beach, CA, road signs point toward Hayward, Stockton, Alameda and San Jose.
