Trip from Ladera Heights, CA to Anaheim, CA

Drive Time

48m

Distance

35.8 mi

58 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$8

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 12 min
4 AM
0h 44m ★
6 AM
0h 48m
8 AM
0h 56m
10 AM
0h 51m
12 PM
0h 50m
3 PM
0h 51m
5 PM
0h 56m
8 PM
0h 46m

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

Downtown Ladera Heights, CA, CA

Ladera Heights, CA

Stephen Leonardi

Trip Overview

Traveling from Ladera Heights to Anaheim covers 35.8 miles, making it an efficient journey that easily fits into a single day. You can expect to spend about 48 minutes on the road, provided traffic conditions remain favorable. With a modest fuel budget of $8, this trip is very cost-effective for a quick transit between these Pacific Coast locations. Since the entire route stays within Southern California, you won't need to worry about long-distance travel logistics or overnight stays. It is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that connects two major suburban areas without unnecessary detours.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

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

Midpoint

17.9 miles from Ladera Heights, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 24m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a trip defined by major infrastructure, as 79% of your travel takes place on high-speed freeways. You will navigate a sequence of primary arteries, including the San Diego Freeway, the Gardena Freeway, and the Artesia Freeway. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs during your 13.1-mile run on the Artesia Freeway, which sets the pace for much of the journey. Because this is a highway-focused drive, the experience is consistent and fast-moving rather than technical or winding. You should prepare for a standard interstate commute that prioritizes speed and directness 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 20 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Artesia Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 13.1 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Artesia Freeway and San Diego Freeway. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near West Slauson Avenue.

Route Complexity 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 35.8 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (West Slauson Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 14 key points

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

8
0.5 mi into trip | ~2m in | West Slauson Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto West Slauson Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane.
8
0.7 mi into trip | ~2m in

Turn right toward South La Cienega Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the none lane. Toward South La Cienega Boulevard
6
2.2 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the ramp toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway, Long Beach

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway, Long Bea...
7
9.3 mi into trip | ~13m in

Take the exit toward CA 91 East: Artesia Boulevard

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 40A Toward CA 91 East: Artesia Boulevard
8
33.9 mi into trip | ~43m in

Take the exit toward Harbor Boulevard, Lemon Street, Anaheim Boulevard

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 28 Toward Harbor Boulevard, Lemon Street, Anaheim...

Towns Along This Route

On the drive from Ladera Heights, CA to Anaheim, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Long Beach along the way.

Long Beach

2.2 mi in | ~5m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Artesia Freeway 13.1 mi 15m
San Diego Freeway 7 mi 8m
Gardena Freeway 5.6 mi 6m
West Artesia Boulevard 3 mi 4m
Riverside Freeway 2.8 mi 3m
South La Cienega Boulevard 1.3 mi 2m
North Anaheim Boulevard 0.8 mi 2m
Harbor Boulevard 0.4 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Artesia Freeway — 13.1 mi, about 15m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on Bedford Avenue

0.3 mi · 1 min · Bedford Avenue
2

At end of road, turn left onto West 57th Street

319 ft · 15 sec · West 57th Street
3

Turn right onto South Sherbourne Drive

402 ft · 23 sec · South Sherbourne Drive
4

At end of road, turn left onto West Slauson Avenue

0.3 mi · 34 sec · West Slauson Avenue
Use the none lane.
5

Turn right

0.2 mi · 16 sec
Toward South La Cienega Boulevard Use the none lane.
6

Turn straight onto South La Cienega Boulevard

1.3 mi · 2 min · South La Cienega Boulevard
Use the none / straight lanes.
7

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 13 sec
Toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway, Long Beach Use the slight left lane.
8

Merge onto I 405

7.0 mi · 8 min · San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 15 sec
Exit 40A Toward CA 91 East: Artesia Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Turn right onto West Artesia Boulevard

3.0 mi · 4 min · West Artesia Boulevard
Use the none lane.
11

Continue on CA 91

5.6 mi · 6 min · Gardena Freeway
Use the none lane.
12

Continue on CA 91

13 mi · 15 min · Artesia Freeway
Use the none lane.
13

Continue on CA 91

2.8 mi · 3 min · Riverside Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 27 sec
Exit 28 Toward Harbor Boulevard, Lemon Street, Anaheim Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Turn right onto Harbor Boulevard

0.4 mi · 57 sec · Harbor Boulevard
Use the right lane.
16

Turn left onto West La Palma Avenue

0.3 mi · 49 sec · West La Palma Avenue
Use the left lane.
17

Turn right onto North Anaheim Boulevard

0.8 mi · 2 min · North Anaheim Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Continue on South Anaheim Boulevard

420 ft · 17 sec · South Anaheim Boulevard
Use the none lane.
19

Turn right

200 ft · 14 sec
Use the none lane.
20

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Since this is a short 48-minute trip, you have the flexibility to depart whenever suits your schedule best. However, given the reliance on major freeways, checking real-time traffic reports before you leave is the smartest way to avoid potential congestion on the San Diego or Artesia freeways. You won't need to plan for any scheduled stops along the way, allowing you to drive straight through to your destination. Make sure your tank has enough gas to cover the $8 fuel cost before you merge onto the freeway system. Keeping an eye on your navigation app will help you transition smoothly between the different freeway segments that make up this route.

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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 17.9 miles from Ladera Heights, CA, or about 24m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 13.1 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 35.8 miles or 48m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 17.9 miles or 24m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 39m

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 Ladera Heights, 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 Ladera Heights, CA

This is one driving day of about 35.8 miles and 48m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ladera Heights, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Artesia Freeway for about 13.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 17.9 mi from Ladera Heights, CA · 24m into the drive

Downtown Long Beach, CA, CA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Long Beach, CA

18 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

Santa Ana, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 35.8 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Long Beach, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 17.9 miles from Ladera Heights, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

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.

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$8.29 one way

$16.58 round trip

$5.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 13 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.07 $8.55 $17.10
premium $6.24 $8.80 $17.60
diesel $5.64 $7.95 $15.91

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$8

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$33–$58

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 12.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 10.7 0 $3.76 $1.72
Efficient EV 9 0 $3.13 $1.43
EV Truck/SUV 14.3 0 $5.01 $2.29

Gas CO2

13 kg

EV CO2

4 kg (69% 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 data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Ladera Heights, CA

Afternoon in Ladera Heights on Sunday

Local time

1:32 PM

PDT

Current temp

56°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Anaheim, CA

Afternoon in Anaheim on Sunday

Local time

1:32 PM

PDT

Current temp

76°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

20 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

48m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Ladera Heights, CA to Anaheim, CA covers 35.8 miles and takes about 48m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Artesia Freeway, San Diego Freeway, Gardena 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 17.9 miles from Ladera Heights, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.29 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.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 35.8 miles you will encounter 14 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.5 miles (West Slauson Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Ladera Heights, CA to Anaheim, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Long Beach along the way.

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Return Trip

Anaheim, CA to Ladera Heights, CA

Plan the drive back the other way.

33.6 mi 47m

Explore more options from Ladera Heights, CA or browse trips ending in Anaheim, CA.

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