Origin
Ladera Heights, CA
Afternoon in Ladera Heights on Sunday
Local time
1:31 PM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ladera Heights, CA to Fullerton, CA
Drive Time
46m
Distance
35.4 mi
57 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
4 AM
0h 43m
★
6 AM
0h 46m
8 AM
0h 54m
10 AM
0h 49m
12 PM
0h 48m
3 PM
0h 50m
5 PM
0h 54m
8 PM
0h 44m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ladera Heights, CA
Stephen Leonardi
Fullerton, CA
Stephen Leonardi
Trip Overview
If you are planning a trip from Ladera Heights to Fullerton, expect a straightforward 35.4-mile journey across the Pacific Coast region. You can easily complete this drive in about 46 minutes, making it a perfect candidate for a single-day excursion. Budget roughly $8 for fuel to cover the distance, which is entirely manageable in one go without needing overnight stops. Since the route is heavily focused on major thoroughfares, your time on the road will be efficient and predictable. Whether you are heading out for business or a quick visit, this transit is a practical, no-nonsense connection between two Southern California hubs.
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
17.7 miles from Ladera Heights, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 24m into the drive .
Drive Character
This trip is defined by a high-intensity, highway-focused profile, with 80% of your travel occurring on major freeways. You will spend your time navigating the Artesia Freeway, the San Diego Freeway, and the Gardena Freeway, which keeps the pace brisk and consistent. A significant portion of the drive includes a 13.1-mile stretch on the Artesia Freeway, representing your longest uninterrupted segment behind the wheel. Expect a standard interstate experience rather than a winding scenic route, as the layout prioritizes speed and directness over local detours. It is an ideal path for drivers who prefer keeping a steady momentum throughout their commute.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 17 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 12 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 35.4 miles you will encounter 12 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 12 key pointsThese 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 Fullerton, 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 |
| Harbor Boulevard | 1.2 mi | 2m |
| Bedford Avenue | 0.3 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 Fullerton, 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
·
26 sec
Exit 28
Toward Harbor Boulevard, Lemon Street, Anaheim Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn left onto Harbor Boulevard
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Harbor Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
16
Turn left onto West Commonwealth Avenue
312 ft
·
8 sec
·
West Commonwealth Avenue
Use the left lane.
17
Arrive at destination
West Commonwealth Avenue
Trip Plan
Because this is a relatively short 46-minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time, though dodging peak traffic hours remains a wise strategy. You will not need to plan for any formal stops along the way given the compact distance. Ensure your tank is ready for the $8 fuel expenditure before you merge onto the freeway system to avoid unnecessary detours. Since you are spending nearly the entire trip on high-speed roads, keep a close eye on your navigation to manage transitions between the San Diego, Gardena, and Artesia freeways smoothly. Use this efficiency to your advantage by planning your arrival to coincide with your actual destination goals rather than worrying about road-trip fatigue.
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 17.7 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 35.4 miles or 46m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 17.7 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 38m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fullerton, 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 35.4 miles and 46m.
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 17.7 mi from Ladera Heights, CA · 24m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 35.4 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 17.7 miles from Ladera Heights, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Fullerton, CA
The final approach into Fullerton, 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 Fullerton, 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
$8.20 one way
$16.40 round trip
$5.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
12 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.07 | $8.45 | $16.91 |
| premium | $6.24 | $8.70 | $17.40 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $7.86 | $15.73 |
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: 12.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 10.6 | 0 | $3.72 | $1.70 |
| Efficient EV | 8.9 | 0 | $3.10 | $1.42 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 14.2 | 0 | $4.96 | $2.27 |
Gas CO2
12 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (67% 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.
Destination
Fullerton, CA
Afternoon in Fullerton on Sunday
Local time
1:31 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
21 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
46m 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 Fullerton, CA covers 35.4 miles and takes about 46m 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 17.7 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 $8.20 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 35.4 miles you will encounter 12 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 Fullerton, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Long Beach along the way.
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