Origin
Ladera Heights, CA
Afternoon in Ladera Heights on Sunday
Local time
1:30 PM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ladera Heights, CA to Riverside, CA
Drive Time
1h 23m
Distance
64.9 mi
104 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$15
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 17m
★
6 AM
1h 24m
8 AM
1h 37m
10 AM
1h 28m
12 PM
1h 27m
3 PM
1h 29m
5 PM
1h 36m
8 PM
1h 20m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ladera Heights, CA
Stephen Leonardi
Riverside, CA
Stephen Leonardi
Trip Overview
Traveling from Ladera Heights to Riverside covers 64.9 miles across the Pacific Coast region, typically taking about 1 hour and 23 minutes behind the wheel. Because this is a relatively short trip, you can easily complete the journey as a one-day excursion without needing an overnight stay. You should budget approximately $15 for fuel to cover the distance. The route relies heavily on major thoroughfares, making it a straightforward transit rather than a leisurely scenic tour. Whether you are heading inland for business or visiting family, this direct drive offers a reliable way to navigate between the 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
32.4 miles from Ladera Heights, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 41m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused experience, as 77% of your travel time will be spent on high-speed roads. You will spend the bulk of your time on the Pomona Freeway, which accounts for a 42.1-mile stretch of the trip. The transition from the Santa Monica Freeway onto the Pomona Freeway provides a consistent, albeit busy, pace for the majority of the drive. As you approach the final leg, you will navigate via Van Buren Boulevard to reach your destination. While the route lacks the technical curves of mountain passes, it provides a functional and efficient path for those looking to move quickly between regions.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Pomona Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 42.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Pomona Freeway and Santa Monica Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.5 miles in near West Slauson Avenue.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 64.9 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 0.5 miles (West Slauson Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.1 miles (I 10 / Santa Monica Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
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.
7
4.2 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Take the ramp toward I 10 East: Los Angeles, Santa Monica Freeway
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the right lane.
Toward I 10 East: Los Angeles, Santa Monica Fre...
8
7.1 mi into trip
|
~12m in
|
I 10 / Santa Monica Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10 / Santa Monica Freeway toward Western Avenue, Normandie Avenue
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Western Avenue, Normandie Avenue
8
12.5 mi into trip
|
~19m in
|
CA 60 / Pomona Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60 / Pomona Freeway toward SR-60 East, I-5 South: Pomona, Santa Ana
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward SR-60 East, I-5 South: Pomona, Santa Ana
8
54.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 7m in
Take the exit toward Van Buren Boulevard, Etiwanda Avenue
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 42
Toward Van Buren Boulevard, Etiwanda Avenue
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Ladera Heights, CA to Riverside, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Santa Ana along the way.
Santa Ana
12.5 mi in
|
~19m
|
via CA 60
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pomona Freeway | 42.1 mi | 48m |
| Santa Monica Freeway | 8.1 mi | 9m |
| Van Buren Boulevard | 6.1 mi | 8m |
| Central Avenue | 3.6 mi | 6m |
| South La Cienega Boulevard | 2.8 mi | 4m |
| South Fairfax Avenue | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| Bedford Avenue | 0.3 mi | 1m |
| West Slauson Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Pomona Freeway
— 42.1 mi, about 48m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ladera Heights, CA and Riverside, 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
·
40 sec
·
West Slauson Avenue
Use the none lane.
5
Turn left
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
Use the left lane.
6
Turn straight onto South La Cienega Boulevard
2.8 mi
·
4 min
·
South La Cienega Boulevard
Use the none lane.
7
Turn slight right onto South Fairfax Avenue
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
South Fairfax Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Turn right onto West Washington Boulevard
335 ft
·
8 sec
·
West Washington Boulevard
Use the none lane.
9
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward I 10 East: Los Angeles, Santa Monica Freeway
Use the right lane.
10
Merge onto I 10
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Santa Monica Freeway
Use the none lane.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
3.1 mi
·
3 min
·
Santa Monica Freeway
Toward Western Avenue, Normandie Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 10
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Santa Monica Freeway
Use the none lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60
12 mi
·
13 min
·
Pomona Freeway
Toward SR-60 East, I-5 South: Pomona, Santa Ana
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60
0.8 mi
·
54 sec
·
Pomona Freeway
Use the none lane.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Pomona Freeway
Use the none lane.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Pomona Freeway
Use the none lane.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Pomona Freeway
Use the none lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Pomona Freeway
Use the none lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60
20 mi
·
23 min
·
Pomona Freeway
Use the none lane.
20
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 42
Toward Van Buren Boulevard, Etiwanda Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Turn straight onto Mission Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
Mission Boulevard
22
Continue on Van Buren Boulevard
6.1 mi
·
8 min
·
Van Buren Boulevard
Use the none lane.
23
Turn left onto Central Avenue
3.6 mi
·
6 min
·
Central Avenue
Use the left lane.
24
Turn sharp right
171 ft
·
12 sec
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the heavy reliance on major freeways, aim to depart outside of peak commuting hours to avoid potential traffic congestion on the Pomona Freeway. Since the drive is short, you do not need to plan for formal stops, giving you the flexibility to complete the entire 64.9-mile journey in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before merging onto the interstate to ensure you have enough for the $15 estimated trip cost. If you find yourself needing a break, utilize the transition onto Van Buren Boulevard as a natural point to exit the freeway and stretch your legs. Staying focused on the flow of highway traffic will be your best strategy for a smooth arrival in Riverside.
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 32.4 miles from Ladera Heights, CA, or about 41m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 42.1 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 64.9 miles or 1h 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 32.4 miles or 41m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 8m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Riverside, 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 64.9 miles and 1h 23m.
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 Pomona Freeway for about 42.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 32.4 mi from Ladera Heights, CA · 41m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
32 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 64.9 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 32.4 miles from Ladera Heights, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Riverside, CA
The final approach into Riverside, 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 Riverside, 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
$15.03 one way
$30.06 round trip
$5.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
23 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.07 | $15.50 | $31.00 |
| premium | $6.24 | $15.95 | $31.90 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $14.42 | $28.84 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$15
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$40–$65
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 22.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 19.5 | 0 | $6.81 | $3.12 |
| Efficient EV | 16.2 | 0 | $5.68 | $2.60 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 26 | 0 | $9.09 | $4.15 |
Gas CO2
23 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (65% 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
Riverside, CA
Afternoon in Riverside on Sunday
Local time
1:30 PM
PDT
Current temp
53°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
3 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
1h 23m 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 Riverside, CA covers 64.9 miles and takes about 1h 23m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Pomona Freeway, Santa Monica Freeway, Van Buren Boulevard. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 32.4 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 $15.03 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 is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 64.9 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 0.5 miles (West Slauson Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.1 miles (I 10 / Santa Monica Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Ladera Heights, CA to Riverside, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Santa Ana along the way.
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