Origin
Ladera Heights, CA
Afternoon in Ladera Heights on Sunday
Local time
1:32 PM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ladera Heights, CA to San Diego, CA
Drive Time
2h 30m
Distance
125.9 mi
203 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$29
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 20m
★
6 AM
2h 31m
8 AM
2h 51m
10 AM
2h 38m
12 PM
2h 36m
3 PM
2h 39m
5 PM
2h 50m
8 PM
2h 24m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ladera Heights, CA
Stephen Leonardi
San Diego, CA
Lindsey Willard
Trip Overview
Traveling from Ladera Heights to San Diego covers 125.9 miles along the Pacific Coast, making it a straightforward journey that fits perfectly into a single day. You can expect to spend about 2 hours and 30 minutes behind the wheel, depending on traffic conditions. With a fuel budget of approximately $29, this trip is an efficient way to transition between these two Southern California hubs. Because the drive is relatively short, there is no need for an overnight stay, giving you maximum flexibility for your itinerary. Whether you are heading south for business or a quick getaway, this route provides a reliable connection across the region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
62.9 miles from Ladera Heights, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 15m into the drive .
Drive Character
This is a highway-focused drive that relies heavily on major thoroughfares, with 86% of the journey spent on high-speed roads. You will primarily navigate the San Diego Freeway, the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor, and I-405 as you make your way south. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 94.4 miles on the San Diego Freeway, which defines the bulk of your time in the driver's seat. While the route is efficient, be prepared for a consistent interstate experience rather than a winding backroad adventure. It is a functional, high-paced drive that prioritizes speed and direct access over scenic detours.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
San Diego Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 94.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on San Diego Freeway and San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor. 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
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 125.9 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 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 39.3 miles (CA 73 / Corona Del Mar Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 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
8
39.3 mi into trip
|
~48m in
|
CA 73 / Corona Del Mar Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 73 / Corona Del Mar Freeway toward CA 73 South: San Diego
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 10
Toward CA 73 South: San Diego
8
53.7 mi into trip
|
~1h 4m in
Take the exit toward La Paz Road, Moulton Parkway
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 3
Toward La Paz Road, Moulton Parkway
8
125.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 28m in
Take the exit toward Front Street, Civic Center, 2nd 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 17
Toward Front Street, Civic Center, 2nd Avenue
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego Freeway | 94.4 mi | 1h 50m |
| San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor | 12.8 mi | 14m |
| I 405 | 10.3 mi | 11m |
| Corona Del Mar Freeway | 4 mi | 4m |
| South La Cienega Boulevard | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| Front Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Bedford Avenue | 0.3 mi | 1m |
| West Slauson Avenue | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
San Diego Freeway
— 94.4 mi, about 1h 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ladera Heights, CA and San Diego, 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
24 mi
·
27 min
·
San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
2.3 mi
·
2 min
·
San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 405
0.2 mi
·
11 sec
·
San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 405
10 mi
·
11 min
·
I 405
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 73
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Corona Del Mar Freeway
Exit 10
Toward CA 73 South: San Diego
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on CA 73
10 mi
·
11 min
·
San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
437 ft
·
5 sec
Exit 3
Toward La Paz Road, Moulton Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
33 sec
Toward CA 73 South: Moulton Parkway
Use the none lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.6 mi
·
42 sec
Toward CA 73 South
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
17
Merge onto CA 73 Toll
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor
18
Merge onto I 5
68 mi
·
1 hr 19 min
·
San Diego Freeway
Use the none lane.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Exit 17
Toward Front Street, Civic Center, 2nd Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
14 sec
Toward Front Street, Civic Center
21
Continue on Front Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Front Street
Use the straight / left / none lanes.
22
Arrive at destination
Front Street
Trip Plan
Since you only have one planned stop on this 125.9-mile route, it is best to time your departure to avoid the heaviest Southern California traffic peaks. Planning your single break around the halfway point can help keep you energized for the final leg into San Diego. Keep in mind that the reliance on major corridors means traffic patterns can fluctuate significantly, so check your navigation app before pulling out of your driveway. Having your $29 fuel budget ready ensures you won't need to scramble for gas stations during the drive. Take advantage of the short duration to enjoy a relaxed start to your morning rather than rushing to beat the clock.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 62.9 miles from Ladera Heights, CA, or about 1h 15m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 94.4 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 80 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 62.9 miles or 1h 15m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 2m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Diego, 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 125.9 miles and 2h 30m.
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.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on San Diego Freeway for about 94.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 62.9 mi from Ladera Heights, CA · 1h 15m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
63 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 62.9 miles from Ladera Heights, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before San Diego Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 94.4 miles.
Arriving in San Diego, CA
The final approach into San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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
$29.16 one way
$58.31 round trip
$5.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
44 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.07 | $30.07 | $60.13 |
| premium | $6.24 | $30.94 | $61.89 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $27.97 | $55.94 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$29
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$54–$79
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 44.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 37.8 | 0 | $13.22 | $6.04 |
| Efficient EV | 31.5 | 0 | $11.02 | $5.04 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 50.4 | 0 | $17.63 | $8.06 |
Gas CO2
44 kg
EV CO2
15 kg (66% 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
San Diego, CA
Afternoon in San Diego on Sunday
Local time
1:32 PM
PDT
Current temp
72°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
16 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
2h 30m 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 San Diego, CA covers 125.9 miles and takes about 2h 30m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are San Diego Freeway, San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor, I 405. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 62.9 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 $29.16 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.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 125.9 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 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 39.3 miles (CA 73 / Corona Del Mar Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Ladera Heights, CA to San Diego, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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