Trip from Lindsay, CA to Los Angeles, CA

Drive Time

3h 19m

Distance

169.7 mi

273 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$39

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 8m ★
6 AM
3h 20m
8 AM
3h 44m
10 AM
3h 28m
12 PM
3h 26m
3 PM
3h 29m
5 PM
3h 42m
8 PM
3h 13m

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

Downtown Lindsay, CA, CA

Lindsay, CA

Efrem Efre

Downtown los-angeles-ca

Los Angeles, CA

Stephen Leonardi

Trip Overview

Traveling from Lindsay to Los Angeles covers 169.7 miles and typically takes about 3 hours and 19 minutes behind the wheel. This straightforward journey is best suited for a single-day trip, as the duration is manageable for most drivers. You can expect to spend approximately $23 on fuel, making it a cost-effective way to transition from the Central Valley area into the heart of Southern California. Because the route is entirely within the Pacific Coast region, you will experience a consistent climate shift as you head toward the coast. While the trip is simple enough to complete in one go, having the flexibility to add a stop along the way can help break up the drive. Overall, this is a practical commute that connects two distinct parts of the state with minimal fuss.

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

84.8 miles from Lindsay, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 39m into the drive .

Drive Character

This 169.7-mile route is heavily highway-focused, with 98% of your time spent on major thoroughfares. You will navigate via CA 65 before transitioning onto the Golden State Freeway and finally the Hollywood Freeway to reach your destination. Be prepared for a significant stretch of open road, as the longest uninterrupted segment spans 91.8 miles along the Golden State Freeway. While the path is efficient and fast, it functions primarily as a transit corridor rather than a scenic byway. Expect a steady, interstate-style experience that prioritizes speed and directness over technical twists or slower local roads.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 21 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Golden State Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 91.8 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Golden State Freeway and CA 65. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 57.3 miles in near CA 99 / Golden State Freeway.

Route Complexity 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 169.7 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 57.3 miles (CA 99 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 146.9 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 152.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 key points

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

7
57.3 mi into trip | ~1h 8m in | CA 99 / Golden State Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99 / Golden State Freeway toward CA 99 South: Los Angeles

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the none / straight / slight right lanes. Toward CA 99 South: Los Angeles
8
146.9 mi into trip | ~2h 50m 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
7
152.5 mi into trip | ~2h 56m in

Take the exit toward CA 170 South: Hollywood

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 153B Toward CA 170 South: Hollywood
7
169.2 mi into trip | ~3h 18m in

Take the exit toward Broadway

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 2C Toward Broadway
7
169.4 mi into trip | ~3h 18m in | North Spring Street

Turn right onto North Spring Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane.

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Golden State Freeway 91.8 mi 1h 44m
CA 65 52.5 mi 1h
Hollywood Freeway 16.2 mi 20m
I 5 Truck 5.6 mi 6m
Lindsay Boulevard 0.8 mi 1m
South Mirage Avenue 0.4 mi <1m
North Spring Street 0.3 mi <1m
West Lindmore Street 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Golden State Freeway — 91.8 mi, about 1h 44m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Lindsay, CA and Los Angeles, CA.

1

Start on this road

400 ft · 31 sec · this road
2

Turn right onto East Apia Street

207 ft · 14 sec · East Apia Street
3

Turn left onto J29

0.4 mi · 44 sec · South Mirage Avenue
4

Turn right onto West Lindmore Street

0.3 mi · 42 sec · West Lindmore Street
5

Turn left onto Lindsay Boulevard

0.8 mi · 1 min · Lindsay Boulevard
6

Turn right

346 ft · 11 sec
7

Turn left onto CA 65

53 mi · 1 hr · CA 65
Use the none lane.
8

Continue on this road

0.9 mi · 1 min · this road
Toward CA 99 South
9

Merge onto CA 99

2.2 mi · 2 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99

27 mi · 30 min · Golden State Freeway
Toward CA 99 South: Los Angeles Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99

58 mi · 1 hr 6 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the none lane.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

4.1 mi · 4 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the none lane.
13

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

0.3 mi · 17 sec · I 5 Truck
Exit 158 Toward I 405 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck

5.3 mi · 6 min · I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 32 sec
Exit 153B Toward CA 170 South: Hollywood Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Continue on CA 170

16 mi · 20 min · Hollywood Freeway
Use the none lane.
17

Take the exit

0.1 mi · 17 sec
Exit 2C Toward Broadway Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Continue on West Aliso Street

409 ft · 18 sec · West Aliso Street
Use the straight lane.
19

Turn right onto North Spring Street

0.3 mi · 35 sec · North Spring Street
Use the right lane.
20

Turn left onto West 1st Street

354 ft · 12 sec · West 1st Street
Use the left lane.
21

Arrive at destination

West 1st Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 3-hour and 19-minute drive, try to time your departure to avoid peak congestion as you approach the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Since you only need to plan for one stop, look for a convenient location midway through your journey to stretch your legs and refuel. Keeping your $23 fuel budget in mind, it is wise to fill up before hitting the heaviest traffic segments of the Hollywood Freeway. This short duration allows for plenty of flexibility, so do not feel pressured to rush your pace. Always double-check your navigation before merging onto the Golden State Freeway, as this 91.8-mile stretch is the backbone of your trip and requires steady focus.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 84.8 miles from Lindsay, CA, or about 1h 39m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 91.8 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 33m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 84.8 miles or 1h 39m 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 41m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Los Angeles, CA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Lindsay, 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 Lindsay, CA

This is one driving day of about 169.7 miles and 3h 19m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Lindsay, 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 Golden State Freeway for about 91.8 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 84.8 mi from Lindsay, CA · 1h 39m into the drive

Downtown Santa Clarita, CA, CA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Santa Clarita, CA

85 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.

Popular next leg

Santa Clarita, CA to Los Angeles, CA

31.8 mi · 43m

Pacing Suggestions

Bakersfield, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bakersfield, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 84.8 miles from Lindsay, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Golden State Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 91.8 miles.

Arriving in Los Angeles, CA

The final approach into Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, 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

$39.30 one way

$78.60 round trip

$5.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 59 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.07 $40.53 $81.06
premium $6.24 $41.71 $83.42
diesel $5.64 $37.70 $75.40

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$39

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$64–$89

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 59.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $18 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 50.9 0 $17.82 $8.15
Efficient EV 42.4 0 $14.85 $6.79
EV Truck/SUV 67.9 0 $23.76 $10.86

Gas CO2

59 kg

EV CO2

20 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.

Forecast data refreshed 3 days ago

Origin

Lindsay, CA

Afternoon in Lindsay on Sunday

Local time

2:56 PM

PDT

Current temp

51°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Los Angeles, CA

Afternoon in Los Angeles on Sunday

Local time

2:56 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

26 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

3h 19m 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 Lindsay, CA to Los Angeles, CA covers 169.7 miles and takes about 3h 19m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Golden State Freeway, CA 65, Hollywood 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 84.8 miles from Lindsay, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $39.30 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
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 17 significant decision points across 169.7 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 57.3 miles (CA 99 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 146.9 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 152.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Lindsay, CA to Los Angeles, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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Return Trip

Los Angeles, CA to Lindsay, CA

Plan the drive back the other way.

170.7 mi 3h 19m

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