Origin
Long Beach, CA
Afternoon in Long Beach on Sunday
Local time
2:50 PM
PDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Long Beach, CA to Lawndale, CA
Drive Time
22m
Distance
15.6 mi
25 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$4
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 20m
★
6 AM
0h 22m
8 AM
0h 26m
10 AM
0h 24m
12 PM
0h 23m
3 PM
0h 24m
5 PM
0h 26m
8 PM
0h 21m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Long Beach, CA
Saidamir Mukhitdinov
Trip Overview
If you are planning to travel from Long Beach to Lawndale, you are looking at a quick 15.6-mile trip that typically takes about 22 minutes. Because this journey is so brief, it works perfectly as a simple day trip that requires no overnight stays. You will primarily utilize the San Diego Freeway and the Long Beach Freeway, with a bit of East Ocean Boulevard to get you started. Budgeting about $4 for fuel should be plenty for this short transit across the Pacific Coast region. It is a straightforward, functional drive that gets you between these two Southern California points with minimal fuss. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a quick meeting, the route is designed for efficiency rather than leisure.
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
7.8 miles from Long Beach, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 12m into the drive .
Drive Character
This is a highway-focused drive, with 76% of your time spent cruising on major arteries. Expect a fast-paced experience, highlighted by a notable 9.2-mile stretch along the San Diego Freeway that allows you to maintain steady momentum. While the journey begins near the coast, the personality of the road is defined by its industrial and urban highway connections rather than scenic winding lanes. You will find that the transitions between the Long Beach Freeway and the San Diego Freeway are the primary technical components of the trip. Behind the wheel, it feels like a standard metropolitan commute where the focus remains on navigating traffic flow rather than taking in the sights.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 18 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 9.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on San Diego Freeway and Long Beach Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.5 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 15.6 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 1.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
1.5 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 710 North
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
Toward I 710 North
7
4.7 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Take the exit toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Santa Monica, San Diego
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.
Toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Santa Monica,...
9
4.8 mi into trip
|
~7m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 405 North, I 710: Long Beach Freeway North, Santa Monica
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 405 North, I 710: Long Beach Freeway N...
8
4.9 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 North: Santa Monica
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the sharp right lane.
Toward I 405 North: Santa Monica
8
5.2 mi into trip
|
~8m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 405 North: Santa Monica
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 405 North: Santa Monica
Towns Along This Route
Between Long Beach, CA and Lawndale, CA, road signs point toward San Diego and Santa Monica.
San Diego
4.7 mi in
|
~7m
Santa Monica
4.8 mi in
|
~7m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego Freeway | 9.2 mi | 10m |
| Long Beach Freeway | 2.3 mi | 3m |
| East Ocean Boulevard | 0.7 mi | 2m |
| Shoreline Drive | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Seaside Freeway | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Manhattan Beach Boulevard | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| Hawthorne Boulevard | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| North Golden Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
San Diego Freeway
— 9.2 mi, about 10m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Long Beach, CA and Lawndale, CA.
1
Start on East Ocean Boulevard
0.7 mi
·
2 min
·
East Ocean Boulevard
Use the none lane.
2
Turn right onto North Golden Avenue
414 ft
·
6 sec
·
North Golden Avenue
3
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward I 710 North
4
Merge onto Shoreline Drive
0.5 mi
·
47 sec
·
Shoreline Drive
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
31 sec
Toward I 710 North
Use the none lane.
6
Merge onto I 710
0.5 mi
·
41 sec
·
Seaside Freeway
Use the none lane.
7
Continue on I 710
2.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Long Beach Freeway
Use the none lane.
8
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
Toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Santa Monica, San Diego
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Toward I 405 North, I 710: Long Beach Freeway North, Santa Monica
Use the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Toward I 405 North: Santa Monica
Use the sharp right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
Toward I 405 North: Santa Monica
Use the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Toward I 405 North
Use the straight lane.
13
Merge onto I 405
9.2 mi
·
10 min
·
San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 42A
Toward CA 107: Hawthorne Boulevard
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Turn right onto Hawthorne Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
16 sec
·
Hawthorne Boulevard
Use the left / right lanes.
16
Turn left onto Manhattan Beach Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
23 sec
·
Manhattan Beach Boulevard
Use the left / uturn lanes.
17
Continue on Manhattan Beach Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
Manhattan Beach Boulevard
Use the left lane.
18
Arrive at destination
Manhattan Beach Boulevard
Trip Plan
Since the entire trip takes less than half an hour, you have significant flexibility regarding when you depart. However, keep in mind that these major freeways can get congested, so check traffic reports before you leave to ensure your 22-minute estimate holds true. You will not need to plan for any stops along the way, as the 15.6-mile distance is easily manageable in one go. If you are starting your trip near East Ocean Boulevard, make sure you have your GPS set before you merge onto the Long Beach Freeway to avoid missing your transition. Pack a podcast or a playlist, as this quick drive is best spent listening to something engaging while you navigate the highway system.
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 7.8 miles from Long Beach, CA, or about 12m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 9.2 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 15.6 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 7.8 miles or 12m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 18m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Lawndale, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, CA
This is one driving day of about 15.6 miles and 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Long Beach, 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 San Diego Freeway for about 9.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 7.8 mi from Long Beach, CA · 12m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
8 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 15.6 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 7.8 miles from Long Beach, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Lawndale, CA
The final approach into Lawndale, 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 Lawndale, 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
$3.61 one way
$7.23 round trip
$5.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
6 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.07 | $3.73 | $7.45 |
| premium | $6.24 | $3.83 | $7.67 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $3.47 | $6.93 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$4
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$29–$54
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 5.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 60% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 4.7 | 0 | $1.64 | $0.75 |
| Efficient EV | 3.9 | 0 | $1.37 | $0.62 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 6.2 | 0 | $2.18 | $1.00 |
Gas CO2
5 kg
EV CO2
2 kg (60% 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
Lawndale, CA
Afternoon in Lawndale on Sunday
Local time
2:50 PM
PDT
Current temp
55°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
19 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
22m 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 Long Beach, CA to Lawndale, CA covers 15.6 miles and takes about 22m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are San Diego Freeway, Long Beach Freeway, East Ocean 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 7.8 miles from Long Beach, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.61 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 16 significant decision points across 15.6 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 1.5 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Long Beach, CA and Lawndale, CA, road signs point toward San Diego and Santa Monica.
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