This 379.9-mile drive from Long Beach, CA to San Andreas, CA will take approximately 7 hours and 36 minutes of driving time. It's a trip that can comfortably be done in a single day, with an estimated fuel cost of $87. You'll be spending about 52% of your time on highways, navigating through a mixed driving profile. The journey covers two stops, with the longest stretch being 111.4 miles on the Golden State Highway. Both your origin and destination are within the Pacific Coast region, making this a focused California exploration.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
189.9 miles from Long Beach, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 36m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 36m. Total distance: 379.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 36m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
Expect a mixed drive on this route, with a significant portion, 52%, utilizing major highways like the Golden State Highway, Golden State Freeway, and San Diego Freeway. The road character shifts, offering stretches of faster-paced freeway driving interspersed with other road types. You'll encounter an uninterrupted drive of 111.4 miles on the Golden State Highway, which will be a key part of your journey. This blend means you'll experience varied driving conditions, from open highway cruising to potentially more varied local road segments as you progress toward San Andreas.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 37 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Golden State Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 111.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 4.8 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 29 significant decision points across 379.9 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 4.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 29 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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
9
48.2 mi into trip|~59m in|I 5 Truck
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 161A
Toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
8
296.8 mi into trip|~5h 34m in|CA 59; CA 140
Take the exit onto CA 59; CA 140 toward CA 140 West, CA 59 North
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 188
Toward CA 140 West, CA 59 North
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Long Beach, CA to San Andreas, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Avenue 7 along the way.
Avenue 7
252.9 mi in|~4h 44m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Golden State Highway
111.4 mi
2h
Golden State Freeway
55.6 mi
1h 1m
San Diego Freeway
40.8 mi
47m
I 5 Truck
39.3 mi
45m
La Grange Road
26.2 mi
38m
Northbound California State Route 99
22 mi
25m
CA 99
21.4 mi
24m
Snelling Highway
17.7 mi
26m
Longest stretch:
Golden State Highway
— 111.4 mi, about 2h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Long Beach, CA and San Andreas, CA.
1
Start on East Ocean Boulevard
0.7 mi·2 min·East Ocean Boulevard
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
6
Merge onto I 710
0.5 mi·41 sec·Seaside Freeway
7
Continue on I 710
2.3 mi·3 min·Long Beach Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.1 mi·10 sec
Toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Santa Monica, San DiegoUse 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 MonicaUse the straight lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·32 sec
Toward I 405 North: Santa MonicaUse the sharp right lane.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·36 sec
Toward I 405 North: Santa MonicaUse the straight lane.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 405 NorthUse the straight lane.
13
Merge onto I 405
41 mi·47 min·San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto I 5 Truck
1.6 mi·1 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
1.5 mi·1 min·I 5 Truck
Exit 161AToward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 TruckUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
36 mi·41 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
22 mi·25 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99
27 mi·30 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99
6.0 mi·6 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on CA 99
111 mi·2 hr·Golden State Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Take the exit
0.5 mi·30 sec
Exit 144Toward Avenue 7Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Merge onto CA 99
21 mi·24 min·CA 99
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 99
22 mi·25 min·Northbound California State Route 99
Toward CA 99
24
Take the exit onto CA 59; CA 140
0.6 mi·1 min·CA 59; CA 140
Exit 188Toward CA 140 West, CA 59 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Turn right onto CA 59
0.2 mi·24 sec·V Street
26
Turn left onto CA 59
0.4 mi·32 sec·West 16th Street
27
Turn right onto CA 59
18 mi·26 min·Snelling Highway
28
Continue on CA 59; J16
387 ft·6 sec·La Grange Road
29
Continue on CA 59; J16
0.4 mi·40 sec·Merced Falls Road
30
Turn left onto J59
26 mi·38 min·La Grange Road
31
At end of road, turn right onto CA 108; CA 120
3.2 mi·4 min·CA 108; CA 120
32
Turn left onto E15
11 mi·15 min·O'Byrnes Ferry Road
33
Continue on E15
1.4 mi·3 min·Main Street
34
Turn right onto CA 4
3.3 mi·4 min·CA 4
35
Turn straight onto CA 4
7.5 mi·10 min·CA 4
36
Turn left onto CA 49
11 mi·15 min·North Main Street
Use the left lane.
37
Arrive at destination
CA 49
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour 36-minute driving duration, starting your trip from Long Beach early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and minimize traffic. Plan for your two stops strategically, perhaps breaking up the longest stretch of 111.4 miles on the Golden State Highway. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $87 for the 379.9 miles. While this route is manageable in one day, the flexibility of a single-day trip means you can adjust your pace based on real-time conditions.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 189.9 miles from Long Beach, CA, or about 3h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.4 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 84 miles or 1h 40m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 189.9 miles or 3h 36m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 9m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Andreas, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Long Beach, CA
This is one driving day of about 379.9 miles and 7h 36m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Long Beach, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Golden State Highway for about 111.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 189.9 mi from Long Beach, CA
· 3h 36m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultura...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 39.3
Yes, we can! Widely recognized as the most important Latino leader in the United States during the twentieth century, Cesar Chavez led farm workers and supporters in the establishment of the country's...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 117.9
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$87.32 one way
$174.63 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg133 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$89.98
$179.96
premium
$6.18
$92.39
$184.77
diesel
$5.61
$83.88
$167.75
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$87
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$112–$137
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 132.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $40 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
114
1
$39.89
$18.24
Efficient EV
95
1
$33.24
$15.20
EV Truck/SUV
152
1
$53.19
$24.31
Gas CO2
133 kg
EV CO2
44 kg (67% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
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 as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Long Beach, CA
Morning
in Long Beach on Friday
Local time
9:46 AM
PDT
Current temp
56°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
San Andreas, CA
Morning
in San Andreas on Friday
Local time
9:46 AM
PDT
Current temp
63°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
7 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
7h 36m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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 San Andreas, CA covers 379.9 miles and takes about 7h 36m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Golden State Highway, Golden State Freeway, San Diego Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 189.9 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 $87.32 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 29 significant decision points across 379.9 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 4.8 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 4.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 5.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Long Beach, CA to San Andreas, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Avenue 7 along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
