Origin
Los Angeles, CA
Morning in Los Angeles on Sunday
Local time
11:41 AM
PDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Los Angeles, CA to Barstow, CA
Drive Time
4h 24m
Distance
230.5 mi
371 km
Drive Score
10/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$53
one way
Photo: Tori Pezzulla❤️
Trip Overview
Traveling from Los Angeles to Barstow covers 230.5 miles and typically takes about 4 hours and 24 minutes behind the wheel. Because this journey is manageable within a single day, you won't need to worry about booking an overnight stay unless you prefer a slower pace. You should budget approximately $31 for fuel to complete the trip. The route relies primarily on the Golden State Highway, the Golden State Freeway, and the I-5 Truck route. While both ends of the trip remain within the Pacific Coast region, the transition requires navigating a mix of heavy traffic and open road. It is a straightforward trip that serves as a practical connection between Southern California's urban core and the high desert, making it an ideal candidate for a one-day excursion.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
115.2 miles from Los Angeles, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 13m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience as you transition away from the coastal city landscape. Approximately 50% of your time will be spent on major highways, so prepare for a blend of high-speed interstate travel and more localized driving conditions. You will encounter a significant 107.1-mile stretch along the Golden State Highway, which serves as the longest uninterrupted portion of your journey. The road's personality shifts as you move through these varied corridors, moving from dense freeway systems into more open, steady stretches. Staying alert during these long highway segments is key, as the character of the road demands sustained attention despite the high percentage of major roadway usage.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 19 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 107.1 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 0.1 miles in near North Broadway.
Route Complexity
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 230.5 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 0.1 miles (North Broadway): Lane positioning matters here; at 16.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 22.3 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 16 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
North Broadway
Turn right onto North Broadway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the none lane.
6
16.9 mi into trip
|
~22m in
Keep slight left at fork
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
22.3 mi into trip
|
~28m in
|
I 5 / Golden State Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 / Golden State Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
24.5 mi into trip
|
~31m 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
7
225 mi into trip
|
~4h 12m in
Take the exit toward Shaw Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 140
Toward Shaw Avenue
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Golden State Highway | 107.1 mi | 1h 55m |
| Golden State Freeway | 62.4 mi | 1h 9m |
| I 5 Truck | 37.7 mi | 43m |
| Hollywood Freeway | 15.5 mi | 19m |
| West Shaw Avenue | 4.7 mi | 10m |
| Santa Ana Freeway | 0.7 mi | <1m |
| North Dickenson Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| North Broadway | 0.4 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Golden State Highway
— 107.1 mi, about 1h 55m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Los Angeles, CA and Barstow, CA.
1
Start on West 1st Street
0.1 mi
·
32 sec
·
West 1st Street
Use the none lane.
2
Turn right onto North Broadway
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
·
North Broadway
Use the none lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Toward US 101 North, CA 110
4
Merge onto US 101
0.7 mi
·
55 sec
·
Santa Ana Freeway
Use the none lane.
5
Continue on US 101
15 mi
·
19 min
·
Hollywood Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
59 sec
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
Merge onto I 5
4.5 mi
·
5 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
2.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
I 5 Truck
Exit 161A
Toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
36 mi
·
41 min
·
I 5 Truck
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99
27 mi
·
30 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Continue on CA 99
107 mi
·
1 hr 55 min
·
Golden State Highway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
Exit 140
Toward Shaw Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn right onto West Shaw Avenue
4.7 mi
·
10 min
·
West Shaw Avenue
17
Turn right onto North Dickenson Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
North Dickenson Avenue
18
Turn right onto West Barstow Avenue
152 ft
·
6 sec
·
West Barstow Avenue
19
Arrive at destination
West Barstow Avenue
Trip Plan
Planning your departure is essential to navigating the congestion often found when leaving Los Angeles. Since the total drive time is under five hours, you have the flexibility to head out early in the morning to beat the worst of the traffic. You only need to account for one planned stop, so use that time efficiently to refuel and stretch your legs before tackling the final leg of the 230.5-mile journey. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge during the long 107.1-mile stretch on the Golden State Highway, as services may be spaced out. Taking advantage of the route's simplicity allows you to reach Barstow without the stress of an overly complex itinerary.
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 115.2 miles from Los Angeles, CA, or about 2h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 107.1 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 80 miles or 1h 35m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 115.2 miles or 2h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Barstow, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA
This is one driving day of about 230.5 miles and 4h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Los Angeles, 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 Highway for about 107.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 115.2 mi from Los Angeles, CA · 2h 13m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
115 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 115.2 miles from Los Angeles, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Golden State Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 107.1 miles.
Arriving in Barstow, CA
The final approach into Barstow, 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 Barstow, CA.
After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$53.38 one way
$106.76 round trip
$5.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
81 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.07 | $55.05 | $110.10 |
| premium | $6.24 | $56.65 | $113.31 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $51.21 | $102.42 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$53
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$78–$103
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 80.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $24 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 69.1 | 0 | $24.20 | $11.06 |
| Efficient EV | 57.6 | 0 | $20.17 | $9.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 92.2 | 1 | $32.27 | $14.75 |
Gas CO2
81 kg
EV CO2
27 kg (67% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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
Barstow, CA
Morning in Barstow on Sunday
Local time
11:41 AM
PDT
Current temp
49°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
28 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
4h 24m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Los Angeles, CA to Barstow, CA covers 230.5 miles and takes about 4h 24m 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, I 5 Truck. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 115.2 miles from Los Angeles, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $53.38 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 230.5 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 0.1 miles (North Broadway): Lane positioning matters here; at 16.9 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 22.3 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Los Angeles, CA to Barstow, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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