Spanning 106.8 miles between Palm Springs and Los Angeles, this drive is a straightforward journey across the Pacific Coast region that typically takes about 2 hours and 3 minutes. Because of the relatively short distance, it is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, meaning you do not need to worry about booking an overnight stay. You can expect to spend roughly $15 on fuel, making this an economical choice for a quick getaway. Your route utilizes a combination of North Palm Canyon Drive, the Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway, and the San Bernardino Freeway to navigate between these two California hubs. Whether you are heading to the coast for business or leisure, this path offers a practical connection that gets you to your destination efficiently.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
53.4 miles from Palm Springs, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 1m into the drive
.
Palm Springs is a resort city in the California desert. It became a destination during the 1950s and 1960s when Hollywood movie stars flocked there in droves. Nowadays, the area offers entertainment for all ages, although the most common demographics consists of retirees. Palm Springs offers a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities. Known for its hiking, mid-century modern architecture, stunning natural beauty and sparkling pools, Palm Springs has the perfect blend of outdoor activities and casual relaxation.
Palm Springs is a favorite for gay travelers, naturist communities, and many other people.
Frank Lloyd Wright is said to have quipped, "Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles," a quote that has since been repeated both by those who love and hate L.A. The "City of Angels" is home to people who hail from all parts of the globe and an important center of culture, business, media, and international trade. However, it's most famous for being a major center of the world's television, motion picture, and music industry, which forms the base of the city's status and lures visitors for its show business history and celebrity culture. Visitors are also drawn to Los Angeles for its Mediterranean climate and numerous beaches, which gave birth to California's famed surf culture.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 3m. Total distance: 106.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 3m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (52%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a mixed driving experience as you transition between local roads and major interstates. With 52% of the journey spent on highways, you will encounter varying traffic patterns that keep the drive feeling active. The longest uninterrupted stretch occurs on the San Bernardino Freeway, which spans 45.3 miles of your trip. While you start on North Palm Canyon Drive, the character of the road shifts significantly once you merge onto the Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway and the freeway system. You should be prepared for a transition from the desert-adjacent local roads into the more intense, high-traffic environment typical of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
San Bernardino Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 45.3 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 CA 111 Business / North Palm Canyon Drive.
Driving Effort9/10
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 20 significant decision points across 106.8 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 (CA 111 Business / North Palm Canyon Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 64.9 miles (I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 77.6 miles (I 10 / San Bernardino Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.1 mi into trip|~0m in|CA 111 Business / North Palm Canyon Drive
Turn right onto CA 111 Business / North Palm Canyon Drive
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
64.9 mi into trip|~1h 14m in|I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
77.6 mi into trip|~1h 28m in|I 10 / San Bernardino Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10 / San Bernardino Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
79.4 mi into trip|~1h 30m in|I 10 / San Bernardino Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10 / San Bernardino Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
106 mi into trip|~2h 1m in
Take the exit toward Alameda Street, Union Station
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 2B
Toward Alameda Street, Union Station
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
San Bernardino Freeway
45.3 mi
52m
Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
39.9 mi
43m
North Palm Canyon Drive
11 mi
14m
I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
9.3 mi
9m
Santa Ana Freeway
0.4 mi
<1m
North Los Angeles Street
0.3 mi
<1m
East Arcadia Street
0.2 mi
<1m
East Alejo Road
<0.1 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
San Bernardino Freeway
— 45.3 mi, about 52m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Palm Springs, CA and Los Angeles, CA.
1
Start on East Alejo Road
469 ft·19 sec·East Alejo Road
2
Turn right onto CA 111 Business
11 mi·14 min·North Palm Canyon Drive
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on I 10
40 mi·43 min·Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Continue on I 10
14 mi·15 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10 EXPR
9.3 mi·9 min·I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 10
1.2 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
0.9 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.3 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.9 mi·2 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.9 mi·2 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.6 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.4 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.5 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.1 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
2.0 mi·2 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.6 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
2.6 mi·2 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
12 mi·14 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto US 101
0.4 mi·36 sec·Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·19 sec
Exit 2BToward Alameda Street, Union StationUse the slight right lane.
21
Continue on I 10 EXPR
0.2 mi·32 sec·East Arcadia Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
22
Turn left onto North Los Angeles Street
0.3 mi·44 sec·North Los Angeles Street
23
Turn right onto East 1st Street
461 ft·17 sec·East 1st Street
24
Arrive at destination
West 1st Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 2-hour and 3-minute travel time, plan your departure to avoid peak congestion periods common on the San Bernardino Freeway. Since there are no mandatory stops scheduled for this 106.8-mile stretch, you have the flexibility to drive straight through or pull over whenever you need a break. Keep your $15 fuel budget in mind, and consider topping off your tank before leaving Palm Springs to avoid potential price fluctuations closer to the city. Because this route is relatively short, you have the advantage of spontaneity; just ensure you remain alert during the 45.3-mile freeway stretch where traffic density can change rapidly. Staying mindful of these road conditions will help ensure a smooth arrival in Los Angeles.
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 53.4 miles from Palm Springs, CA, or about 1h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 45.3 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 23 miles or 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.4 miles or 1h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 39m
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 Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs, CA
This is one driving day of about 106.8 miles and 2h 3m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Palm Springs, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on San Bernardino Freeway for about 45.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 53.4 mi from Palm Springs, CA
· 1h 1m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.55 one way
$49.09 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg37 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$25.30
$50.59
premium
$6.18
$25.97
$51.95
diesel
$5.61
$23.58
$47.16
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 68% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
32
0
$11.21
$5.13
Efficient EV
26.7
0
$9.34
$4.27
EV Truck/SUV
42.7
0
$14.95
$6.84
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (68% 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 as of Apr 16, 2026
Origin
Palm Springs, CA
Afternoon
in Palm Springs on Friday
Local time
4:43 PM
PDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Los Angeles, CA
Afternoon
in Los Angeles on Friday
Local time
4:43 PM
PDT
Current temp
73°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Lake Wind Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 2:48PM PDT until April 16 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 2:48PM PDT until April 17 at 11:00AM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
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
1 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
2h 3m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Palm Springs, CA to Los Angeles, CA covers 106.8 miles and takes about 2h 3m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are San Bernardino Freeway, Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway, North Palm Canyon Drive. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 53.4 miles from Palm Springs, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.55 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 20 significant decision points across 106.8 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 (CA 111 Business / North Palm Canyon Drive): Lane positioning matters here; at 64.9 miles (I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 77.6 miles (I 10 / San Bernardino Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Palm Springs, CA to Los Angeles, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
