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Trip from Tracy, CA to Long Beach, CA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

6h 29m

Distance

348.8 mi

561 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$80

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
6h 17m ★
6 AM
6h 29m
8 AM
6h 54m
10 AM
6h 38m
12 PM
6h 35m
3 PM
6h 39m
5 PM
6h 52m
8 PM
6h 22m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in San Joaquin County, California, United States

Tracy, CA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Los Angeles County, California, United States

Long Beach, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 348.8-mile drive from Tracy, CA to Long Beach, CA is designed for a single day, estimated to take around 6 hours and 29 minutes. Primarily utilizing highways like Westside Freeway, I 5 Truck, and I 405 Truck for 97% of the journey, it's a straightforward, highway-focused trip. With an estimated fuel cost of $81, this route offers a direct path through California's Pacific Coast region. You'll find it's a practical option for a quick transit, with only one recommended stop, making it efficient for those looking to cover ground without extensive detours.

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

174.4 miles from Tracy, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 10m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 29m. Total distance: 348.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 29m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience on this route, with 97% of the drive taking place on major freeways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 224.4 miles along the Westside Freeway, indicating extended periods of consistent driving. This journey emphasizes forward momentum, largely characterized by the efficient, albeit sometimes monotonous, nature of interstate travel. While the specific road conditions may vary, the overall profile suggests a consistent, high-speed transit experience for the majority of your time behind the wheel.

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.
Westside Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 224.4 miles.

Elevation Profile

Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes

2,783 ft 33 ft

Total Climb

3,147 ft

Total Descent

3,165 ft

Highest Point

2,783 ft

~249.1 mi in

Elevation Range

2,750 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and I 5 Truck. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 239.5 miles in near I 5 Truck.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 348.8 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 239.5 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 297.8 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 301.9 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.

6
239.5 mi into trip | ~4h 19m in | I 5 Truck

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
297.8 mi into trip | ~5h 26m 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 straight / slight right lanes.
8
301.9 mi into trip | ~5h 31m 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
6
302.2 mi into trip | ~5h 31m in | I 405 Truck

Keep slight right at fork onto I 405 Truck

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
346.3 mi into trip | ~6h 23m in

Take the exit toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, Aquarium

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center,...

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Westside Freeway 224.4 mi 4h
I 5 Truck 58.6 mi 1h 7m
I 405 Truck 23 mi 26m
San Diego Freeway 18 mi 20m
William Elton Brown Freeway 8.7 mi 9m
Corral Hollow Road 4.8 mi 7m
Golden State Freeway 4.1 mi 4m
Long Beach Freeway 2.4 mi 3m
Longest stretch: Westside Freeway — 224.4 mi, about 4h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Tracy, CA and Long Beach, CA.

1

Start on I 205 Bus

1.5 mi · 2 min · West 11th Street
2

Turn left onto CR J2

4.8 mi · 7 min · Corral Hollow Road
3

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 25 sec
4

Merge onto I 580

2.8 mi · 2 min · William Elton Brown Freeway
5

Keep slight left at fork onto I 580

5.9 mi · 6 min · William Elton Brown Freeway
6

Merge onto I 5

224 mi · 4 hr · Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

58 mi · 1 hr 6 min · I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

4.1 mi · 4 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

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.
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 405 Truck

23 mi · 26 min · I 405 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 405

18 mi · 20 min · San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

377 ft · 9 sec
Toward I 710 South: Long Beach Use the slight right lane.
13

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 39 sec · this road
Exit 32B Toward I 710 South: Long Beach
14

Merge onto I 710

2.4 mi · 3 min · Long Beach Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Continue on I 710

0.5 mi · 40 sec · Seaside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, Aquarium Use the slight left / straight lanes.
17

Continue on Shoreline Drive

1.3 mi · 2 min · Shoreline Drive
18

Turn left onto South Chestnut Place

0.2 mi · 30 sec · South Chestnut Place
Use the left / uturn lanes.
19

Turn right onto West Ocean Boulevard

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Ocean Boulevard
20

Continue on East Ocean Boulevard

0.1 mi · 21 sec · East Ocean Boulevard
Use the left lane.
21

Arrive at destination

East Ocean Boulevard

Trip Plan

Given its 6-hour 29-minute estimated duration, this route is perfectly manageable as a one-day trip. To maximize efficiency, consider an early morning departure to avoid potential traffic, especially as you approach the Los Angeles area. With only one recommended stop, plan your breaks strategically to manage the longest stretch of 224.4 miles on the Westside Freeway. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the estimated cost is $81, and ensure you're topped up before embarking on longer segments. This direct route allows for flexibility, so you can adjust your pace as needed.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 174.4 miles from Tracy, CA, or about 3h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 224.4 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 77 miles or 1h 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 174.4 miles or 3h 10m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 16m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Tracy, 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 Tracy, CA

This is one driving day of about 348.8 miles and 6h 29m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from Tracy, 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 Westside Freeway for about 224.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 174.4 mi from Tracy, CA · 3h 10m into the drive

city in Los Angeles County, California, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Santa Clarita, CA

174 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 Long Beach, CA

55.9 mi · 1h 11m

Pacing Suggestions

Turlock, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 77 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Avenal, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 174.4 miles from Tracy, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Westside Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 224.4 miles.

Arriving in Long Beach, CA

The final approach into Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

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...

17 mi from route ~44 min detour Free near mile 312.7
View on nps.gov
César E. Chávez National Monument

César E. Chávez National Monument

National Monument

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...

27 mi from route ~67 min detour Free near mile 240.5
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$80.17 one way

$160.34 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 122 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $82.61 $165.23
premium $6.18 $84.82 $169.65
diesel $5.61 $77.01 $154.02

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$80

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$105–$130

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 122 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $37 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 104.6 1 $36.62 $16.74
Efficient EV 87.2 0 $30.52 $13.95
EV Truck/SUV 139.5 1 $48.83 $22.32

Gas CO2

122 kg

EV CO2

41 kg (66% 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 13, 2026

Origin

Tracy, CA

Afternoon in Tracy on Thursday

Local time

3:51 PM

PDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Long Beach, CA

Afternoon in Long Beach on Thursday

Local time

3:51 PM

PDT

Current temp

54°F

Slight Chance Light Rain

WNW 0 to 5 mph 24% chance Live forecast

Winter Weather Advisory

Winter Weather Advisory issued April 13 at 12:17AM PDT until April 13 at 7:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA

Winter Weather Advisory

Winter Weather Advisory issued April 13 at 12:17AM PDT until April 13 at 7:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard 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

15 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

6h 29m 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 Tracy, CA to Long Beach, CA covers 348.8 miles and takes about 6h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Westside Freeway, I 5 Truck, I 405 Truck. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 174.4 miles from Tracy, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $80.17 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 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 17 significant decision points across 348.8 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 239.5 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 297.8 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 301.9 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Tracy, CA to Long Beach, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes. The route ranges from 33 ft to 2,783 ft elevation with about 3,147 ft of total climbing.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument.

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