Origin
Ventura, CA
Evening in Ventura on Sunday
Local time
5:22 PM
PDT
Current temp
53°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Ventura, CA to Long Beach, CA
Drive Time
1h 46m
Distance
88.5 mi
142 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$20
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 39m
★
6 AM
1h 47m
8 AM
2h 3m
10 AM
1h 52m
12 PM
1h 51m
3 PM
1h 53m
5 PM
2h 2m
8 PM
1h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Ventura, CA
Stephen Leonardi
Long Beach, CA
Saidamir Mukhitdinov
Trip Overview
Connecting the Pacific Coast communities of Ventura and Long Beach, this 88.5-mile journey is an efficient trip that typically takes about 1 hour and 46 minutes. Because the route is compact, you can easily complete it in a single day without needing an overnight stay. You will primarily navigate via the Ventura Freeway, San Diego Freeway, and the Long Beach Freeway, keeping you on major thoroughfares for the vast majority of your time behind the wheel. Budgeting roughly $20 for fuel should cover your needs for this direct transit between these two coastal hubs. Whether you are commuting or heading out for a change of scenery, this highway-focused drive offers a straightforward path from start to finish.
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
44.3 miles from Ventura, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 51m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highly efficient, highway-focused experience, as 96% of this trip is spent on major roads. The drive moves quickly, with a significant 50.5-mile stretch on the Ventura Freeway serving as the longest uninterrupted portion of your journey. You should prepare for a consistent interstate feel rather than winding backroads, as the route is designed for speed and direct access. As you transition through the various freeways, the road maintains a steady, high-traffic character typical of California's major coastal transit corridors. Staying focused on the flow of traffic is key, as the high percentage of highway driving keeps you at cruising speeds for nearly the entire duration.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Ventura Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 50.5 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Ventura Freeway and San Diego Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near US 101 BUS / East Thompson Boulevard.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 88.5 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: near the start (US 101 BUS / East Thompson Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 51 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
US 101 BUS / East Thompson Boulevard
Turn left onto US 101 BUS / East Thompson Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
51 mi into trip
|
~59m in
Take the exit toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Sacramento, Santa Monica
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: Sacramento, Sa...
9
51.2 mi into trip
|
~59m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway, Santa Monica
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway, Santa Mo...
8
51.5 mi into trip
|
~1h in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway
7
86.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 41m 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,...
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Ventura, CA to Long Beach, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Santa Monica along the way.
Santa Monica
51 mi in
|
~59m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ventura Freeway | 50.5 mi | 58m |
| San Diego Freeway | 31.3 mi | 36m |
| Long Beach Freeway | 2.4 mi | 3m |
| Shoreline Drive | 1.3 mi | 2m |
| West Ocean Boulevard | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Seaside Freeway | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| South Chestnut Place | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| East Ocean Boulevard | 0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Ventura Freeway
— 50.5 mi, about 58m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Ventura, CA and Long Beach, CA.
1
Start on South California Street
27 ft
·
8 sec
·
South California Street
2
Turn left onto US 101 BUS
358 ft
·
10 sec
·
East Thompson Boulevard
Use the left / straight lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
Toward US 101 South: Los Angeles
4
Merge onto US 101
51 mi
·
58 min
·
Ventura Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Sacramento, Santa Monica
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway, Santa Monica
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
Toward I 405 South: San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 405
13 mi
·
15 min
·
San Diego Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
18 mi
·
20 min
·
San Diego Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
377 ft
·
9 sec
Toward I 710 South: Long Beach
Use the slight right lane.
11
Continue on this road
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
·
this road
Exit 32B
Toward I 710 South: Long Beach
12
Merge onto I 710
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Long Beach Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
13
Continue on I 710
0.5 mi
·
40 sec
·
Seaside Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
37 sec
Toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, Aquarium
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
15
Continue on Shoreline Drive
1.3 mi
·
2 min
·
Shoreline Drive
Use the none lane.
16
Turn left onto South Chestnut Place
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
South Chestnut Place
Use the left / uturn lanes.
17
Turn right onto West Ocean Boulevard
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
West Ocean Boulevard
Use the none lane.
18
Continue on East Ocean Boulevard
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
East Ocean Boulevard
Use the left lane.
19
Arrive at destination
East Ocean Boulevard
Trip Plan
Since this is a relatively short trip, you have the flexibility to plan your departure around your personal schedule rather than worrying about long-distance fatigue. However, keep in mind that these major freeways are prone to heavy traffic, so checking live road conditions before you pull out of Ventura is a smart move. You do not need to factor in mandatory rest stops, but keeping $20 set aside for gas ensures you remain prepared for the 88.5-mile distance. A helpful tip for this specific route is to monitor the transitions between the Ventura, San Diego, and Long Beach freeways closely, as these interchanges are the most critical points for navigation. By staying alert during these transitions, you can navigate the path from start to finish with minimal stress.
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 44.3 miles from Ventura, CA, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 50.5 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 33m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 44.3 miles or 51m 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 28m
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 Ventura, 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 Ventura, CA
This is one driving day of about 88.5 miles and 1h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Ventura, 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 Ventura Freeway for about 50.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 44.3 mi from Ventura, CA · 51m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
44 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 44.3 miles from Ventura, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.49 one way
$40.99 round trip
$5.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
31 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.07 | $21.14 | $42.27 |
| premium | $6.24 | $21.75 | $43.50 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $19.66 | $39.32 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 31 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 26.6 | 0 | $9.29 | $4.25 |
| Efficient EV | 22.1 | 0 | $7.74 | $3.54 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 35.4 | 0 | $12.39 | $5.66 |
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
10 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.
Destination
Long Beach, CA
Evening in Long Beach on Sunday
Local time
5:22 PM
PDT
Current temp
74°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
21 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
1h 46m 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 Ventura, CA to Long Beach, CA covers 88.5 miles and takes about 1h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ventura Freeway, San Diego Freeway, Long Beach Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 44.3 miles from Ventura, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.49 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 15 significant decision points across 88.5 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: near the start (US 101 BUS / East Thompson Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 51 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 51.2 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Ventura, CA to Long Beach, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Santa Monica along the way.
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