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Trip from Walnut Creek, CA to Long Beach, CA

Last recalculated Apr 17, 2026

Drive Time

7h 12m

Distance

387.6 mi

624 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$89

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
7h 2m ★
6 AM
7h 13m
8 AM
7h 34m
10 AM
7h 20m
12 PM
7h 18m
3 PM
7h 21m
5 PM
7h 33m
8 PM
7h 6m

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 Contra Costa County, California, United States

Walnut Creek, CA

Wikimedia Commons

city in Los Angeles County, California, United States

Long Beach, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 387.6-mile drive from Walnut Creek, CA to Long Beach, CA is designed as a single-day adventure, estimated to take about 7 hours and 12 minutes. You'll spend most of your time on major highways, with a 95% highway share, making it a focused drive. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is $89, and with two planned stops, it's a manageable journey. This route is a straightforward option for covering ground efficiently between the Pacific Coast regions of Northern and Southern California.

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

193.8 miles from Walnut Creek, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 33m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 12m. Total distance: 387.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 12m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of your trip, covering 95% of the 387.6 miles on major interstates. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 224.4 miles on the Westside Freeway, indicating significant time spent at highway speeds. This profile suggests a journey where the primary focus is on covering distance efficiently, rather than winding through varied landscapes. The character is predominantly that of an interstate transit route.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 29 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.

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 16.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

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 24 significant decision points across 387.6 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 16.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 24 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

8
16.5 mi into trip | ~20m in

Take the exit toward I 580 East: Livermore, Stockton

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 30A Toward I 580 East: Livermore, Stockton
8
16.7 mi into trip | ~20m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 580 East: Livermore, Stockton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 580 East: Livermore, Stockton
7
17.4 mi into trip | ~22m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 580: Stockton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 580: Stockton
8
340.8 mi into trip | ~6h 15m 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
7
385.2 mi into trip | ~7h 7m 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
Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway 19.2 mi 22m
San Diego Freeway 18 mi 20m
William Elton Brown Freeway 17 mi 18m
Donald D Doyle Highway 14.8 mi 17m
Golden State Freeway 4.1 mi 4m
Longest stretch: Westside Freeway — 224.4 mi, about 4h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on North Main Street

94 ft · 4 sec · North Main Street
2

Turn right onto Ygnacio Valley Road

0.4 mi · 1 min · Ygnacio Valley Road
Use the right lane.
3

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 45 sec
Toward I 680 South: San Jose Use the left lane.
4

Merge onto I 680

1.0 mi · 1 min · Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Continue on I 680

1.4 mi · 1 min · Donald D Doyle Highway
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 680

13 mi · 15 min · Donald D Doyle Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Exit 30A Toward I 580 East: Livermore, Stockton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 580 East: Livermore, Stockton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 580: Stockton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Merge onto I 580

1.4 mi · 1 min · Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 580

18 mi · 20 min · Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 580

11 mi · 11 min · William Elton Brown Freeway
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 580

5.9 mi · 6 min · William Elton Brown Freeway
14

Merge onto I 5

224 mi · 4 hr · Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

58 mi · 1 hr 6 min · I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

4.1 mi · 4 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

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.
18

Keep slight right at fork onto I 405 Truck

23 mi · 26 min · I 405 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight right at fork onto I 405

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

Take the exit

377 ft · 9 sec
Toward I 710 South: Long Beach Use the slight right lane.
21

Continue on this road

0.3 mi · 39 sec · this road
Exit 32B Toward I 710 South: Long Beach
22

Merge onto I 710

2.4 mi · 3 min · Long Beach Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Continue on I 710

0.5 mi · 40 sec · Seaside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 37 sec
Toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, Aquarium Use the slight left / straight lanes.
25

Continue on Shoreline Drive

1.3 mi · 2 min · Shoreline Drive
26

Turn left onto South Chestnut Place

0.2 mi · 30 sec · South Chestnut Place
Use the left / uturn lanes.
27

Turn right onto West Ocean Boulevard

0.5 mi · 1 min · West Ocean Boulevard
28

Continue on East Ocean Boulevard

0.1 mi · 21 sec · East Ocean Boulevard
Use the left lane.
29

Arrive at destination

East Ocean Boulevard

Trip Plan

For this 7-hour, 12-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Walnut Creek to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic delays. With only two stops recommended, you have flexibility in pacing yourself; a good strategy is to make one stop around the halfway mark. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longest stretch of 224.4 miles on the Westside Freeway, as services can be more spaced out on major interstates. The $89 fuel cost is a good budget estimate to keep in mind.

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 193.8 miles from Walnut Creek, CA, or about 3h 33m 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 85 miles or 1h 36m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 193.8 miles or 3h 33m 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

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 Walnut Creek, 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 Walnut Creek, CA

This is one driving day of about 387.6 miles and 7h 12m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 85 miles from Walnut Creek, 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 Westside Freeway for about 224.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 193.8 mi from Walnut Creek, CA · 3h 33m into the drive

city in Los Angeles County, California, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Santa Clarita, CA

194 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 85 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mendota, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 193.8 miles from Walnut Creek, 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.

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

National Memorial

On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion jolted the San Francisco East Bay area, shattering windows and lighting up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were killed instantly when two s...

11 mi from route ~26 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park

Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Celebrate and honor the contributions and sacrifices of American civilians on the WWII home front. Discover how diverse communities lived, worked, and interacted. Many faces, many stories, many truths...

16 mi from route ~40 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
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...

18 mi from route ~46 min detour Free near mile 347.5
View on nps.gov
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Established in 1988, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park celebrates America’s maritime heritage on the Pacific Coast. Our 50-acre park has grown around Aquatic Park Cove, a protected area...

21 mi from route ~52 min detour Free
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 ~68 min detour Free near mile 280.7
View on nps.gov
Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument

National Monument

Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908,...

28 mi from route ~70 min detour $15
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$89.09 one way

$178.17 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 136 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $91.80 $183.61
premium $6.18 $94.26 $188.52
diesel $5.61 $85.58 $171.15

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$89

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$114–$139

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 135.6 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $41 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 116.3 1 $40.70 $18.60
Efficient EV 96.9 1 $33.92 $15.50
EV Truck/SUV 155 1 $54.26 $24.81

Gas CO2

136 kg

EV CO2

45 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

Walnut Creek, CA

Evening in Walnut Creek on Thursday

Local time

7:36 PM

PDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Long Beach, CA

Evening in Long Beach on Thursday

Local time

7:36 PM

PDT

Current temp

56°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

4 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 12m 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 Walnut Creek, CA to Long Beach, CA covers 387.6 miles and takes about 7h 12m 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 193.8 miles from Walnut Creek, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $89.09 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 24 significant decision points across 387.6 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 16.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 16.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 17.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Walnut Creek, CA to Long Beach, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. There are 6 parks within detour distance of this route.

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