Los Angeles to San Francisco Distance
The distance from Los Angeles to San Francisco is about 381
miles (613 km) by road, and the drive takes approximately
5 hours 48 minutes without stops, mainly via
Interstate 5. The straight-line distance between the two cities is
347 miles (559 km). Use the calculator above to check
the exact distance between any specific address in LA and San Francisco.
Driving Distance
~381 miles (613 km) via Interstate 5, the fastest inland route.
Drive Time
~5 hours 48 minutes with no traffic. Most travelers plan for 6.5–7 hours with stops.
Straight-Line Distance
~347 miles (559 km) as the crow flies — about 9% shorter than the driving route.
Time Zone
Los Angeles and San Francisco are both in the Pacific Time Zone, so there is no time difference.
How to Calculate the Distance Between LA and San Francisco
The 381-mile figure above is measured city center to city center via the fastest route. If you're starting from a specific neighborhood, airport, or suburb, the exact distance will vary slightly:
Type Los Angeles, or a specific address, in the "From" field.
Type San Francisco, or a specific spot, in the "To" field.
See the exact driving distance, straight-line distance, and map for your route.
I-5 (Fastest) vs. Highway 1 (Scenic): Which to Take?
There are two very different ways to drive between LA and San Francisco — a fast inland freeway or a much slower, scenic coastal route:
Interstate 5 (Fastest)
- ~381 miles (613 km)
- ~5 hours 48 minutes with no traffic
- Direct inland route through the Central Valley and Fresno
Highway 1 / Pacific Coast Highway
- ~450+ miles (720+ km) along the coast
- 10–12+ hours with sightseeing stops
- Passes Big Sur, Monterey, and Carmel
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is San Francisco from Los Angeles?
San Francisco is about 381 miles (613 km) from Los Angeles by road, a drive of roughly 5 hours 48 minutes with no traffic. The straight-line distance is about 347 miles (559 km).
How long does it take to drive from LA to San Francisco?
Under ideal conditions, the drive takes about 5 hours 48 minutes via I-5. Most travelers plan for 6.5 to 7 hours once stops and traffic are included.
Is there a time difference between LA and San Francisco?
No. Both cities are in the Pacific Time Zone, so clocks are the same in both locations year-round.
What's the fastest route from LA to San Francisco?
Interstate 5 is the fastest route, cutting through California's Central Valley. If you have extra time, Highway 1 along the coast is far more scenic but adds several hours.
Can you fly from LA to San Francisco?
Yes. The flight between LAX and SFO takes about 1 hour, though total travel time is often 2.5–3 hours once airport time is included, similar to a fast drive.
Planning Your LA to San Francisco Trip
Road Trip Planning
Choose I-5 for speed or Highway 1 for scenery — decide based on how much time you have and whether the journey is part of the trip.
Flight vs. Drive Decisions
For time-sensitive trips, flying is faster; for flexibility and sightseeing, driving wins.
Central Valley Stops
Break up the I-5 drive with a stop in Fresno or the Bakersfield area for food and fuel.
Shipping & Freight
Businesses use this distance to estimate delivery windows and freight timelines up and down the California coast.
Other Popular US City Distances
Exploring more of California? Check the Los Angeles to San Diego distance guide for another popular California road trip route.