San Francisco to Los Angeles Distance
Road Distance
383 miles / 617 km via I-5 South, the fastest and most direct route.
Driving Time
~6 hours via I-5. The coastal Highway 1 route takes 9–10+ hours due to winding roads.
Flight Time
A direct flight takes about 1h 15min, one of the busiest short-haul routes in the US.
Straight-Line Distance
347 miles (559 km) as the crow flies between the two cities.
How to Calculate the Distance from SF to LA
Get the exact road distance for your specific starting point in seconds:
Type San Francisco, CA in the "From" field.
Type Los Angeles, CA in the "To" field.
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Which Route Should You Take: I-5 or Highway 1?
There are two very different ways to make this trip — fast inland or scenic coastal:
I-5 South (Fast Route)
- 383 miles / 617 km
- ~6 hours driving time
- Straight, flat inland highway
- ✅ Best for time-sensitive trips
Highway 1 / PCH (Scenic Route)
- ~450–500 miles depending on stops
- 9–10+ hours with photo stops
- Coastal views, Big Sur, Santa Barbara
- ✅ Best for road trip experiences
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Los Angeles from San Francisco by car?
The driving distance from San Francisco to Los Angeles is approximately 383 miles (617 km) via I-5 South. Use our calculator above for the exact distance from your specific address.
How long does it take to drive from SF to LA?
Via I-5, the drive takes about 6 hours non-stop. Via the scenic Highway 1 / Pacific Coast Highway, it takes 9–10+ hours due to the winding coastal road.
Is the drive from San Francisco to LA scenic?
The I-5 route is fast but not scenic — mostly flat farmland. If you want views, take Highway 1 through Big Sur and Santa Barbara, though it takes significantly longer.
What is the best stop between San Francisco and LA?
On I-5, Kettleman City is a common fuel and food stop roughly at the halfway point. On Highway 1, Big Sur and Santa Barbara are the most popular overnight stops.
Is it better to fly or drive from SF to LA?
Flying takes about 1h 15min plus airport time, making total travel time similar to driving for many travelers. Driving gives more flexibility, especially if you want to explore California along the way.
Planning Your SF to LA Trip
Business Travel
Calculate exact drive time via I-5 for same-day business trips between the two cities.
Scenic Road Trip
Plan your Highway 1 itinerary with stops at Big Sur, Hearst Castle, and Santa Barbara.
Fuel Cost Estimate
At 617 km via I-5, expect roughly 50–60 liters of fuel depending on your vehicle.
Bus & Train Comparison
Compare road distance against Amtrak or bus schedules for the same route.
Other Popular US Distances
Continuing your California road trip? Check out our complete Route 66 map guide for more iconic American routes.