Driving from Apple Valley to Los Angeles covers 89.8 miles and typically takes about 1 hour and 46 minutes. Because this is a relatively short trip, it is easily manageable as a single-day journey, meaning you won't need to worry about overnight logistics. You should budget approximately $12 for fuel to complete the transit between these two Pacific Coast locations. Utilizing the I-15, Barstow and Mojave Freeway, and the San Bernardino Freeway, the route keeps you on major thoroughfares for the duration. It is a straightforward, practical connection that links the high desert area directly into the heart of the Los Angeles metro region.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
44.9 miles from Apple Valley, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 54m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
San Bernardino Freeway
32.9 mi
37m
Barstow and Mojave Freeway
18.5 mi
19m
I 15
14.8 mi
16m
I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
7.3 mi
7m
CHP Officer Larry L. Wetterling and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Lieutenant Alfred E. Stewart Memorial Highway
5.6 mi
6m
Yucca Loma Road
4 mi
6m
Green Tree Boulevard
2.9 mi
4m
Yates Road
1.3 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
San Bernardino Freeway
— 32.9 mi, about 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Apple Valley, CA and Los Angeles, CA.
1
Start on Outer Hwy 18 North
29 ft·5 sec·Outer Hwy 18 North
2
Turn left onto CA 18
0.3 mi·32 sec·Happy Trails Highway
3
Turn left onto Navajo Road
96 ft·4 sec·Navajo Road
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto Yucca Loma Road
4.0 mi·6 min·Yucca Loma Road
Use the straight / right lanes.
5
Continue on Yates Road
1.3 mi·1 min·Yates Road
6
Continue on Green Tree Boulevard
2.9 mi·4 min·Green Tree Boulevard
7
Turn left onto I 15 BUS; US 66 Hist
470 ft·12 sec·7th Street
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on I 15 BUS; US 66 Hist
0.1 mi·12 sec·Palmdale Road
9
Take the exit onto I 15 BUS; US 66 Hist
0.3 mi·41 sec·I 15 BUS; US 66 Hist
Toward San Bernardino
10
Merge onto I 15; US 66 Hist
12 mi·13 min·Barstow and Mojave Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on I 15; US 66 Hist; US 91 Hist; US 395 Hist
5.6 mi·6 min·CHP Officer Larry L. Wetterling and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Lieutenant Alfred E. Stewart Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on I 15; US 66 Hist
6.3 mi·6 min·Barstow and Mojave Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit onto I 15
15 mi·16 min·I 15
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Exit 109AToward I 10 West: Los AngelesUse the slight right lane.
15
Merge onto I 10
1.5 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
204 ft·5 sec
Use the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto I 10 EXPR
7.3 mi·7 min·I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
18
Merge onto I 10
1.2 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
0.9 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.3 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.9 mi·2 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.9 mi·2 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.6 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.4 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.5 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.1 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
27
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
2.0 mi·2 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.6 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
2.6 mi·2 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
30
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
12 mi·14 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Merge onto US 101
0.4 mi·36 sec·Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
32
Take the exit
0.2 mi·19 sec
Exit 2BToward Alameda Street, Union StationUse the slight right lane.
33
Continue on I 10 EXPR
0.2 mi·32 sec·East Arcadia Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
34
Turn left onto North Los Angeles Street
0.3 mi·44 sec·North Los Angeles Street
35
Turn right onto East 1st Street
461 ft·17 sec·East 1st Street
36
Arrive at destination
West 1st Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a quick 1-hour and 46-minute trip, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. However, keep in mind that the heavy reliance on major freeways means traffic patterns can fluctuate significantly, so checking live road conditions before you head out is a smart move. You won't necessarily need to plan formal stops for a drive of this length, but having your $12 fuel budget ready before you leave Apple Valley will ensure a smooth start. The lack of required stops gives you the freedom to drive straight through, making it an ideal route for those who prioritize efficiency. Use the San Bernardino Freeway stretch to maintain a steady pace, as this will be the most significant portion of your travel time.
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 44.9 miles from Apple Valley, CA, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.9 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 20 miles or 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 44.9 miles or 54m 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 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Los Angeles, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Apple Valley, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Apple Valley, CA
This is one driving day of about 89.8 miles and 1h 46m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from Apple Valley, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on San Bernardino Freeway for about 32.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 29
5 decision points cluster between mile 0.3 and 89 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.3 mi into trip|~0m in|Navajo Road
Turn left onto Navajo Road
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
8.5 mi into trip|~14m in|I 15 BUS; US 66 Hist / 7th Street
Turn left onto I 15 BUS; US 66 Hist / 7th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
47.9 mi into trip|~57m in
Take the exit toward I 10 West: Los Angeles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 109A
Toward I 10 West: Los Angeles
6
60.5 mi into trip|~1h 11m in|I 10 / San Bernardino Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10 / San Bernardino Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
89 mi into trip|~1h 44m in
Take the exit toward Alameda Street, Union Station
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 2B
Toward Alameda Street, Union Station
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$20.64 one way
$41.28 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg31 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$21.27
$42.54
premium
$6.18
$21.84
$43.68
diesel
$5.61
$19.83
$39.65
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$21
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$46–$71
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 31.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 65% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26.9
0
$9.43
$4.31
Efficient EV
22.5
0
$7.86
$3.59
EV Truck/SUV
35.9
0
$12.57
$5.75
Gas CO2
31 kg
EV CO2
11 kg (65% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Apple Valley, CA
Morning
in Apple Valley on Tuesday
Local time
8:20 AM
PDT
Current temp
43°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Los Angeles, CA
Morning
in Los Angeles on Tuesday
Local time
8:20 AM
PDT
Current temp
84°F
Sunny
S 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
53°F
Ontario, CA
45 mi in
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
41 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
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 83% of your time spent on major interstates and freeways. You will find yourself settling into a steady rhythm, particularly during the longest uninterrupted segment of 32.9 miles on the San Bernardino Freeway. The road maintains a consistent, high-speed pace as you transition from the desert landscape toward the urban density of the coast. Expect a functional, efficient experience behind the wheel rather than a winding or technical backroads adventure. As you navigate these arterial routes, the character of the drive remains predictable and fast-moving throughout.
83% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
36 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 32.9 mi on San Bernardino Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on San Bernardino Freeway and Barstow and Mojave Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.3 miles in near Navajo Road.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 89.8 miles you will encounter 29 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (Navajo Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.5 miles (I 15 BUS; US 66 Hist / 7th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 47.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,906 ft285 ft
Total Climb
1,285 ft
Total Descent
3,946 ft
Highest Point
3,906 ft
~19.2 mi in
Elevation Range
3,621 ft
Notable High Points
3,906 ft at ~19.2 miles+544 ft prominence
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Apple Valley, CA to Los Angeles, CA, road signs begin pointing toward San Bernardino along the way.
Apple Valley is a city in California's San Bernardino County. The apple orchards of the early 20th century have been replaced by housing developments: streets of ranch and traditional housed along with the mid-20th century modern and usonian architectural designs between Hwy 18 and Bear Valley Road. Urban development began in the mid-2000s bringing big-box retail, chain restaurants and movie theaters.
Frank Lloyd Wright is said to have quipped, "Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles," a quote that has since been repeated both by those who love and hate L.A. The "City of Angels" is home to people who hail from all parts of the globe and an important center of culture, business, media, and international trade. However, it's most famous for being a major center of the world's television, motion picture, and music industry, which forms the base of the city's status and lures visitors for its show business history and celebrity culture. Visitors are also drawn to Los Angeles for its Mediterranean climate and numerous beaches, which gave birth to California's famed surf culture.
Top landmarks
•Hollywood Walk of Fame — more than 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalks...
•Hollywood Sign — sign reading "HOLLYWOOD" located in Los Angeles, California, United States
•Getty Center — campus of the Getty Museum and other programs of the Getty Trust in Los Angeles
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 46m. Total distance: 89.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (83%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 32.9 miles on San Bernardino Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Los Angeles, CA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.3 miles (Navajo Road): Lane positioning matters here; at 8.5 miles (I 15 BUS; US 66 Hist / 7th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 47.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Los Angeles, CA before heading back.
