This 270.2-mile drive from Big Pine, CA to Anaheim, CA will take approximately 5 hours and 23 minutes. It's a straightforward, single-day trip with a projected fuel cost of $62. You'll primarily be on the Blue Star Memorial Highway and the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, eventually transitioning to I-15. With only one recommended stop and a longest stretch of over 100 miles, this route is designed for efficient travel across the Pacific Coast region. It's a practical option for getting from point A to point B without extensive detours.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
135.1 miles from Big Pine, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 40m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Blue Star Memorial Highway
103.3 mi
2h 3m
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
97.2 mi
1h 53m
I 15
17.7 mi
19m
Pomona Freeway
16.4 mi
18m
Orange Freeway
12.3 mi
14m
Barstow and Mojave Freeway
9.7 mi
10m
CHP Officer Larry L. Wetterling and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Lieutenant Alfred E. Stewart Memorial Highway
5.6 mi
6m
North Main Street
2.2 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Blue Star Memorial Highway
— 103.3 mi, about 2h 3m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Big Pine, CA and Anaheim, CA.
1
Start on US 395; US 6 Hist
26 mi·30 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
2
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
0.7 mi·1 min·North Edwards Street
3
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
15 mi·17 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
4
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
2.2 mi·4 min·North Main Street
5
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
56 mi·1 hr 4 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
6
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
7.0 mi·8 min·Blue Star Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 395
30 mi·34 min·Blue Star Memorial Highway
Toward US 395 South: San BernardinoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Continue on US 395
0.9 mi·1 min·Red Mountain Road
9
Continue on US 395
67 mi·1 hr 20 min·Blue Star Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
10
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward I 15 South: San Bernardino, Los AngelesUse the straight lane.
11
Merge onto I 15; US 66 Hist
3.4 mi·3 min·Barstow and Mojave Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
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.
13
Continue on I 15; US 66 Hist
6.3 mi·6 min·Barstow and Mojave Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Take the exit onto I 15
18 mi·19 min·I 15
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi·20 sec
Exit 106A; 106BToward CA 60 West, CA 60 East: Riverside, Los AngelesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork
0.7 mi·1 min
Toward CA 60 West: Los AngelesUse the slight left lane.
17
Merge onto CA 60
16 mi·18 min·Pomona Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57
405 ft·5 sec·Orange Freeway
Toward CA 57 South, CA 60 Alt West: Santa Ana, Brea Canyon RoadUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 57
0.8 mi·56 sec·Orange Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57
1.5 mi·1 min·Orange Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57
9.9 mi·11 min·Orange Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 4Toward Lincoln AvenueUse the slight right lane.
23
Turn right onto East Lincoln Avenue
2.1 mi·4 min·East Lincoln Avenue
Use the right lane.
24
Turn left onto South Anaheim Boulevard
470 ft·25 sec·South Anaheim Boulevard
Use the left lane.
25
Turn right
200 ft·14 sec
26
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the manageable 5h 23m duration, this drive is best tackled in a single day. Aim for an early morning departure from Big Pine to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic as you approach Anaheim. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically along your longest stretch on the Blue Star Memorial Highway to break up the drive. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially before embarking on that 103.3-mile segment, as services can be spaced out on these highways.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 135.1 miles from Big Pine, CA, or about 2h 40m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.3 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 59 miles or 1h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.1 miles or 2h 40m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 24m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Anaheim, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Big Pine, 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 Big Pine, CA
This is one driving day of about 270.2 miles and 5h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 59 miles from Big Pine, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Blue Star Memorial Highway for about 103.3 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 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 107.1 and 255.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
107.1 mi into trip|~2h 8m in|US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway toward US 395 South: San Bernardino
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 395 South: San Bernardino
7
204.3 mi into trip|~4h 5m in
Take the exit toward I 15 South: San Bernardino, Los Angeles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 15 South: San Bernardino, Los Angeles
8
238 mi into trip|~4h 42m in
Take the exit toward CA 60 West, CA 60 East: Riverside, Los Angeles
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 106A; 106B
Toward CA 60 West, CA 60 East: Riverside, Los A...
7
238.2 mi into trip|~4h 42m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CA 60 West: Los Angeles
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward CA 60 West: Los Angeles
8
255.2 mi into trip|~5h 3m in|CA 57 / Orange Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57 / Orange Freeway toward CA 57 South, CA 60 Alt West: Santa Ana, Brea Canyon Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward CA 57 South, CA 60 Alt West: Santa Ana,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$62.10 one way
$124.21 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$64.00
$127.99
premium
$6.18
$65.71
$131.42
diesel
$5.61
$59.66
$119.31
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$62
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$87–$112
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.1
1
$28.37
$12.97
Efficient EV
67.6
0
$23.64
$10.81
EV Truck/SUV
108.1
1
$37.83
$17.29
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 kg (66% 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 20, 2026
Origin
Big Pine, CA
Late night
in Big Pine on Tuesday
Local time
3:12 AM
PDT
Current temp
67°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Anaheim, CA
Late night
in Anaheim on Tuesday
Local time
3:12 AM
PDT
Current temp
55°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
12 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 23m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a route that's a mix of driving styles, with a significant portion on local roads contributing to its "turn-heavy" profile. While 21% of the drive is on highways, the character leans towards navigating through different communities. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 103.3 miles on the Blue Star Memorial Highway, offering a good period of consistent travel before you start making more turns. This blend means you'll experience varied road conditions and speeds throughout your journey.
Only 21% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 103.3 mi on Blue Star Memorial Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 107.1 miles in near US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway.
Driving Effort9/10
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 16 significant decision points across 270.2 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 107.1 miles (US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 204.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 Big Pine, CA to Anaheim, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Los Angeles along the way.
Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California. It is best known for being the home of Disneyland. Its second claim to fame is hosting the National Hockey League's Anaheim Ducks and Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels.
Top landmarks
•Disneyland — American theme park in California owned by The Walt Disney Company
•Disney California Adventure — theme park in California, part of Disneyland Resort
•Soarin' — flight motion simulator attraction at Disney parks
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 23m. Total distance: 270.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 23m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 103.3 miles on Blue Star Memorial Highway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
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 Anaheim, CA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 107.1 miles (US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 204.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 238 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Not recommended in a single day. At 5.4 hours each way, a round trip means 10.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Anaheim, CA before the return drive.
