Driving from Davis to Los Angeles covers 395.3 miles and typically takes about 7 hours and 18 minutes. This route is designed as a highway-focused journey, making it a straightforward day trip if you are comfortable with a full day of driving. You will rely primarily on the Westside Freeway, I-5, and the Hollywood Freeway to navigate through the Pacific Coast region. Budgeting approximately $54 for fuel is a smart way to prepare for the trip. While it is certainly feasible to complete this in one day, having a clear plan for your 2 scheduled stops will keep you fresh behind the wheel.
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
197.7 miles from Davis, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 36m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
296.5 mi
5h 19m
I 5 Truck
63.9 mi
1h 13m
Hollywood Freeway
16.2 mi
20m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
5.3 mi
6m
Golden State Freeway
4.1 mi
4m
Yolo Causeway
3.7 mi
4m
Capital City Freeway
3.3 mi
3m
Richards Boulevard
0.4 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 296.5 mi, about 5h 19m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Davis, CA and Los Angeles, CA.
1
Start on F Street
0.2 mi·41 sec·F Street
2
Turn right onto 1st Street
316 ft·19 sec·1st Street
3
Turn left onto Richards Boulevard
0.4 mi·1 min·Richards Boulevard
Use the left lane.
4
Turn left
0.2 mi·30 sec
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 80
5.3 mi·6 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 80
3.7 mi·4 min·Yolo Causeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50; I 80 Business
3.3 mi·3 min·Capital City Freeway
Exit 82Toward Sacramento, South Lake TahoeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi·13 sec
Exit 4AToward I 5 North, I 5 South: Redding, Los AngelesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·27 sec
Exit 4AToward I 5 South: Los AngelesUse the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto I 5
59 mi·1 hr 5 min·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
0.8 mi·48 sec·Westside Freeway
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
237 mi·4 hr 13 min·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
58 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
4.1 mi·4 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 5 Truck
Exit 158Toward I 405 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
5.3 mi·6 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.5 mi·32 sec
Exit 153BToward CA 170 South: HollywoodUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Continue on CA 170
16 mi·20 min·Hollywood Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Exit 2CToward BroadwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Continue on West Aliso Street
409 ft·18 sec·West Aliso Street
Use the straight lane.
21
Turn right onto North Spring Street
0.3 mi·35 sec·North Spring Street
Use the right lane.
22
Turn left onto West 1st Street
354 ft·12 sec·West 1st Street
Use the left lane.
23
Arrive at destination
West 1st Street
Trip Plan
To manage the 7-hour and 18-minute duration effectively, aim to depart early to avoid the heaviest traffic near your destination. Since the longest stretch spans 296.5 miles, prioritize using your 2 stops strategically to refuel and stretch your legs before hitting the final leg of the drive. Keep in mind that the I-5 corridor is a major artery, so stay alert for changing traffic patterns as you approach the Hollywood Freeway. Planning for a single day of travel works well here, but remain flexible with your timing if you encounter unexpected congestion. Having your $54 fuel budget ready will help you keep moving without unnecessary interruptions at the pump.
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 197.7 miles from Davis, CA, or about 3h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 296.5 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 87 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 197.7 miles or 3h 36m 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 6m
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 Davis, 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 Davis, CA
This is one driving day of about 395.3 miles and 7h 18m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Davis, 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 296.5 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 19
5 decision points cluster between mile 9.9 and 378.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
9
9.9 mi into trip|~13m in|US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway toward Sacramento, South Lake Tahoe
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 82
Toward Sacramento, South Lake Tahoe
8
13.2 mi into trip|~16m in
Take the exit toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Redding, 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 4A
Toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Redding, Los Angel...
9
13.4 mi into trip|~17m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 5 South: Los Angeles
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 4A
Toward I 5 South: Los Angeles
8
372.6 mi into trip|~6h 48m 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
378.1 mi into trip|~6h 55m in
Take the exit toward CA 170 South: Hollywood
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 153B
Toward CA 170 South: Hollywood
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$90.86 one way
$181.71 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg138 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$93.63
$187.25
premium
$6.18
$96.13
$192.27
diesel
$5.61
$87.28
$174.55
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$91
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$116–$141
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 138.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
118.6
1
$41.51
$18.97
Efficient EV
98.8
1
$34.59
$15.81
EV Truck/SUV
158.1
1
$55.34
$25.30
Gas CO2
138 kg
EV CO2
46 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 18, 2026
Origin
Davis, CA
Late night
in Davis on Tuesday
Local time
1:06 AM
PDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Los Angeles, CA
Late night
in Los Angeles on Tuesday
Local time
1:06 AM
PDT
Current temp
53°F
Mostly Clear
N 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Freeze Warning
Freeze Warning issued April 17 at 7:10PM PDT until April 18 at 8:00AM PDT by NWS Eureka CA
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
16 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
7h 18m 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.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 368.1
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...
28 mi from route
~69 min detour
Free
near mile 313.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
With 97% of the trip spent on highways, you should expect a highly efficient but focused driving experience. The route is dominated by a 296.5-mile stretch on the Westside Freeway, which defines the bulk of your time on the road. Because this is an interstate-heavy journey, the drive is consistent and lacks the technical, winding nature of backroads. You will notice a steady pace as you transition from the Davis area toward the sprawling urban landscape of Los Angeles. Expect a functional, high-speed transit that prioritizes arrival time over scenic diversions.
97% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
23 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 296.5 mi on Westside Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
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 9.9 miles in near US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway.
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 19 significant decision points across 395.3 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 9.9 miles (US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Davis is in Yolo County in the Sacramento Valley of California. Davis is best known for the university located there, the University of California Davis.
Top landmarks
•Davis station — railway station in Davis, California
•Bohart Museum of Entomology — museum operated by the University of California, in Davis, California, United St...
•George Hart Hall — university building in Davis, California, United States
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 7h 18m. Total distance: 395.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 18m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 296.5 miles on Westside Freeway. 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 Los Angeles, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 9.9 miles (US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 13.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 7.3 hours each way, a round trip means 14.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Los Angeles, CA before the return drive.
