Fresno to Woodland Hills is 213.8 miles and takes about 3h 59m via Golden State Freeway, with a fuel budget near $47 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within California, moving between the Pacific Coast region's diverse landscapes. With most of the trip on highways, you'll find it's a straightforward and efficient way to get from the Central Valley down towards the Los Angeles area. Expect a mostly highway profile, making it a good option if you're looking for a quick, direct trip.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
106.9 miles from Fresno, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 56m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Golden State Freeway
94.8 mi
1h 47m
Golden State Highway
58.6 mi
1h 2m
CA 99
39.6 mi
42m
I 405 Truck
9 mi
10m
Ventura Freeway
7.9 mi
9m
Yosemite Freeway
1.1 mi
1m
North First Street
0.3 mi
<1m
I 5 Truck
0.3 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Golden State Freeway
— 94.8 mi, about 1h 47m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 90 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~3,427 veh/hr typical
· worst 4,158
Quietest
2 AM
~610 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.6×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 80 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fresno, CA and Woodland Hills, CA.
1
Start on East Washington Avenue
28 ft·1 sec·East Washington Avenue
2
Turn left onto North First Street
0.3 mi·48 sec·North First Street
3
Turn right onto East Tulare Avenue
0.2 mi·28 sec·East Tulare Avenue
4
Continue on Tulare Street
0.1 mi·22 sec·Tulare Street
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·31 sec
Toward CA 41 SouthUse the straight / left lanes.
6
Merge onto CA 41
0.2 mi·12 sec·Dwight David Eisenhower Memorial Freeway
7
Continue on CA 41
1.1 mi·1 min·Yosemite Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 126AToward CA 99 South: Bakersfield, Los AngelesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Merge onto CA 99
40 mi·42 min·CA 99
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99
59 mi·1 hr 2 min·Golden State Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on CA 99
5.2 mi·5 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99
27 mi·30 min·Golden State Freeway
Toward CA 99 South: Los AngelesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99
58 mi·1 hr 6 min·Golden State Freeway
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 right at fork onto I 405 Truck
9.0 mi·10 min·I 405 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·13 sec
Exit 63BToward US 101 South, US 101 North: Los Angeles, VenturaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi·20 sec
Toward US 101 North: Ventura, Ventura Freeway
19
Merge onto US 101
7.9 mi·9 min·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
409 ft·10 sec
Exit 27BToward CA 27 South: Topanga Canyon BoulevardUse the right lane.
21
Continue on this road
0.2 mi·32 sec·this road
Exit 27BToward CA 27 South: Topenga Canyon Boulevard
22
Turn straight onto CA 27
0.2 mi·26 sec·Topanga Canyon Boulevard
23
Arrive at destination
CA 27
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 3h 59m drive, consider leaving Fresno in the morning to avoid potential afternoon traffic congestion as you approach Woodland Hills. With only one recommended stop and a 213.8-mile distance, you have flexibility in pacing. The Golden State Freeway is your primary corridor for the majority of the trip, so keep an eye on your fuel level, especially during the 94.8-mile stretch. Budgeting around $47 for fuel should cover your needs for this direct route.
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 106.9 miles from Fresno, CA, or about 1h 56m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 94.8 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 47 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 106.9 miles or 1h 56m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Woodland Hills, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA
This is one driving day of about 213.8 miles and 3h 59m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 47 miles from Fresno, 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 Golden State Freeway for about 94.8 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 0.7 and 205.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.7 mi into trip|~1m in
Take the ramp toward CA 41 South
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / left lanes.
Toward CA 41 South
8
2.2 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the exit toward CA 99 South: Bakersfield, 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 126A
Toward CA 99 South: Bakersfield, Los Angeles
7
106.3 mi into trip|~1h 56m in|CA 99 / Golden State Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99 / Golden State Freeway toward CA 99 South: Los Angeles
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward CA 99 South: Los Angeles
8
196 mi into trip|~3h 37m 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
8
205.2 mi into trip|~3h 48m in
Take the exit toward US 101 South, US 101 North: Los Angeles, Ventura
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 63B
Toward US 101 South, US 101 North: Los Angeles,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$51.72 one way
$103.45 round trip
$6.15/gal25.4 MPG avg75 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.34
$53.36
$106.71
premium
$6.50
$54.68
$109.36
diesel
$6.28
$52.83
$105.65
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$52
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$77–$102
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 74.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-10-19.
Driving Electric?
About $22 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
64.1
0
$22.45
$10.26
Efficient EV
53.5
0
$18.71
$8.55
EV Truck/SUV
85.5
1
$29.93
$13.68
Gas CO2
75 kg
EV CO2
25 kg (67% 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 Oct 19, 2026
Origin
Fresno, CA
Late night
in Fresno on Thursday
Local time
4:59 AM
PDT
Current temp
82°F
Sunny
WNW 0 to 5 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued October 19 at 1:23AM PDT until October 20 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued October 18 at 12:31PM PDT until October 20 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Destination
Woodland Hills, CA
Late night
in Woodland Hills on Thursday
Local time
4:59 AM
PDT
Current temp
85°F
Sunny
SSE 5 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued October 19 at 1:23AM PDT until October 20 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued October 18 at 12:31PM PDT until October 20 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard 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
3 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
3h 59m 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.
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...
11 mi from route
~27 min detour
Free
near mile 213.8
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 125.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is mostly highway, with 72% of the drive on freeways. You'll encounter a longest stretch of 94.8 miles on the Golden State Freeway before transitioning off the highway. The high percentage of highway driving means you'll experience periods of consistent speed, but be prepared for a significant number of exits as you approach your destination. This segment is characterized by its long, open stretches followed by increasing traffic density.
72% 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: 94.8 mi on Golden State Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Golden State Freeway and Golden State Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in.
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 213.8 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 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.3 miles (CA 99 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Fresno is in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Many visitors find themselves stopping in Fresno on the way to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, or other destinations in the Sierras.
Top landmarks
•Fresno station — train station in Fresno, California
•Holy Trinity Church, Fresno — church building in Fresno, United States of America
•Kearney Park — park in Fresno County, California, United States of America
Doable as a same-day drive at 3h 59m. Total distance: 213.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
3h 59m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (72%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 94.8 miles on Golden State Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 18 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Woodland Hills, 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. There are 18 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 106.3 miles (CA 99 / Golden State Freeway): 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.
Possible but tiring. At 4.0 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.0 hours — manageable with a long break at Woodland Hills, CA, but most travelers stay overnight.
