Traveling from Kennedy to Los Angeles covers 336.9 miles, typically taking about 6 hours and 16 minutes behind the wheel. Because this route is almost entirely highway-focused, you can comfortably manage the journey in a single day, though it requires a steady pace to avoid fatigue. You should budget approximately $46 for fuel to complete the trip. Since both cities are located within the Pacific Coast region, you will remain in a familiar climate throughout the drive. It is a straightforward, utilitarian path that connects two California points efficiently. Whether you are traveling for business or a quick visit, this drive is best viewed as a functional transit between your origin and destination.
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
168.5 miles from Kennedy, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 6m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
246.8 mi
4h 24m
I 5 Truck
63.9 mi
1h 13m
Hollywood Freeway
16.2 mi
20m
Golden State Freeway
4.1 mi
4m
Airport Way
2 mi
3m
Arch Airport Road
1 mi
1m
East 10th Street
0.7 mi
2m
Sperry Road
0.4 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 246.8 mi, about 4h 24m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Kennedy, CA and Los Angeles, CA.
1
Start on 11th Street
292 ft·14 sec·11th Street
2
Turn right onto South B Street
0.1 mi·33 sec·South B Street
3
Turn left onto East 10th Street
0.7 mi·2 min·East 10th Street
4
Turn left onto J3
2.0 mi·3 min·Airport Way
5
Turn right onto Sperry Road
0.4 mi·44 sec·Sperry Road
6
Continue on Arch Airport Road
1.0 mi·1 min·Arch Airport Road
7
Continue on J9
0.3 mi·33 sec·South French Camp Road
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·37 sec
Use the right lane.
9
Merge onto I 5
9.5 mi·10 min·Westside Freeway
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
0.8 mi·48 sec·Westside Freeway
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
237 mi·4 hr 13 min·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
58 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
4.1 mi·4 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
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.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
5.3 mi·6 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.5 mi·32 sec
Exit 153BToward CA 170 South: HollywoodUse the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on CA 170
16 mi·20 min·Hollywood Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.1 mi·17 sec
Exit 2CToward BroadwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Continue on West Aliso Street
409 ft·18 sec·West Aliso Street
Use the straight lane.
20
Turn right onto North Spring Street
0.3 mi·35 sec·North Spring Street
Use the right lane.
21
Turn left onto West 1st Street
354 ft·12 sec·West 1st Street
Use the left lane.
22
Arrive at destination
West 1st Street
Trip Plan
To ensure a smooth arrival in Los Angeles, aim to depart early to mitigate the impact of traffic on the final freeway stretches. Planning for at least one dedicated stop is essential to break up the 6-hour and 16-minute duration and keep your energy levels high. Since the longest uninterrupted segment is nearly 247 miles, confirm your fuel levels before merging onto the Westside Freeway to avoid unnecessary stress. While the drive is manageable in one day, having the flexibility to pause during the longer highway stretches will make the 336.9-mile total distance much more comfortable. Keep an eye on local traffic reports specifically for the Hollywood Freeway, as that final leg can significantly alter your arrival time.
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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 168.5 miles from Kennedy, CA, or about 3h 6m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 246.8 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 74 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 168.5 miles or 3h 6m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 4m
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 Kennedy, 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 Kennedy, CA
This is one driving day of about 336.9 miles and 6h 16m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 74 miles from Kennedy, 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 Westside Freeway for about 246.8 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 314.2 and 336.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
314.2 mi into trip|~5h 47m 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
319.7 mi into trip|~5h 53m 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
7
336.4 mi into trip|~6h 14m in
Take the exit toward Broadway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 2C
Toward Broadway
7
336.6 mi into trip|~6h 15m in|North Spring Street
Turn right onto North Spring Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
7
336.9 mi into trip|~6h 16m in|West 1st Street
Turn left onto West 1st Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$77.43 one way
$154.87 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg118 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$79.79
$159.59
premium
$6.18
$81.93
$163.86
diesel
$5.61
$74.38
$148.77
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$77
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$102–$127
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 117.9 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $35 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
101.1
1
$35.37
$16.17
Efficient EV
84.2
0
$29.48
$13.48
EV Truck/SUV
134.8
1
$47.17
$21.56
Gas CO2
118 kg
EV CO2
39 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
Kennedy, CA
Late night
in Kennedy on Tuesday
Local time
5:04 AM
PDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Los Angeles, CA
Late night
in Los Angeles on Tuesday
Local time
5:04 AM
PDT
Current temp
53°F
Mostly Clear
N 5 to 10 mph0% chanceLive 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
18 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
6h 16m 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 313.7
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
~70 min detour
Free
near mile 255.6
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a highly efficient transit, as 98% of your journey takes place on major highways. You will spend the vast majority of your time on the Westside Freeway, which accounts for a significant 246.8-mile stretch of the trip. After navigating this primary artery, the route transitions through the I-5 Truck route and eventually onto the Hollywood Freeway as you approach the Los Angeles basin. The personality of this drive is undeniably industrial and high-speed, prioritizing distance over scenic variety. You should prepare for a consistent, interstate-heavy experience that demands focus rather than leisurely exploration.
98% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 246.8 mi on Westside Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
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 314.2 miles in near I 5 Truck.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 336.9 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 314.2 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 319.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 336.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
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 6h 16m. Total distance: 336.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 16m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 246.8 miles on Westside Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 33 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 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 1 meaningful breaks. There are 33 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 314.2 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 319.7 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 336.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 6.3 hours each way, a round trip means 12.5 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.
