Livermore, CA to Long Beach, CA is 363.7 miles and takes about 6h 44m via Westside Freeway, I 5 Truck, and I 405 Truck, with a fuel budget near $84 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within California, traversing the Pacific Coast region from start to finish. Expect a straightforward, highway-focused journey that's ideal for a single-day drive, allowing you to reach your destination without needing to plan for an overnight stop. It's a practical option if you're looking to cover distance efficiently between these two points.
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
181.8 miles from Livermore, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 17m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
224.4 mi
4h
I 5 Truck
58.6 mi
1h 7m
I 405 Truck
23 mi
26m
San Diego Freeway
18 mi
20m
William Elton Brown Freeway
17 mi
18m
Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
11.4 mi
13m
Golden State Freeway
4.1 mi
4m
Long Beach Freeway
2.4 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 224.4 mi, about 4h
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Livermore, CA and Long Beach, CA.
1
Start on CR J2
0.1 mi·18 sec·South Livermore Avenue
2
Continue on CR J2
1.2 mi·2 min·North Livermore Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward I 580 East: Stockton
4
Merge onto I 580
11 mi·13 min·Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
5
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580
11 mi·11 min·William Elton Brown Freeway
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 580
5.9 mi·6 min·William Elton Brown Freeway
7
Merge onto I 5
224 mi·4 hr·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
58 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
4.1 mi·4 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
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.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405 Truck
23 mi·26 min·I 405 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
18 mi·20 min·San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
377 ft·9 sec
Toward I 710 South: Long BeachUse the slight right lane.
14
Continue on this road
0.3 mi·39 sec·this road
Exit 32BToward I 710 South: Long Beach
15
Merge onto I 710
2.4 mi·3 min·Long Beach Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 710
0.5 mi·40 sec·Seaside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, AquariumUse the slight left / straight lanes.
18
Continue on Shoreline Drive
1.3 mi·2 min·Shoreline Drive
19
Turn left onto South Chestnut Place
0.2 mi·30 sec·South Chestnut Place
Use the left / uturn lanes.
20
Turn right onto West Ocean Boulevard
0.5 mi·1 min·West Ocean Boulevard
21
Continue on East Ocean Boulevard
0.1 mi·21 sec·East Ocean Boulevard
Use the left lane.
22
Arrive at destination
East Ocean Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 44m duration and 363.7 miles, starting your drive from Livermore early in the morning is your best bet to maximize daylight and avoid the worst of potential traffic, especially as you approach the Los Angeles area. With only one recommended stop, plan this break strategically to refuel and stretch your legs during the longest stretch on the Westside Freeway, around the 224.4-mile mark. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as this is a highway-heavy route where services can sometimes be spaced out between exits.
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 181.8 miles from Livermore, CA, or about 3h 17m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 224.4 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 80 miles or 1h 28m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 181.8 miles or 3h 17m 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 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Long Beach, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Livermore, 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 Livermore, CA
This is one driving day of about 363.7 miles and 6h 44m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Livermore, 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 224.4 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 17
5 decision points cluster between mile 254.4 and 361.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
254.4 mi into trip|~4h 35m in|I 5 Truck
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
312.7 mi into trip|~5h 42m in|I 5 / Golden State Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 / Golden State Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
316.8 mi into trip|~5h 46m 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
6
317.1 mi into trip|~5h 47m in|I 405 Truck
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405 Truck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
361.3 mi into trip|~6h 38m in
Take the exit toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center, Aquarium
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward Downtown Long Beach, Convention Center,...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$83.59 one way
$167.19 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg127 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$86.14
$172.28
premium
$6.18
$88.45
$176.90
diesel
$5.61
$80.30
$160.60
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$84
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$109–$134
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 127.3 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
109.1
1
$38.19
$17.46
Efficient EV
90.9
1
$31.82
$14.55
EV Truck/SUV
145.5
1
$50.92
$23.28
Gas CO2
127 kg
EV CO2
43 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 19, 2026
Origin
Livermore, CA
Late night
in Livermore on Tuesday
Local time
3:18 AM
PDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Destination
Long Beach, CA
Late night
in Long Beach on Tuesday
Local time
3:18 AM
PDT
Current temp
56°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.
Road read
6h 44m 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...
18 mi from route
~45 min detour
Free
near mile 326.1
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...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 250.8
On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion jolted the San Francisco East Bay area, shattering windows and lighting up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were killed instantly when two s...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 99% of the mileage on major roadways. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including a significant 224.4-mile segment on the Westside Freeway. The character of the drive is largely defined by these uninterrupted highway miles, suggesting a smooth, albeit potentially monotonous, progression. While the specific road names might change, the focus remains on efficient travel through a series of connected freeways.
99% 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: 224.4 mi on Westside Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
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 254.4 miles in near I 5 Truck.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 363.7 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 254.4 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 312.7 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 316.8 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Long Beach is a large port city in Los Angeles County in Southern California. Long Beach has some nice people-gathering amenities and genuine tourist attractions, such as a world-class aquarium and the Queen Mary floating museum/hotel. Special events are also held in the city like the annual Long Beach Grand Prix (a premier racing event held on city streets) and the annual Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride event. When compared to other areas like Hollywood, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and West L.A., Long Beach may not always be at the top of someone's tourist visit to the Los Angeles area, but the city draws its fair share of visitors and has proven it can definitely hold its own.
Top landmarks
•RMS Queen Mary — retired British ocean liner
•Terminal Island — island in Los Angeles County, California, United States
•Aquarium of the Pacific — public aquarium in Long Beach, California
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 44m. Total distance: 363.7 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 44m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 224.4 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 Long Beach, 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 254.4 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 312.7 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 316.8 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, César E. Chávez National Monument and Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.7 hours each way, a round trip means 13.5 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Long Beach, CA before the return drive.
