Origin
Sun City, CA
Late night in Sun City on Sunday
Local time
2:59 AM
PDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Sun City, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
1h 35m
Distance
78.6 mi
127 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$18
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 28m
★
6 AM
1h 35m
8 AM
1h 50m
10 AM
1h 40m
12 PM
1h 39m
3 PM
1h 41m
5 PM
1h 49m
8 PM
1h 31m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sun City, CA
skydesign
Los Angeles, CA
Stephen Leonardi
Trip Overview
This 78.6-mile drive from Sun City, CA to Los Angeles, CA is designed as a straightforward, single-day trip, typically taking about 1 hour and 35 minutes. You'll primarily be on major freeways like the CA 60 and the Pomona Freeway, making it a highway-focused experience. With a fuel cost estimated at $18, it's an economical journey. Both your origin and destination are within the Pacific Coast region, so you won't be crossing major geographical divides. This route is ideal if you're looking for an efficient way to get from the Inland Empire area to the greater Los Angeles basin without significant time commitment or overnight stays.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
39.3 miles from Sun City, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 47m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| CA 60 | 28.9 mi | 33m |
| Escondido Freeway | 22 mi | 25m |
| Pomona Freeway | 20.3 mi | 23m |
| CA 60A | 2.6 mi | 2m |
| Santa Ana Freeway | 2 mi | 2m |
| Sun City Boulevard | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| McCall Boulevard | 0.4 mi | <1m |
| North Los Angeles Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
CA 60
— 28.9 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sun City, CA and Los Angeles, CA.
1
Start on this road
391 ft
·
33 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left
58 ft
·
6 sec
3
Turn right onto Cherry Hills Boulevard
0.2 mi
·
31 sec
·
Cherry Hills Boulevard
4
Turn left onto Sun City Boulevard
0.4 mi
·
57 sec
·
Sun City Boulevard
5
Turn right onto McCall Boulevard
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
McCall Boulevard
6
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Toward I 215 North
7
Merge onto I 215
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Escondido Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit onto CA 60
29 mi
·
33 min
·
CA 60
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
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 Road
Use the slight right lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60A
2.6 mi
·
2 min
·
CA 60A
Toward CA 60 Alt West: Brea Canyon Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Pomona Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Pomona Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Pomona Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60
14 mi
·
16 min
·
Pomona Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Exit 1C; 1E
Toward US 101 North, I 5 North: Los Angeles, Sacramento
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
15 sec
Toward US 101 North: Los Angeles
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Exit 1C
Toward US 101 North: Los Angeles
18
Merge onto US 101
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
Exit 2B
Toward Alameda Street, Union Station
Use the slight right lane.
20
Continue on I 10 EXPR
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
East Arcadia Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
21
Turn left onto North Los Angeles Street
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
North Los Angeles Street
22
Turn right onto East 1st Street
461 ft
·
17 sec
·
East 1st Street
23
Arrive at destination
West 1st Street
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of around 1 hour and 35 minutes for the 78.6 miles, you have a lot of flexibility with departure times. However, to best navigate the 93% highway share and potential traffic, consider leaving earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak commuter hours. With no specific stops recommended, you can easily complete this drive in one go. Keep an eye on your fuel, especially since the longest stretch is 28.9 miles on CA 60, and plan your fuel stops accordingly before you hit that longer segment if needed.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 39.3 miles from Sun City, CA, or about 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 28.9 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 17 miles or 21m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 39.3 miles or 47m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 19m
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 Sun City, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Sun City, CA
This is one driving day of about 78.6 miles and 1h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 17 miles from Sun City, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on CA 60 for about 28.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
39 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 17 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 39.3 miles from Sun City, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 215 decision points cluster between mile 52.2 and 77.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
52.2 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m 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,...
7
52.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 2m in
|
CA 60A
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 60A toward CA 60 Alt West: Brea Canyon Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward CA 60 Alt West: Brea Canyon Road
8
75.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 28m in
Take the exit toward US 101 North, I 5 North: Los Angeles, Sacramento
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 1C; 1E
Toward US 101 North, I 5 North: Los Angeles, Sa...
8
75.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 29m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 101 North: Los Angeles
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 101 North: Los Angeles
8
77.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 33m in
Take the exit toward Alameda Street, Union Station
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 2B
Toward Alameda Street, Union Station
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$18.07 one way
$36.13 round trip
$5.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
28 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.02 | $18.62 | $37.23 |
| premium | $6.18 | $19.11 | $38.23 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $17.35 | $34.71 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$18
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$43–$68
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 27.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 23.6 | 0 | $8.25 | $3.77 |
| Efficient EV | 19.7 | 0 | $6.88 | $3.14 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 31.4 | 0 | $11.00 | $5.03 |
Gas CO2
28 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (68% 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.
Destination
Los Angeles, CA
Late night in Los Angeles on Sunday
Local time
2:59 AM
PDT
Current temp
54°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
8 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
1h 35m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, with 93% of the 78.6 miles being on freeways. The majority of your time will be spent on roads like the CA 60 and the Escondido Freeway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 28.9 miles on the CA 60, offering a consistent pace. This route generally maintains a high-speed character, characteristic of Southern California's extensive freeway network, connecting you efficiently between these two points.
93% 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: 28.9 mi on CA 60.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on CA 60 and Escondido Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 52.2 miles in near CA 57 / Orange Freeway.
Driving Effort
10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 78.6 miles you will encounter 21 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 52.2 miles (CA 57 / Orange Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 52.3 miles (CA 60A): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 75.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
1,520 ft
249 ft
Total Climb
177 ft
Total Descent
1,319 ft
Highest Point
1,520 ft
~16.8 mi in
Elevation Range
1,271 ft
About the Cities
Arriving in Los Angeles, CA
Full guide →“Tinseltown” · Founded 1781
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
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 35m. Total distance: 78.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 35m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 28.9 miles on CA 60. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 52.2 miles (CA 57 / Orange Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 52.3 miles (CA 60A): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 75.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Los Angeles, CA before heading back.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and USGS 3DEP for elevation. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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