Trip from Woodland, CA to Anaheim, CA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 57m

Distance

428.2 mi

689 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$98

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 26 min

4 AM

7h 49m ★

6 AM

7h 58m

8 AM

8h 15m

10 AM

8h 4m

12 PM

8h 2m

3 PM

8h 5m

5 PM

8h 14m

8 PM

7h 52m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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seat of Yolo County, California, United States

Woodland, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 428.2-mile drive from Woodland, California, to Anaheim, California, is a substantial undertaking, estimated to take around 7 hours and 57 minutes of pure driving time. It's a highway-focused journey, with 99% of the route utilizing major freeways, making it a feasible, albeit long, single-day trip. Expect to spend approximately $98 on fuel for this journey. With two planned stops, you can break up the 315-mile longest stretch on the Westside Freeway. This route connects two points within the Pacific Coast region, offering a direct path south through the state.

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

214.1 miles from Woodland, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Westside Freeway	315 mi	5h 40m
I 5 Truck	83.3 mi	1h 36m
Santa Ana Freeway	20.7 mi	24m
Golden State Freeway	5.3 mi	6m
West Lincoln Avenue	1.3 mi	3m
East Main Street	1 mi	2m
Court Street	0.4 mi	1m
I 5 Business	0.4 mi	<1m

Longest stretch: Westside Freeway — 315 mi, about 5h 40m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Woodland, CA and Anaheim, CA.

Start on 1st Street

96 ft · 8 sec · 1st Street

Turn right onto Court Street

0.4 mi · 1 min · Court Street

At end of road, turn right onto East Street

460 ft · 18 sec · East Street

Turn left onto I 5 BUS

1.0 mi · 2 min · East Main Street

Take the ramp onto I 5 Business

0.4 mi · 51 sec · I 5 Business

Toward I 5 South: Sacramento

Merge onto I 5

78 mi · 1 hr 26 min · Westside Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

0.8 mi · 48 sec · Westside Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

237 mi · 4 hr 13 min · Westside Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

58 mi · 1 hr 6 min · I 5 Truck

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

4.1 mi · 4 min · Golden State Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

0.3 mi · 17 sec · I 5 Truck

Exit 158 Toward I 405 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck

25 mi · 29 min · I 5 Truck

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

1.3 mi · 1 min · Golden State Freeway

Toward CA 60 East, I 5 South: Pomona, Soto Street, Santa Ana Use the slight left / straight lanes.

Merge onto I 5

21 mi · 24 min · Santa Ana Freeway

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 33 sec

Exit 111 Toward Lincoln Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Turn left onto West Lincoln Avenue

1.3 mi · 3 min · West Lincoln Avenue

Use the left lane.

Turn right onto South Anaheim Boulevard

370 ft · 14 sec · South Anaheim Boulevard

Turn right

200 ft · 14 sec

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this 7-hour, 57-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from Woodland to maximize daylight and avoid the worst of potential traffic, especially as you approach Anaheim. With a fuel cost estimated at $98, plan your refueling stops accordingly, knowing you'll have two opportunities to stretch your legs. The longest stretch of 315 miles means you'll want to be well-rested before starting that segment. Given the highway-centric nature, keeping your navigation set to the main roads like the Westside Freeway and I-5 Truck will ensure the most straightforward progress.

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 214.1 miles from Woodland, CA, or about 3h 55m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 315 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 94 miles or 1h 46m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 214.1 miles or 3h 55m 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 44m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Anaheim, CA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving Woodland, 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 Woodland, CA

This is one driving day of about 428.2 miles and 7h 57m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 94 miles from Woodland, 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 315 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city and county seat of Kern County, California, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bakersfield, CA

214 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

Manteca, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 94 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mendota, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 214.1 miles from Woodland, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Westside Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 315 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Anaheim Packing District

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anaheim, California

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 428.2

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17145337225

Visit website

Anaheim Packing District

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 428.2

Anaheim, California

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17145337225

Visit website

The Brunch Café

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 428.2

Anaheim, California

Hours: 6 am–2 pm

+17146037622

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 428.2

Orange, California

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+17147873925

Visit website

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 428.2

Fullerton, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 367

Castaic, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 397.6

Los Angeles, California

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18188812586

Visit website

Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 367

Valencia, California

+16612554100

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 397.6

Glendale, California

Hours: 7 am–10 pm

+18185482184

Visit website

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 80.4 and 426.4 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

80.4 mi into trip | ~1h 32m in | I 5 / Westside Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 / Westside Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.

317 mi into trip | ~5h 45m 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.

379.4 mi into trip | ~6h 57m 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

404.4 mi into trip | ~7h 26m in | I 5 / Golden State Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 / Golden State Freeway toward CA 60 East, I 5 South: Pomona, Soto Street, Santa Ana

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward CA 60 East, I 5 South: Pomona, Soto Stre...

426.4 mi into trip | ~7h 52m in

Take the exit toward Lincoln Avenue

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 111 Toward Lincoln Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$98.42 one way

$196.84 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 150 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$6.02	$101.42	$202.84
premium	$6.18	$104.13	$208.27
diesel	$5.61	$94.54	$189.08

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$98

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$123–$148

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 149.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $45 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	Stops	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	128.5	1	$44.96	$20.55
Efficient EV	107.1	1	$37.47	$17.13
EV Truck/SUV	171.3	2	$59.95	$27.40

Gas CO2

150 kg

EV CO2

50 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 15, 2026

Origin

Woodland, CA

Late night in Woodland on Sunday

Local time

12:59 AM

PDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Anaheim, CA

Late night in Anaheim on Sunday

Local time

12:59 AM

PDT

Current temp

72°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

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

7h 57m 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 ~56 min detour Free near mile 383.9

View on nps.gov

César E. Chávez National Monument

National Monument

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 ~71 min detour Free near mile 310.1

View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

Primarily a highway-focused drive, this route plunges you onto major freeways for nearly its entire 428.2 miles. You'll be covering ground on the Westside Freeway and I-5 Truck for the bulk of the trip. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 315 miles on the Westside Freeway, demanding sustained focus. While largely a direct interstate experience, the transition between these main roads is seamless, keeping you moving efficiently south.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.

19 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.

Longest single stretch: 315 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 80.4 miles in near I 5 / Westside Freeway.

Driving Effort 8/10

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 428.2 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 80.4 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 317 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 379.4 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Woodland, CA to Anaheim, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Santa Ana along the way.

Santa Ana

404.4 mi in | ~7h 26m | via I 5

About the Cities

Starting in Woodland, CA

Full guide →

Founded 1871

Woodland is a city of 61,032 (2020) in Yolo County in the Sacramento Valley of California.

Top landmarks

• Woodland Opera House — theater and former movie theater in Woodland, California, United States
• Gibson Mansion — single-family detached home in Woodland, California
• Hotel Woodland — hotel in Woodland, United States of America

Arriving in Anaheim, CA

Full guide →

Founded 1857

Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California. It is best known for being the home of Disneyland. Its second claim to fame is hosting the National Hockey League's Anaheim Ducks and Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels.

Top landmarks

• Disneyland — American theme park in California owned by The Walt Disney Company
• Disney California Adventure — theme park in California, part of Disneyland Resort
• Soarin' — flight motion simulator attraction at Disney parks

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 7h 57m. Total distance: 428.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 57m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 315 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 Anaheim, 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.

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 8.0 hours each way, a round trip means 15.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Anaheim, CA before the return drive.

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 NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Woodland, CA or browse trips ending in Anaheim, CA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CA road trips.

Trip from Woodland, CA to Anaheim, CA

Best Time to Leave

Trip Overview

Main Roads

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Trip Plan

Before You Leave

Where to Stop

Pacing Suggestions

Nearby Places

Anaheim Packing District

Anaheim Packing District

The Brunch Café

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Pirates Dinner Adventure

Jurassic Magic Coffee

Brot Coffee

Tesla Supercharger

EVgo Charging Station

ChargePoint Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Electrify America Charging Station

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla Supercharger

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles

Griffith Park Trails

Disneyland Railroad - Main Street Station

Mission Escape Games

Animation Academy

Infinity Escape

Carr Park

Heads-up: tricky spots

Fuel & Cost

Travel Intel

Woodland, CA

Anaheim, CA

Same local time

3 degrees warmer at arrival

7h 57m on the road

National Parks Near This Route

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

César E. Chávez National Monument

What kind of drive is this?

How Hard Is This Drive?

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

About the Cities

Starting in Woodland, CA

Arriving in Anaheim, CA

Who Is This Route For?

Frequently Asked Questions

Which road carries most of the drive?

Are there rest areas on this route?

Should I avoid arriving after dark?

Is this a good trip with kids?

Where does this route get tricky?

Are there national parks near this route?

Can I do this as a round trip in one go?

How this page is built

Explore More

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