DriveWindow route answer
How long is the drive from Los Angeles to San Diego, and how far is it?
The drive from Los Angeles to San Diego is typically 2.5 hours and 120 miles via I-5 along Southern California. Allow extra time because coastal rain or fog near lowlands can affect the corridor.
Route facts
Los Angeles → San Diego
- Distance
- 120 miles
- Typical drive
- 2.5 hours
- Planning baseline
- Midday
- Main weather risks
- coastal rain · fog near lowlands · standing water
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Time and distance
Drive-time baseline and possible delays
- Distance
- 120 miles
- Typical drive
- 2.5 hours
- Weather-sensitive corridor
- I-5 along Southern California
The usual planning baseline is 2.5 hours for 120 miles via I-5 along Southern California. It does not include fuel, charging, food, border, park-entry, or weather-related stops.
Allow extra time if the forecast includes coastal rain or fog near lowlands; conditions may affect your pace or require stops.
What to check before leaving
Coastal fog, winter rain, and standing water can affect short Southern California drives. Key weather factors: coastal rain, fog near lowlands, standing water.
- coastal rain
- fog near lowlands
- standing water
Route planning answers
Common questions about this drive
Plan the drive
Route weather planning guides
Start with the question that matches your trip, then finish the current check in DriveWindow.
Sources and methodology
How this answer is produced
Website drive time and distance are static planning baselines. In the app, routing-provider travel time can account for traffic and helps time each weather segment; departure options are then compared by weather risk for your date.
US National Weather Service Environment and Climate Change Canada Caltrans QuickMap Route weather methodology Data-source policy
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