One-way car rental
San Francisco to Los Angeles by car
Compare one-way and round-trip rental rates from San Francisco to Los Angeles, then book with whoever has the best price.
- 613 km
- 381 mi
- typical drive time
- 7h 6m
- main route
- I-5
Rental cars in San Francisco
Live rates from major suppliers, including one-way options.
Route
Along the way
Stops on the I-5 route, in the order you’ll reach them from San Francisco.
Harris Ranch, CA
~300 kmThe best-known fuel and food stop on the I-5 corridor through the Central Valley, roughly at the halfway point.
Tejon Pass (the Grapevine), CA
~560 kmThe mountain pass where I-5 climbs over the Tehachapi range before descending into the Los Angeles basin.
FAQ
San Francisco to Los Angeles, answered
How far is it from San Francisco to Los Angeles by car?
It's about 381 miles (613 km) from San Francisco to Los Angeles, mostly via I-5, with a drive time of roughly 7h 6m in normal traffic.
Where can I stop between San Francisco and Los Angeles?
Harris Ranch, CA and Tejon Pass (the Grapevine), CA are the main stops along this route.
Is it cheaper to rent a car one-way from San Francisco to Los Angeles?
One-way rentals sometimes carry a drop fee that varies by supplier and season. Search above to compare one-way rates from real suppliers before settling on a round-trip rental instead.