How Long Is the Drive from Lakewood to Los Angeles?
The drive from Lakewood to Los Angeles takes approximately 1h 30min, covering 42 miles via I-40. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $4 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 2–3+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
1h 16m
🔵 Typical
1h 30min
🔴 Heavy traffic
2h 10m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance42 miles (67 km)
Drive Time1h 30min
RouteI-40
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~1.4 gallons
Est. Cost$4
Best Time to Drive from Lakewood to Los Angeles
For this shorter drive, the best time to go is late evening (8-10 pm). Rush hour (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) can add significant time on this route. Weekends are generally smoother unless it's a holiday.
🟢 Best:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Route Tips: I-40
Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Lakewood to Los Angeles?
The drive from Lakewood to Los Angeles takes approximately 1h 30min covering 42 miles via I-40. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Lakewood to Los Angeles?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $4 on gas for this 42-mile trip. You'll need about 1.4 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Lakewood to Los Angeles?
Late evening (8-10 PM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the Lakewood to Los Angeles route?
There may be minor tolls (around $1) on parts of this route. Some sections have toll-free alternatives.
