How Long Is the Drive from Los Angeles to Seattle?
The drive from Los Angeles to Seattle takes approximately 17h 30min, covering 1135 miles via I-10. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $132 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 24–25+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
14h 52m
🔵 Typical
17h 30min
🔴 Heavy traffic
25h 22m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance1135 miles (1826 km)
Drive Time17h 30min
RouteI-10
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~37.8 gallons
Est. Cost$132
Route Tips: I-10
Stretches coast-to-coast from LA to Jacksonville. Desert sections in Arizona/New Mexico can be monotonous — bring plenty of water.
You'll likely need 2 fuel stops along the way.
Best Time to Drive from Los Angeles to Seattle
For a long drive like Los Angeles to Seattle, plan to depart early in the morning. This lets you cover most of the distance before afternoon traffic builds up. Consider breaking the trip with a lunch stop midway.
🟢 Best:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
17h 30min
~$132 gas
✈️ Flying
4h 46m
~$170–$397 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~2h 16m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
17h 30min
~$132
🚌 Bus
25h 13m
~$91–$204
🚂 Train
20h 38m
~$136–$340
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Suggested Stops
Popular cities along the route for rest, food, or fuel:
📍 Reno
📍 Lake Tahoe
📍 Sacramento
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from Los Angeles to Seattle?
The drive from Los Angeles to Seattle takes approximately 17h 30min covering 1135 miles via I-10. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for Los Angeles to Seattle?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $132 on gas for this 1135-mile trip. You'll need about 37.8 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from Los Angeles to Seattle?
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 Los Angeles to Seattle route?
Yes, expect approximately $34 in tolls along this route. Consider getting a FasTrak transponder for faster toll payment.
