Los Angeles to State College

53h 2m
Drive Time
2917
Miles
$340
Gas Cost
25
Stops

How Long Is the Drive from Los Angeles to State College?

The drive from Los Angeles to State College takes approximately 53h 2m, covering 2917 miles via the highway. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $340 on gas.

Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 74–75+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light traffic
45h 5m
🔵 Typical
53h 2m
🔴 Heavy traffic
76h 54m

Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.

Route Details

Distance2917 mi
Drive Time53h 2min
Avg Speed55 mph

Cost Breakdown

Gas (30 MPG)$340
Tolls (est.)$0-20
Total$355-$390

Route Tips: I-70

Plan rest stops every 2-3 hours on longer drives. Check traffic conditions before departure and keep your tank above quarter-full.

You'll likely need 8 fuel stops along the way.

Best Time to Drive from Los Angeles to State College

For a long drive like Los Angeles to State College, 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: Early morning (6-8 AM)
🔴 Avoid: Rush hour (4-7 PM)

Driving vs Flying

🚗 Driving
53h 2m
~$340 gas
✈️ Flying
8h 20m
~$438–$1021 flight

✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~5h 50m but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.

All Travel Options

🚗 Drive
53h 2m
~$340
🚌 Bus
64h 49m
~$233–$525
🚂 Train
53h 2m
~$350–$875

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:

📍 Wichita
📍 Oklahoma City
📍 Tulsa

FAQ

How long is the drive from Los Angeles to State College?
The drive takes approximately 53 hours and 2 minutes covering 2917 miles.
How much gas will I need?
At 30 MPG, you'll use about 97 gallons of gas, costing approximately $340 at $3.50/gallon.
What's the best time to leave?
Early morning (6-8 AM) is ideal to avoid rush hour traffic.

Driving Tips: Los Angeles to State College

The long road trip from Los Angeles to State College follows the highway for 2917 miles, with an estimated travel time of 53h 2m under normal conditions. Fuel costs run approximately $340 at current prices, assuming average fuel efficiency of 30 MPG. Early morning is generally the best window to depart for the smoothest ride.

This is a serious 2917-mile road trip that spans multiple states and regions. Plan for at least one overnight stop, pack emergency supplies, and make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready with fresh oil and properly inflated tires. Popular stopping points include Wichita, Oklahoma City, Tulsa — great options for grabbing a meal, fueling up, or stretching your legs.

Related Routes

Los Angeles → Arcadia · 1h 23mLos Angeles → Beverly Hills · 1h 8mLos Angeles → Culver City · 1h 17mLos Angeles → Downey · 1hLos Angeles → Hermosa Beach · 1h 42mLos Angeles → Lakewood · 1h 30mHarrisburg → State College · 1h 20mPittsburgh → State College · 2h 29mPhiladelphia → State College · 3h 19mNew York → State College · 4h 45mBoston → State College · 8h 41mChicago → State College · 12h 5m