How far is los angeles to phoenix

Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedJul 14, 2022

Nonstop drive time

How far is the distance between Phoenix and Los Angeles? The direct drive from Phoenix, United States to Los Angeles, United States is 371 miles or 597 km, and should have a drive time of 5 hours in normal traffic.

Of course, this is just the non-stop drive time. You probably need to stop for gas, bathrooms, and meals, so the drive time with stops is a bit longer.

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Phoenix to Los Angeles drive time with breaks

Driving from Phoenix to Los Angeles takes about 5 hours if you do it nonstop, but depending on whether you're switching off with someone else or doing the trip solo, your food preferences (fast food vs. sit-down), or your stamina, it'll almost definitely take longer.

Most guides recommend stopping for 30 minutes for every 4 hours of driving, and driving up to 8 hours a day. For a typical driver who's not stopping to see too many sights, we expect a road trip to from Phoenix to Los Angeles to take 1 day. During that 1 day, you'll drive for 5 hours in total and take 30 minutes for breaks.

When taking breaks, you might as well check out some of the sights too! Take a look at the best stops on a Phoenix to Los Angeles drive for some inspiration.

5 hours 51 minutes

Total drive time with breaks

What cities are between Phoenix and Los Angeles?

If you're thinking of driving between Phoenix and Los Angeles and thinking of staying a night, it's worth looking at a few of the cities that are on the route. The most popular cities to stop between Phoenix and Los Angeles are Anaheim, Greater Palm Springs, Palm Springs, Temecula, Laguna Beach, Joshua Tree National Park, Riverside, Newport Beach, Palm Desert, and Huntington Beach. Anaheim is the most popular city on the route — it's 5 hours from Phoenix and less than an hour from Los Angeles.

Going back? How far is Los Angeles from Phoenix?

Honestly, it shouldn't differ by too much, but if you're curious about the drive back, check out the reverse directions to see how far Los Angeles is from Phoenix.

Popular cities to stop between Phoenix and Los Angeles

On your trip from Phoenix to Los Angeles, stop by Anaheim, Greater Palm Springs, Palm Springs, Temecula, Laguna Beach, Joshua Tree National Park, Riverside, Newport Beach, Palm Desert, and Huntington Beach! Make sure to visit Anaheim, the most popular city on the route, and see Anaheim's top attractions like Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney.

1

Joshua Tree National Park

Renowned desert park draws campers & hikers with its geologic wonders & signature Joshua trees.

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Day 2: Salvation Mountain, Joshua Tree National Park and San Bernardino Forest What to do: The goal of a road trip is always to make even the driving bit interesting. On your way up to LA, you’ll want to make several stops — my favorite being the eclectic and unique landmark Salvation Mountain, a project started by Leonard Knight. I’ve never seen anything like it, and it’s definitely worth the stop.

We’ll kept facilities and gorgeous views. Plenty of good hiking and rock climbing if you’re adventurous. Entering from the 10 freeway avoids a long line to get in, though that also puts you farthest from the best parts.

Unique landscapes, easy hikes, weird trees. I would say that most of the things can be seen within one day, but probably more pleasant to stay for a night in a town nearby and then devote two days. Most of the hikes are very clearly marked and don’t need special footwear. Pack layers as it gets cold fast in the winter.

Hands down my favorite national Park to go to although it might be the only national Park I've ever been to. I didn't think I liked the desert until I was able to visit this park and it is beautiful beyond compare. I wondered how all of these little clumps of rocks ended up here. Easy to drive through without getting lost and I hope to return one day to camp just for one night.

46 minutes off the main route, 63% of way to Los Angeles

2

Palm Desert

Palm Desert is a city in California's Coachella Valley, near Palm Springs. It’s home to country clubs, golf courses and shops. In the center, The Shops on El Paseo feature designer boutiques, plus restaurants and art galleries. The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens shelters desert-dwelling wildlife, including cheetahs and camels, from around the world. Shows at the McCallum Theatre span music, comedy, dance and drama.

10% as popular as Anaheim

9 minutes off the main route, 66% of way to Los Angeles

3

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, a city in the Sonoran Desert of southern California, is known for its hot springs, stylish hotels, golf courses and spas. It's also noted for its many fine examples of midcentury-modern architecture. Its core shopping district along Palm Canyon Drive features vintage boutiques, interior design shops and restaurants. The surrounding Coachella Valley offers hiking, biking and horseback riding trails.

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Finally, consider adding a luxe retreat in Palm Springs to just chill by the pool, treat yourself to a spa, and go shopping for the perfect souvenir. Shop My Favorite California Looks!

42% as popular as Anaheim

9 minutes off the main route, 68% of way to Los Angeles

4

Greater Palm Springs Film Office

Association or organization

60% as popular as Anaheim

9 minutes off the main route, 68% of way to Los Angeles

5

Temecula

Temecula is a city in Southern California. It's known for the surrounding Temecula Valley Wine Country, with its hillside vineyards and many golf courses. The city's Old Town area has 1800s buildings, antiques shops and restaurants. The Temecula Valley Museum has displays on regional history and the author Early Stanley Gardner. Pennypickle's Workshop is a children's science museum with hands-on exhibits.

16% as popular as Anaheim

31 minutes off the main route, 78% of way to Los Angeles

6

Riverside

Riverside is a city near Los Angeles, in California. The Mission Inn Museum details the history of the Mission Inn, a grand hotel built in the Mission Revival style. Nearby, the Riverside Metropolitan Museum is dedicated to regional history, culture and nature. The Riverside Art Museum shows local and international works. To the southeast, the March Field Air Museum displays military aircraft, including rare jets.

7 minutes off the main route, 82% of way to Los Angeles

7

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a small coastal city in Orange County, California. It’s known for its many art galleries, coves and beaches. Main Beach features tide pools and a boardwalk leading to the paths and gardens of nearby Heisler Park. Aliso Beach Park is a popular surf spot. The waters off Crystal Cove State Park are designated as an underwater park. Trails meander through coastal canyons in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park.

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I’d also recommend checking out Orange County, to experience Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Disneyland. San Diego is another one of my favorite places on the planet, and it’s the best city for gorgeous beaches, beautiful botanical gardens, and second-to-none Mexican Food!

10% as popular as Anaheim

29 minutes off the main route, 86% of way to Los Angeles

8

Newport Beach

Outdoor Activities

Beaches

Newport Beach, a coastal city in southern California, is known for its large, boat-filled harbor. Balboa Peninsula has 2 piers, Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier, plus the Balboa Fun Zone, an old-school amusement park with a Ferris wheel and ocean views. Local beaches include the Wedge, known for its big waves, and Corona del Mar State Beach. The Orange County Museum of Art exhibits modern and contemporary works.

13% as popular as Anaheim

23 minutes off the main route, 88% of way to Los Angeles

9

Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach is a California city southeast of Los Angeles. It's known for surf beaches, such as Huntington City Beach, with its long Huntington Beach Pier. The International Surfing Museum displays longboards and other memorabilia. Sprawling Huntington Central Park features fields, gardens and lakes, plus an equestrian center. Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve's wetlands and dunes shelter hundreds of bird species.

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OPTION 2: Depart Disneyland around dinner time and head to Huntington Beach. Check into the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. This is a great hotel with an amazing spa that will please adults, plus some fun pools, perfect for the kids.

25 minutes off the main route, 88% of way to Los Angeles

10

Anaheim

Anaheim is a city outside Los Angeles, in Southern California. It's home to the Disneyland Resort, a massive complex of family-friendly, Disney-themed rides, restaurants, hotels and shops. The city's also home to pro sports teams. The Honda Center is the indoor arena where the Anaheim Ducks hockey team plays, and Angel Stadium is the home field of the Los Angeles Angels baseball team.

Most popular city on this route

10 minutes off the main route, 92% of way to Los Angeles

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