How far is Buellton, CA from Irvine, CA?
The driving distance from Buellton, CA to Irvine, CA is about 180.3 miles (290.2 km), with a travel time of about 02h 51m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 150.4 miles (242 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 42m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 02h 51m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census-designated place in Ventura County, California
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Buellton and Irvine.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buellton and Irvine.
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1
Start on the route
49 m · 17 sec
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2
At the end of the road, turn left
672 ft · 15 sec
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3
Take the ramp right toward CA 246
910 ft · 22 sec
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4
Merge slight left
120.9 mi · 2 hr 20 min
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 405 North, I 405 South: Sacramento, Santa Monica
758 ft · 19 sec
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6
Keep slight right to continue on I 405 South: San Diego Freeway, Santa Monica
1584 ft · 39 sec
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7
Keep slight left to continue on I 405 South: San Diego Freeway
553 ft · 14 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto San Diego Freeway
13.3 mi · 15 min · San Diego Freeway
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9
Keep slight right to continue on San Diego Freeway
26.5 mi · 31 min · San Diego Freeway
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10
Keep slight right to continue on San Diego Freeway
2.3 mi · 3 min · San Diego Freeway
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11
Keep slight left to continue on San Diego Freeway
893 ft · 12 sec · San Diego Freeway
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12
Keep slight left
10.3 mi · 12 min
-
13
Keep slight left to continue on San Diego Freeway
5 mi · 6 min · San Diego Freeway
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · San Diego Freeway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Buellton and Irvine.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
CA 246
Merge slight left
121 mi · 02h 20m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Sunny leaving Buellton and Sunny near Irvine.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Buellton to Irvine?
The road trip is about 180.3 miles (290.2 km) and usually takes 02h 51m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Casa Conejo is a useful midpoint, sitting about 89.5 miles from Buellton and 90.8 miles from Irvine.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 150.4 miles (242 km), while the road route adds roughly 29.9 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:48 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $36.69 one way or $73.38 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Buellton and Sunny near Irvine.
Stop Ideas Near Casa Conejo
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Hampton Inn & Suites Camarillo
Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility - City of Thousand Oaks
Santa Paula City Hall
Homewood Suites by Hilton Agoura Hills
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Casa Conejo.
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Buellton and Irvine. Straight-line distance: 150.38 mi (242.02 km).
#1 Buellton
City in Santa Barbara County, California
| Population | 5,449 |
| Coordinates | 34.6136000, -120.1926500 |
| Altitude | 109 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Irvine
A city located in Orange County, California.
| Population | 283,700 |
| Coordinates | 33.6694600, -117.8231100 |
| Altitude | 17 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-117.823114, 33.669436)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 290 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 00m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 30m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 36m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 00m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $36.69 | $73.38 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $38.58 | $77.16 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $39.71 | $79.41 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $48.13 | $96.25 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in California · Apr 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.