How far is Malibu, CA from Los Angeles, CA?
The driving distance from Malibu, CA to Los Angeles, CA is about 33.9 miles (54.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 50m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 30.8 miles (49.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 40m 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 00h 50m.
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.
A city in Los Angeles County, California.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Malibu and Los Angeles.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Malibu and Los Angeles.
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1
Start on Pacific Coast Highway
17.5 mi · 31 min · Pacific Coast Highway
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2
Continue on Santa Monica Freeway
10.7 mi · 13 min · Santa Monica Freeway
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3
Keep slight right to continue on Santa Monica Freeway
2.7 mi · 3 min · Santa Monica Freeway
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4
Take the exit slight right toward Grand Avenue, Olive Street, Convention Center
1301 ft · 32 sec
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5
Turn straight onto West 18th Street
1452 ft · 39 sec · West 18th Street
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6
Turn left onto South Main Street
1.8 mi · 4 min · South Main Street
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7
Turn left onto West 1st Street
21 m · 4 sec · West 1st Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 1st Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Malibu and Los Angeles.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Pacific Coast Highway
Start on Pacific Coast Highway
17.5 mi · 00h 31m
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving Malibu and Sunny near Los Angeles.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Malibu to Los Angeles?
The road trip is about 33.9 miles (54.6 km) and usually takes 00h 50m 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?
Santa Monica is a useful midpoint, sitting about 16.6 miles from Malibu and 17.3 miles from Los Angeles.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 30.8 miles (49.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.1 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 4:50 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $6.92 one way or $13.85 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 10.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Malibu and Sunny near Los Angeles.
Stop Ideas Near Santa Monica
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel
City of Beverly Hills Parking Lot
City of Gardena-Human Services Department
Topanga Canyon Town Council
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Santa Monica.
Westwood-UCLA, CA
Westchester, CA
El Segundo, CA
Van Nuys station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Malibu and Los Angeles. Straight-line distance: 30.78 mi (49.54 km).
#1 Malibu
City in Los Angeles County, California, United States
| Population | 11,519 |
| Coordinates | 34.0257700, -118.7804000 |
| Altitude | 32 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Los Angeles
The second most populous city in the United States and the center of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
| Population | 3,970,219 |
| Coordinates | 34.0522300, -118.2436800 |
| Altitude | 89 |
| Country | United States |
End: West 1st Street (-118.243569, 34.052341)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 55 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 25m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $6.92 | $13.85 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $7.28 | $14.56 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $7.49 | $14.98 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $9.08 | $18.16 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.