How far is Riverside, CA from Malibu, CA?
The driving distance from Riverside, CA to Malibu, CA is about 86.1 miles (138.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 55m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 79.5 miles (127.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 50m 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 01h 55m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census-designated place in Los Angeles County, California
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Riverside and Malibu.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Riverside and Malibu.
-
1
Start on the route
55 m · 14 sec
-
2
Turn right
29 m · 7 sec
-
3
Turn right onto Magnolia Avenue
70 m · 15 sec · Magnolia Avenue
-
4
Turn left onto Central Avenue
3.5 mi · 6 min · Central Avenue
-
5
Turn right onto Van Buren Boulevard
6.1 mi · 8 min · Van Buren Boulevard
-
6
Continue on Mission Boulevard
1434 ft · 24 sec · Mission Boulevard
-
7
Take the ramp slight left toward CA 60 West
1617 ft · 41 sec
-
8
Merge slight left onto Pomona Freeway
18 mi · 21 min · Pomona Freeway
-
9
Keep slight right to continue on Orange Freeway
123 m · 5 sec · Orange Freeway
-
10
Keep slight right to continue on CA 60 Alt West: Brea Canyon Road
2.6 mi · 3 min
-
11
Keep slight right to continue on Pomona Freeway
1.8 mi · 2 min · Pomona Freeway
-
12
Keep slight right to continue on Pomona Freeway
2.5 mi · 3 min · Pomona Freeway
-
13
Keep slight right to continue on Pomona Freeway
2 mi · 2 min · Pomona Freeway
-
14
Keep slight right to continue on Pomona Freeway
13.9 mi · 16 min · Pomona Freeway
-
15
Continue on Pomona Freeway
1.3 mi · 1 min · Pomona Freeway
-
16
Merge slight right onto Santa Monica Freeway
3 mi · 4 min · Santa Monica Freeway
-
17
Keep slight right to continue on Santa Monica Freeway
13.2 mi · 15 min · Santa Monica Freeway
-
18
Continue on Pacific Coast Highway
17.5 mi · 31 min · Pacific Coast Highway
-
19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Pacific Coast Highway
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Riverside and Malibu.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Pomona Freeway
Merge slight left onto Pomona Freeway
18 mi · 00h 21m
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 Riverside and Mostly Sunny near Malibu.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Riverside to Malibu?
The road trip is about 86.1 miles (138.5 km) and usually takes 01h 55m 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?
South San Gabriel is a useful midpoint, sitting about 42.9 miles from Riverside and 43.1 miles from Malibu.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 79.5 miles (127.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.6 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 2:40 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $17.54 one way or $35.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Riverside and Mostly Sunny near Malibu.
Stop Ideas Near South San Gabriel
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Your Home Away From Home
Bell Gardens Inn Los Angeles
City of South El Monte City Hall
City of Los Angeles
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to South San Gabriel.
Pasadena, California
Los Angeles Union Station
Glendale Transportation Center
Fullerton Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Riverside and Malibu. Straight-line distance: 79.45 mi (127.87 km).
#1 Riverside
The most populous city in Riverside County, California and the center of the Riverside metropolitan area.
| Population | 330,786 |
| Coordinates | 33.9533500, -117.3961600 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Malibu
City in Los Angeles County, California, United States
| Population | 11,519 |
| Coordinates | 34.0257700, -118.7804000 |
| Altitude | 32 |
| Country | United States |
End: Malibu (-118.7804, 34.02577)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 138 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 09m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 43m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $17.54 | $35.08 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $18.44 | $36.88 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $18.98 | $37.96 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $23.00 | $46.01 |
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.