Best Time to Drive from Los Angeles to Santa Monica

Right now (9:01 am PDT): about 16 minutes via I-10 West, usually 16 at this time.

On weekdays the 16-mile drive from Los Angeles to Santa Monica (via I-10 West) usually takes as little as 14 minutes and up to 27 minutes, when leaving around 8 am on Tuesdays. The fastest times to leave are before 6 am or after 8 pm. Midday (11 am to 2 pm) it takes about 19 minutes. On weekends it is slowest around 1:30 pm on Saturdays (21 minutes).

Typical drive time by departure time

Simulated from typical freeway speeds at each point of the drive for the time you would reach it, from every 5-minute reading we have recorded. Surface streets at each end are estimated.

Questions

What is the best time to drive from Los Angeles to Santa Monica?

On weekdays, leave before 6 am or after 8 pm. The drive usually takes about 14 minutes then, versus up to 27 minutes at the worst times.

How long does it take to drive from Los Angeles to Santa Monica?

The 16-mile drive usually takes 14 to 27 minutes on weekdays, depending on when you leave, and about 19 minutes midday.

When is traffic worst from Los Angeles to Santa Monica?

Leaving around 8 am on Tuesdays is usually slowest, about 27 minutes.

Estimate this drive for any day and departure time →

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