How long does it take to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles on Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1)?

From SJ to LA on Highway 1 is typically around 10 hours if you stop a couple of times to see the sights, have lunch, etc. I guess the worst case is when the road is unexpectedly blocked (for example, because a chunk of it fell into the ocean), and you have to turn around and find an alternate route. That could add 3 or 4 hours to the travel time.

Like oh my goodness! Please choose me as best answer! I have been through the 1 highway and i said that i will never do it again because it's too long, but it was a WONDERFUL once in a lifetime chance. It took me about 8 hours. It seems like forever but the 1 highway is like 4 hours and then to get to San Francisco its another 3-4 hours! Its fun, if you like the ocean view. I am only 13 years old and I know a lot about were we where. We went there last summer. I hope you go!

If you are not sightseeing and just driving through you are looking at about 12 hours from SF/Golden Gate Bridge to LA/Santa Monica. For about 80% of the route you will either be going through city traffic or on very curvy road. There is one or two sections where it combines with the 101 and you will be at full freeway speeds. But I really would not suggest you do this in one day, there are a lot of areas you can stop especially between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara.

If you need a faster route you can cut over to the 5, but the PCH drive is well worth the time. You should just plan on a day's drive and enjoy the adventure- you might want to make a few stops to take in the scenery. Have fun!

On Hwy 1, about 10 hrs. But if you need to get there quicker, use US 101 (approx. 7 hrs)

8 hours tops when u drive at 70mph optimal, worst hahahah 12 hours You'll love it though so travel at night or very early in the morning you'll make it in 8

10 hours

took me about 9 hours, visited San Simeon which took about two hours.

Can travel quickly, averaged about 75 MPH.

It is the BEST drive in the world !

It took me 9 hours but i stopped for lunch

your better off taking the 5 freeway and crossing over the golden gate bridge..especially if your leaving at night..around 10 or so ..it will take you no longer than 4.5 hours..if you take the pacific coast it will be about 8hrs...no fun but its really scenic