Is there a bus from Mammoth to Thousand Oaks?

No direct bus service exists; you would need to take multiple transfers through Los Angeles.

How long is the drive?

The drive typically takes 6 hours without major traffic delays.

Are there tolls on this route?

No, there are no toll roads on the standard route via US-395 and CA-14.

What is the best time to leave?

Departing before 7 AM helps avoid the worst of the Los Angeles area traffic.

Yes, the descent from the Sierra Nevada into the Mojave Desert is visually striking.

Mammoth Lakes

Thousand Oaks

Driving

Mammoth Lakes to Thousand Oaks

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Mammoth Lakes to Thousand Oaks covers approximately 530 kilometers through the Eastern Sierra and Mojave Desert. You will primarily utilize US-395 South, transitioning to CA-14 South toward the Santa Clarita Valley. Expect a travel time of roughly 6 hours depending on traffic near the Los Angeles metropolitan area. This route offers a dramatic transition from high-altitude alpine terrain to coastal Mediterranean climates. The drive is best navigated during daylight hours to appreciate the geological shifts along the Sierra Nevada range.

Total Distance: 530 km driving distance; 410 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the only practical mode, taking 6 hours under normal traffic conditions.

Cheapest Way

Driving your own vehicle is the most cost-effective method at approximately 60 USD in fuel.

Compare Mammoth Lakes to Thousand Oaks Routes

Driving

Direct

Duration

6 hours

Avg Price

60-80 USD

Operator

Personal Vehicle

Route

US-395 S to CA-14 S to I-5 S to CA-126 W

Check Caltrans QuickMap for wind warnings on CA-14 near Palmdale.

Travel Tips

Fuel Up
Fill your tank in Bishop before heading south, as gas prices in Mammoth Lakes are significantly higher.
Traffic Timing
Avoid passing through Santa Clarita between 4 PM and 7 PM to bypass heavy commuter congestion.
Hydration
The Mojave Desert section is extremely dry; keep at least two liters of water in your vehicle.
Road Conditions
Check for high wind advisories on CA-14, which can be dangerous for high-profile vehicles.
Rest Stops
Ridgecrest is the best mid-point for a quick meal and restroom break.

Safety Tips

Mountain Driving
Use low gears when descending from Mammoth Lakes to prevent brake overheating.
Wildlife
Be alert for deer crossing US-395, especially during dawn and dusk hours.
Emergency Kit
Carry a basic tool kit and spare tire, as cell service is spotty in the desert stretches.
Heat Exhaustion
If your car breaks down in the desert, stay inside the vehicle with the windows cracked for ventilation.