California → Arizona · Interstate 5 (Golden State Freeway)
The drive from Los Angeles, California, to Tucson, Arizona, covers about 782 km (486 miles) along Interstate 5 (Golden State Freeway), with an estimated travel time of 8h 39m in normal traffic conditions. Los Angeles is the second-largest US city and entertainment-industry capital, while Tucson stands out as the second-largest city in Arizona and gateway to the Sonoran Desert. Sales reps, consultants, real-estate agents and field service professionals who run this route regularly typically depart at sunrise to clear the urban congestion before rush hour and arrive in time for scheduled morning meetings. It also pays to scout two or three reliable fuel-and-rest stops along the way before departure. Assuming average fuel economy of about 26 mpg on regular unleaded, the trip burns roughly 71.1 liters (18.8 gallons), costing about $65.41 at typical pump prices. For mileage reimbursement, applying the IRS standard mileage rate (2025) of $0.43/km ($0.69/mile) yields a one-way payout of $336.26. Keep the trip log, business purpose, odometer readings, and exact route documented in your Clara receipt for IRS compliance and internal audit defensibility.