From Simi Valley to downtown Los Angeles is approximately 40 miles via the 118 east to the 5 south, typically 50-60 minutes off-peak and 75-100 minutes during peak commute. The Metrolink Ventura County line connects Simi Valley to LA Union Station in about 75-90 minutes with stops at Burbank and Glendale. Most Simi-to-downtown-LA commuters use a hybrid pattern with 2-3 days in office.
Why this question matters
The car commute from Simi Valley to downtown LA goes 118 east to 5 south. Distance is approximately 40 miles. Time depends entirely on traffic.
The Metrolink Ventura County line offers a transit option with stops at Simi Valley Station, Chatsworth, Northridge, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale, and Los Angeles Union Station. Service runs hourly with peak frequency in morning and evening windows.
From Union Station, the LA Metro subway and bus network connects to most downtown destinations.
Car commute timing
Off-peak (after 9am or before 6am): 50-60 minutes downtown. Morning peak (7-9am eastbound): 75-100 minutes. Evening peak (4-7pm westbound): 80-110 minutes. The bottleneck is typically the 5 freeway through the SFV and into the LA basin.
Metrolink option
The Ventura County line runs from East Ventura through Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Chatsworth, Northridge, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale, to LA Union Station. Travel time from Simi Valley Station to Union Station is approximately 75-90 minutes. Service is hourly with peak frequency in morning/evening windows. Monthly pass approximately $400 in 2026 — verify current pricing at metrolinktrains.com.
Other LA-basin destinations from Simi
Westside / LAX: 118 west to 405 south, 45-55 min off-peak, 70-90 min peak. Burbank: 35-45 min. Hollywood: 50-60 min. Pasadena: 50-65 min. Santa Monica: 55-70 min. West Hollywood: 50-60 min.
Hybrid-work implications
Simi Valley works well for 1-3 days/week in-office downtown LA commute patterns. Full 5-day in-office is workable but draining. Many Simi residents employed by downtown firms use the Metrolink for in-office days and remote for the rest of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the commute from Simi Valley to downtown LA?
From Simi Valley to downtown Los Angeles is approximately 40 miles via the 118 east to the 5 south, typically 50-60 minutes off-peak and 75-100 minutes during peak commute. The Metrolink Ventura County line connects Simi Valley to LA Union Station in about 75-90 minutes with stops at Burbank and Glendale. Most Simi-to-downtown-LA commuters use a hybrid pattern with 2-3 days in office.
