From Simi Valley, expect roughly 25 to 40 minutes to the west San Fernando Valley and about 60 to 90 minutes to downtown Los Angeles during peak traffic. Off-peak, those times drop considerably, and Metrolink offers a rail alternative.
Drive times by destination
Commute times depend heavily on the time of day and your exact start and end points. The ranges below reflect typical conditions as of 2026, with the low end for off-peak and the high end for weekday rush hour. Always test your specific route.
| Destination | Off-Peak | Peak Traffic |
|---|---|---|
| West San Fernando Valley (Woodland Hills) | 20-25 min | 25-40 min |
| Central San Fernando Valley (Van Nuys) | 30-35 min | 45-65 min |
| Burbank / Glendale | 35-40 min | 55-80 min |
| Downtown Los Angeles | 45-55 min | 60-90 min |
| Westside (Santa Monica) | 45-55 min | 70-100 min |
| Thousand Oaks (Conejo Valley) | 15-20 min | 20-30 min |
The main routes out of Simi Valley
The 118 freeway (Ronald Reagan Freeway) is the primary artery, running east into the San Fernando Valley where it connects to the 405, 5 and 210 freeways. For most Valley and LA-bound commuters, the 118 is the spine of the trip.
Heading west, the 118 connects toward Moorpark and the 118/23 interchange, with the 23 freeway linking south to Thousand Oaks and the 101. Surface routes like Kuehner Drive and Los Angeles Avenue handle local and shortcut traffic.
The Metrolink rail option
Simi Valley has a Metrolink station on the Ventura County Line, with trains running to destinations including Chatsworth, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and Los Angeles Union Station.
For commuters whose workplace is near a station, rail can be competitive with driving and lets you work or rest instead of fighting traffic. The trade-off is fixed schedules and the first-and-last-mile problem on each end. For downtown LA office workers, it is worth pricing out against driving and parking.
What I tell clients about commute and home choice
What I tell clients: do not trust a single map estimate. Before you commit to a Simi Valley home, drive your actual commute, at the actual time you would leave, on a regular weekday. Do it twice if you can.
Also weigh where in Simi Valley you buy. A home near the 118 on the east side shaves time off a Valley commute compared with the far west side of the city. If commute is a top-three priority, factor freeway proximity into your search the same way you factor price and schools.
The trade-off Simi Valley buyers are making
Many Simi Valley buyers are deliberately trading a longer commute for a lower price. With the Simi Valley median near $780,000 as of 2026, buyers often get more home and lot than they would for the same money deeper in the San Fernando Valley.
Whether that trade is worth it is personal. A predictable 30-minute Valley commute is very different from a 75-minute downtown LA grind. Be honest with yourself about the route before you buy, the house does not move, but you will make that drive every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the commute from Simi Valley to LA?
Expect roughly 60 to 90 minutes to downtown Los Angeles during peak traffic, dropping to about 45 to 55 minutes off-peak.
How long does it take to get to the San Fernando Valley?
The west San Fernando Valley is about 25 to 40 minutes in peak traffic and 20 to 25 minutes off-peak. The central Valley takes longer, roughly 45 to 65 minutes at peak.
What freeway connects Simi Valley to the Valley?
The 118 freeway (Ronald Reagan Freeway) is the main route, running east into the San Fernando Valley and connecting to the 405, 5 and 210 freeways.
Is there a train from Simi Valley to LA?
Yes. Simi Valley has a Metrolink station on the Ventura County Line with service to Chatsworth, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and Los Angeles Union Station.
Does where I buy in Simi Valley affect my commute?
Yes. A home near the 118 on the east side of Simi Valley generally shaves time off a Valley or LA commute compared with the far west side of the city.
