Spanning 338.9 miles from Bakersfield to Windsor, this journey across the Pacific Coast region typically takes about 6 hours and 23 minutes of driving time. While it is technically feasible to complete this distance in a single day, the turn-heavy nature of the local roads makes it a demanding trek that requires your full focus. You should budget approximately $78 for fuel to cover the trip comfortably. Since this route involves navigating through various urban and local connectors, keeping your itinerary flexible is key. Whether you are heading north for business or leisure, acknowledge that this is a full day of travel rather than a casual afternoon cruise.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
169.5 miles from Bakersfield, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 9m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
192.7 mi
3h 26m
Redwood Highway
46.4 mi
54m
Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
29.6 mi
34m
William Elton Brown Freeway
17 mi
18m
MacArthur Freeway
16.7 mi
19m
John T. Knox Freeway
12.9 mi
17m
Stockdale Highway
8.9 mi
12m
Westside Parkway
6.6 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 192.7 mi, about 3h 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Bakersfield, CA and Windsor, CA.
1
Start on Truxtun Avenue
0.1 mi·23 sec·Truxtun Avenue
2
Continue on Truxtun Avenue
2.2 mi·4 min·Truxtun Avenue
3
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward CA 58: Westside Parkway West
4
Continue on Westside Parkway
6.6 mi·8 min·Westside Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Continue on Stockdale Highway
4.3 mi·5 min·Stockdale Highway
Use the straight lane.
6
Enter roundabout onto CA 58
149 ft·2 sec·Stockdale Highway
7
Continue on CA 58
4.5 mi·6 min·Stockdale Highway
8
Take the exit onto CA 58
0.5 mi·1 min·CA 58
Toward I 5 North
9
Merge onto I 5; CA 58
193 mi·3 hr 26 min·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 580
16 mi·17 min·William Elton Brown Freeway
Toward I 580 West: Tracy, San Francisco
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580 Bypass
1.1 mi·1 min·William Elton Brown Freeway
12
Merge onto I 580
18 mi·20 min·Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580
12 mi·13 min·Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580
8.3 mi·9 min·MacArthur Freeway
Toward I 580: Oakland, San FranciscoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 580
8.3 mi·9 min·MacArthur Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Continue on I 80; I 580
3.3 mi·4 min·Eastshore Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580
13 mi·17 min·John T. Knox Freeway
Exit 13BToward I 580 West: Point Richmond, San RafaelUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi·54 sec
Exit 1AToward US 101 North: San Rafeal
19
Merge onto US 101
46 mi·54 min·Redwood Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 498Toward Old Redwood Highway, Central WindsorUse the slight right lane.
21
Turn left onto Old Redwood Highway
0.2 mi·34 sec·Old Redwood Highway
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
22
Continue on Windsor River Road
0.3 mi·33 sec·Windsor River Road
23
Enter roundabout onto Windsor River Road
292 ft·5 sec·Windsor River Road
24
Continue on Windsor River Road
89 ft·1 sec·Windsor River Road
25
Arrive at destination
Windsor River Road
Trip Plan
To manage the 6 hour and 23 minute duration effectively, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the heaviest traffic cycles along these local routes. Although the trip is planned for one day, taking at least one dedicated stop is essential to stay refreshed given the technical, turn-heavy character of the roads. Keep a close eye on your fuel gauge, as the $78 estimate can fluctuate depending on your vehicle's efficiency during stop-and-go driving. Since you are relying on local roads rather than major highways, utilize a reliable navigation app to help you adjust for real-time traffic shifts on Truxtun Avenue or Westside Parkway. Remaining flexible with your timing will significantly reduce the fatigue associated with this specific driving profile.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 169.5 miles from Bakersfield, CA, or about 3h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 192.7 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 75 miles or 1h 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 169.5 miles or 3h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 10m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Windsor, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Bakersfield, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Bakersfield, CA
This is one driving day of about 338.9 miles and 6h 23m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 75 miles from Bakersfield, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Westside Freeway for about 192.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 16
5 decision points cluster between mile 211.6 and 338.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
211.6 mi into trip|~3h 54m in|I 580 / William Elton Brown Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 580 / William Elton Brown Freeway toward I 580 West: Tracy, San Francisco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward I 580 West: Tracy, San Francisco
6
246.5 mi into trip|~4h 33m in|I 580 / Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580 / Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
258.1 mi into trip|~4h 46m in|I 580 / MacArthur Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580 / MacArthur Freeway toward I 580: Oakland, San Francisco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 580: Oakland, San Francisco
9
278.1 mi into trip|~5h 9m in|I 580 / John T. Knox Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580 / John T. Knox Freeway toward I 580 West: Point Richmond, San Rafael
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 13B
Toward I 580 West: Point Richmond, San Rafael
8
338.1 mi into trip|~6h 22m in
Take the exit toward Old Redwood Highway, Central Windsor
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 498
Toward Old Redwood Highway, Central Windsor
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$77.89 one way
$155.79 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg119 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$80.27
$160.54
premium
$6.18
$82.42
$164.83
diesel
$5.61
$74.82
$149.65
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$78
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$103–$128
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 118.6 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $36 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
101.7
1
$35.58
$16.27
Efficient EV
84.7
0
$29.65
$13.56
EV Truck/SUV
135.6
1
$47.45
$21.69
Gas CO2
119 kg
EV CO2
40 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Bakersfield, CA
Late night
in Bakersfield on Sunday
Local time
12:55 AM
PDT
Current temp
77°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Windsor, CA
Late night
in Windsor on Sunday
Local time
12:55 AM
PDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Road read
6h 23m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Celebrate and honor the contributions and sacrifices of American civilians on the WWII home front. Discover how diverse communities lived, worked, and interacted. Many faces, many stories, many truths...
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Free
near mile 280.5
Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908,...
6 mi from route
~15 min detour
$15
near mile 292.2
Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. Go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history f...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
Free
near mile 292.2
Established in 1988, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park celebrates America’s maritime heritage on the Pacific Coast. Our 50-acre park has grown around Aquatic Park Cove, a protected area...
9 mi from route
~23 min detour
Free
near mile 280.5
From its thunderous ocean breakers crashing against rocky headlands and expansive sand beaches to its open grasslands, brushy hillsides, and forested ridges, Point Reyes offers visitors over 1500 spec...
18 mi from route
~44 min detour
Free
near mile 303.8
On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion jolted the San Francisco East Bay area, shattering windows and lighting up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were killed instantly when two s...
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
Free
near mile 280.5
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a unique experience behind the wheel, as this route prioritizes turn-heavy local roads over traditional highway travel. With a highway share of 0%, you will spend your time navigating through city and regional connectors like Truxtun Avenue, CA 58, and Westside Parkway. This is not a monotonous interstate grind; instead, you will face a constant stream of turns that demand active, engaged driving. The road changes rhythm frequently as you transition between local thoroughfares, requiring you to remain alert throughout the entire 338.9-mile journey. Prepare for a technical drive that keeps you busy from start to finish.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
25 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 192.7 mi on Westside Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and Redwood Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 211.6 miles in near I 580 / William Elton Brown Freeway.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 338.9 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 211.6 miles (I 580 / William Elton Brown Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 246.5 miles (I 580 / Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 258.1 miles (I 580 / MacArthur Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Bakersfield, CA and Windsor, CA, road signs point toward San Francisco and San Rafael.
Bakersfield is a city in Kern County in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Bakersfield is famous for being the home of country music singers Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, and has the nickname "the country music capital of the West Coast."
Windsor is a town of 27,000 people (2019) in Sonoma County in the Bay Area of California, 9 miles north of Santa Rosa and 63 miles north of San Francisco. It may not be on the main tourist trail through California's Wine Country, but it will appeal to people looking for small, family-owned businesses, an eclectic mix of shops, and summertime entertainment.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 23m. Total distance: 338.9 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 23m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 192.7 miles on Westside Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
We did not find dedicated rest areas on this route. For a drive this long, plan bathroom and stretch breaks around gas stations, fast-food stops, or small-town downtowns — check the Nearby Places section for options.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Windsor, CA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 211.6 miles (I 580 / William Elton Brown Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 246.5 miles (I 580 / Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 258.1 miles (I 580 / MacArthur Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, Muir Woods National Monument and Golden Gate National Recreation Area (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Windsor, CA before the return drive.
