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Trip from Concord, CA to Anaheim, CA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 22m

Distance

395.5 mi

637 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$91

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
7h 12m ★
6 AM
7h 23m
8 AM
7h 44m
10 AM
7h 30m
12 PM
7h 28m
3 PM
7h 31m
5 PM
7h 43m
8 PM
7h 17m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in Contra Costa County, California, United States

Concord, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embark on a 395.5-mile journey from Concord, CA, to Anaheim, CA, a drive that typically takes about 7 hours and 22 minutes. This route is primarily highway-focused, with a 94% highway share, making it a manageable one-day trip. You'll be navigating major freeways like the Westside Freeway and I-5 Truck, so expect a consistent pace. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $91, and with two planned stops, you can break up the journey effectively. This is a classic Pacific Coast to Pacific Coast transit, predominantly through California.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

197.8 miles from Concord, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 38m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Westside Freeway 224.4 mi 4h
I 5 Truck 83.3 mi 1h 36m
Santa Ana Freeway 20.7 mi 24m
Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway 19.2 mi 22m
William Elton Brown Freeway 17 mi 18m
Donald D Doyle Highway 14.8 mi 17m
Golden State Freeway 5.3 mi 6m
Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway 4.8 mi 5m
Longest stretch: Westside Freeway — 224.4 mi, about 4h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Concord, CA and Anaheim, CA.

1

Start on Willow Pass Road

143 ft · 8 sec · Willow Pass Road
2

Turn left onto East Street

423 ft · 25 sec · East Street
3

Turn left onto Salvio Street

0.3 mi · 45 sec · Salvio Street
Use the left lane.
4

Turn right onto Concord Avenue

0.4 mi · 54 sec · Concord Avenue
5

Continue on Concord Avenue

0.1 mi · 13 sec · Concord Avenue
Use the slight right lane.
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 28 sec
Toward CA 242 South Use the right lane.
7

Merge onto CA 242

1.7 mi · 1 min · CA 242
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Merge onto I 680

4.8 mi · 5 min · Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Continue on I 680

1.4 mi · 1 min · Donald D Doyle Highway
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 680

13 mi · 15 min · Donald D Doyle Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 33 sec
Exit 30A Toward I 580 East: Livermore, Stockton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork

0.7 mi · 1 min
Toward I 580 East: Livermore, Stockton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Toward I 580: Stockton Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Merge onto I 580

1.4 mi · 1 min · Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
15

Keep slight right at fork onto I 580

18 mi · 20 min · Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 580

11 mi · 11 min · William Elton Brown Freeway
17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 580

5.9 mi · 6 min · William Elton Brown Freeway
18

Merge onto I 5

224 mi · 4 hr · Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

58 mi · 1 hr 6 min · I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

4.1 mi · 4 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

0.3 mi · 17 sec · I 5 Truck
Exit 158 Toward I 405 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck

25 mi · 29 min · I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

1.3 mi · 1 min · Golden State Freeway
Toward CA 60 East, I 5 South: Pomona, Soto Street, Santa Ana Use the slight left / straight lanes.
24

Merge onto I 5

21 mi · 24 min · Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 33 sec
Exit 111 Toward Lincoln Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Turn left onto West Lincoln Avenue

1.3 mi · 3 min · West Lincoln Avenue
Use the left lane.
27

Turn right onto South Anaheim Boulevard

370 ft · 14 sec · South Anaheim Boulevard
28

Turn right

200 ft · 14 sec
29

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

For this 7-hour, 22-minute drive, starting early in the morning can help you avoid some of the heavier traffic, especially as you approach Southern California. With a total distance of 395.5 miles, planning for two stops is a good idea to stretch your legs and refuel. The estimated fuel cost is $91, so ensure your tank is full before you set off. Given it's a single-day trip, you have flexibility, but be mindful of the 224.4-mile longest stretch on the Westside Freeway and plan your mid-drive break accordingly.

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 197.8 miles from Concord, CA, or about 3h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 224.4 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 87 miles or 1h 39m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 197.8 miles or 3h 38m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 9m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Anaheim, CA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Concord, 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.

+

Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Concord, CA

This is one driving day of about 395.5 miles and 7h 22m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Concord, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Westside Freeway for about 224.4 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city and county seat of Kern County, California, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bakersfield, CA

198 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Turlock, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 87 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mendota, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 197.8 miles from Concord, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Westside Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 224.4 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Anaheim Packing District

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anaheim, California

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 395.5

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17145337225

Visit website

Anaheim Packing District

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour $20 to $30 mile 395.5

Anaheim, California

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+17145337225

Visit website

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $20 to $30 mile 395.5

Orange, California

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+17147873925

Visit website

Pirates Dinner Adventure

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour $50 to $10 mile 395.5

Buena Park, California

+17146901497

Visit website

Central Kitchen at The Lorenzo

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour $10 to $20 mile 367.3

Los Angeles, California

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+12139082400

Visit website

Jurassic Magic Coffee

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour $1 to $10 mile 367.3

Los Angeles, California

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+12132639741

Visit website

Brot Coffee

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $10 to $20 mile 395.5

Orange, California

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+17146029894

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 197.8

Kettleman City, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 339

Stevenson Ranch, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EV Range Charging Station

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 197.8

Kettleman City, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333872643

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 395.5

Fullerton, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 169.5

Coalinga, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 395.5

Fullerton, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Around the midpoint, short detour

2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 169.5

Coalinga, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 339

Valencia, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Willow Pass Community Park

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Concord, California

Hours: 7:30 am–9:30 pm

+19256713423

Visit website

Disneyland Railroad - Main Street Station

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 395.5

Anaheim, California

Hours: 8 am–12 pm

+17147814636

Visit website

Mission Escape Games

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 395.5

Anaheim, California

Hours: 11 am–12 pm

+16572345625

Visit website

Animation Academy

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 395.5

Anaheim, CA

Hours: 9 am–7:30 pm

+17147814636

Visit website

60out Escape Rooms - Silver Lake

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 367.3

Los Angeles, California

Hours: 10 am–10:30 pm

+13233733101

Visit website

Vista Hermosa Natural Park, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 367.3

Los Angeles, California

Visit website

Infinity Escape

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 395.5

Fullerton, California

Hours: 2:30–11 pm

+16572352578

Visit website

Los Angeles Plaza Park

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 367.3

Los Angeles, California

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12134855572

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 25

5 decision points cluster between mile 0.1 and 371.7 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | Salvio Street

Turn left onto Salvio Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane.
8
22.5 mi into trip | ~27m in

Take the exit toward I 580 East: Livermore, Stockton

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 30A Toward I 580 East: Livermore, Stockton
8
22.7 mi into trip | ~27m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 580 East: Livermore, Stockton

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 580 East: Livermore, Stockton
8
346.7 mi into trip | ~6h 22m in | I 5 Truck

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck toward I 405 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 158 Toward I 405 South
8
371.7 mi into trip | ~6h 52m in | I 5 / Golden State Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 / Golden State Freeway toward CA 60 East, I 5 South: Pomona, Soto Street, Santa Ana

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / straight lanes. Toward CA 60 East, I 5 South: Pomona, Soto Stre...

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$90.90 one way

$181.81 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 138 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $93.67 $187.35
premium $6.18 $96.18 $192.36
diesel $5.61 $87.32 $174.64

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$91

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$116–$141

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 138.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $42 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 118.6 1 $41.53 $18.98
Efficient EV 98.9 1 $34.61 $15.82
EV Truck/SUV 158.2 1 $55.37 $25.31

Gas CO2

138 kg

EV CO2

46 kg (67% 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 16, 2026

Origin

Concord, CA

Evening in Concord on Sunday

Local time

5:06 PM

PDT

Current temp

66°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Anaheim, CA

Evening in Anaheim on Sunday

Local time

5:06 PM

PDT

Current temp

74°F

Partly Sunny

SW 0 to 10 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Freeze Warning

Freeze Warning issued April 16 at 8:38AM PDT until April 16 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS Eureka CA

Freeze Warning

Freeze Warning issued April 16 at 8:38AM PDT until April 16 at 9:00AM PDT by NWS Eureka CA

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.

Temperature spread

8 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

7h 22m 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.

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

National Memorial

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...

5 mi from route ~14 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park

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...

19 mi from route ~46 min detour Free
View on nps.gov
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

The Santa Monica Mountains offer easy access to surprisingly wild places. Experience the famous beaches of Malibu or explore more than 500 miles of trails. The park abounds with historical and cultura...

22 mi from route ~54 min detour Free near mile 341
View on nps.gov
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

23 mi from route ~59 min detour Free near mile 13.6
View on nps.gov
César E. Chávez National Monument

César E. Chávez National Monument

National Monument

Yes, we can! Widely recognized as the most important Latino leader in the United States during the twentieth century, Cesar Chavez led farm workers and supporters in the establishment of the country's...

27 mi from route ~68 min detour Free near mile 286.4
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

This highway-focused drive, covering 94% on freeways, offers a direct and efficient transit. You'll spend a significant amount of time on major arteries such as the Westside Freeway and the Santa Ana Freeway. The longest uninterrupted stretch measures 224.4 miles, primarily on the Westside Freeway, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. While largely a freeway experience, the transition between these major roads is generally smooth, maintaining a brisk pace for most of the 395.5 miles.

94% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 224.4 mi on Westside Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and I 5 Truck. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Salvio Street.

Driving Effort 9/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 25 significant decision points across 395.5 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 0.1 miles (Salvio Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 22.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.7 miles: 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 Concord, CA and Anaheim, CA, road signs point toward Stockton and Santa Ana.

Stockton

22.5 mi in | ~27m

Santa Ana

371.7 mi in | ~6h 52m | via I 5

About the Cities

Starting in Concord, CA

Full guide →

Concord is a residential and business city in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in the state of California.

Arriving in Anaheim, CA

Full guide →

Founded 1857

Anaheim is a city in Orange County, California. It is best known for being the home of Disneyland. Its second claim to fame is hosting the National Hockey League's Anaheim Ducks and Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Angels.

Top landmarks

  • Disneyland — American theme park in California owned by The Walt Disney Company
  • Disney California Adventure — theme park in California, part of Disneyland Resort
  • Soarin' — flight motion simulator attraction at Disney parks

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 22m. Total distance: 395.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 22m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 224.4 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 Anaheim, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.

The main spots that need attention: at 0.1 miles (Salvio Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 22.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 22.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Yes — Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (5 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.4 hours each way, a round trip means 14.8 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Anaheim, CA before the return drive.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Explore more options from Concord, CA or browse trips ending in Anaheim, CA.

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