Fontana, CA to La Quinta, CA is 86.8 miles and takes about 2 hours 21 minutes via the Foothill Freeway, Ronald Reagan Freeway, and Golden State Freeway, with a fuel budget near $20 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This is a straightforward drive connecting two points within the Pacific Coast region of California. Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of your journey. Given its relatively short distance and manageable duration, this route is ideal for a single-day trip, allowing for easy planning and minimal disruption to your schedule.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
43.4 miles from Fontana, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 51m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Foothill Freeway
41.6 mi
48m
Ronald Reagan Freeway
13.7 mi
15m
Golden State Freeway
11.9 mi
13m
Ventura Freeway
8 mi
9m
Las Llajas Canyon Trail
4.3 mi
41m
Sierra Avenue
3 mi
4m
Yosemite Avenue
1.2 mi
2m
Evening Sky Drive
0.5 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Foothill Freeway
— 41.6 mi, about 48m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fontana, CA and La Quinta, CA.
1
Start on Merrill Avenue
205 ft·6 sec·Merrill Avenue
2
Turn right onto Sierra Avenue
3.0 mi·4 min·Sierra Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward CA 210 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Merge onto CA 210
15 mi·17 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.2 mi·1 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
2.4 mi·2 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.4 mi·1 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.8 mi·2 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
20 mi·23 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 134
6.4 mi·7 min·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 134
1.1 mi·1 min·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 134
0.5 mi·36 sec·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·24 sec
Toward I 5: Golden State Freeway, Los Angeles, SacramentoUse the slight right lane.
14
Keep slight right at fork
323 ft·4 sec
Toward I 5 North, CA 134 West: Golden State Freeway, Sacramento, Ventura Freeway, Ventura, Zoo DriveUse the straight / slight left lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·33 sec
Toward I 5 North: Golden State Freeway, Sacramento
16
Merge onto I 5
12 mi·13 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Take the exit
0.1 mi·9 sec
Exit 156AToward CA 118 West, CA 118 EastUse the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.8 mi·58 sec
Toward CA 118 West
19
Merge onto CA 118
0.5 mi·34 sec·Ronald Reagan Freeway
20
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 118
1.8 mi·2 min·Ronald Reagan Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 118
1.0 mi·1 min·Ronald Reagan Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 118
1.9 mi·2 min·Ronald Reagan Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 118
1.2 mi·1 min·Ronald Reagan Freeway
24
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 118
1.9 mi·2 min·Ronald Reagan Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 118
5.3 mi·6 min·Ronald Reagan Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 29Toward Yosemite AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Turn right onto Yosemite Avenue
1.2 mi·2 min·Yosemite Avenue
28
Turn right onto Evening Sky Drive
0.5 mi·2 min·Evening Sky Drive
29
Turn left onto Las Llajas Canyon Trail
420 ft·31 sec·Las Llajas Canyon Trail
30
Continue on Las Llajas Canyon Trail
4.2 mi·40 min·Las Llajas Canyon Trail
31
Arrive at destination
Las Llajas Canyon Trail
Trip Plan
With a total drive time of just over two hours, this is a perfect candidate for a same-day trip, giving you flexibility on when to depart. Aim to leave in the morning to maximize your daylight hours and avoid potential afternoon traffic. The fuel cost is estimated at $20, so ensure your tank is adequately filled before you set off, as extensive services might not be immediately available for the entire 41.6-mile stretch on the Foothill Freeway. There are no specific stops recommended, so you can decide on breaks based on your personal needs.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 43.4 miles from Fontana, CA, or about 51m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.6 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 19 miles or 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 43.4 miles or 51m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 26m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near La Quinta, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fontana, 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 Fontana, CA
This is one driving day of about 86.8 miles and 2h 21m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Fontana, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Foothill Freeway for about 41.6 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 28
5 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 80.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip|~0m in|Sierra Avenue
Turn right onto Sierra Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
53 mi into trip|~1h 2m in
Take the exit toward I 5: Golden State Freeway, Los Angeles, Sacramento
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward I 5: Golden State Freeway, Los Angeles,...
8
53.3 mi into trip|~1h 3m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 5 North, CA 134 West: Golden State Freeway, Sacramento, Ventura Freeway, Ventura, Zoo Drive
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
Toward I 5 North, CA 134 West: Golden State Fre...
8
65.7 mi into trip|~1h 17m in
Take the exit toward CA 118 West, CA 118 East
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 156A
Toward CA 118 West, CA 118 East
7
80.5 mi into trip|~1h 34m in
Take the exit toward Yosemite Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 29
Toward Yosemite Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.95 one way
$39.90 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg30 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$20.56
$41.12
premium
$6.18
$21.11
$42.22
diesel
$5.61
$19.16
$38.33
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$20
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$45–$70
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 30.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
26
0
$9.11
$4.17
Efficient EV
21.7
0
$7.59
$3.47
EV Truck/SUV
34.7
0
$12.15
$5.56
Gas CO2
30 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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
Fontana, CA
Late night
in Fontana on Sunday
Local time
12:58 AM
PDT
Current temp
76°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
La Quinta, CA
Late night
in La Quinta on Sunday
Local time
12:58 AM
PDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
7 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
2h 21m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
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.
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...
14 mi from route
~35 min detour
Free
near mile 80.8
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is primarily a highway-focused drive, with 87% of the journey taking place on major freeways. You'll experience an 87% highway share, meaning most of your time will be spent on fast-moving roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 41.6 miles on the Foothill Freeway. The character of the drive remains consistent, largely consisting of freeway travel that facilitates efficient movement between your starting and ending points.
87% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
31 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 41.6 mi on Foothill Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Foothill Freeway and Ronald Reagan Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Sierra Avenue.
Driving Effort10/10
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 28 significant decision points across 86.8 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: near the start (Sierra Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 53 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 53.3 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 Fontana, CA and La Quinta, CA, road signs point toward Los Angeles, Sacramento and Ventura.
La Quinta is a city in Riverside County in Southern California. It is a desert resort city about 30 minutes southeast of Palm Springs. La Quinta is one of the nation's leading golf destinations, having 28 golf courses within the city limits. Tourism is centered primarily on golf, hiking in the surrounding mountains, relaxing at the historic La Quinta Resort, and shopping and dining in the Village.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 21m. Total distance: 86.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 21m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (87%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 41.6 miles on Foothill Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
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 La Quinta, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Sierra Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 53 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 53.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at La Quinta, CA before heading back.
