Origin
Fontana, CA
Morning in Fontana on Tuesday
Local time
6:39 AM
PDT
Current temp
69°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fontana, CA to Tulare, CA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
4h 9m
Distance
219.5 mi
353 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$50
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
3h 56m
★
6 AM
4h 9m
8 AM
4h 35m
10 AM
4h 18m
12 PM
4h 16m
3 PM
4h 20m
5 PM
4h 34m
8 PM
4h 1m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fontana, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Tulare, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Fontana, CA to Tulare, CA is 219.5 miles and takes about 4h 9m via Foothill Freeway and Golden State Freeway, with a fuel budget near $50 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within California's Pacific Coast region, primarily following major freeways. It's a straightforward trip that's well-suited for a single day of travel, especially if you're looking for an efficient way to get from the Inland Empire north into the Central Valley. You'll find it to be a practical route with minimal complexity, making it a good choice for those prioritizing speed and ease.
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
109.7 miles from Fontana, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 8m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Foothill Freeway | 67.2 mi | 1h 17m |
| Golden State Freeway | 55.6 mi | 1h 1m |
| Golden State Highway | 54.5 mi | 58m |
| I 5 Truck | 37.1 mi | 42m |
| Sierra Avenue | 3 mi | 4m |
| East Tulare Avenue | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| Merrill Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| South J Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Foothill Freeway
— 67.2 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fontana, CA and Tulare, 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 West
Use 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 right at fork onto I 210
26 mi
·
29 min
·
Foothill Freeway
Exit 26A
Toward I 210 West: Sacramento
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi
·
9 sec
Use the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 5 Truck
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
I 5 Truck
Exit 161A
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
36 mi
·
41 min
·
I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99
27 mi
·
30 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99
6.0 mi
·
6 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on CA 99
55 mi
·
58 min
·
Golden State Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
Exit 87
Toward CA 137: Tulare Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn left onto CA 137
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East Tulare Avenue
20
Turn left onto South J Street
54 ft
·
1 sec
·
South J Street
21
Arrive at destination
South J Street
Trip Plan
Given the 4h 9m duration, leaving Fontana in the morning is ideal to ensure you arrive in Tulare with ample daylight. With only one recommended stop and a fuel cost estimated at $50, this route offers flexibility; you can choose to depart early and make good time. Keep an eye on the dense exits as you approach and leave urban areas, as they can be frequent. The longest stretch of 67.2 miles on the Foothill Freeway means you can settle in for a good period of cruising, so ensure you have any snacks or audio entertainment ready before you hit that segment.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 109.7 miles from Fontana, CA, or about 2h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67.2 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 48 miles or 57m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 109.7 miles or 2h 8m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 3h 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Tulare, 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 219.5 miles and 4h 9m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 48 miles from Fontana, 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 Foothill Freeway for about 67.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
110 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
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 48 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 109.7 miles from Fontana, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Foothill Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67.2 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 175 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 218.1 — 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.
6
18.2 mi into trip
|
~22m in
|
CA 210 / Foothill Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210 / Foothill Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
19.4 mi into trip
|
~24m in
|
CA 210 / Foothill Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210 / Foothill Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
45 mi into trip
|
~53m in
|
I 210 / Foothill Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210 / Foothill Freeway toward I 210 West: Sacramento
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 26A
Toward I 210 West: Sacramento
7
218.1 mi into trip
|
~4h 6m in
Take the exit toward CA 137: Tulare Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 87
Toward CA 137: Tulare Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$50.45 one way
$100.90 round trip
$5.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
77 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.02 | $51.99 | $103.98 |
| premium | $6.18 | $53.38 | $106.76 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $48.46 | $96.93 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$50
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$75–$100
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 76.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $23 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 65.9 | 0 | $23.05 | $10.54 |
| Efficient EV | 54.9 | 0 | $19.21 | $8.78 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 87.8 | 1 | $30.73 | $14.05 |
Gas CO2
77 kg
EV CO2
26 kg (66% less)
Plan for 0 charging stops, roughly every 270 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes per stop at a DC fast charger.
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.
Destination
Tulare, CA
Morning in Tulare on Tuesday
Local time
6:39 AM
PDT
Current temp
51°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
18 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
4h 9m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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...
22 mi from route
~56 min detour
Free
near mile 75.7
View on nps.gov
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...
25 mi from route
~63 min detour
Free
near mile 143.8
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend about 73% of this 219.5-mile drive on the highway, with the longest continuous stretch on the Foothill Freeway covering 67.2 miles. The majority of the route is on freeways like the Golden State Freeway, suggesting a consistent cruising experience with frequent exits. Expect a mostly highway profile until you transition to surface roads for the remaining 27% of the trip. This means you'll encounter urban merging and a steady flow of traffic for a significant portion of your drive.
73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 67.2 mi on Foothill Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Foothill Freeway and Golden State 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 Effort
8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 219.5 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: near the start (Sierra Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.2 miles (CA 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.4 miles (CA 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,479 ft
259 ft
Total Climb
3,492 ft
Total Descent
4,451 ft
Highest Point
3,479 ft
~109.7 mi in
Elevation Range
3,220 ft
Notable High Points
3,479 ft at ~109.7 miles
+619 ft prominence
About the Cities
Starting in Fontana, CA
Full guide →Fontana is a city in San Bernardino County in Southern California.
Arriving in Tulare, CA
Full guide →Founded 1872
Tulare is a city in Tulare County in California's San Joaquin Valley.
Top landmarks
- • Tulare Union High School — high school in Tulare, California
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 4h 9m. Total distance: 219.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
4h 9m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 67.2 miles on Foothill 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 Tulare, 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: near the start (Sierra Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.2 miles (CA 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.4 miles (CA 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Possible but tiring. At 4.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 8.3 hours — manageable with a long break at Tulare, CA, but most travelers stay overnight.
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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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