Fremont, CA to Moorpark, CA is 357.6 miles and takes about 6h 48m via Westside Freeway and I 5 Truck, with a fuel budget near $81 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within California, traversing the Pacific Coast region. With 86% of the drive on highways, expect a fairly direct path, though the 6h 48m estimated duration suggests some potential for traffic, especially near urban areas. This is a solid one-day drive if you're looking to cover ground efficiently.
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
178.8 miles from Fremont, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 25m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
181.1 mi
3h 14m
I 5 Truck
59 mi
1h 7m
Pacheco Pass Highway
40.6 mi
50m
Bayshore Freeway
32.3 mi
37m
Ronald Reagan Freeway
21.7 mi
24m
Nimitz Freeway
13.3 mi
15m
Balboa Boulevard
2.8 mi
5m
Mowry Avenue
1.6 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 181.1 mi, about 3h 14m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 138 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~1,524 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,324
Quietest
2 AM
~316 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
4.8×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a6anoon6p11p
Averaged across 44 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fremont, CA and Moorpark, CA.
1
Start on Mowry Avenue
109 ft·4 sec·Mowry Avenue
2
Continue on Mowry Avenue
1.4 mi·3 min·Mowry Avenue
Use the left lane.
3
Continue on Mowry Avenue
0.2 mi·23 sec·Mowry Avenue
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward I 880 South: San JoseUse the right lane.
5
Merge onto I 880
13 mi·15 min·Nimitz Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.1 mi·34 sec
Toward US 101 South: Los AngelesUse the straight / right lanes.
7
Merge onto US 101
32 mi·37 min·Bayshore Freeway
Use the straight / right lanes.
8
Take the exit onto CA 152
0.3 mi·39 sec·CA 152
Toward CA 152 East: 10th Street, Pacheco Pass Road
9
Turn left onto CA 152
353 ft·12 sec·East 10th Street
10
Continue on CA 152
41 mi·50 min·Pacheco Pass Highway
11
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5: Los Angeles
12
Merge onto I 5
181 mi·3 hr 14 min·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
58 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
0.6 mi·39 sec·I 5 Truck
Toward CA 14: Truck Route I 5Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·40 sec
Toward Sierra HighwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn right onto US 6 Hist
359 ft·11 sec·Sierra Highway
Use the right lane.
17
At end of road, turn left onto US 6 Hist
1.1 mi·1 min·San Fernando Road
Use the left / right lanes.
18
Turn right onto Balboa Road
0.2 mi·34 sec·Balboa Road
Use the right lane.
19
Turn straight onto Balboa Boulevard
2.8 mi·5 min·Balboa Boulevard
20
Take the ramp
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward CA 118 WestUse the right lane.
21
Merge onto CA 118
1.8 mi·2 min·Ronald Reagan Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 118
1.2 mi·1 min·Ronald Reagan Freeway
23
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 118
1.9 mi·2 min·Ronald Reagan Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 118
17 mi·19 min·Ronald Reagan Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Take the exit onto CA 118
1.3 mi·2 min·CA 118
Exit 18BToward CA 23 North, CA 118 West: Los Angeles AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Turn right onto CA 23
0.5 mi·1 min·Moorpark Avenue
Use the right lane.
27
Arrive at destination
CA 23
Trip Plan
This 357.6-mile drive is easily manageable in a single day, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Leaving Fremont in the morning, before typical rush hour, is advisable to maximize your time on the road. The estimated 6h 48m duration doesn't account for stops, so plan for at least one break. Given the $81 fuel cost estimate, it's wise to fill up before leaving Fremont, as services can be more spread out on certain highway sections. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, particularly as you get closer to the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
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 178.8 miles from Fremont, CA, or about 3h 25m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 181.1 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 79 miles or 1h 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 178.8 miles or 3h 25m 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 34m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Moorpark, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fremont, 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 Fremont, CA
This is one driving day of about 357.6 miles and 6h 48m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 79 miles from Fremont, 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 181.1 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 21
5 decision points cluster between mile 1.6 and 355.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
1.6 mi into trip|~3m in
Take the ramp toward I 880 South: San Jose
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward I 880 South: San Jose
7
15.2 mi into trip|~19m in
Take the exit toward US 101 South: Los Angeles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward US 101 South: Los Angeles
7
328.7 mi into trip|~6h 10m in|I 5 Truck
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck toward CA 14: Truck Route I 5
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward CA 14: Truck Route I 5
7
333.8 mi into trip|~6h 19m in
Take the ramp toward CA 118 West
Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward CA 118 West
8
355.8 mi into trip|~6h 45m in|CA 118
Take the exit onto CA 118 toward CA 23 North, CA 118 West: Los Angeles Avenue
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 18B
Toward CA 23 North, CA 118 West: Los Angeles Av...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$74.81 one way
$149.63 round trip
$5.31/gal25.4 MPG avg125 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.52
$77.70
$155.40
premium
$5.67
$79.76
$159.51
diesel
$4.80
$67.52
$135.04
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$75
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$100–$125
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 125.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $38 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
107.3
1
$37.55
$17.16
Efficient EV
89.4
1
$31.29
$14.30
EV Truck/SUV
143
1
$50.06
$22.89
Gas CO2
125 kg
EV CO2
42 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 Jul 19, 2026
Origin
Fremont, CA
Morning
in Fremont on Tuesday
Local time
8:13 AM
PDT
Current temp
78°F
Partly Sunny
NW 9 mph2% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 19 at 11:41AM PDT until July 20 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 19 at 11:24AM PDT until July 21 at 5:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Destination
Moorpark, CA
Morning
in Moorpark on Tuesday
Local time
8:13 AM
PDT
Current temp
83°F
Sunny
WSW 10 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Flood Watch
Flood Watch issued July 19 at 11:41AM PDT until July 20 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
Beach Hazards Statement
Beach Hazards Statement issued July 19 at 11:24AM PDT until July 21 at 5:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard 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
5 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
6h 48m 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.
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
~34 min detour
Free
near mile 345.2
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
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 271.3
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
You'll spend the vast majority of your time on the highway, with 86% of the 357.6 miles on major freeways like the Westside Freeway and I 5 Truck. Your longest continuous stretch on a highway will be 181.1 miles on the Westside Freeway. Expect a consistent cruising experience for much of the trip, transitioning to surface roads for the final segments as you approach your destination.
86% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
27 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 181.1 mi on Westside Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 1.6 miles in.
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 21 significant decision points across 357.6 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 1.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 15.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 328.7 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes
3,070 ft55 ft
Total Climb
3,671 ft
Total Descent
3,211 ft
Highest Point
3,070 ft
~280.9 mi in
Elevation Range
3,015 ft
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Fremont, CA to Moorpark, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Sierra Highway along the way.
Sierra Highway
329.3 mi in|~6h 11m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Fremont is a suburban city in the southern part of the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area; it is the 4th largest city in the Bay Area by population. Fremont is in the southern part of Alameda County, California, between Union City to the north, Sunol and the hills to the east, Milpitas and Santa Clara County to the south, and the San Francisco Bay to the west. The city of Newark, near the edge of the Bay, is surrounded by the city of Fremont.
Fremont industry is not particularly large relative to other parts of the Bay Area, but neither is it a bedroom community. Many people in Fremont work locally in the electronics and high-tech industry, while many others commute to Silicon Valley or San Francisco locations for work.
Top landmarks
•Mission San José — 18th-century Spanish mission in Fremont, California
•Ardenwood Historic Farm — human settlement in California, United States of America
•Niles Depot Museum — railway museum in Niles, California
Simi Valley is in Ventura County in Southern California. There isn't much in this Los Angeles suburb but it's possible to drive to many destinations in Southern California within an hour such as Disneyland, Hollywood and Downtown LA.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 48m. Total distance: 357.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 48m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 181.1 miles on Westside Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 25 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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 Moorpark, 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. There are 25 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 15.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 328.7 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, César E. Chávez National Monument and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.8 hours each way, a round trip means 13.6 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Moorpark, CA before the return drive.
