Fremont, CA to Willowbrook, CA is 368.2 miles and takes about 6h 58m via Westside Freeway and I 5 Truck, with a fuel budget near $77 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This route stays within California, traversing the Pacific Coast region for both its start and end points. It's primarily a highway drive, making it a straightforward option if you're looking to cover ground efficiently. You'll spend most of your time on well-traveled freeways, so plan for typical traffic conditions associated with these types of roads.
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
184.1 miles from Fremont, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 31m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
181.1 mi
3h 14m
I 5 Truck
58.6 mi
1h 7m
Pacheco Pass Highway
40.6 mi
50m
Bayshore Freeway
32.3 mi
37m
I 405 Truck
23 mi
26m
Nimitz Freeway
13.3 mi
15m
Century Freeway
6 mi
6m
Golden State Freeway
4.1 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 181.1 mi, about 3h 14m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 154 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~2,024 veh/hr typical
· worst 2,763
Quietest
2 AM
~371 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.5×
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 Willowbrook, 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 left at fork onto I 5
4.1 mi·4 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 5 Truck
Exit 158Toward I 405 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405 Truck
23 mi·26 min·I 405 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 405
4.1 mi·4 min·San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·31 sec
Exit 45Toward I 105 East, I 105 West: Norwalk, El SegundoUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi·1 min
Toward I 105 East: NorwalkUse the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 105
4.6 mi·5 min·Century Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 105
1.3 mi·1 min·Century Freeway
22
Take the exit
0.3 mi·47 sec
Exit 9Toward Central AvenueUse the slight right lane.
23
Turn right onto South Central Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·South Central Avenue
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
24
Turn right
199 ft·14 sec
25
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 58m estimated drive time and 368.2 miles, leaving in the morning is advisable to complete the trip within daylight hours. The $77 fuel estimate is helpful for budgeting, and you'll want to ensure you have adequate gas before embarking on the longest stretch of 181.1 miles on the Westside Freeway. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in planning your break, but consider timing it around the midpoint of your drive. Pay attention to traffic patterns, especially as you approach 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 184.1 miles from Fremont, CA, or about 3h 31m 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 81 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 184.1 miles or 3h 31m 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 47m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Willowbrook, 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 368.2 miles and 6h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 81 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 15.2 and 367.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
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
8
332.8 mi into trip|~6h 15m 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
360 mi into trip|~6h 46m in
Take the exit toward I 105 East, I 105 West: Norwalk, El Segundo
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 45
Toward I 105 East, I 105 West: Norwalk, El Segu...
7
360.3 mi into trip|~6h 47m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 105 East: Norwalk
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 105 East: Norwalk
7
367.1 mi into trip|~6h 56m in
Take the exit toward Central Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 9
Toward Central Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$77.03 one way
$154.06 round trip
$5.31/gal25.4 MPG avg129 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$5.52
$80.00
$160.01
premium
$5.67
$82.12
$164.24
diesel
$4.80
$69.52
$139.05
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$77
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$102–$127
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 128.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $39 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
110.5
1
$38.66
$17.67
Efficient EV
92.1
1
$32.22
$14.73
EV Truck/SUV
147.3
1
$51.55
$23.56
Gas CO2
129 kg
EV CO2
43 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 Jul 13, 2026
Origin
Fremont, CA
Evening
in Fremont on Monday
Local time
6:02 PM
PDT
Current temp
65°F
Mostly Cloudy
NW 2 mph3% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 13 at 3:18AM PDT until July 14 at 10:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 13 at 3:18AM PDT until July 14 at 10:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Destination
Willowbrook, CA
Evening
in Willowbrook on Monday
Local time
6:02 PM
PDT
Current temp
68°F
Mostly Cloudy
WSW 0 to 5 mph7% chanceLive forecast
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 13 at 3:18AM PDT until July 14 at 10:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Heat Advisory
Heat Advisory issued July 13 at 3:18AM PDT until July 14 at 10:00AM 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
3 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 58m 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...
18 mi from route
~44 min detour
Free
near mile 342.9
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 266.7
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?
This trip is mostly highway, with 88% of the 368.2 miles on freeways. You'll encounter the longest stretch of continuous freeway driving on the Westside Freeway, covering 181.1 miles. Expect to transition from highway cruising to surface roads after this significant freeway segment. The sheer volume of highway miles suggests you'll experience consistent speeds and potentially urban merging as you approach your destination.
88% 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: 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 15.2 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 20 significant decision points across 368.2 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 15.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 332.8 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 360 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 58m. Total distance: 368.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 58m 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.
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 Willowbrook, 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 15.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 332.8 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 360 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
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 7.0 hours each way, a round trip means 14.0 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Willowbrook, CA before the return drive.
