This 136.2-mile drive from Glendale, CA to Chula Vista, CA is designed for a single day, taking approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. You'll primarily be on the San Diego Freeway, Santa Ana Freeway, and Jacob Dekema Freeway, with 93% of the journey on highways. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $31, making it a budget-friendly option. The route stays within the Pacific Coast region, offering a straightforward drive down the California coast. This highway-focused experience is well-suited for a day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
68.1 miles from Glendale, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 23m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
San Diego Freeway
62.4 mi
1h 13m
Santa Ana Freeway
35 mi
40m
Jacob Dekema Freeway
18.6 mi
21m
Golden State Freeway
10 mi
12m
Walnut Avenue
2.2 mi
4m
4th Avenue
0.9 mi
1m
West Colorado Street
0.7 mi
1m
Colorado Street Freeway Extension
0.6 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
San Diego Freeway
— 62.4 mi, about 1h 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Glendale, CA and Chula Vista, CA.
1
Start on South Brand Boulevard
43 ft·3 sec·South Brand Boulevard
2
Turn right
211 ft·20 sec
3
Turn left onto West Colorado Street
0.7 mi·1 min·West Colorado Street
4
Turn left onto Colorado Street Freeway Extension
0.6 mi·38 sec·Colorado Street Freeway Extension
Toward I 5Use the left lane.
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.3 mi·37 sec
Toward I 5 South: Los Angeles
6
Merge onto I 5
8.7 mi·10 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
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 AnaUse the slight left / straight lanes.
8
Merge onto I 5
26 mi·30 min·Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
0.2 mi·16 sec·Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit
0.8 mi·57 sec
Toward Broadway, Main Street, Santa AnaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi·10 sec
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·12 sec
Toward I 5 South
13
Merge onto I 5
0.8 mi·54 sec·Santa Ana Freeway
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
0.8 mi·52 sec·Santa Ana Freeway
15
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
1.2 mi·1 min·Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.7 mi·1 min
Exit 102Toward Newport AvenueUse the slight right lane.
17
Turn right onto Newport Avenue
0.4 mi·44 sec·Newport Avenue
Use the right lane.
18
Turn left onto Walnut Avenue
2.2 mi·4 min·Walnut Avenue
19
Turn left onto Jamboree Road
0.5 mi·37 sec·Jamboree Road
Toward CA 261 Toll North: Jamboree Road, RiversideUse the left lane.
20
Take the exit
0.3 mi·21 sec
Toward I 5 South
21
Merge onto I 5
5.5 mi·6 min·Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
0.8 mi·55 sec·Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Merge onto I 5
62 mi·1 hr 13 min·San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.8 mi·54 sec
Exit 31
25
Continue on I 805
19 mi·21 min·Jacob Dekema Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Exit 9Toward CA 54 East, CA 54 WestUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·39 sec
Toward CA 54 WestUse the slight right lane.
28
Merge onto CA 54
0.4 mi·27 sec·South Bay Freeway
29
Take the exit
0.3 mi·43 sec
Exit 1DToward Highland Avenue, 4th AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Turn left onto Highland Avenue
0.3 mi·30 sec·Highland Avenue
Use the left lane.
31
Continue on 4th Avenue
0.9 mi·1 min·4th Avenue
32
Turn right onto F Street
322 ft·33 sec·F Street
33
Continue on F Street
272 ft·5 sec·F Street
34
Arrive at destination
F Street
Trip Plan
Given the 2 hour and 45 minute duration and 136.2-mile distance, this trip is easily manageable in a single day. Aim to depart in the morning to avoid the worst of any potential traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the $31 estimated cost suggests a steady consumption. The longest stretch without a major exit is 62.4 miles on the San Diego Freeway, so plan your breaks accordingly before entering this segment.
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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 68.1 miles from Glendale, CA, or about 1h 23m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 62.4 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 30 miles or 36m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 68.1 miles or 1h 23m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 14m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Chula Vista, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Glendale, 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 Glendale, CA
This is one driving day of about 136.2 miles and 2h 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 30 miles from Glendale, 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 San Diego Freeway for about 62.4 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 30
5 decision points cluster between mile 10.3 and 134.6 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
10.3 mi into trip|~13m 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...
8
44.7 mi into trip|~56m in|Jamboree Road
Turn left onto Jamboree Road toward CA 261 Toll North: Jamboree Road, Riverside
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward CA 261 Toll North: Jamboree Road, Rivers...
8
133.6 mi into trip|~2h 40m in
Take the exit toward CA 54 East, CA 54 West
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 9
Toward CA 54 East, CA 54 West
8
133.9 mi into trip|~2h 40m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CA 54 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward CA 54 West
8
134.6 mi into trip|~2h 41m in
Take the exit toward Highland Avenue, 4th 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 1D
Toward Highland Avenue, 4th Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$31.30 one way
$62.61 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg48 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$32.26
$64.52
premium
$6.18
$33.12
$66.24
diesel
$5.61
$30.07
$60.14
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$31
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$56–$81
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 47.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $14 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
40.9
0
$14.30
$6.54
Efficient EV
34.1
0
$11.92
$5.45
EV Truck/SUV
54.5
0
$19.07
$8.72
Gas CO2
48 kg
EV CO2
16 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 19, 2026
Origin
Glendale, CA
Morning
in Glendale on Tuesday
Local time
7:03 AM
PDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Chula Vista, CA
Morning
in Chula Vista on Tuesday
Local time
7:03 AM
PDT
Current temp
57°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
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
2h 45m 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.
Cabrillo National Monument
National Monument
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo climbed out of his boat and onto shore, becoming the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. Cabrillo National Monument not only...
9 mi from route
~22 min detour
$20
near mile 131.5
Park Closure: Park Auditorium Closed Until Further Notice
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive, as 93% of this route utilizes major freeways. You'll spend a significant amount of time on the San Diego Freeway, Santa Ana Freeway, and Jacob Dekema Freeway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 62.4 miles on the San Diego Freeway. This means much of your journey will involve consistent speeds and limited opportunities for spontaneous stops, making it an efficient, albeit less varied, driving experience.
93% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
34 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 62.4 mi on San Diego Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on San Diego Freeway and Santa Ana Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 10.3 miles in near I 5 / Golden State Freeway.
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 30 significant decision points across 136.2 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 10.3 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.7 miles (Jamboree Road): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Glendale, CA and Chula Vista, CA, road signs point toward Santa Ana, Broadway and Riverside.
Glendale is a suburban city of 205,000 people (2019) in the southeastern corner of the San Fernando Valley of Southern California between Burbank and Downtown Los Angeles. Glendale has one of the largest communities of Armenian descent in the United States. In addition to central Glendale, this article covers the Crescenta Valley communities of La Crescenta, Montrose, Verdugo City, and the part of Glendale in the Crescenta Valley.
Top landmarks
•Forest Lawn Memorial Park — cemetery in Glendale, California
•Glendale Transportation Center — railway station
•Grand Central Airport — airport in Glendale, Los Angeles
Chula Vista is a large city in San Diego County in Southern California. It was a farming and dairy city in the early 20th century. By the early 21st century the city had grown tremendously with the addition of several prominent suburbs and business districts.
=== Understand ===
Chula Vista Convention & Visitors Bureau website
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 45m. Total distance: 136.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 45m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (93%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 62.4 miles on San Diego 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 Chula Vista, 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 10.3 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 44.7 miles (Jamboree Road): Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 133.6 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Cabrillo National Monument and 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 Chula Vista, CA before heading back.
