Greenfield, CA to Fontana, CA is 313.8 miles and takes about 6h 2m via Foothill Freeway and I 5 Truck, with a fuel budget near $72 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip is a straightforward drive connecting two points within California, primarily traversing the state's interior. Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of the journey, making it a practical option for a single-day transit. With a recommended one-day duration, you can comfortably reach your destination without needing an overnight stay. This route is best suited for travelers prioritizing directness over extensive sightseeing.
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
156.9 miles from Greenfield, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 2m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Foothill Freeway
67 mi
1h 17m
El Camino Real
61.9 mi
1h 11m
I 5 Truck
58.4 mi
1h 6m
Westside Freeway
56.8 mi
1h
Paso Robles Highway
32.3 mi
38m
CA 46
24.5 mi
28m
Antelope Road
5.3 mi
6m
Sierra Avenue
3 mi
4m
Longest stretch:
Foothill Freeway
— 67 mi, about 1h 17m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Greenfield, CA and Fontana, CA.
1
Start on Oak Avenue
96 ft·4 sec·Oak Avenue
2
Turn right onto El Camino Real
0.8 mi·1 min·El Camino Real
3
Take the ramp
418 ft·10 sec
4
Merge onto US 101
61 mi·1 hr 10 min·El Camino Real
5
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward CA 46 East: Fresno, Bakersfield
6
Turn left onto CA 46
24 mi·28 min·CA 46
Use the straight / left lanes.
7
Merge onto CA 41; CA 46
1.4 mi·1 min·CA 41; CA 46
8
Turn slight right
490 ft·6 sec
9
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 46
5.3 mi·6 min·Antelope Road
10
Continue on CA 46
32 mi·38 min·Paso Robles Highway
Use the slight left lane.
11
Take the exit
0.4 mi·24 sec
12
Merge onto I 5
57 mi·1 hr·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
2.0 mi·2 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.3 mi·17 sec
Exit 161AToward I 210 East: PasadenaUse the slight right lane.
16
Continue on I 210
24 mi·28 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210
19 mi·22 min·Foothill Freeway
Toward CA 134 West, I 210 East: San Bernardino, VenturaUse the slight right lane.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210
2.9 mi·3 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.4 mi·1 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.2 mi·1 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.8 mi·2 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
16 mi·18 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Exit 67Toward Sierra AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Turn right onto Sierra Avenue
3.0 mi·4 min·Sierra Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
25
Turn left onto Merrill Avenue
205 ft·4 sec·Merrill Avenue
Use the left lane.
26
Arrive at destination
Merrill Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 6h 2m estimated drive time, departing Greenfield, CA in the morning will allow you to arrive in Fontana, CA well before evening. You'll encounter just one recommended stop, so plan your breaks strategically, perhaps around the halfway point or before tackling the longest stretch. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially when transitioning between highways, as service areas might be spaced out. With a drive of this length and character, you have the flexibility to adjust your schedule on the fly. The fuel cost estimate of $72 is a helpful budget marker for planning your expenses.
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 156.9 miles from Greenfield, CA, or about 3h 2m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 67 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 69 miles or 1h 20m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 156.9 miles or 3h 2m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 55m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fontana, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Greenfield, 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 Greenfield, CA
This is one driving day of about 313.8 miles and 6h 2m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 69 miles from Greenfield, 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 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 156.9 miles from Greenfield, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Foothill Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 67 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 20
5 decision points cluster between mile 182.9 and 310.5 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
182.9 mi into trip|~3h 30m in|I 5 Truck
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
241.3 mi into trip|~4h 37m in|I 5 / Golden State Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 / Golden State Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
243.3 mi into trip|~4h 39m in
Take the exit toward I 210 East: Pasadena
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 161A
Toward I 210 East: Pasadena
8
268 mi into trip|~5h 7m in|I 210 / Foothill Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210 / Foothill Freeway toward CA 134 West, I 210 East: San Bernardino, Ventura
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward CA 134 West, I 210 East: San Bernardino,...
7
310.5 mi into trip|~5h 56m in
Take the exit toward Sierra Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 67
Toward Sierra Avenue
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$72.12 one way
$144.25 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg110 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$74.32
$148.65
premium
$6.18
$76.31
$152.63
diesel
$5.61
$69.28
$138.57
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$72
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$97–$122
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 109.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
94.1
1
$32.95
$15.06
Efficient EV
78.5
0
$27.46
$12.55
EV Truck/SUV
125.5
1
$43.93
$20.08
Gas CO2
110 kg
EV CO2
37 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 Apr 17, 2026
Origin
Greenfield, CA
Morning
in Greenfield on Sunday
Local time
10:26 AM
PDT
Current temp
72°F
Sunny
NW 18 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Lake Wind Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 2:48PM PDT until April 16 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 2:48PM PDT until April 17 at 11:00AM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
Destination
Fontana, CA
Morning
in Fontana on Sunday
Local time
10:26 AM
PDT
Current temp
73°F
Partly Sunny
SW 10 to 15 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Lake Wind Advisory
Lake Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 2:48PM PDT until April 16 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 2:48PM PDT until April 17 at 11:00AM PDT by NWS Hanford 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
1 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 2m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route is predominantly a highway-focused drive, with 67% of the total mileage on freeways. You'll experience the longest uninterrupted stretch of 67 miles on the Foothill Freeway, offering a consistent pace. The drive largely follows major arteries like El Camino Real and I 5 Truck, which are designed for efficient travel. While primarily highway, you will encounter sections that transition between these main roads, providing a varied but still swift driving experience. Expect a steady journey conducive to covering ground quickly.
67% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
26 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 67 mi on Foothill Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
9/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Foothill Freeway and El Camino Real. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 182.9 miles in near I 5 Truck.
Driving Effort9/10
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 313.8 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: at 182.9 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 241.3 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 243.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Greenfield, CA and Fontana, CA, road signs point toward Bakersfield and Ventura.
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 2m. Total distance: 313.8 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 2m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 67 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 Fontana, 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 182.9 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 241.3 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 243.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Not recommended in a single day. At 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 12.1 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fontana, CA before the return drive.
