Spanning 84.3 miles, this trek from Lodi to San Francisco is a straightforward journey typically taking about 1 hour and 37 minutes. Because the drive is relatively short, it functions perfectly as a single-day trip, meaning you won't need to worry about overnight lodging. You can expect to budget roughly $20 for fuel, making this an economical excursion within the Pacific Coast region. Navigating this route involves a steady mix of local roads rather than major interstate corridors. Whether you are heading to the city for business or a quick getaway, the travel time remains manageable for most drivers. It is a practical connection between the Central Valley and the Bay Area that avoids the complexity of multi-day planning.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
42.1 miles from Lodi, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 58m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
West Kettleman Lane
22.3 mi
31m
CA 4
14.6 mi
16m
CA 160
13.4 mi
17m
CA 24
9.4 mi
11m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
6 mi
9m
CA 242
4.6 mi
4m
Grove Shafter Freeway
3.4 mi
4m
Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
3.2 mi
3m
Longest stretch:
West Kettleman Lane
— 22.3 mi, about 31m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lodi, CA and San Francisco, CA.
1
Start on South Sacramento Street
50 ft·11 sec·South Sacramento Street
2
Turn left onto West Lodi Avenue
0.4 mi·49 sec·West Lodi Avenue
3
Turn left onto South Hutchins Street
1.0 mi·1 min·South Hutchins Street
Use the left lane.
4
Turn right onto CA 12
22 mi·31 min·West Kettleman Lane
Use the straight lane.
5
Turn left onto CA 160
13 mi·16 min·CA 160
Use the left lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 160
0.8 mi·1 min·CA 160
Toward CA 4 WestUse the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto CA 4
15 mi·16 min·CA 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 242
4.6 mi·4 min·CA 242
Toward CA 242: Oakland, ConcordUse the slight right lane.
9
Merge onto I 680
3.2 mi·3 min·Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Take the exit onto CA 24
9.4 mi·11 min·CA 24
Exit 46AToward CA 24 West: Oakland, Lafayette, San FranciscoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 24
0.9 mi·1 min·Caldecott Tunnel
Use the slight right lane.
12
Continue on CA 24
3.4 mi·4 min·Grove Shafter Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit
0.4 mi·48 sec
Toward I 580 West, I 580 East: San Francisco, HaywardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·47 sec
Toward I 580 West: San FranciscoUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·29 sec
Toward I 580: San Francisco, SacramentoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Merge onto I 580
0.5 mi·32 sec·MacArthur Freeway
17
Take the exit
0.9 mi·1 min
Exit 19AToward I 80 West: San Francisco
18
Merge onto I 80
0.2 mi·17 sec·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Toward I 80 West: San FranciscoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Turn slight left onto I 80
0.4 mi·33 sec·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi·8 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the slight left lane.
21
Continue on I 80
0.3 mi·24 sec·Route 80
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
22
Continue on I 80
0.8 mi·1 min·Route 80
Exit 2AUse the straight / slight left lanes.
23
Continue on I 80
0.4 mi·32 sec·Route 80
Exit 1AUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi·38 sec
Exit 1BToward US 101 North: Golden Gate BridgeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Merge onto US 101
0.3 mi·25 sec·Central Freeway
26
Continue on Octavia Boulevard
0.5 mi·42 sec·Octavia Boulevard
Exit 434BToward Octavia Boulevard, Fell StreetUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Turn right onto Market Street
0.1 mi·31 sec·Market Street
Use the right lane.
28
Keep slight right at fork onto Market Street
0.2 mi·35 sec·Market Street
29
Arrive at destination
Market Street
Trip Plan
Since this is a compact 1 hour and 37 minute drive, you have plenty of flexibility regarding your departure time. However, because you are relying exclusively on local roads like West Kettleman Lane and South Hutchins Street, be mindful that traffic conditions on these arteries can fluctuate significantly compared to a major highway. You should fill up your tank before leaving Lodi to keep your $20 fuel budget on track, as local fueling options may vary along the way. With no formal stops planned, try to build in a break if you find the frequent turns tiring. A pro tip for this specific route is to double-check your navigation apps before heading out, as the reliance on local street sequences makes staying on the correct path essential for maintaining your estimated arrival time.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 42.1 miles from Lodi, CA, or about 58m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 22.3 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 19 miles or 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 42.1 miles or 58m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 33m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Francisco, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lodi, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lodi, CA
This is one driving day of about 84.3 miles and 1h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 19 miles from Lodi, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on West Kettleman Lane for about 22.3 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 24
5 decision points cluster between mile 36.3 and 82.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
36.3 mi into trip|~50m in|CA 160
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 160 toward CA 4 West
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward CA 4 West
8
51.6 mi into trip|~1h 9m in|CA 242
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 242 toward CA 242: Oakland, Concord
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward CA 242: Oakland, Concord
8
59.4 mi into trip|~1h 17m in|CA 24
Take the exit onto CA 24 toward CA 24 West: Oakland, Lafayette, San Francisco
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 46A
Toward CA 24 West: Oakland, Lafayette, San Fran...
8
73.8 mi into trip|~1h 36m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 580: San Francisco, Sacramento
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 580: San Francisco, Sacramento
8
82.9 mi into trip|~1h 50m in
Keep slight right at fork toward US 101 North: Golden Gate Bridge
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 1B
Toward US 101 North: Golden Gate Bridge
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$19.38 one way
$38.75 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg30 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$19.97
$39.93
premium
$6.18
$20.50
$41.00
diesel
$5.61
$18.61
$37.22
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$19
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$44–$69
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 29.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $9 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
25.3
0
$8.85
$4.05
Efficient EV
21.1
0
$7.38
$3.37
EV Truck/SUV
33.7
0
$11.80
$5.40
Gas CO2
29 kg
EV CO2
10 kg (66% 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 20, 2026
Origin
Lodi, CA
Late night
in Lodi on Tuesday
Local time
3:14 AM
PDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
San Francisco, CA
Late night
in San Francisco on Tuesday
Local time
3:14 AM
PDT
Current temp
46°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
5 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
1h 52m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
Expect a turn-heavy local drive rather than a monotonous interstate cruise, as this route features 0% highway share. Your journey relies on navigating West Lodi Avenue, South Hutchins Street, and West Kettleman Lane to make your way toward the coast. Because the path is entirely comprised of local roads, you will experience a more hands-on driving environment with constant adjustments rather than long, uninterrupted stretches. The personality of this trip is defined by its localized nature, requiring your full attention as you transition between these specific thoroughfares. Prepare for a steering-intensive experience that prioritizes local connectivity over high-speed transit.
56% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
29 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 22.3 mi on West Kettleman Lane.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 36.3 miles in near CA 160.
Driving Effort10/10
Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 84.3 miles you will encounter 24 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 36.3 miles (CA 160): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 51.6 miles (CA 242): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 59.4 miles (CA 24): 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 Lodi, CA and San Francisco, CA, road signs point toward Concord, Lafayette, Hayward and Sacramento.
The centerpiece of the Bay Area, San Francisco is one of the most visited cities in the world, and with good reason. The cultural center of northern California, San Francisco is renowned for its mixture of scenic beauty and unique culture that makes it one of the most vibrant and desirable cities in the nation, if not the world.
Sandwiched between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean on a small square of land seven miles (11 km) on each side, San Francisco offers a wealth of treasures for the visitor, from the windswept and often foggy bay to the steep hills lined with Victorian homes that overlook the spectacular scenery of the city.
Top landmarks
•Golden Gate Bridge — suspension bridge on the San Francisco Bay
•Alcatraz Island — island in San Francisco, California, United States of America
•San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge — suspension bridge connecting San Francisco and Oakland, California, USA
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 52m. Total distance: 84.3 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 52m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (56%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 22.3 miles on West Kettleman Lane. 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 San Francisco, CA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 36.3 miles (CA 160): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 51.6 miles (CA 242): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 59.4 miles (CA 24): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at San Francisco, CA before heading back.
