Origin
San Andreas, CA
Afternoon in San Andreas on Saturday
Local time
2:53 PM
PDT
Current temp
74°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from San Andreas, CA to San Francisco, CA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 25, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 49m
Distance
121.5 mi
196 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$28
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 38m
★
6 AM
2h 49m
8 AM
3h 11m
10 AM
2h 57m
12 PM
2h 54m
3 PM
2h 58m
5 PM
3h 10m
8 PM
2h 42m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
San Andreas, CA
Wikimedia Commons
San Francisco, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
San Andreas to San Francisco is 121.5 miles and takes about 2h 49m via CA 12 and CA 4, with a fuel budget near $28 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip takes you from the Pacific Coast region towards the same region, staying within California. It's a straightforward drive, mostly on highways, making it a convenient option for a single-day trip. Plan for a smooth transition as you head west, and consider that this route is best suited for travelers who prefer efficient travel over extensive sightseeing.
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
60.7 miles from San Andreas, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 30m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| CA 12 | 29.8 mi | 45m |
| East Kettleman Lane | 23.4 mi | 33m |
| 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 |
| State Route 12 | 5.3 mi | 7m |
| CA 242 | 4.6 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
CA 12
— 29.8 mi, about 45m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between San Andreas, CA and San Francisco, CA.
1
Start on CA 49
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
East Saint Charles Street
2
Continue on CA 12
30 mi
·
44 min
·
CA 12
3
Turn right onto CA 12
5.3 mi
·
7 min
·
State Route 12
Use the right lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
32 sec
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto CA 99; CA 12
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
CA 99; CA 12
6
Take the exit onto CA 12
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
CA 12
Toward CA 12 West: Kettleman Lane
7
Turn right onto CA 12
23 mi
·
33 min
·
East Kettleman Lane
Use the straight lane.
8
Turn left onto CA 160
13 mi
·
16 min
·
CA 160
Use the left lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 160
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
CA 160
Toward CA 4 West
Use the slight right lane.
10
Merge onto CA 4
15 mi
·
16 min
·
CA 4
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 242
4.6 mi
·
4 min
·
CA 242
Toward CA 242: Oakland, Concord
Use the slight right lane.
12
Merge onto I 680
3.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Take the exit onto CA 24
9.4 mi
·
11 min
·
CA 24
Exit 46A
Toward CA 24 West: Oakland, Lafayette, San Francisco
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 24
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Caldecott Tunnel
Use the slight right lane.
15
Continue on CA 24
3.4 mi
·
4 min
·
Grove Shafter Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
48 sec
Toward I 580 West, I 580 East: San Francisco, Hayward
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward I 580 West: San Francisco
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Toward I 580: San Francisco, Sacramento
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Merge onto I 580
0.5 mi
·
32 sec
·
MacArthur Freeway
20
Take the exit
0.9 mi
·
1 min
Exit 19A
Toward I 80 West: San Francisco
21
Merge onto I 80
0.2 mi
·
17 sec
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Toward I 80 West: San Francisco
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Turn slight left onto I 80
0.4 mi
·
33 sec
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
5.5 mi
·
8 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the slight left lane.
24
Continue on I 80
0.3 mi
·
24 sec
·
Route 80
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
25
Continue on I 80
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
Route 80
Exit 2A
Use the straight / slight left lanes.
26
Continue on I 80
0.4 mi
·
32 sec
·
Route 80
Exit 1A
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight right at fork
0.4 mi
·
38 sec
Exit 1B
Toward US 101 North: Golden Gate Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Merge onto US 101
0.3 mi
·
25 sec
·
Central Freeway
29
Continue on Octavia Boulevard
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Octavia Boulevard
Exit 434B
Toward Octavia Boulevard, Fell Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Turn right onto Market Street
0.1 mi
·
31 sec
·
Market Street
Use the right lane.
31
Keep slight right at fork onto Market Street
0.2 mi
·
35 sec
·
Market Street
32
Arrive at destination
Market Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 1-day trip, leaving San Andreas in the morning is your best bet, allowing ample time to reach San Francisco before evening. With a total drive time under 3 hours, you won't need to split the journey, but there is one recommended stop. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you approach the metropolitan area, and plan to refuel before hitting denser traffic. A specific tip for this route: be aware that CA 12 will be your primary highway for a significant portion, so familiarize yourself with its numbering before departing.
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 60.7 miles from San Andreas, CA, or about 1h 30m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.8 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 27 miles or 41m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 60.7 miles or 1h 30m 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 17m
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 San Andreas, 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 San Andreas, CA
This is one driving day of about 121.5 miles and 2h 49m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 27 miles from San Andreas, 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 CA 12 for about 29.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
61 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 27 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 60.7 miles from San Andreas, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
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 265 decision points cluster between mile 73.5 and 120.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
73.5 mi into trip
|
~1h 46m 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
88.8 mi into trip
|
~2h 5m 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
96.7 mi into trip
|
~2h 14m 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
111 mi into trip
|
~2h 32m 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
120.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 46m 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
$27.54 one way
$55.08 round trip
$5.76/gal
25.4 MPG avg
43 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.96 | $28.49 | $56.98 |
| premium | $6.09 | $29.14 | $58.28 |
| diesel | $5.40 | $25.85 | $51.69 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$28
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$53–$78
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 42.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-20.
Driving Electric?
About $13 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 36.4 | 0 | $12.76 | $5.83 |
| Efficient EV | 30.4 | 0 | $10.63 | $4.86 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 48.6 | 0 | $17.01 | $7.78 |
Gas CO2
43 kg
EV CO2
14 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.
Destination
San Francisco, CA
Afternoon in San Francisco on Saturday
Local time
2:53 PM
PDT
Current temp
74°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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
2h 49m 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.
What kind of drive is this?
This drive is mostly highway, with 69% of the route on faster roads. You'll experience a longest stretch of 29.8 miles on CA 12 before shifting onto other roads. Expect some merging and a change in pace as you transition from more rural highway cruising to the approaches to San Francisco. The road surface will likely feel consistent for much of the trip, facilitating steady progress.
69% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 29.8 mi on CA 12.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on CA 12 and East Kettleman Lane. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 73.5 miles in near CA 160.
Driving Effort
10/10
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 26 significant decision points across 121.5 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 73.5 miles (CA 160): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.8 miles (CA 242): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96.7 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.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between San Andreas, CA and San Francisco, CA, road signs point toward Concord, Lafayette, Hayward and Sacramento.
Concord
88.8 mi in
|
~2h 5m
|
via CA 242
Lafayette
96.7 mi in
|
~2h 14m
|
via CA 24
Hayward
110.3 mi in
|
~2h 31m
Sacramento
111 mi in
|
~2h 32m
About the Cities
Arriving in San Francisco, CA
Full guide →“Frisco” · Founded 1776
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
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 49m. Total distance: 121.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 49m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (69%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 29.8 miles on CA 12. 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.
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 73.5 miles (CA 160): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 88.8 miles (CA 242): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 96.7 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.
How this page is built
Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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