This approximately 514-mile journey from San Bernardino, CA to Clearlake, CA will take about 9 hours and 49 minutes of driving time, making it a substantial trip best split over two days. The route primarily utilizes I-215 North, the San Bernardino Freeway, and the Barstow Freeway, offering a practical, long-distance drive across California. With an estimated fuel cost of $119 and planned stops, this trip is a straightforward transit between the Pacific Coast regions. Consider this a solid option if you're looking for an efficient way to cover ground within the state.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
257 miles from San Bernardino, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 4h 48m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
225.6 mi
4h 1m
Foothill Freeway
73.8 mi
1h 25m
I 5 Truck
37.1 mi
42m
Saint Helena Highway
28.6 mi
33m
Golden State Freeway
22.3 mi
25m
Lake County Highway
20.5 mi
30m
Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
19.6 mi
22m
William Elton Brown Freeway
17 mi
18m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 225.6 mi, about 4h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between San Bernardino, CA and Clearlake, CA.
1
Start on West 5th Street
0.7 mi·1 min·West 5th Street
2
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·45 sec
Toward I 215 North: Barstow
3
Merge onto I 215
1.5 mi·1 min·San Bernardino Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Continue on I 215
0.5 mi·34 sec·Barstow Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit
1.0 mi·2 min
Exit 46BToward CA 210 West: PasadenaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto CA 210
21 mi·24 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.2 mi·1 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
2.4 mi·2 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.4 mi·1 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.8 mi·2 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
20 mi·23 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210
26 mi·29 min·Foothill Freeway
Exit 26AToward I 210 West: SacramentoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight right at fork
0.1 mi·9 sec
Use the slight right lane.
14
Merge onto I 5 Truck
1.0 mi·1 min·I 5 Truck
Exit 161A
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
36 mi·41 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
22 mi·25 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
226 mi·4 hr 1 min·Westside Freeway
Toward I 5 NorthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 580
16 mi·17 min·William Elton Brown Freeway
Toward I 580 West: Tracy, San Francisco
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580 Bypass
1.1 mi·1 min·William Elton Brown Freeway
20
Merge onto I 580
18 mi·20 min·Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 580
1.6 mi·1 min·Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·16 sec
Exit 44BToward I 680 South, I 680 North: San Jose, Sacramento, Concord, Walnut CreekUse the slight right lane.
23
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi·30 sec
Toward I 680 North: Walnut Creek, Concord, SacramentoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Merge onto I 680
15 mi·17 min·Donald D Doyle Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Continue on I 680
5.0 mi·5 min·Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Toward I 680, CA 24Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight left at fork onto I 680
6.0 mi·6 min·Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Toward I 680 North: Martinez, SacramentoUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Keep slight left at fork onto I 680
243 ft·3 sec·Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
28
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680
1.8 mi·2 min·Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Use the slight right lane.
29
Keep slight left at fork onto I 780
6.7 mi·7 min·I 780
Toward I 780: BeniciaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
30
Take the exit
0.3 mi·33 sec
Exit 1BToward I 80 East: SacramentoUse the slight right lane.
31
Keep slight left at fork
448 ft·11 sec
Toward I 80 East: SacramentoUse the slight left lane.
32
Merge onto I 80
2.7 mi·3 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
33
Take the exit
0.1 mi·18 sec
Exit 33Toward CA 37: Napa, Novato, Auto Mall, Columbus ParkwayUse the straight / slight right lanes.
34
Keep slight left at fork
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward CA 37: NapaUse the straight / slight right lanes.
35
Continue on CA 37
1.5 mi·1 min·CA 37
Toward CA 37Use the straight / slight right lanes.
36
Take the exit
0.4 mi·51 sec
Exit 19Toward CA 29: Napa, Sonoma BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
37
Turn right onto CA 29
1.6 mi·1 min·Sonoma Boulevard
Use the right lane.
38
Continue on CA 29
4.0 mi·4 min·Broadway Street
Use the straight lane.
39
Continue on CA 29
1.3 mi·1 min·Napa–Vallejo Highway
Use the left lane.
40
Continue on CA 12; CA 29
22 mi·25 min·Saint Helena Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
41
Continue on CA 29; CA 128
2.4 mi·2 min·Main Street
42
Continue on CA 29; CA 128
6.8 mi·7 min·Saint Helena Highway
43
Turn right onto CA 29
1.0 mi·1 min·Lincoln Avenue
44
Continue on CA 29
21 mi·30 min·Lake County Highway
45
Enter roundabout onto CA 29
239 ft·4 sec·CA 29
46
Continue on CA 29
10 mi·15 min·CA 29
Use the straight lane.
47
Continue on CA 53
3.6 mi·5 min·CA 53
48
Turn left onto Polk Avenue
331 ft·18 sec·Polk Avenue
49
Turn left onto Lincoln Avenue
0.1 mi·28 sec·Lincoln Avenue
50
Continue on Duncan Avenue
0.2 mi·37 sec·Duncan Avenue
51
Arrive at destination
Duncan Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the nearly 10-hour driving duration, planning for an overnight stop is highly recommended to avoid fatigue. Aim to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight hours and make the most of your first day's drive. With two suggested stops, you can break up the 514 miles into manageable segments. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you progress further north, and be prepared for the consistent freeway driving that characterizes this route.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 257 miles from San Bernardino, CA, or about 4h 48m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 225.6 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 113 miles or 2h 12m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 257 miles or 4h 48m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 257 miles or 4h 48m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 8h 27m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Clearlake, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving San Bernardino, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from San Bernardino, CA
Aim for roughly 257 miles and 4.9 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Clearlake, CA
Aim for roughly 257 miles and 4.9 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 113 miles from San Bernardino, CA.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Westside Freeway for about 225.6 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 40
5 decision points cluster between mile 52.2 and 435 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
52.2 mi into trip|~1h 2m in|I 210 / Foothill Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210 / Foothill Freeway toward I 210 West: Sacramento
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 26A
Toward I 210 West: Sacramento
8
399.5 mi into trip|~7h 22m in
Take the exit toward I 680 South, I 680 North: San Jose, Sacramento, Concord, Walnut Creek
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 44B
Toward I 680 South, I 680 North: San Jose, Sacr...
9
399.6 mi into trip|~7h 22m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 680 North: Walnut Creek, Concord, 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 680 North: Walnut Creek, Concord, Sacr...
8
420.2 mi into trip|~7h 46m in|I 680 / Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 680 / Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway toward I 680 North: Martinez, 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 680 North: Martinez, Sacramento
8
435 mi into trip|~8h 3m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 80 East: Sacramento
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward I 80 East: Sacramento
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$118.14 one way
$236.28 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg180 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$121.74
$243.48
premium
$6.18
$125.00
$250.00
diesel
$5.61
$113.48
$226.97
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$118
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$248–$358
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 179.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $54 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
154.2
1
$53.97
$24.67
Efficient EV
128.5
1
$44.97
$20.56
EV Truck/SUV
205.6
2
$71.96
$32.90
Gas CO2
180 kg
EV CO2
60 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 Apr 20, 2026
Origin
San Bernardino, CA
Late night
in San Bernardino on Tuesday
Local time
1:11 AM
PDT
Current temp
71°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Clearlake, CA
Late night
in Clearlake on Tuesday
Local time
1:11 AM
PDT
Current temp
66°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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
9h 49m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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.
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial
National Memorial
On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion jolted the San Francisco East Bay area, shattering windows and lighting up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were killed instantly when two s...
4 mi from route
~11 min detour
Free
near mile 425.4
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Celebrate and honor the contributions and sacrifices of American civilians on the WWII home front. Discover how diverse communities lived, worked, and interacted. Many faces, many stories, many truths...
16 mi from route
~41 min detour
Free
near mile 425.4
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...
23 mi from route
~57 min detour
Free
near mile 425.4
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...
25 mi from route
~62 min detour
Free
near mile 70.9
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 141.8
Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908,...
27 mi from route
~66 min detour
$15
near mile 443.1
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
The character of this drive is predominantly that of a long-distance highway transit. You'll spend the majority of your time on interstates, with the highway share being 0%, meaning the bulk of your travel is on freeways designed for speed and efficiency. While there isn't a specified longest uninterrupted stretch, the route is designed for steady progress. Expect a consistent driving experience focused on covering miles rather than winding scenic byways.
82% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
51 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 225.6 mi on Westside Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and Foothill Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 52.2 miles in near I 210 / Foothill 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 40 significant decision points across 514 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 52.2 miles (I 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 399.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 399.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 San Bernardino, CA and Clearlake, CA, road signs point toward San Francisco, Sacramento, Concord, Walnut Creek, Novato and Auto Mall.
Clearlake is a city in Lake County inland in the North Coast region of California. It is located at the southern end of Clear Lake, which is more than 1.5 million years old.
The longest stretch is about 225.6 miles on Westside Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 257 miles on day one.
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 Clearlake, 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 2 meaningful breaks. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 52.2 miles (I 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 399.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 399.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes — Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (6 total within detour distance). See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 9.8 hours each way, a round trip means 19.7 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Clearlake, CA before the return drive.
