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Trip from San Dimas, CA to Fremont, CA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

7h 6m

Distance

377 mi

607 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$87

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 34 min
4 AM
6h 55m ★
6 AM
7h 6m
8 AM
7h 29m
10 AM
7h 14m
12 PM
7h 12m
3 PM
7h 15m
5 PM
7h 27m
8 PM
7h 0m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, California, United States

San Dimas, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 377-mile journey from San Dimas, CA to Fremont, CA is a straightforward, highway-focused drive that can comfortably be completed in a single day. Expect to spend about 7 hours and 6 minutes on the road, traversing primarily the Westside Freeway and CA 152. With 99% of the route on highways, it's an efficient way to travel between these two points within the Pacific Coast region. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $87, and you'll have two opportunities to stop along the way. This route is ideal for those prioritizing speed and directness.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

188.5 miles from San Dimas, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 31m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Westside Freeway 182.5 mi 3h 15m
Foothill Freeway 45.4 mi 52m
CA 152 41.1 mi 51m
I 5 Truck 37.1 mi 42m
Golden State Freeway 22.3 mi 25m
South Valley Freeway 19.9 mi 22m
Nimitz Freeway 13 mi 14m
US 101 12.2 mi 14m
Longest stretch: Westside Freeway — 182.5 mi, about 3h 15m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between San Dimas, CA and Fremont, CA.

1

Start on East Bonita Avenue

125 ft · 6 sec · East Bonita Avenue
2

Turn right onto North San Dimas Avenue

0.9 mi · 1 min · North San Dimas Avenue
3

Turn left

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Toward CA 210 West, I 210 West, CA 57 South: Pasadena Use the left lane.
4

Merge onto CA 210

20 mi · 22 min · Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight right at fork onto I 210

26 mi · 29 min · Foothill Freeway
Exit 26A Toward I 210 West: Sacramento Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 9 sec
Use the slight right lane.
7

Merge onto I 5 Truck

1.0 mi · 1 min · I 5 Truck
Exit 161A
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck

36 mi · 41 min · I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

22 mi · 25 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

183 mi · 3 hr 15 min · Westside Freeway
Toward I 5 North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 26 sec
Exit 403B Toward CA 152 West: Gilroy, Hollister, San Jose
12

Continue on CA 152; CA33

29 mi · 33 min · CA 152; CA33
Use the straight lane.
13

Keep slight right at fork onto CA 152

12 mi · 16 min · CA 152
14

Take the exit onto CA 152

0.5 mi · 1 min · CA 152
Toward US 101 North: San Jose
15

Merge onto US 101; CA 152

20 mi · 22 min · South Valley Freeway
Use the slight right lane.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto US 101

12 mi · 14 min · US 101
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 29 sec
Exit 388B Toward I 880 North: Oakland Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Merge onto I 880

7.3 mi · 8 min · Nimitz Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight right at fork onto I 880

5.7 mi · 6 min · Nimitz Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 36 sec
Exit 17 Toward Mowry Avenue, Central Fremont Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Turn right onto Mowry Avenue

1.4 mi · 2 min · Mowry Avenue
Use the right lane.
22

Arrive at destination

Mowry Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 7-hour, 377-mile drive, consider an early morning departure from San Dimas to bypass potential traffic. With only two planned stops, be strategic about when you refuel; the longest stretch before a potential break is 182.5 miles on the Westside Freeway, so plan your fuel accordingly. While the drive is manageable in one day, you have flexibility due to its relatively short duration. Keep an eye on highway conditions, especially as you transition to CA 152, for any unexpected delays.

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 188.5 miles from San Dimas, CA, or about 3h 31m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 182.5 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 83 miles or 1h 36m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 188.5 miles or 3h 31m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 51m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fremont, CA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving San Dimas, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from San Dimas, CA

This is one driving day of about 377 miles and 7h 6m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from San Dimas, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Westside Freeway for about 182.5 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city and county seat of Kern County, California, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Bakersfield, CA

189 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.

Popular next leg

Bakersfield, CA to Fremont, CA

256.8 mi · 4h 55m

Pacing Suggestions

Santa Clarita, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 83 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Avenal, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 188.5 miles from San Dimas, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Westside Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 182.5 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 19

5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 375.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
1 mi into trip | ~2m in

Turn left toward CA 210 West, I 210 West, CA 57 South: Pasadena

Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the left lane. Toward CA 210 West, I 210 West, CA 57 South: Pa...
8
21.1 mi into trip | ~25m 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
7
106.2 mi into trip | ~2h 3m in | I 5 / Westside Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 / Westside Freeway toward I 5 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 5 North
7
362.1 mi into trip | ~6h 47m in

Take the exit toward I 880 North: Oakland

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 388B Toward I 880 North: Oakland
8
375.3 mi into trip | ~7h 2m in

Take the exit toward Mowry Avenue, Central Fremont

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 17 Toward Mowry Avenue, Central Fremont

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$86.65 one way

$173.30 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 132 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $89.29 $178.59
premium $6.18 $91.68 $183.36
diesel $5.61 $83.24 $166.47

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$87

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$112–$137

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 131.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 113.1 1 $39.58 $18.10
Efficient EV 94.3 1 $32.99 $15.08
EV Truck/SUV 150.8 1 $52.78 $24.13

Gas CO2

132 kg

EV CO2

44 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 15, 2026

Origin

San Dimas, CA

Morning in San Dimas on Sunday

Local time

8:49 AM

PDT

Current temp

71°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fremont, CA

Morning in Fremont on Sunday

Local time

8:49 AM

PDT

Current temp

67°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

4 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

7h 6m 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

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...

22 mi from route ~56 min detour Free near mile 52
View on nps.gov
César E. Chávez National Monument

César E. Chávez National Monument

National Monument

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...

28 mi from route ~69 min detour Free near mile 104
View on nps.gov
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

National Historical Park

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...

30 mi from route ~75 min detour Free near mile 377
View on nps.gov

Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.

What kind of drive is this?

The character of this drive is overwhelmingly highway-focused, with 99% of the 377 miles on freeways like the Westside Freeway and Foothill Freeway. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including one uninterrupted segment of 182.5 miles on the Westside Freeway. While primarily a high-speed transit, the transition onto CA 152 may offer a slight change in scenery and pace as you approach your destination. Overall, prepare for an efficient, road-focused experience rather than a winding, scenic tour.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 182.5 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 1 miles in.

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 19 significant decision points across 377 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 1 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.1 miles (I 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.2 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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 San Dimas, CA and Fremont, CA, road signs point toward Hollister and San Jose.

Hollister

288.7 mi in | ~5h 18m

San Jose

288.7 mi in | ~5h 18m

About the Cities

Arriving in Fremont, CA

Full guide →

Founded 1956

Fremont is a suburban city in the southern part of the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area; it is the 4th largest city in the Bay Area by population. Fremont is in the southern part of Alameda County, California, between Union City to the north, Sunol and the hills to the east, Milpitas and Santa Clara County to the south, and the San Francisco Bay to the west. The city of Newark, near the edge of the Bay, is surrounded by the city of Fremont. Fremont industry is not particularly large relative to other parts of the Bay Area, but neither is it a bedroom community. Many people in Fremont work locally in the electronics and high-tech industry, while many others commute to Silicon Valley or San Francisco locations for work.

Top landmarks

  • Mission San José — 18th-century Spanish mission in Fremont, California
  • Ardenwood Historic Farm — human settlement in California, United States of America
  • Niles Depot Museum — railway museum in Niles, California

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 7h 6m. Total distance: 377 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 6m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 182.5 miles on Westside 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 Fremont, 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 1 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 21.1 miles (I 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 106.2 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, César E. Chávez National Monument and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.1 hours each way, a round trip means 14.2 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Fremont, CA before the return drive.

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, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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