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Trip from San Dimas, CA to Sacramento, 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 27m

Distance

405.8 mi

653 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$93

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 31 min
4 AM
7h 17m ★
6 AM
7h 28m
8 AM
7h 48m
10 AM
7h 35m
12 PM
7h 33m
3 PM
7h 36m
5 PM
7h 47m
8 PM
7h 22m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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city in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles County, California, United States

San Dimas, CA

Wikimedia Commons

capital city of the U.S. state of California and seat of Sacramento County

Sacramento, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

Embarking on this 405.8-mile journey from San Dimas, CA, to Sacramento, CA, is a solid day trip option, requiring approximately 7 hours and 27 minutes of driving time. The route is almost entirely highway-focused, with a 99% highway share, making it a direct path north. You'll be navigating primarily on the Westside Freeway and Foothill Freeway, with a significant portion on I 5 Truck. With an estimated fuel cost of $93, this drive is best tackled in a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stop. It's a straightforward, efficient drive connecting two points within the Pacific Coast region.

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

202.9 miles from San Dimas, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 46m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Westside Freeway 298.7 mi 5h 22m
Foothill Freeway 45.4 mi 52m
I 5 Truck 37.1 mi 42m
Golden State Freeway 22.3 mi 25m
North San Dimas Avenue 0.9 mi 1m
H Street 0.3 mi <1m
J Street 0.2 mi <1m
5th Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Westside Freeway — 298.7 mi, about 5h 22m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

226 mi · 4 hr 1 min · Westside Freeway
Toward I 5 North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

26 mi · 27 min · Westside Freeway
12

Keep left at fork onto I 5

48 mi · 52 min · Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 34 sec
Exit 519B Toward J Street, Downtown Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Turn right onto J Street

0.2 mi · 25 sec · J Street
15

Turn left onto 5th Street

0.2 mi · 19 sec · 5th Street
Use the straight lane.
16

Turn right onto H Street

0.3 mi · 40 sec · H Street
17

Turn right onto 9th Street

490 ft · 15 sec · 9th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
18

Arrive at destination

9th Street

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 7-hour, 27-minute drive, consider an early morning departure from San Dimas to minimize traffic, especially as you head north. With only 2 planned stops, you can strategically use them for fuel and rest. The longest stretch without a break is nearly 300 miles, so plan your breaks accordingly. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $93 estimated cost suggests significant mileage; utilizing the I 5 Truck portion might offer different service areas. This drive is well-suited for a single day, so you have the flexibility to start when you feel most rested.

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 202.9 miles from San Dimas, CA, or about 3h 46m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 298.7 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 89 miles or 1h 43m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 202.9 miles or 3h 46m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 6h 20m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sacramento, 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 405.8 miles and 7h 27m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 89 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 298.7 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

203 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 Sacramento, CA

276.9 mi · 5h 14m

Pacing Suggestions

Santa Clarita, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 89 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Mendota, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 202.9 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 298.7 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Sweet Savory Cafe & Bakery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

San Dimas, California

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19093059738

Visit website

Rail Side Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

San Dimas, California

0.2 mi

Old Sacramento Waterfront

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sacramento, California

0.5 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Anchor & Tree Coffee Roasting Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sacramento, California

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 405.8

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19163059267

Visit website

Sweet Savory Cafe & Bakery

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route $10 to $20

San Dimas, California

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19093059738

Visit website

Rail Side Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20

San Dimas, California

Hours: 7 am–3 pm

+19095998637

Visit website

Old Sacramento Waterfront

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19169705226

Visit website

Butcher & Barrel

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $100 or ab mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+19164763408

Visit website

Allora

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour $100 or ab mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+19165386434

Visit website

The Red Cafe

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour $10 to $20

Glendora, California

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+16266916637

Visit website

Cafe 91

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.5 mi from route ~11 min detour $1 to $10

Walnut, California

Hours: Closed

+19092746243

Visit website

Anchor & Tree Coffee Roasting Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19163059267

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887800062

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 58

Castaic, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 405.8

West Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 29

Glendale, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 58

Santa Clarita, CA

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+19164443071

Visit website

California State Capitol Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19163240333

Visit website

Crocker Art Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour Moderately mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+19168087000

Visit website

California Museum

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19166537524

Visit website

Sacramento History Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+19168087059

Visit website

Scavenger Hunt Walking Tours - Old Sacramento

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: 8 am–8 pm

+19165872923

Visit website

Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 58

Valencia, California

+16612554100

Visit website

William Land Regional Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

2.8 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 405.8

Sacramento, California

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+19168086060

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 1 and 405.2 — 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
8
404.8 mi into trip | ~7h 25m in

Take the exit toward J Street, Downtown

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 519B Toward J Street, Downtown
7
405.2 mi into trip | ~7h 26m in | 5th Street

Turn left onto 5th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$93.27 one way

$186.54 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 142 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $96.11 $192.23
premium $6.18 $98.69 $197.37
diesel $5.61 $89.60 $179.19

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$93

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$118–$143

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 142 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $43 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 121.7 1 $42.61 $19.48
Efficient EV 101.5 1 $35.51 $16.23
EV Truck/SUV 162.3 2 $56.81 $25.97

Gas CO2

142 kg

EV CO2

47 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 14, 2026

Origin

San Dimas, CA

Morning in San Dimas on Sunday

Local time

8:50 AM

PDT

Current temp

69°F

Sunny

SW 5 to 10 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 14 at 11:57AM PDT until April 15 at 3:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 14 at 9:35AM PDT until April 15 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR

Destination

Sacramento, CA

Morning in Sacramento on Sunday

Local time

8:50 AM

PDT

Current temp

69°F

Sunny

SSW 6 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 14 at 11:57AM PDT until April 15 at 3:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 14 at 9:35AM PDT until April 15 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR

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

7h 27m 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...

24 mi from route ~61 min detour Free near mile 42
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 111.9
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

This drive presents as a highway-focused experience, characterized by its efficiency and speed. The vast majority of your time will be spent on well-maintained freeways, offering a consistent driving pace. You'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch at 298.7 miles on the Westside Freeway, so be prepared for extended periods of highway travel. While predominantly a freeway experience, the route is designed for direct transit rather than scenic detours, emphasizing forward momentum.

99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
18 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 298.7 mi on Westside Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

8/10

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 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 405.8 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 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.

About the Cities

Arriving in Sacramento, CA

Full guide →

Founded 1849

Sacramento is the state capital of California in the United States. It is the regional center for the Greater Sacramento metropolitan area, which dominates much of the surrounding Sacramento Valley and stretches into parts of Gold Country. Sacramento is the oldest incorporated city in California, settled between the confluences of the Sacramento and American rivers. The city has been the site of many important historic events that have shaped California and U.S. history, most notably the California Gold Rush and location of the original terminus of the First Transcontinental Railroad. Much of this historical legacy has been preserved, especially in the historic Old Sacramento district, where buildings and railroads from that era continue to attract visitors. However, Sacramento is not a city that is stuck in the past. As the capital of the most populous U.S.

Top landmarks

  • • California State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of California
  • • Crocker Art Museum — art museum in Sacramento, California
  • • Sacramento Valley Station — main railroad and light rail station in Sacramento, 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 27m. Total distance: 405.8 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

7h 27m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 298.7 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 Sacramento, 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 and César E. Chávez National Monument. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.

Not recommended in a single day. At 7.5 hours each way, a round trip means 14.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Sacramento, 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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