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Trip from Santa Clara, CA to Fresno, CA

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 20, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

3h 11m

Distance

155.4 mi

250 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
3h 0m ★
6 AM
3h 11m
8 AM
3h 35m
10 AM
3h 20m
12 PM
3h 17m
3 PM
3h 21m
5 PM
3h 34m
8 PM
3h 4m

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 Santa Clara County, California, United States

Santa Clara, CA

Wikimedia Commons

county seat of Fresno County, California, United States

Fresno, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 155.4-mile drive from Santa Clara, CA, to Fresno, CA, is a manageable one-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes. You'll navigate using the Bayshore Freeway and Southbound California State Route 99, with a significant portion on Pacheco Pass Highway. With an estimated fuel cost of $36, this route offers a straightforward journey through California's Pacific Coast region. It’s a practical option for a single day, allowing you to reach your destination without needing an overnight stay.

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

77.7 miles from Santa Clara, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 36m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pacheco Pass Highway 82.6 mi 1h 42m
Bayshore Freeway 32.1 mi 37m
Southbound California State Route 99 30.9 mi 34m
West Belmont Avenue 2.9 mi 5m
I 880 1.8 mi 2m
Eastbound California State Route 152 1.1 mi 1m
The Alameda 0.8 mi 1m
Lafayette Street 0.6 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Pacheco Pass Highway — 82.6 mi, about 1h 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Santa Clara, CA and Fresno, CA.

1

Start on Lincoln Street

0.1 mi · 20 sec · Lincoln Street
2

Turn left onto CA 82

0.5 mi · 1 min · El Camino Real
3

Turn slight right

151 ft · 6 sec
Use the right lane.
4

Turn slight right onto Lafayette Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · Lafayette Street
Use the right lane.
5

Turn left onto Market Street

0.2 mi · 28 sec · Market Street
6

Continue on The Alameda

0.3 mi · 38 sec · The Alameda
7

Continue on CA 82

0.5 mi · 1 min · The Alameda
Use the straight / right lanes.
8

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 22 sec
Toward I 880 North: Oakland Use the straight / right lanes.
9

Merge onto I 880

1.8 mi · 2 min · I 880
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 4B Toward US 101 South: Los Angeles Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Merge onto US 101

32 mi · 37 min · Bayshore Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit onto CA 152

0.3 mi · 39 sec · CA 152
Toward CA 152 East: 10th Street, Pacheco Pass Road
13

Turn left onto CA 152

353 ft · 12 sec · East 10th Street
14

Continue on CA 152

83 mi · 1 hr 42 min · Pacheco Pass Highway
15

Continue on CA 152

1.1 mi · 1 min · Eastbound California State Route 152
16

Continue on CA 152

0.3 mi · 23 sec · EB SR 152 to SB SR 99
17

Continue on CA 99

31 mi · 34 min · Southbound California State Route 99
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Exit 134 Toward Belmont Avenue Use the slight right lane.
19

At end of road, turn left onto West Belmont Avenue

2.9 mi · 5 min · West Belmont Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
20

Turn right onto North First Street

0.2 mi · 26 sec · North First Street
21

Turn left onto East Washington Avenue

69 ft · 3 sec · East Washington Avenue
22

Arrive at destination

East Washington Avenue

Trip Plan

For this 3-hour drive, consider an early morning departure from Santa Clara to make the most of your day in Fresno. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing yourself. Keep an eye on fuel levels, as the longest stretch without services could be up to 82.6 miles on Pacheco Pass Highway. The estimated fuel cost is around $36, so factor that into your budget. Given the relatively short duration, you can easily complete this trip in a single day without feeling rushed.

Morning Departure

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

Evening Departure

A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 77.7 miles from Santa Clara, CA, or about 1h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.6 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 34 miles or 42m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 77.7 miles or 1h 36m 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 37m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Santa Clara, 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 Santa Clara, CA

This is one driving day of about 155.4 miles and 3h 11m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 34 miles from Santa Clara, 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 Pacheco Pass Highway for about 82.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city ​​in Merced County, California, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Los Banos, CA

78 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

Los Banos, CA to Fresno, CA

71 mi · 1h 26m

Pacing Suggestions

San Martin, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 34 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Los Banos, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 77.7 miles from Santa Clara, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pacheco Pass Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.6 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

Round1 Bowling & Arcade Eastridge Shopping Center

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

San Jose, California

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 11.1

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+14085138290

Visit website

Round1 Bowling & Arcade Eastridge Shopping Center

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 11.1

San Jose, California

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+14085138290

Visit website

Urban Putt San Jose

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~10 min detour

4 mi from route ~10 min detour

San Jose, California

Hours: 5–10 pm

+18339984994

Visit website

Golfland USA

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, short detour

3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Sunnyvale, California

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+14082458434

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 144.3

Fresno, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 144.3

Fresno, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Rivian Adventure Network

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 144.3

Fresno, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887484309

Visit website

EVCS Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 133.2

Madera, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663003827

Visit website

Caltrans Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 133.2

Madera, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

2.9 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 133.2

Madera, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour mile 133.2

Madera, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.5 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 122.1

Chowchilla, California

+18887800062

Visit website

Triton Museum of Art

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Santa Clara, California

Hours: 11 am–4:30 pm

Visit website

Mission Santa Clara de Asís

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Santa Clara, California

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+14085544023

Visit website

Mission Gardens

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Santa Clara, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14085542750

Visit website

Hellyer County Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 11.1

San Jose, California

+14082250225

Visit website

Central Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~3 min detour

Santa Clara, California

+14086153140

Visit website

The Escape Game San Jose

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Santa Clara, California

Hours: 9 am–12 pm

+14087624834

Visit website

Beat The Lock Escape Room

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

San Jose, California

Hours: 10 am–10 pm

+14089156258

Visit website

Immersive Gamebox - San Jose, Santa Clara

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Santa Clara, California

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+18884714126

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 14

5 decision points cluster between mile 2.2 and 152.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
2.2 mi into trip | ~5m in

Take the ramp toward I 880 North: Oakland

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes. Toward I 880 North: Oakland
5
2.4 mi into trip | ~5m in | I 880

Merge onto I 880

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
4.2 mi into trip | ~7m in

Take the exit toward US 101 South: Los Angeles

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 4B Toward US 101 South: Los Angeles
7
151.9 mi into trip | ~3h 4m in

Take the exit toward Belmont Avenue

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 134 Toward Belmont Avenue
6
152.2 mi into trip | ~3h 5m in | West Belmont Avenue

At end of road, turn left onto West Belmont Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$35.72 one way

$71.44 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 54 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $36.81 $73.61
premium $6.18 $37.79 $75.58
diesel $5.61 $34.31 $68.62

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 54.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $16 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 46.6 0 $16.32 $7.46
Efficient EV 38.9 0 $13.60 $6.22
EV Truck/SUV 62.2 0 $21.76 $9.95

Gas CO2

54 kg

EV CO2

18 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.

Forecast as of Apr 16, 2026

Origin

Santa Clara, CA

Evening in Santa Clara on Sunday

Local time

7:11 PM

PDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Fresno, CA

Evening in Fresno on Sunday

Local time

7:11 PM

PDT

Current temp

73°F

Sunny

NW 15 mph 0% chance Live forecast

50°F

Los Banos, CA

78 mi in

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

24 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

3h 11m on the road

The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

This route presents a mixed driving experience, with 43% of it on highways. You'll encounter an 82.6-mile stretch on Pacheco Pass Highway, which likely offers more varied scenery compared to the freeway sections. As you progress, expect transitions between faster-paced highway driving and potentially more winding or local road segments, especially as you move through Pacheco Pass. This blend means you won't be stuck in a monotonous interstate grind for the entire journey.

43% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 82.6 mi on Pacheco Pass Highway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

6/10

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 14 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 2.2 miles in.

Driving Effort 6/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 155.4 miles you will encounter 14 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 2.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles (I 880): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Santa Clara, CA

Full guide →

Santa Clara is a town in the South Bay, part of the San Francisco Bay Area, in California.

Arriving in Fresno, CA

Full guide →

Founded 1872

Fresno is in the San Joaquin Valley of California. Many visitors find themselves stopping in Fresno on the way to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, or other destinations in the Sierras.

Top landmarks

  • • Holy Trinity Church, Fresno — church building in Fresno, United States of America
  • • Fresno station — train station in Fresno, California
  • • Kearney Park — park in Fresno County, California, United States of America

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 3h 11m. Total distance: 155.4 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

3h 11m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 82.6 miles on Pacheco Pass Highway. 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 Fresno, 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 2.2 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles (I 880): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 4.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Possible but tiring. At 3.2 hours each way, an in-and-out day trip would put you behind the wheel for 6.4 hours — manageable with a long break at Fresno, CA, but most travelers stay overnight.

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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