Origin
Santa Rosa, CA
Late night in Santa Rosa on Tuesday
Local time
4:01 AM
PDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Trip from Santa Rosa, CA to Stockton, CA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
2h 24m
Distance
106.5 mi
171 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$24
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 15m
★
6 AM
2h 25m
8 AM
2h 45m
10 AM
2h 32m
12 PM
2h 30m
3 PM
2h 33m
5 PM
2h 44m
8 PM
2h 19m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Santa Rosa, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Stockton, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Santa Rosa to Stockton is 106.5 miles and takes about 2 hours 24 minutes via CA 12, with a fuel budget near $24 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip connects two points within California's Pacific Coast region, offering a straightforward drive. You'll experience a mix of highway and surface roads, making it suitable for a single-day excursion. Consider this route if you need a direct connection between these two areas without extensive detours.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
53.2 miles from Santa Rosa, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 11m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| CA 12 | 41.9 mi | 59m |
| Redwood Highway | 15.7 mi | 18m |
| Westside Freeway | 12.6 mi | 14m |
| Jameson Canyon Road | 6.2 mi | 7m |
| Fremont Drive | 5 mi | 7m |
| Carneros Highway | 4.4 mi | 6m |
| Stage Gulch Road | 3.3 mi | 5m |
| Adobe Road | 3.2 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
CA 12
— 41.9 mi, about 59m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Santa Rosa, CA and Stockton, CA.
1
Start on 4th Street
446 ft
·
19 sec
·
4th Street
2
Turn left onto B Street
329 ft
·
18 sec
·
B Street
3
Turn right onto 3rd Street
0.2 mi
·
41 sec
·
3rd Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Toward CA 12, US 101 South
5
Keep slight left at fork
0.1 mi
·
18 sec
Toward US 101 South: San Francisco
6
Merge onto US 101
16 mi
·
18 min
·
Redwood Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit onto CA 116
0.3 mi
·
55 sec
·
CA 116
Exit 472B
Toward CA 116 East: Sonoma, Napa
Use the slight right lane.
8
Turn left onto Lakeville Highway
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Lakeville Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
9
Turn left onto Frates Road
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Frates Road
Use the left lane.
10
Continue on Adobe Road
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Adobe Road
11
Continue on CA 116
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Stage Gulch Road
12
Continue on CA 116
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Arnold Drive
13
Enter roundabout onto CA 121
225 ft
·
3 sec
·
Fremont Drive
14
Continue on CA 121
4.9 mi
·
7 min
·
Fremont Drive
15
Continue on CA 12; CA 121
4.4 mi
·
6 min
·
Carneros Highway
16
Turn right onto CA 29
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Saint Helena Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Continue on CA 12; CA 29
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Napa–Vallejo Highway
18
Turn left onto CA 12
6.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Jameson Canyon Road
Use the left / uturn lanes.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 12
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
CA 12
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 80; CA 12
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the slight right lane.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 12
18 mi
·
25 min
·
CA 12
Toward CA 12 East: Rio Vista
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Enter roundabout onto CA 12
90 ft
·
1 sec
·
CA 12
23
Continue on CA 12
23 mi
·
32 min
·
CA 12
Use the left lane.
24
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
25
Merge onto I 5
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Toward CA 4
27
Keep slight left at fork
0.7 mi
·
1 min
28
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
29
Continue on East Lafayette Street
385 ft
·
15 sec
·
East Lafayette Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
30
Turn left onto South El Dorado Street
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
·
South El Dorado Street
31
Continue on North El Dorado Street
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
North El Dorado Street
32
Turn right onto East Fremont Street
117 ft
·
5 sec
·
East Fremont Street
33
Arrive at destination
East Fremont Street
Trip Plan
Since this drive is under 2.5 hours, it's best suited for a same-day trip, allowing for a flexible departure time. You can leave Santa Rosa in the morning and arrive in Stockton by lunchtime. The longest stretch on CA 12 is nearly 42 miles, so plan for your next fuel stop after that segment if needed. With 51% highway driving, be prepared for varying speed limits and road conditions as you transition between roads. This route is efficient, so focus on enjoying the straightforward connection between the two cities.
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.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 53.2 miles from Santa Rosa, CA, or about 1h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 41.9 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 23 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.2 miles or 1h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 59m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Stockton, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Santa Rosa, 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 Rosa, CA
This is one driving day of about 106.5 miles and 2h 24m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Santa Rosa, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on CA 12 for about 41.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
53 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 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 53.2 miles from Santa Rosa, 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 245 decision points cluster between mile 0.4 and 50 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
7
0.4 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Take the ramp toward CA 12, US 101 South
Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward CA 12, US 101 South
6
0.6 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 101 South: San Francisco
Highway fork - watch signs carefully
Toward US 101 South: San Francisco
8
16.4 mi into trip
|
~20m in
|
CA 116
Take the exit onto CA 116 toward CA 116 East: Sonoma, Napa
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 472B
Toward CA 116 East: Sonoma, Napa
6
37.1 mi into trip
|
~52m in
|
CA 29 / Saint Helena Highway
Turn right onto CA 29 / Saint Helena Highway
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
50 mi into trip
|
~1h 7m in
|
CA 12
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 12 toward CA 12 East: Rio Vista
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward CA 12 East: Rio Vista
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$24.48 one way
$48.96 round trip
$5.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
37 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.02 | $25.22 | $50.45 |
| premium | $6.18 | $25.90 | $51.80 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $23.51 | $47.03 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 32 | 0 | $11.18 | $5.11 |
| Efficient EV | 26.6 | 0 | $9.32 | $4.26 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 42.6 | 0 | $14.91 | $6.82 |
Gas CO2
37 kg
EV CO2
12 kg (68% 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
Stockton, CA
Late night in Stockton on Tuesday
Local time
4:01 AM
PDT
Current temp
52°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.
Road read
2h 24m 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 106.5-mile drive includes 51% highway driving. You'll encounter a stretch of 41.9 miles on CA 12, which is your longest continuous segment. Expect a mixed experience, transitioning from highway speeds to surface roads at various points. The presence of CA 12 suggests a mix of rural cruising and areas with more frequent intersections as you approach your destination.
51% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
33 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 41.9 mi on CA 12.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 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 24 significant decision points across 106.5 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 0.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 16.4 miles (CA 116): 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.
On the drive from Santa Rosa, CA to Stockton, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Napa along the way.
Napa
16.4 mi in
|
~20m
|
via CA 116
About the Cities
Starting in Santa Rosa, CA
Full guide →Santa Rosa is the largest city in Sonoma County, California, and fifth largest in the San Francisco Bay Area. The city is a jumping off point for visiting the wine country of Sonoma County and the Napa Valley, or driving out to the beautiful coastal and parks throughout the Sonoma County.
Arriving in Stockton, CA
Full guide →Founded 1849
Stockton is a city in the San Joaquin Valley in northern California. Sitting on the San Joaquin Delta, Stockton is the world's most inland natural port and used to be a major port city. One of the larger cities along I-5 through the Central Valley, it is a convenient stop and offers a variety of restaurants and accommodations for road-trippers. There are several shopping centers and movie theaters and one art museum but few major attractions.
Top landmarks
- • Haggin Museum — art museum in Stockton, California
- • USCGC Fir — Lighthouse tender
- • USS Lucid — 1953 Aggressive-class minesweeper
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 24m. Total distance: 106.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 24m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (51%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 41.9 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 Stockton, 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. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles: Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 0.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 16.4 miles (CA 116): 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 Stockton, 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.
Was this helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Stockton, CA
More trips to Stockton, CA
Explore more options from Santa Rosa, CA or browse trips ending in Stockton, CA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CA road trips.