Water
0.1 mi from route
Trip from Sherman Oaks, CA to Stockton, CA
Pin this tripCompiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Jul 21, 2026 · Editorial standards
Drive Time
5h 58m
Distance
325.5 mi
524 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$68
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
5h 45m
★
6 AM
5h 58m
8 AM
6h 24m
10 AM
6h 7m
12 PM
6h 5m
3 PM
6h 8m
5 PM
6h 23m
8 PM
5h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Sherman Oaks, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Stockton, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
Sherman Oaks to Stockton is 325.5 miles and takes about 5h 58m via Westside Freeway, I 5 Truck, and Golden State Freeway, with a fuel budget near $74 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within California's Pacific Coast region, offering a straightforward drive primarily on major freeways. It's a practical choice if you need to cover ground efficiently between Southern and Northern California without significant detours. Consider this route for its directness and ease of navigation, suitable for a single-day transit.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
162.7 miles from Sherman Oaks, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 1m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Westside Freeway | 250.5 mi | 4h 28m |
| I 5 Truck | 39.3 mi | 45m |
| Golden State Freeway | 22.3 mi | 25m |
| San Diego Freeway | 9.4 mi | 10m |
| South El Dorado Street | 1 mi | 1m |
| Ventura Freeway | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| West Charter Way | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| Van Nuys Boulevard | 0.4 mi | 1m |
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 250.5 mi, about 4h 28m
Traffic on I-5
Hour-of-day weekday pattern from 194 FHWA count stations on your route.
Peak
2 PM
~1,926 veh/hr typical · worst 2,652
Quietest
2 AM
~360 veh/hr
Peak-to-quiet ratio
5.4×
busier at peak than in the quiet hours
12a
6a
noon
6p
11p
Averaged across 44 weeks of 2023 FHWA Travel Monitoring Analysis System data. Weekday hours only (Mon–Fri).
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sherman Oaks, CA and Stockton, CA.
1
Start on this road
37 ft
·
8 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto Ventura Boulevard
157 ft
·
12 sec
·
Ventura Boulevard
3
Turn left onto Van Nuys Boulevard
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Van Nuys Boulevard
Use the left lane.
4
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward US 101 North: Ventura
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto US 101
0.6 mi
·
43 sec
·
Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
27 sec
Exit 19A
Toward I 405 South, I 405 North: Santa Monica, Sacramento
Use the slight right lane.
7
Keep slight right at fork
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
Toward I 405 North: Sacramento
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
8
Merge onto I 405
9.4 mi
·
10 min
·
San Diego Freeway
Use the straight / sharp right lanes.
9
Merge onto I 5 Truck
1.6 mi
·
1 min
·
I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
I 5 Truck
Exit 161A
Toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
36 mi
·
41 min
·
I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
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.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5
25 mi
·
26 min
·
Westside Freeway
15
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 471
Toward CA 4 West
16
Keep slight right at fork
407 ft
·
5 sec
17
Turn straight onto West Charter Way
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
West Charter Way
Use the straight / left lanes.
18
Turn left onto South El Dorado Street
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
South El Dorado Street
19
Continue on North El Dorado Street
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
·
North El Dorado Street
20
Turn right onto East Fremont Street
117 ft
·
5 sec
·
East Fremont Street
21
Arrive at destination
East Fremont Street
Trip Plan
To make the most of this 5h 58m drive, aim for an early morning departure from Sherman Oaks to beat the peak traffic. With only one recommended stop and a mostly highway profile, you can easily complete this 325.5-mile trip in a single day. Keep an eye on your fuel, as the estimated cost is $74, and plan your refill stops strategically, perhaps around the 150-mile mark. The longest stretch without a significant change in road type is over 250 miles, so ensure you're comfortable with extended periods of driving before you begin.
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 162.7 miles from Sherman Oaks, CA, or about 3h 1m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 250.5 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 72 miles or 1h 24m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 162.7 miles or 3h 1m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 53m
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 Sherman Oaks, 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 Sherman Oaks, CA
This is one driving day of about 325.5 miles and 5h 58m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 72 miles from Sherman Oaks, 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 Westside Freeway for about 250.5 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Meal stop
163 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 72 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 162.7 miles from Sherman Oaks, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Westside Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 250.5 miles.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Stops Along Your Drive
Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.
Dos Amigos Vista Point
0.1 mi from route
EZ Trip Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
EZ Trip Travel Center
0.1 mi from route
Castaic Truck Stop
0.1 mi from route
Tejon Pass Rest Area - Southbound
0.1 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.1 mi from route
Coalinga Avenal Safety Roadside Rest Area - Northbound
0.2 mi from route
Love's Travel Stop
0.2 mi from route
Coalinga - Avenal Rest Area - Southbound
0.2 mi from route
Coalinga - Avenal Rest Area - Northbound
0.2 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
John "Chuck" Erreca Southbound Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Buttonwillow Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Buttonwillow Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Westley Rest Area
0.2 mi from route
Tejon Pass Rest Area - Northbound
0.2 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
Service Plaza
0.2 mi from route
TA
0.2 mi from route
Lost Hills Travel Center
0.2 mi from route
John "Chuck" Erreca Northbound Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Westley Rest Area
0.3 mi from route
Pilot Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.3 mi from route
TA
0.4 mi from route
Flying J Travel Center
0.8 mi from route
Service Plaza
1.3 mi from route
Rest Area
1.6 mi from route
Rest Area
1.8 mi from route
Petro Stopping Centers
2 mi from route
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 185 decision points cluster between mile 0 and 72.8 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Van Nuys Boulevard
Turn left onto Van Nuys Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
8
1.4 mi into trip
|
~2m in
Take the exit toward I 405 South, I 405 North: Santa Monica, Sacramento
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 19A
Toward I 405 South, I 405 North: Santa Monica,...
8
1.6 mi into trip
|
~3m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 405 North: Sacramento
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward I 405 North: Sacramento
9
12.8 mi into trip
|
~16m in
|
I 5 Truck
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 161A
Toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
7
72.8 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$68.10 one way
$136.20 round trip
$5.31/gal
25.4 MPG avg
114 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $5.52 | $70.73 | $141.45 |
| premium | $5.67 | $72.60 | $145.19 |
| diesel | $4.80 | $61.46 | $122.92 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$68
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$93–$118
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 113.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-07-13.
Driving Electric?
About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 97.7 | 1 | $34.18 | $15.62 |
| Efficient EV | 81.4 | 0 | $28.48 | $13.02 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 130.2 | 1 | $45.57 | $20.83 |
Gas CO2
114 kg
EV CO2
38 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.
Origin
Sherman Oaks, CA
Evening in Sherman Oaks on Monday
Local time
5:29 PM
PDT
Current temp
91°F
Mostly Sunny
SSE 10 mph
3% chance
Live forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 1:44AM PDT until July 17 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 1:44AM PDT until July 17 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR
Destination
Stockton, CA
Evening in Stockton on Monday
Local time
5:29 PM
PDT
Current temp
90°F
Sunny
WNW 3 to 8 mph
0% chance
Live forecast
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 1:44AM PDT until July 17 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Medford OR
Red Flag Warning
Red Flag Warning issued July 17 at 1:44AM PDT until July 17 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
1 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
5h 58m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
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
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...
19 mi from route
~47 min detour
Free
View on nps.gov
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 78.6
View on nps.gov
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
What kind of drive is this?
You'll be on the highway for 99% of this 325.5-mile trip. Expect a substantial stretch of 250.5 miles on the Westside Freeway, indicating long, uninterrupted highway cruising. The transition to surface roads, if any, will occur late in the drive. Given the extensive highway use, be prepared for potential urban merging and dense traffic patterns, especially around major metropolitan areas along the way.
99% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
21 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 250.5 mi on Westside Freeway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
8/10
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and I 5 Truck. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Van Nuys Boulevard.
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 18 significant decision points across 325.5 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: near the start (Van Nuys Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.6 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Elevation Profile
Gently rolling terrain
2,818 ft
12 ft
Total Climb
2,570 ft
Total Descent
3,218 ft
Highest Point
2,818 ft
~46.5 mi in
Elevation Range
2,806 ft
Notable High Points
2,818 ft at ~46.5 miles
+1,485 ft prominence
About the Cities
Starting in Sherman Oaks, CA
Full guide →Founded 1927
Sherman Oaks a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley in the Los Angeles metropolitan area in Southern California. It is known more for its shopping malls than for its places to see.
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 5h 58m. Total distance: 325.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 58m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (99%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 250.5 miles on Westside Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — we found about 33 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.
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. Plan at least 1 meaningful breaks. There are 33 rest areas along the route for bathroom stops.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (Van Nuys Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 1.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 1.6 miles: 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 6.0 hours each way, a round trip means 11.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Stockton, 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, USGS 3DEP for elevation, NPS for national parks, and FHWA TMAS for hourly traffic volumes. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
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