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Trip from Soledad, CA to Riverside, CA

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

Drive Time

6h 25m

Distance

328.2 mi

528 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$75

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 37 min
4 AM
6h 13m ★
6 AM
6h 26m
8 AM
6h 50m
10 AM
6h 34m
12 PM
6h 32m
3 PM
6h 36m
5 PM
6h 49m
8 PM
6h 18m

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 Monterey County, California, United States

Soledad, CA

Wikimedia Commons

county seat of Riverside County, California, United States

Riverside, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 332.4-mile drive from Soledad, CA, to Riverside, CA, is best tackled in a single day, taking approximately 5 hours and 19 minutes. You'll navigate primarily using El Camino Real, CA 46 East, and Antelope Road, with a significant portion of the journey involving turn-heavy local roads rather than high-speed highways. With an estimated fuel cost of $77, this route offers a more intimate driving experience. The trip spans across California, connecting two points within the Pacific Coast region. It's a manageable distance for a day trip, allowing for a straightforward transit between these two locations.

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

164.1 miles from Soledad, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 10m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
El Camino Real 69.9 mi 1h 20m
I 5 Truck 58.4 mi 1h 6m
Westside Freeway 56.8 mi 1h
Foothill Freeway 44 mi 50m
Paso Robles Highway 32.3 mi 38m
CA 46 24.5 mi 28m
Pomona Freeway 12 mi 13m
Van Buren Boulevard 6.1 mi 8m
Longest stretch: El Camino Real — 69.9 mi, about 1h 20m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Soledad, CA and Riverside, CA.

1

Start on CA 146

0.4 mi · 59 sec · Front Street
2

Turn right

0.2 mi · 15 sec
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 32 sec
4

Merge onto US 101

70 mi · 1 hr 20 min · El Camino Real
5

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 30 sec
Toward CA 46 East: Fresno, Bakersfield
6

Turn left onto CA 46

24 mi · 28 min · CA 46
Use the straight / left lanes.
7

Merge onto CA 41; CA 46

1.4 mi · 1 min · CA 41; CA 46
8

Turn slight right

490 ft · 6 sec
9

Keep slight left at fork onto CA 46

5.3 mi · 6 min · Antelope Road
10

Continue on CA 46

32 mi · 38 min · Paso Robles Highway
Use the slight left lane.
11

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 24 sec
12

Merge onto I 5

57 mi · 1 hr · Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

58 mi · 1 hr 6 min · I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

2.0 mi · 2 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 17 sec
Exit 161A Toward I 210 East: Pasadena Use the slight right lane.
16

Continue on I 210

24 mi · 28 min · Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight right at fork onto I 210

19 mi · 22 min · Foothill Freeway
Toward CA 134 West, I 210 East: San Bernardino, Ventura Use the slight right lane.
18

Keep slight right at fork onto I 210

0.5 mi · 32 sec · Foothill Freeway
19

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 44A Toward CA 57 South: Santa Ana Use the slight right lane.
20

Continue on CA 57

3.2 mi · 3 min · Orange Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Take the exit

1.1 mi · 2 min
Exit 22C Toward CA 71: Corona Use the slight right lane.
22

Continue on CA 71

3.1 mi · 3 min · Chino Valley Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23

Take the exit

1.4 mi · 2 min
Toward CA 60 East: Riverside Use the slight right lane.
24

Merge onto CA 60

12 mi · 13 min · Pomona Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Exit 42 Toward Van Buren Boulevard, Etiwanda Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Turn straight onto Mission Boulevard

0.2 mi · 15 sec · Mission Boulevard
27

Continue on Van Buren Boulevard

6.1 mi · 8 min · Van Buren Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
28

Turn left onto Central Avenue

3.6 mi · 6 min · Central Avenue
Use the left lane.
29

Turn sharp right

171 ft · 12 sec
30

Arrive at destination

Trip Plan

Given the 5-hour 19-minute duration, starting your drive from Soledad in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and allow for a relaxed pace. You'll want to plan for at least one stop along the way, considering the numerous turns and local road segments. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially as you transition onto CA 46 East, as services might be less frequent than on major interstates. The estimated fuel cost is around $77, so factor that into your budget. The 'Turn-heavy local drive' nature means staying alert and mindful of your navigation is key to a smooth trip.

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 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 164.1 miles from Soledad, CA, or about 3h 10m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 69.9 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 72 miles or 1h 24m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 164.1 miles or 3h 10m 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 9m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Soledad, 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 Soledad, CA

This is one driving day of about 328.2 miles and 6h 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 72 miles from Soledad, 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 El Camino Real for about 69.9 miles.

Where to Stop

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

city in Los Angeles County, California, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Santa Clarita, CA

164 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

Atascadero, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 72 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bakersfield, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 164.1 miles from Soledad, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before El Camino Real if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 69.9 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.

Calcareous Vineyard Tasting Room

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 71.2

Paso Robles, California

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18052390289

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Soledad, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Soledad, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Soledad, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EV Range Charging Station

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Soledad, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18333872643

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 71.2

Paso Robles, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

EVCS Charging Station

2.6 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Soledad, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663003827

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 71.2

Paso Robles, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 71.2

Paso Robles, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Pioneer Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 71.2

Paso Robles, California

Hours: 1–4 pm

+18052394556

Visit website

Downtown City Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 71.2

Paso Robles, CA

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+18052373988

Visit website

LXV Wine & Pairings Downtown Tasting Room

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 71.2

Paso Robles, California

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+18052961902

Visit website

Paso Robles Downtown Main Street Association

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 71.2

Paso Robles, California

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18052384103

Visit website

Veterans Memorial Community Regional Park

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 261.1

Sylmar, California

Hours: 6:30 am–6 pm

+18188337550

Visit website

Mission of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour

Soledad, California

Hours: 10 am–4 pm

+18316782586

Visit website

Barney Schwartz Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

2.6 mi from route ~7 min detour mile 71.2

Paso Robles, California

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+18052373991

Visit website

NHRA Motorsports Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~9 min detour

3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 308.6

Pomona, California

Hours: Closed

+19096222133

Visit website

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

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 21

5 decision points cluster between mile 252 and 317.9 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

7
252 mi into trip | ~4h 49m in

Take the exit toward I 210 East: Pasadena

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 161A Toward I 210 East: Pasadena
8
276.7 mi into trip | ~5h 18m in | I 210 / Foothill Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 210 / Foothill Freeway toward CA 134 West, I 210 East: San Bernardino, Ventura

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight right lane. Toward CA 134 West, I 210 East: San Bernardino,...
7
296.2 mi into trip | ~5h 40m in

Take the exit toward CA 57 South: Santa Ana

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 44A Toward CA 57 South: Santa Ana
7
300.3 mi into trip | ~5h 46m in

Take the exit toward CA 71: Corona

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 22C Toward CA 71: Corona
8
317.9 mi into trip | ~6h 9m in

Take the exit toward Van Buren Boulevard, Etiwanda Avenue

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 42 Toward Van Buren Boulevard, Etiwanda Avenue

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$75.43 one way

$150.87 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 115 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $77.73 $155.47
premium $6.18 $79.81 $159.63
diesel $5.61 $72.46 $144.92

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$75

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$100–$125

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 114.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $34 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 98.5 1 $34.46 $15.75
Efficient EV 82.1 0 $28.72 $13.13
EV Truck/SUV 131.3 1 $45.95 $21.00

Gas CO2

115 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.

Forecast as of Apr 14, 2026

Origin

Soledad, CA

Morning in Soledad on Sunday

Local time

11:57 AM

PDT

Current temp

47°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Riverside, CA

Morning in Riverside on Sunday

Local time

11:57 AM

PDT

Current temp

51°F

Mostly Clear

SE 5 mph 0% chance 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 warmer at arrival

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

Road read

6h 25m 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.

Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park

National Park

Around 23 million years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions shaped the landscape that is now Pinnacles National Park. The remnants of these ancient eruptions have formed a striking terrain of rocky sp...

9 mi from route ~23 min detour $30
View on nps.gov
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 ~55 min detour Free near mile 252.1
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...

27 mi from route ~67 min detour Free near mile 194.8
View on nps.gov

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

What kind of drive is this?

Expect a journey with a 'Turn-heavy local drive' profile, indicated by a 0% highway share. This means you'll be on roads that require more frequent adjustments and attention, rather than long, straight stretches. The longest uninterrupted stretch is not specified, but the character suggests a route composed of varied local roads. You'll likely experience a dynamic driving environment as you transition through different areas on your way from Soledad to Riverside. This type of drive offers a different pace compared to interstate travel.

63% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
30 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 69.9 mi on El Camino Real.

How Hard Is This Drive?

10/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on El Camino Real and I 5 Truck. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 252 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 21 significant decision points across 328.2 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 252 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 276.7 miles (I 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 296.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. 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 Soledad, CA and Riverside, CA, road signs point toward Bakersfield and Ventura.

Bakersfield

70.7 mi in | ~1h 22m

Ventura

276.7 mi in | ~5h 18m | via I 210

About the Cities

Starting in Soledad, CA

Full guide →

Founded 1921

Soledad is a city in Monterey County in the Central Coast region of California. The town is home to one of the 21 Spanish missions found throughout the state and is the gateway to Pinnacles National Park, which is 10 miles (16 km) east of town.

Arriving in Riverside, CA

Full guide →

Riverside is a city in Riverside County in California. With a population of over 300,000, the city plays host to a diverse cross-section of people and has a rich history. Riverside is approximately 55 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. It is a center for higher education, with one community college, a large state university, and two private universities. A hub of regional commerce and transportation, it is a city with an intriguing past and a promising future, and is worth a visit.

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 6h 25m. Total distance: 328.2 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

6h 25m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 69.9 miles on El Camino Real. 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 Riverside, 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 252 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 276.7 miles (I 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 296.2 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes — Pinnacles National Park, 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 6.4 hours each way, a round trip means 12.9 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at Riverside, 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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