Origin
Truckee, CA
Late night in Truckee on Tuesday
Local time
2:01 AM
PDT
Current temp
31°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Truckee, CA to San Bernardino, 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
9h 39m
Distance
455.5 mi
733 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
2-day trip
Fuel Cost
$105
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
9h 31m
★
6 AM
9h 40m
8 AM
9h 57m
10 AM
9h 46m
12 PM
9h 44m
3 PM
9h 47m
5 PM
9h 56m
8 PM
9h 35m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Truckee, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 455.5-mile journey from Truckee, CA to San Bernardino, CA will take approximately 9 hours and 39 minutes of driving time. With a recommended two-day split, it's best to break this drive up to truly enjoy the experience. You'll be traveling primarily on US 395, also known as the Grand Army of the Republic Highway and Blue Star Memorial Highway for significant portions. The estimated fuel cost for this trip is around $105. This route offers a generally practical, though turn-heavy, local driving feel, making it ideal for those who prefer a more varied road experience over long, unbroken stretches of interstate.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
227.7 miles from Truckee, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 5h 7m into the drive .
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| US 395 | 109.1 mi | 2h 21m |
| Grand Army of the Republic Highway | 104.6 mi | 2h 2m |
| Blue Star Memorial Highway | 103.3 mi | 2h 3m |
| Main Street | 43.8 mi | 53m |
| South Carson Street | 11 mi | 13m |
| CA 267 | 10.3 mi | 14m |
| NV 28 | 10.1 mi | 16m |
| Lincoln Highway | 9.8 mi | 14m |
Longest stretch:
US 395
— 109.1 mi, about 2h 21m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Truckee, CA and San Bernardino, CA.
1
Start on this road
78 ft
·
11 sec
·
this road
2
Turn left onto US 40 Hist
249 ft
·
15 sec
·
Donner Pass Road
3
Turn left onto Bridge Street
0.2 mi
·
28 sec
·
Bridge Street
Use the left lane.
4
Continue on Brockway Road
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
Brockway Road
5
Enter roundabout onto Brockway Road
107 ft
·
2 sec
·
Brockway Road
6
Continue on Brockway Road
0.3 mi
·
36 sec
·
Brockway Road
7
Turn right onto CA 267
10 mi
·
14 min
·
CA 267
8
Turn left onto CA 28
0.4 mi
·
56 sec
·
North Lake Boulevard
9
Enter roundabout onto CA 28
69 ft
·
1 sec
·
North Lake Boulevard
10
Continue on CA 28
0.1 mi
·
21 sec
·
North Lake Boulevard
11
Enter roundabout onto CA 28
66 ft
·
2 sec
·
North Lake Boulevard
12
Continue on CA 28
1.2 mi
·
2 min
·
North Lake Boulevard
13
Continue on NV 28
2.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Tahoe Boulevard
14
Turn right onto Lakeshore Boulevard
3.1 mi
·
6 min
·
Lakeshore Boulevard
15
At end of road, turn right onto NV 28
10 mi
·
16 min
·
NV 28
16
At end of road, turn left onto US 50
9.8 mi
·
14 min
·
Lincoln Highway
17
Turn right onto US 395
11 mi
·
13 min
·
South Carson Street
18
Take the exit
488 ft
·
13 sec
19
Turn straight onto NV 88
0.3 mi
·
42 sec
·
Woodfords Road
20
Enter roundabout onto County Road
144 ft
·
2 sec
·
County Road
21
Continue on County Road
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
County Road
22
At end of road, turn right onto US 395
66 mi
·
1 hr 30 min
·
US 395
Use the left lane.
23
Turn left onto Emigrant Street
0.5 mi
·
42 sec
·
Emigrant Street
24
At end of road, turn right onto Sinclair Street
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Sinclair Street
25
Turn left onto US 395
44 mi
·
53 min
·
Main Street
Use the straight lane.
26
Continue on US 395
44 mi
·
50 min
·
US 395
Use the straight lane.
27
Turn right onto North Barlow Lane
1.0 mi
·
1 min
·
North Barlow Lane
28
Turn left onto CA 168
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
West Line Street
29
Turn right onto US 395; CA 168; US 6 Hist
2.4 mi
·
3 min
·
South Main Street
30
Continue on US 395; CA 168; US 6 Hist
5.0 mi
·
5 min
·
El Camino Sierra
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
31
Continue on US 395; CA 168; US 6 Hist
7.4 mi
·
8 min
·
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
32
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
North Main Street
33
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
26 mi
·
31 min
·
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
34
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
North Edwards Street
35
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
15 mi
·
17 min
·
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
36
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
2.2 mi
·
4 min
·
North Main Street
37
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
56 mi
·
1 hr 4 min
·
Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
38
Continue on US 395; US 6 Hist
7.0 mi
·
8 min
·
Blue Star Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
39
Keep slight left at fork onto US 395
30 mi
·
34 min
·
Blue Star Memorial Highway
Toward US 395 South: San Bernardino
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
40
Continue on US 395
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
Red Mountain Road
41
Continue on US 395
67 mi
·
1 hr 20 min
·
Blue Star Memorial Highway
Use the straight lane.
42
Take the exit
0.7 mi
·
1 min
Toward I 15 South: San Bernardino, Los Angeles
Use the straight lane.
43
Merge onto I 15; US 66 Hist
3.4 mi
·
3 min
·
Barstow and Mojave Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
44
Continue on I 15; US 66 Hist; US 91 Hist; US 395 Hist
5.6 mi
·
6 min
·
CHP Officer Larry L. Wetterling and San Bernardino County Sheriff's Lieutenant Alfred E. Stewart Memorial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
45
Continue on I 15; US 66 Hist
6.3 mi
·
6 min
·
Barstow and Mojave Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
46
Continue on I 215
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
·
Barstow Freeway
Exit 123
47
Keep slight left at fork onto I 215
9.3 mi
·
10 min
·
Barstow Freeway
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
48
Continue on I 215
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
San Bernardino Freeway
49
Take the exit
0.4 mi
·
52 sec
Exit 44A
Toward CA 66 West: 5th Street, Civic Center
Use the slight right lane.
50
Turn left onto CA 66
0.8 mi
·
1 min
·
West 5th Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
51
Arrive at destination
West 5th Street
Trip Plan
Given the 9 hour and 39 minute duration and 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, splitting this trip over two days is strongly recommended. Plan for at least two stops to break up the 455.5 miles. Start your first day with the longest stretch of 109.1 miles on US 395 to get a significant portion of driving done. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, especially as you move away from major towns, and factor in the $105 fuel cost. Aim to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight for navigation and enjoy the changing scenery more comfortably.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 227.7 miles from Truckee, CA, or about 5h 7m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 109.1 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 100 miles or 2h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 227.7 miles or 5h 7m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 227.7 miles or 5h 7m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 8h 28m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Bernardino, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Truckee, 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.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Truckee, CA
Aim for roughly 228 miles and 4.8 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into San Bernardino, CA
Aim for roughly 228 miles and 4.8 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 100 miles from Truckee, CA.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on US 395 for about 109.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Mid-route town
Overnight candidate
228 mi into the route
Best for: Hotel check-in, dinner, and a fresh start
This lines up well with a realistic day-end stop if you are breaking the drive into stages.
Find hotels in Mammoth Lakes, CAOvernight Options
Night 1
228 mi · about 4.8h in
A practical overnight split lands near Mammoth Lakes, CA after about 228 miles or 4.8 hours of driving.
Find hotelsPacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 100 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 227.7 miles from Truckee, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before US 395 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 109.1 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stopFor a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 228 miles or 4.8 hours on the road.
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 0.1 and 454.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
6
0.1 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Bridge Street
Turn left onto Bridge Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
51.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 22m in
|
US 395
At end of road, turn right onto US 395
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
7
329.8 mi into trip
|
~7h 10m in
|
US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway toward US 395 South: San Bernardino
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward US 395 South: San Bernardino
7
427.1 mi into trip
|
~9h 7m in
Take the exit toward I 15 South: San Bernardino, Los Angeles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight lane.
Toward I 15 South: San Bernardino, Los Angeles
8
454.3 mi into trip
|
~9h 37m in
Take the exit toward CA 66 West: 5th Street, Civic Center
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 44A
Toward CA 66 West: 5th Street, Civic Center
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$104.69 one way
$209.39 round trip
$5.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
159 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.02 | $107.89 | $215.77 |
| premium | $6.18 | $110.77 | $221.55 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $100.57 | $201.14 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$105
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$235–$345
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 159.4 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $48 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 136.7 | 1 | $47.83 | $21.86 |
| Efficient EV | 113.9 | 1 | $39.86 | $18.22 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 182.2 | 2 | $63.77 | $29.15 |
Gas CO2
159 kg
EV CO2
53 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.
Destination
San Bernardino, CA
Late night in San Bernardino on Tuesday
Local time
2:01 AM
PDT
Current temp
71°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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
40 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
9h 39m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
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.
Devils Postpile National Monument
National Monument
Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery...
12 mi from route
~30 min detour
Free
near mile 157.1
Park Closure: Reds Meadow Road Access Restrictions in 2026
Park Closure: Devils Postpile National Monument facilities are closed for the season
Yosemite National Park
National Park
Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yose...
25 mi from route
~62 min detour
$35
near mile 141.4
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 'turn-heavy local drive' personality for much of this 455.5-mile trip. With only 33% of the route on highways, you’ll spend a good amount of time navigating local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you’ll encounter is 109.1 miles on US 395. This means the road character will likely change frequently, offering a dynamic driving experience rather than a monotonous interstate grind. You'll need to stay attentive to navigation as you transition between different road types.
Only 33% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
51 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 109.1 mi on US 395.
How Hard Is This Drive?
7/10
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near Bridge Street.
Driving Effort
7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 24 significant decision points across 455.5 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 0.1 miles (Bridge Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 51.6 miles (US 395): Lane positioning matters here; at 329.8 miles (US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. 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.
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 Truckee, CA to San Bernardino, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Los Angeles along the way.
Los Angeles
427.1 mi in
|
~9h 7m
Detours Along the Way
Tagged by where each one fits in your drive — first break, midpoint, final stretch.
Squeeze In
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Visit website
Viva La Boba
Cafe
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Bernardino, CA
Cuisine: coffee_shop;mexican;taiwanese;bubble_tea
Hours: Mo-Su 10:00-22:00
Visit websiteStarbucks
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Ironwood Center, NV
Cuisine: coffee_shop
Hours: Mo-Su 05:00-19:00
Visit websiteBlind Dog Coffee Lab
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Visit website
Wagon Train Cafe
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
Tough Beans
Cafe
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
Sonic
Fast_food
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Minden, NV
Cuisine: burger
Hours: 09:00-21:00
Visit websiteBar of America
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.1 mi from route
CA
Cuisine: american
Super Burrito
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.1 mi from route
Minden, NV
Cuisine: mexican
Nuevo Vallarta Authentic Mexican Food and Bar
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.1 mi from route
Minden, NV
Cuisine: mexican
Cottonwood
Restaurant
Near the start, right off the route
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
Truckee, CA
Gringos Mariscos & Wings
Restaurant
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Bernardino, CA
Cuisine: american;burger;mexican;chicken
Sandhouse
Viewpoint
Early in the drive, right off the route
Early stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Disc Golf Course
Park
Near the start, right off the route
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Rodeo Grounds
Attraction
Near the start, right off the route
0.6 mi from route
~2 min detour
Meadowbrook Recreation Park
Park
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.7 mi from route
~2 min detour
Palm Field Park
Park
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.1 mi from route
~3 min detour
Ninth Street and Encanto Park
Park
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.4 mi from route
~3 min detour
Donald Davis Sculpture
Artwork
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.2 mi from route
Sister Cities Signpost
Artwork
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Memorial
Memorial
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
Route 66 Rendezvous Cruisin' Hall of Fame
Memorial
Near the end, right off the route
Home stretch
0.3 mi from route
~1 min detour
San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum
Museum
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.2 mi from route
~3 min detour
San Bernardino, CA
Hours: Sa 10:00-15:00
Visit websiteRoute 66 Museum
Museum
Near the end, short detour
Home stretch
1.3 mi from route
~3 min detour
Visit website
Quality Inn & Suites
Hotel
Near the start, right off the route
First break
0.6 mi from route
~1 min detour
Sierra Motel
Motel
Near the start, short detour
First break
1.4 mi from route
~3 min detour
Vintage Village Motel
Motel
Near the start, short detour
First break
2 mi from route
~5 min detour
Pine Cliff Resort RV and Campground
Camp_site
Early in the drive, short detour
Early stretch
2.7 mi from route
~7 min detour
Points of interest from OpenStreetMap contributors. Listings may not reflect current hours or availability.
About the Cities
Starting in Truckee, CA
Full guide →Truckee is a pleasant town of 17,000 people (2019) in the Lake Tahoe region of California. Just east of the Donner Pass on Interstate 80, Truckee is an easy entry point for travelers from the Bay Area to the region.
Arriving in San Bernardino, CA
Full guide →Founded 1854
San Bernardino is a city in the Inland Empire in California. It is the site of the first McDonald Brothers Hamburger Stand
Top landmarks
- • San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot — railway station in San Bernardino, the United States of America
- • California Theatre of the Performing Arts — theater and performing arts center in San Bernardino, California
- • San Bernardino County Court House — courthouse in San Bernardino, United States of America
City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).
Who Is This Route For?
Solo Traveler
9h 39m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 109.1 miles on US 395. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Yes — a 2-day pace is more comfortable than one long haul. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 228 miles on day one.
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 San Bernardino, 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 0.1 miles (Bridge Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 51.6 miles (US 395): Lane positioning matters here; at 329.8 miles (US 395 / Blue Star Memorial Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Devils Postpile National Monument and Yosemite National Park. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Not recommended in a single day. At 9.7 hours each way, a round trip means 19.3 hours of driving — that is an unsafe level of fatigue for most drivers. Plan at least one night at San Bernardino, 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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