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Trip from Anaheim, CA to Danville, CA

Data updated 3 hours ago

Drive Time

7h 4m

Distance

382.1 mi

615 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$88

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 33 min
4 AM
6h 54m ★
6 AM
7h 5m
8 AM
7h 27m
10 AM
7h 13m
12 PM
7h 11m
3 PM
7h 14m
5 PM
7h 26m
8 PM
6h 58m

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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incorporated town in Contra Costa County, California, United States

Danville, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 382.1-mile journey from Anaheim, CA to Danville, CA takes approximately 7 hours and 4 minutes of driving time, making it a feasible, albeit long, day trip. You'll primarily be on major freeways, with a 97% highway share, focusing on the Westside Freeway and Golden State Freeway, including a stretch on I 5 Truck. The estimated fuel cost for this drive is around $88. Given the distance and duration, planning for two stops is recommended to break up the 7-hour drive. This is a highway-focused route across California, connecting two points within the Pacific Coast region.

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

2 planned breaks

Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.

Midpoint

191.1 miles from Anaheim, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 36m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Expect a predominantly highway-focused drive for nearly all of the 382.1 miles. The character of this route is defined by its efficiency, with 97% of the journey on major freeways like the Westside Freeway and Golden State Freeway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 225.6 miles on the Westside Freeway. This means you'll be experiencing consistent speeds and a straightforward driving experience, ideal for covering ground quickly.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 25 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Westside Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 225.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and Golden State Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 50.3 miles in near I 5 Truck.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 382.1 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 50.3 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.2 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 372.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 23 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

9
50.3 mi into trip | ~1h 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
110.2 mi into trip | ~2h 9m 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
8
372.3 mi into trip | ~6h 51m in

Take the exit toward I 680 South, I 680 North: San Jose, Sacramento, Concord, Walnut Creek

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 44B Toward I 680 South, I 680 North: San Jose, Sacr...
9
372.5 mi into trip | ~6h 52m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 680 North: Walnut Creek, Concord, Sacramento

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 680 North: Walnut Creek, Concord, Sacr...
7
380.8 mi into trip | ~7h 2m in

Take the exit toward Sycamore Valley Road

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

Use the slight right lane. Exit 38 Toward Sycamore Valley Road

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 Anaheim, CA to Danville, CA, road signs begin pointing toward San Francisco along the way.

San Francisco

335.8 mi in | ~6h 11m | via I 580

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Westside Freeway 225.6 mi 4h 1m
Golden State Freeway 50 mi 57m
I 5 Truck 37.7 mi 43m
Santa Ana Freeway 21.3 mi 24m
Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway 19.6 mi 22m
William Elton Brown Freeway 17 mi 18m
Donald D Doyle Highway 8 mi 9m
West Lincoln Avenue 1 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Westside Freeway — 225.6 mi, about 4h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Anaheim, CA and Danville, CA.

1

Start on this road

200 ft · 16 sec · this road
2

Turn left onto South Anaheim Boulevard

422 ft · 21 sec · South Anaheim Boulevard
3

Turn left onto West Lincoln Avenue

1.0 mi · 2 min · West Lincoln Avenue
Use the left lane.
4

Turn left

0.2 mi · 14 sec
Toward I 5 North: Los Angeles
5

Merge onto I 5

3.3 mi · 3 min · Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

18 mi · 20 min · Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

25 mi · 29 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

2.2 mi · 2 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

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.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck

36 mi · 41 min · I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

22 mi · 25 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

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.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 580

16 mi · 17 min · William Elton Brown Freeway
Toward I 580 West: Tracy, San Francisco
14

Keep slight right at fork onto I 580 Bypass

1.1 mi · 1 min · William Elton Brown Freeway
15

Merge onto I 580

18 mi · 20 min · Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 580

1.6 mi · 1 min · Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
17

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 16 sec
Exit 44B Toward I 680 South, I 680 North: San Jose, Sacramento, Concord, Walnut Creek Use the slight right lane.
18

Keep slight right at fork

0.3 mi · 30 sec
Toward I 680 North: Walnut Creek, Concord, Sacramento Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Merge onto I 680

8.0 mi · 9 min · Donald D Doyle Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Exit 38 Toward Sycamore Valley Road Use the slight right lane.
21

Turn left onto Sycamore Valley Road

0.2 mi · 26 sec · Sycamore Valley Road
Use the left / straight lanes.
22

Turn right onto San Ramon Valley Boulevard

0.5 mi · 59 sec · San Ramon Valley Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
23

Turn left onto Railroad Avenue

0.3 mi · 36 sec · Railroad Avenue
Use the left lane.
24

Turn right onto West Prospect Avenue

250 ft · 13 sec · West Prospect Avenue
25

Arrive at destination

West Prospect Avenue

Trip Plan

To make the most of this 7-hour drive, aim for an early morning departure from Anaheim to avoid potential traffic. With 382.1 miles to cover, plan for at least two stops to stretch your legs and refuel; the longest stretch without a break is over 225 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during the longer segments on the Westside Freeway, as gas stations can be more spaced out on major interstates. The estimated fuel cost is $88, so factor that into your budget.

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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 191.1 miles from Anaheim, CA, or about 3h 36m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 225.6 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 84 miles or 1h 39m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 191.1 miles or 3h 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 5h 56m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Anaheim, 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.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Anaheim, CA

This is one driving day of about 382.1 miles and 7h 4m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 84 miles from Anaheim, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Westside Freeway for about 225.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 191.1 mi from Anaheim, CA · 3h 36m into the drive

city in Los Angeles County, California, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Santa Clarita, CA

191 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

Santa Clarita, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 84 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fresno, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 191.1 miles from Anaheim, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Westside Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 225.6 miles.

Arriving in Danville, CA

The final approach into Danville, CA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Danville, CA.

After long uninterrupted mileage, take five minutes before the last urban segment to reset and refocus on exits, merges, and city traffic.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

National Memorial

On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion jolted the San Francisco East Bay area, shattering windows and lighting up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were killed instantly when two s...

16 mi from route ~41 min detour Free near mile 382.1
View on nps.gov
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park

Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Celebrate and honor the contributions and sacrifices of American civilians on the WWII home front. Discover how diverse communities lived, worked, and interacted. Many faces, many stories, many truths...

21 mi from route ~51 min detour Free near mile 382.1
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 52.7
View on nps.gov
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Established in 1988, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park celebrates America’s maritime heritage on the Pacific Coast. Our 50-acre park has grown around Aquatic Park Cove, a protected area...

23 mi from route ~58 min detour Free near mile 382.1
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...

29 mi from route ~71 min detour Free near mile 118.6
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$87.82 one way

$175.65 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 134 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $90.50 $181.00
premium $6.18 $92.92 $185.85
diesel $5.61 $84.36 $168.73

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$88

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$113–$138

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 133.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

8 DC fast chargers · Coverage: good

Orange, CA

Orange, CA

RIVIAN_ADVENTURE

12 DCFC

Anaheim Towne Square

Anaheim, CA

eVgo Network

8 DCFC

KPC Anaheim Medical Center

Anaheim, CA

EVCS

8 DCFC

Best Western - Orange

Orange, CA

EVGATEWAY

6 DCFC

G&M OIL G&M #115

Placentia, CA

ChargePoint Network

1 DCFC

OCPW-PKGADMN EV3 FAST

Orange, CA

ChargePoint Network

1 DCFC

CSU FULLERTON DCFC 01

Fullerton, CA

ChargePoint Network

1 DCFC

OCPW-PKGADMN EV4 FAST

Orange, CA

ChargePoint Network

1 DCFC

ChargePoint Network: 4 eVgo Network: 1 EVCS: 1 RIVIAN_ADVENTURE: 1 EVGATEWAY: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 114.6 1 $40.12 $18.34
Efficient EV 95.5 1 $33.43 $15.28
EV Truck/SUV 152.8 1 $53.49 $24.45

Gas CO2

134 kg

EV CO2

45 kg (66% 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 data refreshed 1 hour from now

Origin

Anaheim, CA

Evening in Anaheim on Tuesday

Local time

6:51 PM

PDT

Current temp

72°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Danville, CA

Evening in Danville on Tuesday

Local time

6:51 PM

PDT

Current temp

44°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.

Temperature spread

28 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

7h 4m 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Anaheim, CA to Danville, CA covers 382.1 miles and takes about 7h 4m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Westside Freeway, Golden State Freeway, I 5 Truck. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 191.1 miles from Anaheim, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $87.82 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 382.1 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 50.3 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 110.2 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 372.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Anaheim, CA to Danville, CA, road signs begin pointing toward San Francisco along the way.

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