Origin
Clearlake, CA
Afternoon in Clearlake on Sunday
Local time
1:46 PM
PDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Clearlake, CA to San Jose, CA
Drive Time
3h 4m
Distance
142.2 mi
229 km
Drive Score
9/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$33
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
2h 53m
★
6 AM
3h 4m
8 AM
3h 27m
10 AM
3h 12m
12 PM
3h 10m
3 PM
3h 13m
5 PM
3h 26m
8 PM
2h 57m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Clearlake, CA
Dominik Gryzbon
San Jose, CA
Stephen Leonardi
Trip Overview
Traveling from Clearlake to San Jose covers a distance of 151.5 miles and typically takes about 2 hours and 54 minutes. Because the route is categorized as a turn-heavy local drive, it is best suited for a single-day trip rather than an overnight excursion. You should budget approximately $21 for fuel to complete the journey. Both your origin and destination sit within the Pacific Coast region of California, keeping you within a consistent geographic zone. While the drive is manageable in one go, be prepared for a winding path rather than a straight interstate shot. This trip works well for those who prefer navigating local roads over high-speed highway cruising.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
71.1 miles from Clearlake, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 35m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a technical experience behind the wheel, as this route is defined by turn-heavy local roads rather than a monotonous interstate grind. With 0% of the drive on major highways, you will be navigating surface streets like Lincoln Avenue and Polk Avenue for the duration of the trip. Because there is no extended highway usage, you will find that the longest uninterrupted stretch is 0 miles on Lincoln Avenue, requiring constant focus and steering input. The character of the road remains consistent throughout the 151.5-mile journey, favoring slow-and-steady maneuvering over rapid transit. You will spend the entire time navigating local infrastructure, which creates a very hands-on driving dynamic.
Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 32 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Donald D Doyle Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 32.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
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 84.3 miles in near I 780.
Route Complexity
9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 142.2 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 84.3 miles (I 780): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93 miles (I 680 / Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 18 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
84.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 54m in
|
I 780
Keep slight left at fork onto I 780 toward I 680 South: Martinez, San Jose
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 7B
Toward I 680 South: Martinez, San Jose
6
93 mi into trip
|
~2h 4m in
|
I 680 / Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680 / Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
130.1 mi into trip
|
~2h 46m in
Take the exit toward CA 262
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 12
Toward CA 262
9
130.3 mi into trip
|
~2h 47m in
Keep slight right at fork toward CA 262: Northwestern Polytechnic University, Warm Springs District
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward CA 262: Northwestern Polytechnic Univers...
8
140.4 mi into trip
|
~2h 59m in
Take the exit toward Downtown, North First Street
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 4A
Toward Downtown, North First Street
Towns Along This Route
On the drive from Clearlake, CA to San Jose, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Warm Springs District along the way.
Warm Springs District
130.3 mi in
|
~2h 47m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Donald D Doyle Highway | 32.4 mi | 37m |
| CA 29 | 32 mi | 47m |
| Saint Helena Highway South | 21.7 mi | 25m |
| Nimitz Freeway | 8.3 mi | 9m |
| Benicia-Martinez Bridge | 8 mi | 9m |
| Curtola Parkway | 7.1 mi | 9m |
| Saint Helena Highway | 6.8 mi | 7m |
| Broadway Street | 5.1 mi | 6m |
Longest stretch:
Donald D Doyle Highway
— 32.4 mi, about 37m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Clearlake, CA and San Jose, CA.
1
Start on Duncan Avenue
0.2 mi
·
37 sec
·
Duncan Avenue
2
Continue on Lincoln Avenue
0.1 mi
·
29 sec
·
Lincoln Avenue
3
Turn right onto Polk Avenue
331 ft
·
18 sec
·
Polk Avenue
4
Turn right onto CA 53
3.6 mi
·
5 min
·
CA 53
5
Continue on CA 29
10 mi
·
15 min
·
CA 29
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
6
Enter roundabout onto CA 29
48 ft
·
0 sec
·
CA 29
7
Continue on CA 29
22 mi
·
32 min
·
CA 29
8
Turn left onto CA 29; CA 128
6.8 mi
·
7 min
·
Saint Helena Highway
9
Continue on CA 29; CA 128
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Main Street
10
Continue on CA 29; CA 128
22 mi
·
25 min
·
Saint Helena Highway South
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Continue on CA 12; CA 29
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Napa–Vallejo Highway
12
Continue on CA 29
4.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Broadway Street
13
Continue on CA 29
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Sonoma Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
14
Continue on CA 29
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Sonoma Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
15
Turn left onto Redwood Street
0.3 mi
·
44 sec
·
Redwood Street
Use the left / uturn lanes.
16
Turn right onto US 40 Hist
1.1 mi
·
1 min
·
Broadway Street
17
Turn slight left onto US 40 Hist
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
Alameda Street
18
Turn left onto Curtola Parkway
7.1 mi
·
9 min
·
Curtola Parkway
Use the straight lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 780
0.7 mi
·
46 sec
·
I 780
Exit 7B
Toward I 680 South: Martinez, San Jose
20
Continue on I 680
8.0 mi
·
9 min
·
Benicia-Martinez Bridge
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680
4.8 mi
·
5 min
·
Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Continue on I 680
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Donald D Doyle Highway
23
Keep slight right at fork onto I 680
31 mi
·
35 min
·
Donald D Doyle Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
21 sec
Exit 12
Toward CA 262
Use the slight right lane.
25
Keep slight right at fork
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
Toward CA 262: Northwestern Polytechnic University, Warm Springs District
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Merge onto CA 262
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Mission Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
27
Merge onto I 880
8.3 mi
·
9 min
·
Nimitz Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Exit 4A
Toward Downtown, North First Street
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Turn left onto North 1st Street
1.5 mi
·
3 min
·
North 1st Street
Use the left / uturn lanes.
30
Turn right onto West Julian Street
494 ft
·
17 sec
·
West Julian Street
31
Turn left onto North Market Street
196 ft
·
6 sec
·
North Market Street
32
Arrive at destination
North Market Street
Trip Plan
Given the turn-heavy nature of this 151.5-mile route, allow yourself plenty of time to navigate the local roads comfortably. You should plan for at least one stop during the trip to stretch your legs and break up the constant steering. Since you are not relying on high-speed highways, try to leave during off-peak hours to avoid potential congestion on local thoroughfares. Keep your $21 fuel budget in mind, and ensure your tank is topped off before departing Clearlake, as local roads may not offer the same quick-access fueling options as major interstates. Flexibility is your greatest advantage here, so use the single-stop recommendation to pace yourself throughout the nearly three-hour drive.
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 71.1 miles from Clearlake, CA, or about 1h 35m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 32.4 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 80 miles or 1h 48m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 71.1 miles or 1h 35m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 2h 31m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Jose, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Clearlake, 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 Clearlake, CA
This is one driving day of about 142.2 miles and 3h 4m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Clearlake, 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 Donald D Doyle Highway for about 32.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 71.1 mi from Clearlake, CA · 1h 35m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
71 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 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 71.1 miles from Clearlake, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in San Jose, CA
The final approach into San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$32.93 one way
$65.86 round trip
$5.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
50 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.07 | $33.96 | $67.92 |
| premium | $6.24 | $34.95 | $69.90 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $31.59 | $63.18 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$33
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$58–$83
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 49.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $15 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 42.7 | 0 | $14.93 | $6.83 |
| Efficient EV | 35.6 | 0 | $12.44 | $5.69 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 56.9 | 0 | $19.91 | $9.10 |
Gas CO2
50 kg
EV CO2
17 kg (66% 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
San Jose, CA
Afternoon in San Jose on Sunday
Local time
1:46 PM
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.
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
23 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
3h 4m 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Clearlake, CA to San Jose, CA covers 142.2 miles and takes about 3h 4m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Donald D Doyle Highway, CA 29, Saint Helena Highway South. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 71.1 miles from Clearlake, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $32.93 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
This is a demanding drive. With 18 significant decision points across 142.2 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.
The main spots that need attention: at 84.3 miles (I 780): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 93 miles (I 680 / Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 130.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Clearlake, CA to San Jose, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Warm Springs District along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From San Jose, CA
More from Clearlake, CA
More trips to San Jose, CA
Explore more options from Clearlake, CA or browse trips ending in San Jose, CA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CA road trips.
Explore maps for Clearlake, CA or San Jose, CA on MapSof.net.