Origin
Daly City, CA
Evening in Daly City on Wednesday
Local time
7:25 PM
PDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Daly City, CA to Redwood City, CA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
31m
Distance
23.4 mi
38 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$5
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 29m
★
6 AM
0h 31m
8 AM
0h 37m
10 AM
0h 33m
12 PM
0h 33m
3 PM
0h 34m
5 PM
0h 37m
8 PM
0h 30m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Daly City, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Redwood City, CA
Stephen Leonardi
Trip Overview
This straightforward 23.4-mile drive from Daly City to Redwood City in California is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 31 minutes. Primarily utilizing the Bayshore Freeway and Junipero Serra Freeway (I-380), this route is heavily highway-focused, with 85% of the journey on freeways. The estimated fuel cost for this short hop is around $5, making it an economical option. Given its brevity and highway nature, it's a practical choice for a quick transfer or a segment of a larger Pacific Coast journey without needing an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
This drive is short enough that no stops are needed.
Midpoint
11.7 miles from Daly City, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 16m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this route, with 85% of the 23.4 miles on freeways like the Bayshore Freeway and Junipero Serra Freeway. You'll experience a longest uninterrupted stretch of 12.9 miles on the Bayshore Freeway, offering a consistent pace. While primarily a freeway experience, the transition onto and off these main roads will involve local connections. The overall feel is one of efficient transit rather than scenic exploration, designed for steady progress between these two Pacific Coast cities.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 15 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Bayshore Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 12.9 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Bayshore Freeway and Junipero Serra Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.7 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
Focused - lots of decisions in a short distance, but it is over quickly
This is a short but busy drive. With 12 decision points packed into just 23.4 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 31m.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.6 miles (I 380): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 12 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.7 mi into trip
|
~1m in
Take the ramp toward I 280 South, CA 1: San Jose
Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward I 280 South, CA 1: San Jose
7
6.6 mi into trip
|
~9m in
|
I 380
Take the exit onto I 380 toward I 380: San Francisco International Airport
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 43A
Toward I 380: San Francisco International Airpo...
8
8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
Take the exit toward US 101 South: San Jose, San Francisco International Airport
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 6A
Toward US 101 South: San Jose, San Francisco In...
7
8.8 mi into trip
|
~12m in
Keep slight left at fork toward US 101 South: San Jose
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward US 101 South: San Jose
7
22 mi into trip
|
~28m in
Take the exit toward Whipple Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 409
Toward Whipple Avenue
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 Daly City, CA to Redwood City, CA, road signs begin pointing toward San Francisco International Airport along the way.
San Francisco International Airport
8 mi in
|
~10m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bayshore Freeway | 12.9 mi | 14m |
| Junipero Serra Freeway | 5.5 mi | 6m |
| I 380 | 1.4 mi | 1m |
| Veterans Boulevard | 0.6 mi | 1m |
| John Daly Boulevard | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| Brewster Avenue | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Hillcrest Drive | 0.1 mi | <1m |
| Santa Barbara Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Bayshore Freeway
— 12.9 mi, about 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Daly City, CA and Redwood City, CA.
1
Start on Hillcrest Drive
0.1 mi
·
34 sec
·
Hillcrest Drive
2
Turn left onto Santa Barbara Avenue
393 ft
·
20 sec
·
Santa Barbara Avenue
3
Turn right onto John Daly Boulevard
0.5 mi
·
58 sec
·
John Daly Boulevard
Use the straight / left lanes.
4
Take the ramp
0.4 mi
·
49 sec
Toward I 280 South, CA 1: San Jose
Use the left lane.
5
Merge onto I 280
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Junipero Serra Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Keep slight left at fork onto I 280
4.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Junipero Serra Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Take the exit onto I 380
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
I 380
Exit 43A
Toward I 380: San Francisco International Airport
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.8 mi
·
1 min
Exit 6A
Toward US 101 South: San Jose, San Francisco International Airport
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.4 mi
·
47 sec
Toward US 101 South: San Jose
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Merge onto US 101
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Bayshore Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
Exit 409
Toward Whipple Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Continue on Veterans Boulevard
0.6 mi
·
1 min
·
Veterans Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
13
Turn right onto Brewster Avenue
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Brewster Avenue
14
Turn left
477 ft
·
20 sec
15
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
For this brief 31-minute journey, flexibility is key. You can depart at any time, though avoiding peak commute hours on the Bayshore Freeway and Junipero Serra Freeway will ensure the quickest travel. With only 23.4 miles and a low fuel cost of about $5, there's no need to plan for extensive stops. The longest stretch is under 13 miles, so you won't be on the highway for an extended period without a potential exit. Consider checking local traffic conditions before you leave, especially if traveling during traditional rush hours, to make the most of this efficient drive.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 11.7 miles from Daly City, CA, or about 16m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 12.9 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 23 miles or 30m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 11.7 miles or 16m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 25m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Redwood City, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Have your navigation ready before leaving Daly City, CA.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Daly City, CA
This is one driving day of about 23.4 miles and 31m.
At 23.4 miles this is a quick drive — no planned stops needed.
The longest stretch is on Bayshore Freeway for about 12.9 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 11.7 mi from Daly City, CA · 16m into the drive
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 23 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 11.7 miles from Daly City, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Redwood City, CA
Allow a few extra minutes for the final approach into Redwood City, CA if you are unfamiliar with the area.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$5.38 one way
$10.76 round trip
$5.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
8 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.02 | $5.54 | $11.08 |
| premium | $6.18 | $5.69 | $11.38 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $5.17 | $10.33 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$5
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$30–$55
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 8.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 63% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 7 | 0 | $2.46 | $1.12 |
| Efficient EV | 5.9 | 0 | $2.05 | $0.94 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 9.4 | 0 | $3.28 | $1.50 |
Gas CO2
8 kg
EV CO2
3 kg (63% 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
Redwood City, CA
Evening in Redwood City on Wednesday
Local time
7:25 PM
PDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
18 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
31m 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 Daly City, CA to Redwood City, CA covers 23.4 miles and takes about 31m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Bayshore Freeway, Junipero Serra Freeway, I 380. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 11.7 miles from Daly City, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $5.38 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a short but busy drive. With 12 decision points packed into just 23.4 miles, you will need to pay attention to lane changes and exits — but the whole thing is over in 31m.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.7 miles: Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 6.6 miles (I 380): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Daly City, CA to Redwood City, CA, road signs begin pointing toward San Francisco International Airport along the way.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Redwood City, CA
More from Daly City, CA
More trips to Redwood City, CA
Explore more options from Daly City, CA or browse trips ending in Redwood City, CA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CA road trips.
Explore maps for Daly City, CA or Redwood City, CA on MapSof.net.