Origin
Fontana, CA
Afternoon in Fontana on Sunday
Local time
2:49 PM
PDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fontana, CA to Brea, CA
Drive Time
45m
Distance
37 mi
60 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$9
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 42m
★
6 AM
0h 46m
8 AM
0h 53m
10 AM
0h 48m
12 PM
0h 47m
3 PM
0h 49m
5 PM
0h 53m
8 PM
0h 43m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Brea, CA
Simon Steiner
Trip Overview
Connecting Fontana to Brea is a straightforward 37-mile journey that typically takes about 45 minutes of driving time. Since the entire trip stays within the Pacific Coast region of California, you will remain in a familiar environment from start to finish. This is an ideal one-day excursion, as the distance is short enough that you won't need to worry about overnight accommodations. With an estimated fuel cost of just $5, it is a highly budget-friendly route for your commute or weekend travel. Because the drive is so efficient, you can easily complete it in a single morning or afternoon without feeling rushed.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
18.5 miles from Fontana, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 21m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a focused, highway-heavy experience, as 88% of this route consists of high-speed transit. You will spend much of your time on the San Bernardino Freeway and the Orange Freeway, utilizing the I-10 Metro ExpressLanes to maintain your pace. The longest uninterrupted section covers 11.8 miles on the San Bernardino Freeway, providing a steady rhythm for most of the trip. While this is primarily a practical interstate grind rather than a winding backroad adventure, the route is designed for speed and directness. You should anticipate a consistent traffic flow characteristic of major Southern California arterial roads.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 22 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
San Bernardino Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 11.8 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on San Bernardino Freeway and Orange Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near Sierra Avenue.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 37 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: near the start (Sierra Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.8 miles (I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 20 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
Sierra Avenue
Turn left onto Sierra Avenue
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
6
7.8 mi into trip
|
~10m in
|
I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
23.4 mi into trip
|
~27m in
Keep slight left at fork toward CA 57 South: Santa Ana
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Toward CA 57 South: Santa Ana
8
28.5 mi into trip
|
~34m in
|
CA 57 / Orange Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57 / Orange Freeway toward CA 57 South, CA 60 Alt West: Santa Ana, Brea Canyon Road
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward CA 57 South, CA 60 Alt West: Santa Ana,...
7
35.8 mi into trip
|
~42m in
Take the exit toward CA 90: Imperial Highway
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 9
Toward CA 90: Imperial Highway
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| San Bernardino Freeway | 11.8 mi | 13m |
| Orange Freeway | 10.3 mi | 11m |
| I-10 Metro ExpressLanes | 9.3 mi | 9m |
| Sierra Avenue | 1.6 mi | 2m |
| Pomona Freeway | 1.3 mi | 1m |
| East Imperial Highway | 0.9 mi | 1m |
| Merrill Avenue | <0.1 mi | <1m |
| South Brea Boulevard | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
San Bernardino Freeway
— 11.8 mi, about 13m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fontana, CA and Brea, CA.
1
Start on Merrill Avenue
205 ft
·
9 sec
·
Merrill Avenue
2
Turn left onto Sierra Avenue
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Sierra Avenue
Use the left lane.
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
45 sec
Toward I 10 West: Los Angeles
Use the right lane.
4
Merge onto I 10
5.8 mi
·
6 min
·
San Bernardino Freeway
Use the none lane.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 10 EXPR
9.3 mi
·
9 min
·
I-10 Metro ExpressLanes
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
6
Merge onto I 10
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
San Bernardino Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
San Bernardino Freeway
Use the none lane.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
San Bernardino Freeway
Use the none lane.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
1.9 mi
·
2 min
·
San Bernardino Freeway
Use the none lane.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto I 10
0.8 mi
·
55 sec
·
San Bernardino Freeway
Use the none lane.
11
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
26 sec
Toward CA 57: Santa Ana
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork
0.9 mi
·
2 min
Toward CA 57 South: Santa Ana
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
13
Merge onto CA 57
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Orange Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
14
Merge onto CA 60; CA 57
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Pomona Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57
405 ft
·
5 sec
·
Orange Freeway
Toward CA 57 South, CA 60 Alt West: Santa Ana, Brea Canyon Road
Use the slight right lane.
16
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 57
0.8 mi
·
56 sec
·
Orange Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57
1.5 mi
·
1 min
·
Orange Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 57
4.9 mi
·
5 min
·
Orange Freeway
Use the none / straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
39 sec
Exit 9
Toward CA 90: Imperial Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Turn right onto CA 90
0.9 mi
·
1 min
·
East Imperial Highway
Use the left / right lanes.
21
Turn right onto South Brea Boulevard
60 ft
·
1 sec
·
South Brea Boulevard
Use the right lane.
22
Arrive at destination
South Brea Boulevard
Trip Plan
Given the highway-focused nature of this 45-minute trip, flexibility is your greatest advantage since there are no mandatory stops required. To avoid potential congestion on these major freeways, try to time your departure outside of peak Southern California rush hours. While the $5 fuel budget is quite low, it is always wise to ensure your tank is topped off before merging onto the I-10 or the Orange Freeway to avoid mid-route interruptions. Keep a close eye on signage as you transition between the San Bernardino and Orange freeways to ensure you stay on the most efficient path. Since this is a short drive, you have the freedom to plan your day around your destination rather than worrying about the logistics of the road.
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 18.5 miles from Fontana, CA, or about 21m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 11.8 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 37 miles or 45m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 18.5 miles or 21m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 37m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Brea, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fontana, 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 Fontana, CA
This is one driving day of about 37 miles and 45m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fontana, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on San Bernardino Freeway for about 11.8 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 18.5 mi from Fontana, CA · 21m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
19 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 37 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 18.5 miles from Fontana, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Brea, CA
The final approach into Brea, 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 Brea, 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
$8.57 one way
$17.14 round trip
$5.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
13 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.07 | $8.84 | $17.67 |
| premium | $6.24 | $9.09 | $18.19 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $8.22 | $16.44 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$9
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$34–$59
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 12.9 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 69% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 11.1 | 0 | $3.89 | $1.78 |
| Efficient EV | 9.3 | 0 | $3.24 | $1.48 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 14.8 | 0 | $5.18 | $2.37 |
Gas CO2
13 kg
EV CO2
4 kg (69% 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
Brea, CA
Afternoon in Brea on Sunday
Local time
2:49 PM
PDT
Current temp
54°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Along the Route
52°F
Riverside, CA
19 mi in
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
45m 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 Fontana, CA to Brea, CA covers 37 miles and takes about 45m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are San Bernardino Freeway, Orange Freeway, I-10 Metro ExpressLanes. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 18.5 miles from Fontana, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $8.57 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 demanding drive. With 20 significant decision points across 37 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: near the start (Sierra Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 7.8 miles (I 10 EXPR / I-10 Metro ExpressLanes): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 23.4 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Fontana, CA to Brea, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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