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Trip from Fontana, CA to Madera, CA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

5h 20m

Distance

285.1 mi

459 km

Drive Score

10/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$66

one way

EV Charging

Excellent

22 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 40 min
4 AM
5h 7m ★
6 AM
5h 20m
8 AM
5h 47m
10 AM
5h 29m
12 PM
5h 27m
3 PM
5h 31m
5 PM
5h 46m
8 PM
5h 12m

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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Downtown Fontana, CA, CA

Fontana, CA

Wikimedia Commons

county seat of Madera County, California, United States

Madera, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Fontana, CA to Madera, CA covers 285.1 miles and takes about 5h 20m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Golden State Highway, Foothill Freeway, Golden State Freeway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 111.4 miles on Golden State Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $65.53 one way before food or hotel costs.

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

1 planned break

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

Midpoint

142.6 miles from Fontana, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 2h 45m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 20m. Total distance: 285.1 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

5h 20m drive, comfortable solo distance.

Scenic Drive

Mixed drive route profile with national parks nearby.

Drive Character

The drive from Fontana, CA to Madera, CA covers 285.1 miles and takes about 5h 20m, using a mix of highways and local roads.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Golden State Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 111.4 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 early in the drive near Sierra Avenue.

Driving Effort 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 285.1 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: near the start (Sierra Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.2 miles (CA 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 45 miles (I 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 19 key points

These 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 right onto Sierra Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes.
6
18.2 mi into trip | ~22m in | CA 210 / Foothill Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210 / Foothill Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
45 mi into trip | ~53m in | I 210 / Foothill Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 210 / Foothill Freeway toward I 210 West: Sacramento

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 26A Toward I 210 West: Sacramento
7
274.9 mi into trip | ~5h 8m in

Take the exit toward Avenue 7

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 144 Toward Avenue 7
8
284.5 mi into trip | ~5h 18m in

Keep slight right at fork toward CA 145: Madera Avenue, Yosemite

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Exit 153B Toward CA 145: Madera Avenue, Yosemite

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Golden State Highway 111.4 mi 2h
Foothill Freeway 67.2 mi 1h 17m
Golden State Freeway 55.6 mi 1h 1m
I 5 Truck 37.1 mi 42m
CA 99 8.8 mi 9m
Sierra Avenue 3 mi 4m
South Gateway Drive 0.4 mi <1m
South Madera Avenue 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Golden State Highway — 111.4 mi, about 2h

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fontana, CA and Madera, CA.

1

Start on Merrill Avenue

205 ft · 6 sec · Merrill Avenue
2

Turn right onto Sierra Avenue

3.0 mi · 4 min · Sierra Avenue
Use the left / straight lanes.
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 45 sec
Toward CA 210 West Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4

Merge onto CA 210

15 mi · 17 min · Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210

1.2 mi · 1 min · Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210

2.4 mi · 2 min · Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210

1.4 mi · 1 min · Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210

1.8 mi · 2 min · Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210

20 mi · 23 min · Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight right at fork onto I 210

26 mi · 29 min · Foothill Freeway
Exit 26A Toward I 210 West: Sacramento Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork

0.1 mi · 9 sec
Use the slight right lane.
12

Merge onto I 5 Truck

1.0 mi · 1 min · I 5 Truck
Exit 161A
13

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck

36 mi · 41 min · I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

22 mi · 25 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99

27 mi · 30 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99

6.0 mi · 6 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Continue on CA 99

111 mi · 2 hr · Golden State Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 30 sec
Exit 144 Toward Avenue 7 Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Merge onto CA 99

8.8 mi · 9 min · CA 99
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Exit 153B Toward CA 145: Madera Avenue, Yosemite
21

Keep slight right at fork

246 ft · 6 sec
Exit 153B Toward CA 145: Madera Avenue, Yosemite
22

Continue on CA 145

0.2 mi · 17 sec · South Madera Avenue
23

Continue on CA 145

0.4 mi · 41 sec · South Gateway Drive
24

Arrive at destination

North Gateway Drive

Trip Plan

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 142.6 miles from Fontana, CA, or about 2h 45m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 111.4 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 63 miles or 1h 14m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 142.6 miles or 2h 45m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 4h 24m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Madera, 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 285.1 miles and 5h 20m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 63 miles from Fontana, 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 Golden State Highway for about 111.4 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 142.6 mi from Fontana, CA · 2h 45m into the drive

city in Los Angeles County, California, USA

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Santa Clarita, CA

143 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 63 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Bakersfield, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 142.6 miles from Fontana, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Golden State Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 111.4 miles.

Arriving in Madera, CA

The final approach into Madera, 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 Madera, 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.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Restaurant Santa Fe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Pixley, California

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 203.7

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+15597571960

Restaurant Santa Fe

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $10 to $20 mile 203.7

Pixley, California

Hours: 9 am–9 pm

+15597571960

Casa Grande Restaurant

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

3.7 mi from route ~9 min detour $10 to $20 mile 224

Visalia, California

Hours: 10:30 am–9 pm

+15597322272

Visit website

EVCS Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route mile 285.1

Madera, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663003827

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.3 mi from route ~1 min detour

Fontana, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18668167584

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

Fontana, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Fontana, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

3.4 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 81.5

Castaic, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 81.5

Santa Clarita, CA

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18777983752

Visit website

Tesla Supercharger

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 81.5

Valencia, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.3 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 81.5

Santa Clarita, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Hurricane Harbor Los Angeles

4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Early in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 81.5

Valencia, California

+16612554100

Visit website

NHRA Motorsports Museum

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, ~9 min detour

3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour mile 20.4

Pomona, California

Hours: Closed

+19096222133

Visit website

Wat Thai of Los Angeles

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.9 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 61.1

North Hollywood, California

Hours: 8 am–7 pm

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

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...

23 mi from route ~58 min detour Free near mile 68.8
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...

25 mi from route ~63 min detour Free near mile 137.6
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$65.53 one way

$131.06 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 100 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $67.53 $135.05
premium $6.18 $69.33 $138.67
diesel $5.61 $62.95 $125.89

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$66

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$91–$116

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 99.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

EV Charging Along Route

22 DC fast chargers · Coverage: excellent

Falcon Ridge Town Center - Tesla Supercharger

Fontana, CA

Tesla

24 DCFC

Ontario Mills - Tesla Supercharger

Ontario, CA

Tesla

24 DCFC

Gateway Shopping Center - Tesla Supercharger

Ontario, CA

Tesla

20 DCFC

7-Eleven - Tesla Supercharger

Ontario, CA

Tesla

16 DCFC

4 Gen Logistics Green City (Rialto, CA)

Rialto, CA

Electrify America

12 DCFC

Victoria Gardens - Tesla Supercharger

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Tesla

12 DCFC

International Restaurant Village - Tesla Supercharger

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Tesla

8 DCFC

Ontario Mills (Ontario, CA)

Ontario, CA

Electrify America

8 DCFC

ChargePoint Network: 8 Tesla: 6 eVgo Network: 5 Electrify America: 2 EVGATEWAY: 1

Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.

Driving Electric?

About $30 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 85.5 1 $29.94 $13.68
Efficient EV 71.3 0 $24.95 $11.40
EV Truck/SUV 114 1 $39.91 $18.25

Gas CO2

100 kg

EV CO2

33 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.

Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026

Origin

Fontana, CA

Afternoon in Fontana on Thursday

Local time

4:44 PM

PDT

Current temp

76°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Madera, CA

Afternoon in Madera on Thursday

Local time

4:44 PM

PDT

Current temp

69°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

7 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

5h 20m on the road

An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.

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 Madera, CA covers 285.1 miles and takes about 5h 20m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Golden State Highway, Foothill Freeway, Golden State Freeway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 142.6 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 $65.53 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. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 19 significant decision points across 285.1 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: near the start (Sierra Avenue): Lane positioning matters here; at 18.2 miles (CA 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 45 miles (I 210 / Foothill Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Fontana, CA to Madera, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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