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Trip from Fremont, CA to Barstow, CA

Data updated 18 minutes ago

Drive Time

3h 15m

Distance

157.8 mi

254 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$36

one way

EV Charging

Loading...

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 36 min
4 AM
3h 3m ★
6 AM
3h 15m
8 AM
3h 39m
10 AM
3h 24m
12 PM
3h 21m
3 PM
3h 25m
5 PM
3h 38m
8 PM
3h 8m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

city in San Bernardino County, California, United States

Barstow, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 157.8-mile drive from Fremont, CA to Barstow, CA is designed as a single-day trip, taking approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. You'll primarily be on CA 99, the Robert T. Monagan Freeway, and the Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway, with 91% of the route being highway driving. With an estimated fuel cost of $36, this straightforward journey offers a practical way to cover ground. It’s a direct route focused on efficient travel between the Pacific Coast regions of California. Plan for one main stop along the way to break up the drive.

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

78.9 miles from Fremont, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 38m into the drive .

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Drive Character

Expect a highway-focused experience for the majority of this 157.8-mile journey. You'll spend 91% of your time on major freeways, making for a fast-paced drive. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 97.5 miles on CA 99, so settle in for a significant period of consistent highway travel. While the route is predominantly freeway, it offers a direct and efficient path, minimizing time spent on local roads. This character makes it ideal for covering distance quickly.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 24 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
CA 99 is the longest continuous segment at about 97.5 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on CA 99 and Robert T. Monagan 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 Fremont Boulevard.

Route Complexity 10/10

High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day

This is a demanding drive. With 17 significant decision points across 157.8 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 (Fremont Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 9 miles (CA 84): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 17 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 | Fremont Boulevard

Turn right onto Fremont Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
6
3.1 mi into trip | ~7m in

Turn left toward I 680 North: Sacramento

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward I 680 North: Sacramento
8
9 mi into trip | ~14m in | CA 84

Take the exit onto CA 84 toward CA 84 East: Livermore, Vallecitos Road

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 21B Toward CA 84 East: Livermore, Vallecitos Road
8
54 mi into trip | ~1h 9m in

Take the exit toward CA 99 South: Modesto, Fresno

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 6 Toward CA 99 South: Modesto, Fresno
7
152.2 mi into trip | ~3h 2m in

Take the exit toward Herndon Avenue

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 143 Toward Herndon Avenue

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

Between Fremont, CA and Barstow, CA, road signs point toward Stockton, Sonora and Fresno.

Stockton

32.2 mi in | ~44m | via I 205

Sonora

47.8 mi in | ~1h 2m

Fresno

54 mi in | ~1h 9m

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
CA 99 97.5 mi 1h 51m
Robert T. Monagan Freeway 14.6 mi 16m
Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway 12.9 mi 14m
CA 120 6.2 mi 7m
I 680 5.6 mi 6m
CA 84 5.5 mi 7m
Isabel Avenue 4.3 mi 6m
West Herndon Avenue 2.9 mi 6m
Longest stretch: CA 99 — 97.5 mi, about 1h 51m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fremont, CA and Barstow, CA.

1

Start on Mowry Avenue

109 ft · 6 sec · Mowry Avenue
2

Turn right onto Fremont Boulevard

1.9 mi · 4 min · Fremont Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
3

Continue on Washington Boulevard

1.2 mi · 2 min · Washington Boulevard
Use the left lane.
4

Turn left

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward I 680 North: Sacramento Use the left lane.
5

Merge onto I 680

5.6 mi · 6 min · I 680
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6

Take the exit onto CA 84

5.5 mi · 7 min · CA 84
Exit 21B Toward CA 84 East: Livermore, Vallecitos Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Merge onto CA 84

4.3 mi · 6 min · Isabel Avenue
Use the straight lane.
8

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 1 min
Toward I 580 East: Stockton Use the right lane.
9

Merge onto I 580

13 mi · 14 min · Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 205

3.9 mi · 4 min · Robert T. Monagan Freeway
Toward I 205 East: Tracy, Stockton
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 205

11 mi · 11 min · Robert T. Monagan Freeway
12

Merge onto I 5

1.0 mi · 1 min · Westside Freeway
13

Take the exit

469 ft · 6 sec
Toward CA 120 East: Manteca, Sonora
14

Continue on CA 120

6.2 mi · 7 min · CA 120
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.7 mi · 1 min
Exit 6 Toward CA 99 South: Modesto, Fresno Use the slight right lane.
16

Merge onto CA 99

97 mi · 1 hr 51 min · CA 99
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 34 sec
Exit 143 Toward Herndon Avenue Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Continue on North Golden State Boulevard

0.4 mi · 36 sec · North Golden State Boulevard
19

Turn right onto West Herndon Avenue

0.2 mi · 27 sec · West Herndon Avenue
20

At end of road, turn right onto North Parkway Drive

0.5 mi · 1 min · North Parkway Drive
21

Continue on West Herndon Avenue

2.7 mi · 6 min · West Herndon Avenue
22

Continue on North Dickenson Avenue

1.2 mi · 3 min · North Dickenson Avenue
23

Turn left onto West Barstow Avenue

152 ft · 6 sec · West Barstow Avenue
24

Arrive at destination

West Barstow Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the 3-hour and 15-minute duration, this route is easily manageable as a single-day trip. Leaving Fremont earlier in the morning, perhaps before 9 AM, will help you avoid potential traffic near the Bay Area. The longest stretch without a significant change in road is 97.5 miles on CA 99, so consider your fuel level before entering this section. With a total estimated fuel cost of $36, it’s an economical drive. Take advantage of the single recommended stop to stretch your legs and refuel if needed.

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 78.9 miles from Fremont, CA, or about 1h 38m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 97.5 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 40m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 78.9 miles or 1h 38m 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 36m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Fremont, 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 Fremont, CA

This is one driving day of about 157.8 miles and 3h 15m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fremont, 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 CA 99 for about 97.5 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 78.9 mi from Fremont, CA · 1h 38m into the drive

city in and county seat of Stanislaus County, California, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Modesto, CA

79 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

Turlock, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 80 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Turlock, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 78.9 miles from Fremont, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before CA 99 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 97.5 miles.

Arriving in Barstow, CA

The final approach into Barstow, 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 Barstow, 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

$36.27 one way

$72.54 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 55 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $37.37 $74.75
premium $6.18 $38.38 $76.75
diesel $5.61 $34.84 $69.68

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$36

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$61–$86

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 55.2 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $17 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 47.3 0 $16.57 $7.57
Efficient EV 39.5 0 $13.81 $6.31
EV Truck/SUV 63.1 0 $22.09 $10.10

Gas CO2

55 kg

EV CO2

18 kg (67% 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.

Forecast data refreshed 2 hours ago

Origin

Fremont, CA

Late night in Fremont on Wednesday

Local time

12:37 AM

PDT

Current temp

67°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Barstow, CA

Late night in Barstow on Wednesday

Local time

12:37 AM

PDT

Current temp

48°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

19 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

3h 15m 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 Fremont, CA to Barstow, CA covers 157.8 miles and takes about 3h 15m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are CA 99, Robert T. Monagan Freeway, Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 78.9 miles from Fremont, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $36.27 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 17 significant decision points across 157.8 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 (Fremont Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 3.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 9 miles (CA 84): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Fremont, CA and Barstow, CA, road signs point toward Stockton, Sonora and Fresno.

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