Skip to main content
Trip.ovh Logo
Trip.ovh

Trip from Glendale, CA to San Francisco, CA

Data updated 1 hour ago

Drive Time

6h 58m

Distance

376.5 mi

606 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$87

one way

EV Charging

None

0 DC fast

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 35 min
4 AM
6h 47m ★
6 AM
6h 59m
8 AM
7h 22m
10 AM
7h 7m
12 PM
7h 4m
3 PM
7h 8m
5 PM
7h 20m
8 PM
6h 52m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly
Google Maps Waze Apple Maps
Download GPX
city in Los Angeles County, California, United States

Glendale, CA

Wikimedia Commons

consolidated city and county in California, United States

San Francisco, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

This 376.5-mile drive from Glendale, CA to San Francisco, CA is a straightforward, highway-focused journey that can comfortably be completed in about 7 hours. It's a perfect candidate for a single-day road trip, with a projected fuel cost of $87. Given its 98% highway share, expect a consistent driving experience throughout. This route is ideal if you're looking for efficiency, connecting two key locations within California's Pacific Coast region without significant detours. You'll spend most of your time on the Westside Freeway and Golden State Freeway, making it a practical choice for getting from point A to point B.

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

188.2 miles from Glendale, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 3h 28m into the drive .

Loading map...

Drive Character

Prepare for a predominantly highway-focused experience, as this route is 98% on main roads like the Westside Freeway and Golden State Freeway. You'll encounter one long stretch of uninterrupted driving for 225.6 miles on the Westside Freeway, meaning extended periods without needing to exit. While largely a consistent interstate drive, this highway-centric profile ensures steady progress. The character of the drive remains largely the same, emphasizing forward momentum over varied scenery.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 30 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Westside Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 225.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and Golden State Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.3 miles in.

Route Complexity 9/10

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

This is a demanding drive. With 26 significant decision points across 376.5 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 1.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.1 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 26 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

7
1.3 mi into trip | ~2m in

Keep slight right at fork toward I 5 North: Sacramento

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Toward I 5 North: Sacramento
9
19.1 mi into trip | ~23m in | I 5 Truck

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 161A Toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck
7
79 mi into trip | ~1h 31m in | I 5 / Westside Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 / Westside Freeway toward I 5 North

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 5 North
8
351.2 mi into trip | ~6h 25m in | I 580 / MacArthur Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 580 / MacArthur Freeway toward I 580: Oakland, San Francisco

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left / slight right lanes. Toward I 580: Oakland, San Francisco
8
375.1 mi into trip | ~6h 55m in

Keep slight right at fork toward US 101 North: Golden Gate Bridge

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 1B Toward US 101 North: Golden Gate Bridge

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Westside Freeway 225.6 mi 4h 1m
Golden State Freeway 39.9 mi 45m
I 5 Truck 37.7 mi 43m
Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway 29.6 mi 34m
William Elton Brown Freeway 17 mi 18m
MacArthur Freeway 15.5 mi 17m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 6 mi 9m
Route 80 1.4 mi 2m
Longest stretch: Westside Freeway — 225.6 mi, about 4h 1m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Glendale, CA and San Francisco, CA.

1

Start on South Brand Boulevard

43 ft · 3 sec · South Brand Boulevard
2

Turn right

211 ft · 20 sec
3

Turn left onto West Colorado Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · West Colorado Street
4

Turn left onto Colorado Street Freeway Extension

0.6 mi · 38 sec · Colorado Street Freeway Extension
Toward I 5 Use the left lane.
5

Keep slight right at fork

0.2 mi · 27 sec
Toward I 5 North: Sacramento Use the slight right lane.
6

Merge onto I 5

15 mi · 17 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

2.2 mi · 2 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck

1.5 mi · 1 min · I 5 Truck
Exit 161A Toward I 5 Truck North, CA 14 Truck Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck

36 mi · 41 min · I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 5

22 mi · 25 min · Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 5

226 mi · 4 hr 1 min · Westside Freeway
Toward I 5 North Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 580

16 mi · 17 min · William Elton Brown Freeway
Toward I 580 West: Tracy, San Francisco
13

Keep slight right at fork onto I 580 Bypass

1.1 mi · 1 min · William Elton Brown Freeway
14

Merge onto I 580

18 mi · 20 min · Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight right at fork onto I 580

12 mi · 13 min · Arthur H. Breed Junior Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Keep slight right at fork onto I 580

8.3 mi · 9 min · MacArthur Freeway
Toward I 580: Oakland, San Francisco Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 580

7.2 mi · 8 min · MacArthur Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.9 mi · 1 min
Exit 19A Toward I 80 West: San Francisco
19

Merge onto I 80

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Toward I 80 West: San Francisco Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Turn slight left onto I 80

0.4 mi · 33 sec · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
21

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

5.5 mi · 8 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the slight left lane.
22

Continue on I 80

0.3 mi · 24 sec · Route 80
Use the straight / left / right lanes.
23

Continue on I 80

0.8 mi · 1 min · Route 80
Exit 2A Use the straight / slight left lanes.
24

Continue on I 80

0.4 mi · 32 sec · Route 80
Exit 1A Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 38 sec
Exit 1B Toward US 101 North: Golden Gate Bridge Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26

Merge onto US 101

0.3 mi · 25 sec · Central Freeway
27

Continue on Octavia Boulevard

0.5 mi · 42 sec · Octavia Boulevard
Exit 434B Toward Octavia Boulevard, Fell Street Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28

Turn right onto Market Street

0.1 mi · 31 sec · Market Street
Use the right lane.
29

Keep slight right at fork onto Market Street

0.2 mi · 35 sec · Market Street
30

Arrive at destination

Market Street

Trip Plan

For this 7-hour drive, starting early in the morning from Glendale is recommended to maximize daylight and avoid potential traffic. With only one recommended stop, you have flexibility in pacing your journey, but consider breaking it up around the 225.6-mile mark on the Westside Freeway for a rest. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, especially during that longest stretch. The $87 fuel cost is an estimate, so checking current prices before you depart can help you budget accurately. Since it's a single-day trip, you can afford to be spontaneous with your timing.

Morning Departure

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Evening Departure

This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 188.2 miles from Glendale, CA, or about 3h 28m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 225.6 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 83 miles or 1h 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 188.2 miles or 3h 28m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 5h 46m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Glendale, 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 Glendale, CA

This is one driving day of about 376.5 miles and 6h 58m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 83 miles from Glendale, 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 Westside Freeway for about 225.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 188.2 mi from Glendale, CA · 3h 28m into the drive

city in Stanislaus County, California, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Turlock, CA

188 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

Bakersfield, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 83 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Fresno, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 188.2 miles from Glendale, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Westside Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 225.6 miles.

Arriving in San Francisco, CA

The final approach into San Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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.

National Parks Near This Route

Worth a detour if your schedule allows.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Established in 1988, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park celebrates America’s maritime heritage on the Pacific Coast. Our 50-acre park has grown around Aquatic Park Cove, a protected area...

2 mi from route ~6 min detour Free near mile 376.5
Park Closure: Hyde Street Pier Closure
Caution: Sick Birds and Wildlife, H5N1
View on nps.gov
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park

Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park

National Historical Park

Celebrate and honor the contributions and sacrifices of American civilians on the WWII home front. Discover how diverse communities lived, worked, and interacted. Many faces, many stories, many truths...

10 mi from route ~25 min detour Free near mile 363.5
View on nps.gov
Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area

Experience a park so rich it supports 19 distinct ecosystems with over 2,000 plant and animal species. Go for a hike, enjoy a vista, have a picnic or learn about the centuries of overlapping history f...

12 mi from route ~29 min detour Free near mile 376.5
View on nps.gov
Muir Woods National Monument

Muir Woods National Monument

National Monument

Walk among old growth coast redwoods, cooling their roots in the fresh water of Redwood Creek and lifting their crowns to reach the sun and fog. Federally protected as a National Monument since 1908,...

12 mi from route ~30 min detour $15 near mile 376.5
View on nps.gov
Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

National Memorial

On July 17, 1944, a massive explosion jolted the San Francisco East Bay area, shattering windows and lighting up the night sky. At Port Chicago Naval Magazine, 320 men were killed instantly when two s...

21 mi from route ~52 min detour Free near mile 363.5
View on nps.gov
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...

22 mi from route ~56 min detour Free near mile 13
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$86.54 one way

$173.07 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 132 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $89.17 $178.35
premium $6.18 $91.56 $183.12
diesel $5.61 $83.13 $166.25

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$87

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$112–$137

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 131.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $40 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 113 1 $39.53 $18.07
Efficient EV 94.1 1 $32.94 $15.06
EV Truck/SUV 150.6 1 $52.71 $24.10

Gas CO2

132 kg

EV CO2

44 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 data refreshed 26 minutes ago

Origin

Glendale, CA

Evening in Glendale on Tuesday

Local time

6:26 PM

PDT

Current temp

52°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

San Francisco, CA

Evening in San Francisco on Tuesday

Local time

6:26 PM

PDT

Current temp

44°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

8 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

6h 58m on the road

Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drive from Glendale, CA to San Francisco, CA covers 376.5 miles and takes about 6h 58m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Westside Freeway, Golden State Freeway, I 5 Truck. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 188.2 miles from Glendale, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $86.54 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
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 26 significant decision points across 376.5 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 1.3 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 19.1 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 79 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Glendale, CA to San Francisco, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

Was this route helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!

/500

Explore More

Continue From San Francisco, CA

Thermal, CA 514.8 mi · 9h 35m Rancho San Diego, CA 511.8 mi · 9h 42m Chula Vista, CA 509 mi · 9h 38m San Diego, CA 501.9 mi · 9h 29m

More from Glendale, CA

Sacramento, CA 378.6 mi · 6h 55m Laguna, CA 369.4 mi · 6h 48m San Jose, CA 334.7 mi · 6h 16m Chula Vista, CA 136.2 mi · 2h 45m San Diego, CA 129.1 mi · 2h 36m Riverside, CA 57.3 mi · 1h 17m

More trips to San Francisco, CA

Calipatria, CA 583.3 mi Rancho San Diego, CA 511.7 mi Bonita, CA 510.4 mi Lemon Grove, CA 507.2 mi San Diego, CA 502.1 mi Temecula, CA 464.9 mi

Explore more options from Glendale, CA or browse trips ending in San Francisco, CA.

Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CA road trips.

Explore maps for Glendale, CA or San Francisco, CA on MapSof.net.