This 397.4-mile drive from Lodi, CA to Fontana, CA is a substantial undertaking, typically requiring about 7 hours and 22 minutes of pure driving time. It's primarily a highway-focused experience, with 98% of the journey on major roads, making it feasible as a single-day trip for many. You can expect to budget around $91 for fuel, and with two planned stops, you'll have opportunities to break up the journey. This route traverses the Pacific Coast region, offering a direct connection between Northern and Southern California.
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
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
198.7 miles from Lodi, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 37m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 22m. Total distance: 397.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 22m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
Expect a nearly continuous highway experience on this route, covering 98% on major freeways. The bulk of your travel will be on the Westside Freeway, where you'll encounter the longest uninterrupted stretch of 250.2 miles. While predominantly a highway-focused drive, the constant presence of major roads like the Foothill Freeway and I 5 Truck means you'll be in a fast-paced environment for most of the 7-hour journey. The road character remains consistent, emphasizing efficient travel 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 27 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 250.2 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and Foothill Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 29.9 miles in near I 5 / Westside Freeway.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 397.4 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 29.9 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 266.5 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 326.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 23 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
29.9 mi into trip|~36m in|I 5 / Westside Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 / Westside Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
266.5 mi into trip|~4h 50m in|I 5 Truck
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
326.8 mi into trip|~5h 59m in
Take the exit toward I 210 East: Pasadena
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 161A
Toward I 210 East: Pasadena
8
351.5 mi into trip|~6h 28m in|I 210 / Foothill Freeway
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210 / Foothill Freeway toward CA 134 West, I 210 East: San Bernardino, Ventura
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Toward CA 134 West, I 210 East: San Bernardino,...
7
394 mi into trip|~7h 16m in
Take the exit toward Sierra Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 67
Toward Sierra 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 Lodi, CA to Fontana, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Ventura along the way.
Ventura
351.5 mi in|~6h 28m|via I 210
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
250.2 mi
4h 28m
Foothill Freeway
67 mi
1h 17m
I 5 Truck
58.4 mi
1h 6m
CA 99
10.3 mi
11m
Sierra Avenue
3 mi
4m
Crosstown Freeway
2.4 mi
2m
Golden State Freeway
2 mi
2m
CA 4
1.1 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 250.2 mi, about 4h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lodi, CA and Fontana, CA.
1
Start on South Sacramento Street
50 ft·4 sec·South Sacramento Street
2
Turn right onto East Lodi Avenue
0.7 mi·1 min·East Lodi Avenue
3
Turn right onto CA 99 Business
1.0 mi·1 min·Cherokee Lane
4
Turn left onto CA 12
0.1 mi·19 sec·East Kettleman Lane
5
Take the ramp
0.2 mi·26 sec
6
Merge onto CA 99
10 mi·11 min·CA 99
7
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward CA 4
8
Merge onto CA 4
2.4 mi·2 min·Crosstown Freeway
9
Take the exit onto CA 4
0.4 mi·50 sec·CA 4
Toward I 5: Sacramento
10
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 4
0.7 mi·1 min·CA 4
Toward I 5 South
11
Merge onto I 5; CA 4
13 mi·14 min·Westside Freeway
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
0.8 mi·48 sec·Westside Freeway
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
237 mi·4 hr 13 min·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
58 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
2.0 mi·2 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Take the exit
0.3 mi·17 sec
Exit 161AToward I 210 East: PasadenaUse the slight right lane.
17
Continue on I 210
24 mi·28 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210
19 mi·22 min·Foothill Freeway
Toward CA 134 West, I 210 East: San Bernardino, VenturaUse the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210
2.9 mi·3 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.4 mi·1 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.2 mi·1 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.8 mi·2 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
16 mi·18 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Take the exit
0.3 mi·46 sec
Exit 67Toward Sierra AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Turn right onto Sierra Avenue
3.0 mi·4 min·Sierra Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
26
Turn left onto Merrill Avenue
205 ft·4 sec·Merrill Avenue
Use the left lane.
27
Arrive at destination
Merrill Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour, 22-minute duration, departing early from Lodi is advisable to maximize daylight and potentially avoid some traffic. With 397.4 miles to cover, plan for at least two stops to stretch your legs and refuel. The longest stretch without a significant change in road is over 250 miles, so be prepared for extended periods on the Westside Freeway. Keep your fuel budget of approximately $91 in mind, and consider topping off your tank before departing Lodi to ensure a smooth journey to Fontana.
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 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 198.7 miles from Lodi, CA, or about 3h 37m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 250.2 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 87 miles or 1h 38m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 198.7 miles or 3h 37m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 11m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Fontana, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Lodi, 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.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Lodi, CA
This is one driving day of about 397.4 miles and 7h 22m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 87 miles from Lodi, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Westside Freeway for about 250.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 198.7 mi from Lodi, CA
· 3h 37m into the drive
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
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 328.9
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...
28 mi from route
~70 min detour
Free
near mile 260.3
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$91.34 one way
$182.68 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg139 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$94.12
$188.25
premium
$6.18
$96.64
$193.29
diesel
$5.61
$87.74
$175.48
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$91
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$116–$141
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 139 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $42 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
119.2
1
$41.73
$19.08
Efficient EV
99.4
1
$34.77
$15.90
EV Truck/SUV
159
1
$55.64
$25.43
Gas CO2
139 kg
EV CO2
46 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 17, 2026
Origin
Lodi, CA
Morning
in Lodi on Friday
Local time
6:51 AM
PDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Fontana, CA
Morning
in Fontana on Friday
Local time
6:51 AM
PDT
Current temp
53°F
Mostly Clear
W 0 to 30 mph0% chanceLive forecast
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 8:09PM PDT until April 17 at 3:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Wind Advisory
Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 8:09PM PDT until April 17 at 3:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
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
15 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
7h 22m 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 Lodi, CA to Fontana, CA covers 397.4 miles and takes about 7h 22m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Westside Freeway, Foothill 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 198.7 miles from Lodi, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $91.34 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 2 meaningful breaks 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 23 significant decision points across 397.4 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 29.9 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 266.5 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 326.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Lodi, CA to Fontana, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Ventura along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
