This straightforward 317.5-mile drive from Newman, CA to Anaheim, CA can comfortably be completed in about 5 hours and 57 minutes, making it a feasible one-day trip. You'll spend 96% of your time on major highways, primarily utilizing the Westside Freeway and I-5 Truck, transitioning to the Santa Ana Freeway as you approach your destination. With an estimated fuel cost of $73, this route offers a budget-friendly option for traversing California. The drive is largely highway-focused, connecting two points within the Pacific Coast region. It's a practical choice for getting from point A to point B efficiently.
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
158.8 miles from Newman, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 2h 55m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 57m. Total distance: 317.5 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
Expect a highway-focused drive for the majority of this 317.5-mile journey. You'll be on major freeways for 96% of the time, navigating the Westside Freeway, I-5 Truck, and Santa Ana Freeway. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a significant 196.1 miles on the Westside Freeway, indicating long periods of consistent driving. This profile suggests a route optimized for steady progress rather than winding scenic byways. The character of the road is consistent for extended periods, allowing for a predictable driving experience.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 19 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 196.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and I 5 Truck. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 206.3 miles in near I 5 Truck.
Driving Effort8/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 317.5 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 206.3 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 264.6 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 268.7 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 14 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
206.3 mi into trip|~3h 46m 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.
6
264.6 mi into trip|~4h 52m in|I 5 / Golden State Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 / Golden State Freeway
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
268.7 mi into trip|~4h 57m in|I 5 Truck
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck toward I 405 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 158
Toward I 405 South
8
293.7 mi into trip|~5h 27m in|I 5 / Golden State Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 / Golden State Freeway toward CA 60 East, I 5 South: Pomona, Soto Street, Santa Ana
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward CA 60 East, I 5 South: Pomona, Soto Stre...
7
315.7 mi into trip|~5h 53m in
Take the exit toward Lincoln Avenue
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 111
Toward Lincoln 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 Newman, CA to Anaheim, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Santa Ana along the way.
Santa Ana
293.7 mi in|~5h 27m|via I 5
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
196.1 mi
3h 30m
I 5 Truck
83.3 mi
1h 36m
Santa Ana Freeway
20.7 mi
24m
Golden State Freeway
5.3 mi
6m
N Street
4.3 mi
6m
Sullivan Road
4.3 mi
6m
West Lincoln Avenue
1.3 mi
3m
Santa Nella Road
0.6 mi
1m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 196.1 mi, about 3h 30m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Newman, CA and Anaheim, CA.
1
Start on CA 33
4.3 mi·6 min·N Street
2
Enter roundabout onto CA 33; CA 140
10 ft·0 sec·6th Avenue
3
Continue on CA 33; CA 140
0.2 mi·14 sec·6th Avenue
4
Continue on CA 33; CA 140
0.5 mi·42 sec·South Avenue
5
Turn straight onto CA 33; CA 140
0.6 mi·1 min·Santa Nella Road
6
Turn right onto CA 140
4.3 mi·6 min·Sullivan Road
7
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·40 sec
8
Merge onto I 5
196 mi·3 hr 30 min·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
58 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
4.1 mi·4 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 5 Truck
Exit 158Toward I 405 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
25 mi·29 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
1.3 mi·1 min·Golden State Freeway
Toward CA 60 East, I 5 South: Pomona, Soto Street, Santa AnaUse the slight left / straight lanes.
14
Merge onto I 5
21 mi·24 min·Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Take the exit
0.5 mi·33 sec
Exit 111Toward Lincoln AvenueUse the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Turn left onto West Lincoln Avenue
1.3 mi·3 min·West Lincoln Avenue
Use the left lane.
17
Turn right onto South Anaheim Boulevard
370 ft·14 sec·South Anaheim Boulevard
18
Turn right
200 ft·14 sec
19
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of under 6 hours, this drive is best tackled in a single day. Aim for an early morning departure from Newman, CA, to maximize daylight and potentially avoid heavier traffic as you near Anaheim, CA. With only one recommended stop, plan it strategically during your longest stretch on the Westside Freeway around the 196.1-mile mark. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, as the $73 estimated cost covers the entire 317.5 miles, and refueling options might be more spread out on the extended highway segments.
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 158.8 miles from Newman, CA, or about 2h 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 196.1 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 70 miles or 1h 19m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 158.8 miles or 2h 55m 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 48m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Anaheim, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Newman, 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 Newman, CA
This is one driving day of about 317.5 miles and 5h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 70 miles from Newman, 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 196.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 158.8 mi from Newman, CA
· 2h 55m into the drive
The midpoint is around 158.8 miles from Newman, 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 196.1 miles.
Arriving in Anaheim, CA
The final approach into Anaheim, 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 Anaheim, 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.
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
~54 min detour
Free
near mile 262.8
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...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 208
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$72.98 one way
$145.95 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg111 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$75.20
$150.40
premium
$6.18
$77.21
$154.42
diesel
$5.61
$70.10
$140.20
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$73
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$98–$123
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 111.1 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $33 in charging
· 1 stop
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
95.3
1
$33.34
$15.24
Efficient EV
79.4
0
$27.78
$12.70
EV Truck/SUV
127
1
$44.45
$20.32
Gas CO2
111 kg
EV CO2
37 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
Newman, CA
Morning
in Newman on Thursday
Local time
8:44 AM
PDT
Current temp
70°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Anaheim, CA
Morning
in Anaheim on Thursday
Local time
8:44 AM
PDT
Current temp
72°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
2 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 57m 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 Newman, CA to Anaheim, CA covers 317.5 miles and takes about 5h 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Westside Freeway, I 5 Truck, Santa Ana 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 158.8 miles from Newman, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $72.98 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 14 significant decision points across 317.5 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 206.3 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 264.6 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 268.7 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Newman, CA to Anaheim, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Santa Ana along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument.
