This 116.4-mile drive from Oxnard, CA to San Bernardino, CA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, taking approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. Primarily following the Ventura Freeway and Foothill Freeway before transitioning to East 5th Street, this route is heavily highway-focused, with 95% of the journey on freeways. Expect a fuel cost of around $27 for this journey. Given its relatively short duration and straightforward path, it's a practical option for a day trip without needing an overnight stop, connecting two points within the Pacific Coast region of California.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
58.2 miles from Oxnard, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 9m into the drive
.
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 17m. Total distance: 116.4 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 17m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (95%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Drive Character
This route is overwhelmingly a highway-focused drive, with 95% of the 116.4 miles spent on major freeways like the Ventura Freeway and Foothill Freeway. You'll experience a long, uninterrupted stretch of 60.4 miles on the Ventura Freeway, offering a consistent driving pace. While predominantly highway, the final segment on East 5th Street introduces a slight shift in character as you enter the urban environment of San Bernardino. Overall, expect a smooth, efficient journey with minimal deviations from high-speed travel.
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.
Ventura Freeway is the longest continuous segment at about 60.4 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Ventura Freeway and Foothill Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.8 miles in.
Driving Effort10/10
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 22 significant decision points across 116.4 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 3.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 49.8 miles (CA 134 / Ventura Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
3.8 mi into trip|~6m in
Take the exit toward US 101 South: Hwy 101 - Camarillo/Los Angeles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the right lane.
Toward US 101 South: Hwy 101 - Camarillo/Los An...
7
49.8 mi into trip|~59m in|CA 134 / Ventura Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 134 / Ventura Freeway toward CA 134 East: Pasadena
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Toward CA 134 East: Pasadena
8
112.4 mi into trip|~2h 11m in
Take the exit toward I 215: Barstow, Riverside
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 74
Toward I 215: Barstow, Riverside
8
112.7 mi into trip|~2h 11m in
Keep slight right at fork toward I 215 South: Riverside
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left / slight right lanes.
Exit 74
Toward I 215 South: Riverside
8
115.3 mi into trip|~2h 15m in
Take the exit toward CA 66 West: 5th Street, Civic Center
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 44A
Toward CA 66 West: 5th Street, Civic Center
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Ventura Freeway
60.4 mi
1h 9m
Foothill Freeway
48.1 mi
55m
East 5th Street
2 mi
3m
San Bernardino Freeway
1.8 mi
2m
South Rice Avenue
1.8 mi
2m
West 5th Street
0.8 mi
1m
Barstow Freeway
0.2 mi
<1m
Longest stretch:
Ventura Freeway
— 60.4 mi, about 1h 9m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oxnard, CA and San Bernardino, CA.
1
Start on East 5th Street
2.0 mi·3 min·East 5th Street
Use the left lane.
2
Turn left onto South Rice Avenue
1.8 mi·2 min·South Rice Avenue
Use the left lane.
3
Take the exit
0.2 mi·30 sec
Toward US 101 South: Hwy 101 - Camarillo/Los AngelesUse the right lane.
4
Merge onto US 101
46 mi·52 min·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 134
0.9 mi·1 min·Ventura Freeway
Toward CA 134 East: PasadenaUse the slight left lane.
6
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 134
1.4 mi·1 min·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 134
1.0 mi·1 min·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 134
1.0 mi·1 min·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 134
2.2 mi·2 min·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 134
0.7 mi·51 sec·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 134
7.2 mi·8 min·Ventura Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12
Merge onto I 210
18 mi·20 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the slight left lane.
13
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210
2.9 mi·3 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.4 mi·1 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.2 mi·1 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.8 mi·2 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
23 mi·26 min·Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Take the exit
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 74Toward I 215: Barstow, RiversideUse the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Keep slight right at fork
0.6 mi·1 min
Exit 74Toward I 215 South: RiversideUse the slight left / slight right lanes.
20
Merge onto I 215
0.2 mi·13 sec·Barstow Freeway
21
Continue on I 215
1.8 mi·2 min·San Bernardino Freeway
22
Take the exit
0.4 mi·52 sec
Exit 44AToward CA 66 West: 5th Street, Civic CenterUse the slight right lane.
23
Turn left onto CA 66
0.8 mi·1 min·West 5th Street
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
24
Arrive at destination
West 5th Street
Trip Plan
For this 2-hour, 17-minute drive, you have the flexibility to depart at your convenience, though aiming to avoid peak commute times on the Ventura Freeway and Foothill Freeway is advisable. With no designated stops in the data, you can easily pull over as needed for fuel or a break, especially considering the longest stretch without a stated stop is over 60 miles. The estimated fuel cost is $27, so factor that into your budget. A practical tip: keep an eye on traffic patterns as you approach the San Bernardino area, as congestion can build quickly on East 5th Street during busy periods.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 58.2 miles from Oxnard, CA, or about 1h 9m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 60.4 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 26 miles or 31m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 58.2 miles or 1h 9m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near San Bernardino, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Oxnard, 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 Oxnard, CA
This is one driving day of about 116.4 miles and 2h 17m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 26 miles from Oxnard, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Ventura Freeway for about 60.4 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 58.2 mi from Oxnard, CA
· 1h 9m into the drive
The midpoint is around 58.2 miles from Oxnard, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel check
Top up before Ventura Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 60.4 miles.
Arriving in San Bernardino, CA
The final approach into San Bernardino, 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 Bernardino, CA.
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
Wood Ranch Camarillo
4.5
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Camarillo, California
Near the start, right off the route
0.4 mi from route
~1 min detour
$20 to $30
mile 8.3
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...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$26.75 one way
$53.51 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg41 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$27.57
$55.14
premium
$6.18
$28.31
$56.61
diesel
$5.61
$25.70
$51.40
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$27
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$52–$77
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 40.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $12 in charging
· 0 stops
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
34.9
0
$12.22
$5.59
Efficient EV
29.1
0
$10.19
$4.66
EV Truck/SUV
46.6
0
$16.30
$7.45
Gas CO2
41 kg
EV CO2
14 kg (66% 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 as of Apr 18, 2026
Origin
Oxnard, CA
Morning
in Oxnard on Saturday
Local time
6:23 AM
PDT
Current temp
66°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
San Bernardino, CA
Morning
in San Bernardino on Saturday
Local time
6:23 AM
PDT
Current temp
50°F
Mostly Clear
E 0 to 10 mph0% chanceLive 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
16 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
2h 17m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Oxnard, CA to San Bernardino, CA covers 116.4 miles and takes about 2h 17m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Ventura Freeway, Foothill Freeway, East 5th Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 58.2 miles from Oxnard, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $26.75 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 116.4 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 3.8 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 49.8 miles (CA 134 / Ventura Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 112.4 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from Oxnard, CA to San Bernardino, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
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.
