Origin
Rancho Cordova, CA
Morning in Rancho Cordova on Thursday
Local time
9:13 AM
PDT
Current temp
46°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Rancho Cordova, CA to Fontana, CA
Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026
Drive Time
8h 6m
Distance
431.6 mi
695 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
2-day trip
Fuel Cost
$99
one way
EV Charging
Unknown
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
7h 58m
★
6 AM
8h 7m
8 AM
8h 23m
10 AM
8h 12m
12 PM
8h 11m
3 PM
8h 13m
5 PM
8h 22m
8 PM
8h 2m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Rancho Cordova, CA
Stephen Leonardi
Fontana, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 431.6-mile journey from Rancho Cordova, CA to Fontana, CA will take approximately 8 hours and 6 minutes of driving time, making it a solid candidate for a two-day trip. You'll primarily be on the Westside Freeway and Foothill Freeway, with a significant portion on I 5 Truck, making it a 95% highway-focused drive. Considering the estimated fuel cost of $99 and the need for at least two stops, breaking this up over two days will provide a more relaxed experience. This route stays within the Pacific Coast region, offering a straightforward drive down California.
Trip Pace
Best split across 2 days
Treat the return leg as its own travel day rather than an afterthought.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
215.8 miles from Rancho Cordova, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 4h 3m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a highway-centric experience for most of this 431.6-mile drive, with 95% of the route utilizing major freeways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is a considerable 250.2 miles on the Westside Freeway, so be prepared for sustained driving. While the profile is generally highway-focused, transitions between these main roads like the Westside Freeway, Foothill Freeway, and I 5 Truck are common. This drive is about covering distance efficiently on established routes.
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 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 64.1 miles in near I 5 / Westside Freeway.
Driving Effort
9/10
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 26 significant decision points across 431.6 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 64.1 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 300.7 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 361.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
64.1 mi into trip
|
~1h 20m 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
300.7 mi into trip
|
~5h 34m 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
361.1 mi into trip
|
~6h 43m 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
385.7 mi into trip
|
~7h 11m 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
428.3 mi into trip
|
~8h 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 Rancho Cordova, CA to Fontana, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Ventura along the way.
Ventura
385.7 mi in
|
~7h 11m
|
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 |
| South Sacramento Freeway | 29.7 mi | 34m |
| Bradshaw Road | 11.9 mi | 17m |
| Sierra Avenue | 3 mi | 4m |
| Crosstown Freeway | 2.4 mi | 2m |
| Folsom Boulevard | 2.3 mi | 4m |
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 250.2 mi, about 4h 28m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Rancho Cordova, CA and Fontana, CA.
1
Start on Folsom Boulevard
474 ft
·
14 sec
·
Folsom Boulevard
2
Continue on Folsom Boulevard
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Folsom Boulevard
Use the left lane.
3
Turn left onto Bradshaw Road
9.3 mi
·
13 min
·
Bradshaw Road
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
4
Enter roundabout onto Bradshaw Road
81 ft
·
1 sec
·
Bradshaw Road
5
Continue on Bradshaw Road
2.6 mi
·
3 min
·
Bradshaw Road
Use the left / uturn lanes.
6
Turn right onto E2
2.2 mi
·
3 min
·
Grant Line Road
Use the right lane.
7
Continue on E2
0.1 mi
·
10 sec
·
Kammerer Road
8
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
41 sec
9
Merge onto CA 99
30 mi
·
34 min
·
South Sacramento Freeway
10
Take the exit
0.5 mi
·
1 min
Toward CA 4
11
Merge onto CA 4
2.4 mi
·
2 min
·
Crosstown Freeway
12
Take the exit onto CA 4
0.4 mi
·
50 sec
·
CA 4
Toward I 5: Sacramento
13
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 4
0.7 mi
·
1 min
·
CA 4
Toward I 5 South
14
Merge onto I 5; CA 4
13 mi
·
14 min
·
Westside Freeway
15
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
0.8 mi
·
48 sec
·
Westside Freeway
16
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
237 mi
·
4 hr 13 min
·
Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
58 mi
·
1 hr 6 min
·
I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
2.0 mi
·
2 min
·
Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
17 sec
Exit 161A
Toward I 210 East: Pasadena
Use the slight right lane.
20
Continue on I 210
24 mi
·
28 min
·
Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210
19 mi
·
22 min
·
Foothill Freeway
Toward CA 134 West, I 210 East: San Bernardino, Ventura
Use the slight right lane.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 210
2.9 mi
·
3 min
·
Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.4 mi
·
1 min
·
Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.2 mi
·
1 min
·
Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
25
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
1.8 mi
·
2 min
·
Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Keep slight right at fork onto CA 210
16 mi
·
18 min
·
Foothill Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Take the exit
0.3 mi
·
46 sec
Exit 67
Toward Sierra Avenue
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Turn right onto Sierra Avenue
3.0 mi
·
4 min
·
Sierra Avenue
Use the left / right lanes.
29
Turn left onto Merrill Avenue
205 ft
·
4 sec
·
Merrill Avenue
Use the left lane.
30
Arrive at destination
Merrill Avenue
Trip Plan
Given the 8-hour driving duration, planning for two days is highly recommended to avoid fatigue. Aim to depart early in the morning to maximize daylight and allow ample time for your planned two stops. The fuel cost is estimated at $99, so factor that into your budget. A good strategy for splitting this trip would be to complete around 200-250 miles on the first day, potentially stopping around the halfway point or where you find convenient amenities. Keep an eye on traffic conditions, especially as you approach more urban areas.
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.
This drive is better paced as a 2-day trip.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 215.8 miles from Rancho Cordova, CA, or about 4h 3m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 250.2 miles.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 95 miles or 1h 53m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 215.8 miles or 4h 3m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Overnight split
Day 1 wrap after about 215.8 miles or 4h 3m
Stop before fatigue turns the last few hours into a grind. You want day two to start fresh, not just resumed.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 6h 55m
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 Rancho Cordova, 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.
+
Treat this as a 2-day road trip and book the overnight stop before the busiest arrival window.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Rancho Cordova, CA
Aim for roughly 216 miles and 4.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Day 2
Finish the approach into Fontana, CA
Aim for roughly 216 miles and 4.1 hours of wheel time on this day.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 95 miles from Rancho Cordova, CA.
This route usually feels better as a 2-day drive than as one long push.
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 215.8 mi from Rancho Cordova, CA · 4h 3m into the drive
Mid-route town
Overnight candidate
216 mi into the route
Best for: Hotel check-in, dinner, and a fresh start
This lines up well with a realistic day-end stop if you are breaking the drive into stages.
Find hotels in Bakersfield, CAOvernight Options
Night 1
216 mi · about 4.1h in
A practical overnight split lands near Bakersfield, CA after about 216 miles or 4.1 hours of driving.
Find hotelsPacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 95 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 215.8 miles from Rancho Cordova, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before Westside Freeway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 250.2 miles.
Overnight split
Hotel stopFor a steadier pace, wrap day one after about 216 miles or 4.1 hours on the road.
Arriving in Fontana, CA
The final approach into Fontana, 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 Fontana, CA.
On a multi-day trip, keep the last day a little lighter so you reach Fontana, CA with some flexibility left in the schedule.
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.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$99.20 one way
$198.40 round trip
$5.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
151 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.02 | $102.22 | $204.45 |
| premium | $6.18 | $104.96 | $209.92 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $95.29 | $190.58 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$99
Hotel (1n)
$80–$140
Meals
$50–$100
Total
$229–$339
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 151 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $45 in charging · 1 stop · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 129.5 | 1 | $45.32 | $20.72 |
| Efficient EV | 107.9 | 1 | $37.77 | $17.26 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 172.6 | 2 | $60.42 | $27.62 |
Gas CO2
151 kg
EV CO2
50 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.
Destination
Fontana, CA
Morning in Fontana on Thursday
Local time
9:13 AM
PDT
Current temp
74°F
Patchy Fog then Mostly Sunny
SW 0 to 15 mph
0% chance
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.
For long drives, weather on day two can matter just as much as conditions at departure, so check the whole travel window rather than only the first day.
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
28 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
8h 6m on the road
This is long enough that the arrival forecast matters almost as much as departure conditions. Recheck both ends before you roll.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Rancho Cordova, CA to Fontana, CA covers 431.6 miles and takes about 8h 6m 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.
Consider an overnight stop or starting very early.
Yes. This route is usually more comfortable as a 2-day drive. A sensible stopping point is after roughly 216 miles on day one.
The midpoint is about 215.8 miles from Rancho Cordova, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $99.20 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 26 significant decision points across 431.6 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 64.1 miles (I 5 / Westside Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 300.7 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 361.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from Rancho Cordova, CA to Fontana, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Ventura along the way.
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