Trip from San Francisco, CA to Alameda, CA

Drive Time

25m

Distance

14.3 mi

23 km

Drive Score

6/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

one way

EV Charging

station data

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 7 min

4 AM

0h 23m ★

6 AM

0h 25m

8 AM

0h 30m

10 AM

0h 27m

12 PM

0h 27m

3 PM

0h 27m

5 PM

0h 30m

8 PM

0h 24m

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

Best Time Drive vs Fly

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San Francisco, CA

Abhishek Navlakha

Trip Overview

Traveling from San Francisco to Alameda is a quick 14.3-mile journey that typically takes about 25 minutes. You will navigate using a combination of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, the Nimitz Freeway, and Route 80. Since this trip stays entirely within the Pacific Coast region, it is easily managed as a simple day trip that requires no overnight stops. With fuel costs estimated at just $3, this is an incredibly budget-friendly commute. It is a straightforward route that functions perfectly for a quick transit between these two California locations.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Break Rhythm

0 planned breaks

A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

Midpoint

7.1 miles from San Francisco, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 12m into the drive .

Drive Character

Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention as you navigate through the area. Only 15% of your time will be spent on highways, meaning the majority of your trip involves local maneuvering rather than long-distance cruising. The longest uninterrupted stretch you will encounter is a 5.1-mile section along the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. Because the route is quite short, you won't experience the monotony of a long-haul interstate drive. Instead, be prepared for a dynamic pace that shifts from freeway speeds to local road conditions.

This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.

There are about 19 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.

Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 5.1 miles.

Elevation Profile

Mostly flat terrain

54 ft -4 ft

Total Climb

67 ft

Total Descent

98 ft

Highest Point

54 ft

Elevation Range

58 ft

How Hard Is This Drive?

Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1 miles in.

Route Complexity 8/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

This is a demanding drive. With 14 significant decision points across 14.3 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 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 7.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 7.8 miles: 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.

1 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the ramp toward I 80 East: Oakland

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / straight lanes. Toward I 80 East: Oakland

7.3 mi into trip | ~12m in

Take the exit toward I 880 South: Alameda, San Jose

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 8A Toward I 880 South: Alameda, San Jose

7.8 mi into trip | ~13m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 880 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 880 South

10.2 mi into trip | ~16m in

Take the exit toward Broadway, Alameda

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 42 Toward Broadway, Alameda

10.6 mi into trip | ~17m in | 5th Street

Turn right onto 5th Street

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.

Towns Along This Route

Between San Francisco, CA and Alameda, CA, road signs point toward San Jose and Broadway.

San Jose

7.3 mi in | ~12m

Broadway

10.2 mi in | ~16m

Main Roads

Road	Distance	Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway	5.1 mi	7m
Nimitz Freeway	1.2 mi	1m
Route 80	0.9 mi	1m
5th Street	0.9 mi	1m
Wilma Chan Way	0.8 mi	1m
Webster Street Tube	0.8 mi	1m
Lincoln Avenue	0.7 mi	2m
11th Street	0.6 mi	1m

Longest stretch: Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway — 5.1 mi, about 7m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

Start on Market Street

312 ft · 7 sec · Market Street

Turn right onto 11th Street

0.6 mi · 1 min · 11th Street

Turn left onto Bryant Street

0.3 mi · 1 min · Bryant Street

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 25 sec

Toward I 80 East: Oakland Use the left / straight lanes.

Merge onto I 80

0.9 mi · 1 min · Route 80

Continue on I 80

5.1 mi · 7 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway

Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Take the exit

0.5 mi · 42 sec

Exit 8A Toward I 880 South: Alameda, San Jose Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Keep slight left at fork

1.2 mi · 1 min

Toward I 880 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.

Merge onto I 880

1.2 mi · 1 min · Nimitz Freeway

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 49 sec

Exit 42 Toward Broadway, Alameda Use the slight right lane.

Turn right onto 5th Street

0.2 mi · 19 sec · 5th Street

Use the straight / right lanes.

Continue on 5th Street

0.7 mi · 1 min · 5th Street

Turn slight left

0.2 mi · 22 sec

Toward Alameda Use the left / slight left / straight lanes.

Turn straight onto CA 61

0.8 mi · 1 min · Webster Street Tube

Turn slight left onto Wilma Chan Way

0.8 mi · 1 min · Wilma Chan Way

Toward Constitution Way, Marina Village Parkway Use the straight / slight left lanes.

Turn left onto Lincoln Avenue

0.7 mi · 2 min · Lincoln Avenue

Turn right onto Benton Street

0.3 mi · 46 sec · Benton Street

Turn slight left onto Alameda Avenue

28 ft · 0 sec · Alameda Avenue

Arrive at destination

Alameda Avenue

Trip Plan

Given the short 25-minute duration, you have significant flexibility regarding your departure time and pace. You won't need to plan for any scheduled stops, as the entire distance is easily covered in one go. Keep in mind that because this route is turn-heavy, it is wise to stay alert and follow your navigation closely through the local segments. Since the fuel cost is a minimal $3, you don't need to worry about complex refueling logistics during the drive. Use the time saved by not making stops to enjoy the convenience of this rapid transit between San Francisco and Alameda.

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 7.1 miles from San Francisco, CA, or about 12m into the drive.

The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 5.1 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 14.3 miles or 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 7.1 miles or 12m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 20m

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

Before You Leave

Open the route before leaving San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA

This is one driving day of about 14.3 miles and 25m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from San Francisco, CA.

This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.

You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.

The longest stretch is on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 5.1 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 7.1 mi from San Francisco, CA · 12m into the drive

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Richmond, CA

7 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

Richmond, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 14.3 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Richmond, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 7.1 miles from San Francisco, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Alameda, CA

The final approach into Alameda, 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 Alameda, CA.

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

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

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

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...

6 mi from route ~16 min detour Free near mile 5.9

View on nps.gov

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

View on nps.gov

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

View on nps.gov

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...

22 mi from route ~55 min detour Free near mile 8.4

View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$3.31 one way

$6.62 round trip

$5.88/gal 25.4 MPG avg 5 kg CO₂

Fuel Type	$/gal	One Way	Round Trip
midgrade	$6.07	$3.42	$6.83
premium	$6.24	$3.51	$7.03
diesel	$5.64	$3.18	$6.35

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$28–$53

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.

Driving Electric?

About $2 in charging · 0 stops · 60% less CO₂

Vehicle Type	kWh	DC Fast	Home Charge
Average EV	4.3	$1.50	$0.69
Efficient EV	3.6	$1.25	$0.57
EV Truck/SUV	5.7	$2.00	$0.92

Gas CO2

5 kg

EV CO2

2 kg (60% 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 data refreshed 8 hours ago

Origin

San Francisco, CA

Evening in San Francisco on Sunday

Local time

5:51 PM

PDT

Current temp

61°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 13 mph 80% chance Live forecast

Winter Weather Advisory

Winter Weather Advisory issued April 12 at 8:16AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Eureka CA

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 12 at 6:49AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA

Destination

Alameda, CA

Evening in Alameda on Sunday

Local time

5:51 PM

PDT

Current temp

62°F

Showers And Thunderstorms

SW 13 mph 80% chance Live forecast

Winter Weather Advisory

Winter Weather Advisory issued April 12 at 8:16AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Eureka CA

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 12 at 6:49AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Hanford CA

Along the Route

46°F

Richmond, CA

7 mi in

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

1 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

25m 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 San Francisco, CA to Alameda, CA covers 14.3 miles and takes about 25m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, Nimitz Freeway, Route 80. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 7.1 miles from San Francisco, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.

At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $3.31 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.

Between San Francisco, CA and Alameda, CA, road signs point toward San Jose and Broadway.

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