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Trip from San Jose, CA to Hartley, CA

Last recalculated Apr 16, 2026

Drive Time

1h 47m

Distance

89.5 mi

144 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$21

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 24 min
4 AM
1h 39m ★
6 AM
1h 47m
8 AM
2h 3m
10 AM
1h 53m
12 PM
1h 51m
3 PM
1h 54m
5 PM
2h 2m
8 PM
1h 43m

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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city and county seat of Santa Clara County, California, United States

San Jose, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Hartley, CA, CA

Hartley, CA

Stephen Leonardi

Trip Overview

The drive from San Jose, CA to Hartley, CA covers 89.5 miles and takes about 1h 47m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 680, Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, Luther E Gibson Freeway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is highway-focused drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 37.3 miles on I 680. At current regular gas prices, budget about $20.57 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

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

Midpoint

44.7 miles from San Jose, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 54m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 47m. Total distance: 89.5 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 47m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (70%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Drive Character

This is a 1h 47m highway drive covering 89.5 miles, with most of the trip on I 680 and Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. The longest continuous stretch is about 37.3 miles on I 680.

Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 23 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
I 680 is the longest continuous segment at about 37.3 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 680 and Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 1.5 miles in.

Driving Effort 10/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 89.5 miles you will encounter 18 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 10.9 miles (CA 262): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 18 key points

These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.

7
1.5 mi into trip | ~2m in

Take the ramp toward I 880 North: Oakland

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward I 880 North: Oakland
7
10.9 mi into trip | ~14m in | CA 262

Take the exit onto CA 262 toward Sacramento

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here

Use the slight right lane. Exit 12A Toward Sacramento
8
12.7 mi into trip | ~16m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 680 North: Sacramento

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane. Toward I 680 North: Sacramento
8
50.3 mi into trip | ~1h in | I 680 / Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 680 / Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway toward I 680 North: Martinez, Sacramento

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 680 North: Martinez, Sacramento
8
85.9 mi into trip | ~1h 42m in

Keep slight left at fork toward I 505 North: Winters, Redding

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward I 505 North: Winters, Redding

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 San Jose, CA to Hartley, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Sacramento along the way.

Sacramento

10.9 mi in | ~14m | via CA 262

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 680 37.3 mi 42m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 14.8 mi 17m
Luther E Gibson Freeway 12 mi 13m
I 880 8.5 mi 9m
Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway 7.9 mi 9m
I 505 2.5 mi 2m
CA 262 1.6 mi 2m
Coleman Avenue 1.4 mi 2m
Longest stretch: I 680 — 37.3 mi, about 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between San Jose, CA and Hartley, CA.

1

Start on North Market Street

196 ft · 8 sec · North Market Street
2

Continue on Coleman Avenue

1.4 mi · 2 min · Coleman Avenue
Use the straight lane.
3

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 42 sec
Toward I 880 North: Oakland Use the right lane.
4

Merge onto I 880

8.5 mi · 9 min · I 880
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5

Keep slight right at fork onto I 880

0.6 mi · 41 sec · Nimitz Freeway
6

Take the exit onto CA 262

1.6 mi · 2 min · CA 262
Exit 12A Toward Sacramento Use the slight right lane.
7

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 24 sec
Toward I 680 North: Sacramento Use the straight lane.
8

Keep slight left at fork

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward I 680 North: Sacramento Use the straight lane.
9

Merge onto I 680

37 mi · 42 min · I 680
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Keep slight left at fork onto I 680

6.0 mi · 6 min · Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Toward I 680 North: Martinez, Sacramento Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight left at fork onto I 680

243 ft · 3 sec · Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
12

Keep slight right at fork onto I 680

1.8 mi · 2 min · Senator Daniel E Boatwright Highway
Use the slight right lane.
13

Keep slight right at fork onto I 680

0.4 mi · 26 sec · Benicia-Martinez Bridge
14

Continue on I 680

12 mi · 13 min · Luther E Gibson Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Keep slight right at fork

0.4 mi · 55 sec
Exit 71A Toward I 80 East, CA 12 East: Fairfield, Sacramento
16

Merge onto I 80; CA 12

1.7 mi · 1 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
17

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80

13 mi · 15 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 19 sec
Toward I 505 North: Winters, Redding Use the straight / slight right lanes.
19

Keep slight left at fork

0.6 mi · 1 min
Toward I 505 North: Winters, Redding Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20

Continue on I 505

2.5 mi · 2 min · I 505
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21

Take the exit

0.2 mi · 40 sec
Toward Midway Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Turn left onto Midway Road

0.2 mi · 17 sec · Midway Road
23

Arrive at destination

Midway Road

Trip Plan

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 44.7 miles from San Jose, CA, or about 54m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 37.3 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 20 miles or 25m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 44.7 miles or 54m 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 30m

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

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving San Jose, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from San Jose, CA

This is one driving day of about 89.5 miles and 1h 47m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 20 miles from San Jose, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 680 for about 37.3 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 44.7 mi from San Jose, CA · 54m into the drive

city in Contra Costa County, California, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Pleasant Hill, CA

45 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

Fremont, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 20 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Pleasant Hill, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 44.7 miles from San Jose, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Arriving in Hartley, CA

The final approach into Hartley, CA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.

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.

Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial

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...

5 mi from route ~11 min detour Free near mile 55.5
View on nps.gov
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park

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...

16 mi from route ~40 min detour Free near mile 46.3
View on nps.gov
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

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...

20 mi from route ~51 min detour Free near mile 46.3
View on nps.gov
Muir Woods National Monument

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,...

27 mi from route ~67 min detour $15 near mile 58.6
View on nps.gov
Golden Gate National Recreation Area

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...

29 mi from route ~72 min detour Free near mile 58.6
View on nps.gov

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

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$20.57 one way

$41.14 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 31 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $21.20 $42.40
premium $6.18 $21.77 $43.53
diesel $5.61 $19.76 $39.52

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$21

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$46–$71

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 31.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $9 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 26.8 0 $9.40 $4.30
Efficient EV 22.4 0 $7.83 $3.58
EV Truck/SUV 35.8 0 $12.53 $5.73

Gas CO2

31 kg

EV CO2

10 kg (68% 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 16, 2026

Origin

San Jose, CA

Afternoon in San Jose on Thursday

Local time

2:55 PM

PDT

Current temp

71°F

Sunny

NNW 5 to 14 mph 0% chance Live forecast

Freeze Warning

Freeze Warning issued April 16 at 10:43AM PDT until April 17 at 11:00AM PDT by NWS Medford OR

Wind Advisory

Wind Advisory issued April 16 at 10:32AM PDT until April 17 at 11:00AM PDT by NWS Hanford CA

Destination

Hartley, CA

Afternoon in Hartley on Thursday

Local time

2:55 PM

PDT

Current temp

46°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

25 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

1h 47m 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 Jose, CA to Hartley, CA covers 89.5 miles and takes about 1h 47m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are I 680, Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, Luther E Gibson 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 44.7 miles from San Jose, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $20.57 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 89.5 miles you will encounter 18 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: at 1.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 10.9 miles (CA 262): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 12.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
On the drive from San Jose, CA to Hartley, CA, road signs begin pointing toward Sacramento along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial, Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. There are 5 parks within detour distance of this route.

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