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Trip from San Jose, CA to Madera Acres, CA

Compiled and reviewed by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 18, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

2h 46m

Distance

129.6 mi

209 km

Drive Score

9/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$30

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 32 min
4 AM
2h 36m ★
6 AM
2h 46m
8 AM
3h 8m
10 AM
2h 54m
12 PM
2h 52m
3 PM
2h 55m
5 PM
3h 7m
8 PM
2h 40m

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 Madera Acres, CA, CA

Madera Acres, CA

Tori Pezzulla❤️

Trip Overview

The drive from San Jose, CA to Madera Acres, CA covers 129.6 miles and takes about 2h 46m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on Pacheco Pass Highway, US 101, Southbound California State Route 99 for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mixed drive. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 82.6 miles on Pacheco Pass Highway. At current regular gas prices, budget about $29.79 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.

Break Rhythm

1 planned break

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

Midpoint

64.8 miles from San Jose, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 1h 19m into the drive .

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 46m. Total distance: 129.6 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

2h 46m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (31%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Scenic Drive

Mixed drive route profile.

Drive Character

The drive from San Jose, CA to Madera Acres, CA covers 129.6 miles and takes about 2h 46m, using a mix of highways and local roads.

Expect a mix of faster highway mileage and slower local approaches near the beginning or end.
There are about 26 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Pacheco Pass Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 82.6 miles.

How Hard Is This Drive?

This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.1 miles in near North San Pedro Street.

Driving Effort 7/10

Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 129.6 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 0.1 miles (North San Pedro Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 6.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

Critical Maneuvers

5 of 16 key points

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

5
0.1 mi into trip | ~0m in | North San Pedro Street

Turn left onto North San Pedro Street

Navigation decision point

6
0.3 mi into trip | ~1m in

Take the ramp toward CA 87 South

Lane positioning matters here

Use the right lane. Toward CA 87 South
7
6.1 mi into trip | ~8m in

Take the exit toward Santa Teresa Boulevard

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 1C Toward Santa Teresa Boulevard
8
6.6 mi into trip | ~8m in

Turn left toward CA 85 South

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left lane. Toward CA 85 South
7
124.5 mi into trip | ~2h 32m in

Take the exit toward Avenue 17

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

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 157 Toward Avenue 17

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Pacheco Pass Highway 82.6 mi 1h 42m
US 101 20.3 mi 23m
Southbound California State Route 99 7.8 mi 8m
CA 85 5.1 mi 5m
Guadalupe Parkway 4.1 mi 4m
Avenue 17 2.7 mi 6m
Road 27 1.6 mi 3m
Guadalupe Freeway 1.4 mi 1m
Longest stretch: Pacheco Pass Highway — 82.6 mi, about 1h 42m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

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

1

Start on North Market Street

110 ft · 5 sec · North Market Street
2

Turn right onto Devine Street

275 ft · 17 sec · Devine Street
3

Turn left onto North San Pedro Street

306 ft · 17 sec · North San Pedro Street
4

Turn right onto West Saint James Street

0.1 mi · 16 sec · West Saint James Street
5

Continue on West Julian Street

356 ft · 7 sec · West Julian Street
Use the straight lane.
6

Take the ramp

0.2 mi · 31 sec
Toward CA 87 South Use the right lane.
7

Merge onto CA 87

1.4 mi · 1 min · Guadalupe Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8

Continue on CA 87

4.1 mi · 4 min · Guadalupe Parkway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9

Take the exit

0.4 mi · 30 sec
Exit 1C Toward Santa Teresa Boulevard Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on CA 87

0.1 mi · 22 sec · Santa Teresa Boulevard
Use the straight lane.
11

Turn left

0.3 mi · 41 sec
Toward CA 85 South Use the left lane.
12

Merge onto CA 85

4.7 mi · 5 min · CA 85
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Continue on CA 85

0.4 mi · 27 sec · CA 85
Exit 1A Toward US 101 South
14

Continue on US 101

20 mi · 23 min · US 101
15

Take the exit onto CA 152

0.3 mi · 39 sec · CA 152
Toward CA 152 East: 10th Street, Pacheco Pass Road
16

Turn left onto CA 152

353 ft · 12 sec · East 10th Street
17

Continue on CA 152

83 mi · 1 hr 42 min · Pacheco Pass Highway
18

Continue on CA 152

1.1 mi · 1 min · Eastbound California State Route 152
19

Continue on CA 152

0.3 mi · 23 sec · EB SR 152 to SB SR 99
20

Continue on CA 99

7.8 mi · 8 min · Southbound California State Route 99
21

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Exit 157 Toward Avenue 17 Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22

Turn left onto Avenue 17

2.7 mi · 6 min · Avenue 17
23

Turn left onto Road 27

1.6 mi · 3 min · Road 27
24

Turn left onto Fonda Avenue

0.6 mi · 2 min · Fonda Avenue
25

At end of road, turn left onto Farallon Road

194 ft · 8 sec · Farallon Road
26

Arrive at destination

Farallon 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.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 64.8 miles from San Jose, CA, or about 1h 19m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 82.6 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 29 miles or 35m in

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

Halfway reset

Around 64.8 miles or 1h 19m in

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

Final approach

Final hour starts around 2h 10m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Madera Acres, 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.

+

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 Jose, CA

This is one driving day of about 129.6 miles and 2h 46m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 29 miles from San Jose, 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 Pacheco Pass Highway for about 82.6 miles.

Where to Stop

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

Halfway Point

Midpoint

About 64.8 mi from San Jose, CA · 1h 19m into the drive

city in Santa Clara County, California, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Gilroy, CA

65 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

San Martin, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 29 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Gilroy, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 64.8 miles from San Jose, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before Pacheco Pass Highway if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 82.6 miles.

Arriving in Madera Acres, CA

The final approach into Madera Acres, 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 Madera Acres, 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

Urban Putt San Jose

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

San Jose, California

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

Hours: 5–10 pm

+18339984994

Visit website

Urban Putt San Jose

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

San Jose, California

Hours: 5–10 pm

+18339984994

Visit website

Round1 Bowling & Arcade Eastridge Shopping Center

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, ~11 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~11 min detour

San Jose, California

Hours: 10 am–2 pm

+14085138290

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

3.2 mi from route ~8 min detour mile 129.6

Madera, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Shell Recharge Charging Station

1.0 ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 111.1

Chowchilla, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18888950027

Visit website

EVCS Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.8 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 129.6

Madera, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663003827

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

1.8 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Near the end, short detour

2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour mile 129.6

Madera, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EV Connect Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.8 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 111.1

Chowchilla, California

+18887800062

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

2.8 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~11 min detour

4.3 mi from route ~11 min detour mile 111.1

Chowchilla, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

2.5 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~10 min detour

3.9 mi from route ~10 min detour mile 111.1

Chowchilla, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

2.9 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Near the end, ~12 min detour

4.7 mi from route ~12 min detour mile 129.6

Madera, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Breakout Studios

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour

San Jose, California

Hours: Closed

+14083201962

Visit website

Rotary PlayGarden

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

San Jose, California

Hours: 10 am–6:30 pm

+14082987657

Visit website

The Tech Interactive

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour

San Jose, California

Hours: 10 am–3 pm

+14082948324

Visit website

San Jose Museum of Art

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

San Jose, California

Hours: 4–9 pm

+14082716840

Visit website

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

San Jose, California

Hours: 9:30 am–4:30 pm

+14082985437

Visit website

Guadalupe River Park

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the start, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

San Jose, California

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+14082987657

Visit website

Smash City Rage Rooms

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour

San Jose, California

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+14085640916

Visit website

Discovery Meadow

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

San Jose, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+14082987657

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$29.79 one way

$59.58 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 45 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $30.70 $61.39
premium $6.18 $31.52 $63.03
diesel $5.61 $28.61 $57.23

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$30

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$55–$80

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

Estimated CO2 emission: 45.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $14 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 38.9 0 $13.61 $6.22
Efficient EV 32.4 0 $11.34 $5.18
EV Truck/SUV 51.8 0 $18.14 $8.29

Gas CO2

45 kg

EV CO2

15 kg (67% 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 15, 2026

Origin

San Jose, CA

Late night in San Jose on Saturday

Local time

1:28 AM

PDT

Current temp

44°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Madera Acres, CA

Late night in Madera Acres on Saturday

Local time

1:28 AM

PDT

Current temp

50°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

6 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

2h 46m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

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 Madera Acres, CA covers 129.6 miles and takes about 2h 46m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.

The main roads are Pacheco Pass Highway, US 101, Southbound California State Route 99. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

The midpoint is about 64.8 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 $29.79 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.

Plan about 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, or rest. A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.

This is a demanding drive. With 16 significant decision points across 129.6 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 0.1 miles (North San Pedro Street): Navigation decision point; at 0.3 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 6.1 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.

The route from San Jose, CA to Madera Acres, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.

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, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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Madera Acres, CA to San Jose, CA

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