Traveling from San Jose to Maywood covers 348.1 miles and typically takes about 6 hours and 35 minutes of drive time. Because this journey stays entirely within the Pacific Coast region, you won't experience drastic climate shifts, but you should prepare for a long day behind the wheel. Expect to budget roughly $47 for fuel to complete the trip. While it is technically possible to finish this drive in a single day, the turn-heavy nature of the route makes one stop essential to maintain your focus. Before setting out, ensure you are ready for a steady pace that favors local navigation over high-speed highway cruising.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
174 miles from San Jose, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 18m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 6h 35m. Total distance: 348.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
6h 35m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Drive Character
Forget the ease of a monotonous interstate cruise; this 348.1-mile journey is defined by its turn-heavy, local personality. You will spend your time navigating streets like Devine Street, North San Pedro Street, and West Saint James Street rather than merging onto major freeways. With a 0% highway share, there is no single long stretch where you can simply set cruise control and relax. Instead, the route demands your full attention as you transition between local roads. It is a technical, hands-on driving experience that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 34 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 181.1 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Westside Freeway and I 5 Truck. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 6.6 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 26 significant decision points across 348.1 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 6.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 317.4 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 342.4 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 26 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
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
8
317.4 mi into trip|~5h 56m in|I 5 Truck
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck toward I 405 South
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 158
Toward I 405 South
8
342.4 mi into trip|~6h 26m in|I 5 / Golden State Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 / Golden State Freeway toward CA 60 East, I 5 South: Pomona, Soto Street, Santa Ana
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight left / straight lanes.
Toward CA 60 East, I 5 South: Pomona, Soto Stre...
8
346.8 mi into trip|~6h 32m in
Take the exit toward Atlantic Boulevard, Bandini Boulevard
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 17A
Toward Atlantic Boulevard, Bandini Boulevard
9
347 mi into trip|~6h 32m in
Keep slight left at fork toward Atlantic Boulevard, Maywood
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the left lane.
Toward Atlantic Boulevard, Maywood
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Westside Freeway
181.1 mi
3h 14m
I 5 Truck
83.3 mi
1h 36m
Pacheco Pass Highway
40.6 mi
50m
US 101
20.3 mi
23m
Golden State Freeway
5.3 mi
6m
CA 85
5.1 mi
5m
Guadalupe Parkway
4.1 mi
4m
Santa Ana Freeway
1.9 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
Westside Freeway
— 181.1 mi, about 3h 14m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between San Jose, CA and Maywood, 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 SouthUse 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 1CToward Santa Teresa BoulevardUse 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 SouthUse 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 1AToward 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
41 mi·50 min·Pacheco Pass Highway
18
Take the exit
0.6 mi·1 min
Toward I 5: Los Angeles
19
Merge onto I 5
181 mi·3 hr 14 min·Westside Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
58 mi·1 hr 6 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
4.1 mi·4 min·Golden State Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight right at fork onto I 5 Truck
0.3 mi·17 sec·I 5 Truck
Exit 158Toward I 405 SouthUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5 Truck
25 mi·29 min·I 5 Truck
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork onto I 5
1.3 mi·1 min·Golden State Freeway
Toward CA 60 East, I 5 South: Pomona, Soto Street, Santa AnaUse the slight left / straight lanes.
25
Merge onto I 5
1.9 mi·2 min·Santa Ana Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
26
Take the exit
0.4 mi·49 sec
Exit 130BToward I 710 South: Long BeachUse the straight / slight right lanes.
27
Merge onto I 710
0.9 mi·1 min·Long Beach Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.2 mi·24 sec
Exit 17AToward Atlantic Boulevard, Bandini BoulevardUse the straight / slight right lanes.
29
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·19 sec
Toward Atlantic Boulevard, MaywoodUse the left lane.
30
Turn straight onto South Atlantic Boulevard
0.8 mi·1 min·South Atlantic Boulevard
31
Turn left onto Slauson Avenue
230 ft·11 sec·Slauson Avenue
Use the left lane.
32
Turn right
153 ft·13 sec
33
Turn right
68 ft·5 sec
34
Arrive at destination
Trip Plan
To tackle this 6-hour and 35-minute drive effectively, try to depart early in the morning to avoid the fatigue of navigating technical roads after dark. Since the route consists entirely of local streets, flexibility is your greatest advantage; feel free to adjust your pace as needed throughout the day. Plan for at least one dedicated stop to stretch your legs and reset, given that the longest stretch of road offers zero miles of uninterrupted highway driving. Keep a close eye on your navigation tools, as the reliance on local roads like Devine Street means you will be making frequent turns rather than following a single highway corridor.
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.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 174 miles from San Jose, CA, or about 3h 18m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 181.1 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 77 miles or 1h 34m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 174 miles or 3h 18m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 23m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Maywood, 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 348.1 miles and 6h 35m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 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 Westside Freeway for about 181.1 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 174 mi from San Jose, CA
· 3h 18m into the drive
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...
22 mi from route
~55 min detour
Free
near mile 312
Yes, we can! Widely recognized as the most important Latino leader in the United States during the twentieth century, Cesar Chavez led farm workers and supporters in the establishment of the country's...
27 mi from route
~68 min detour
Free
near mile 252
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$80.01 one way
$160.02 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg122 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$82.45
$164.90
premium
$6.18
$84.65
$169.31
diesel
$5.61
$76.86
$153.71
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$80
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$105–$130
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 121.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
8 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: good
Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Lebec, California
Other
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Burbank, California
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Lebec, California
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla Supercharger
Castaic, California
Tesla
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Lebec, California
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Burbank, California
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
EVmatch Charging Station
Sun Valley, California
Other
1 DCFC
ChargePoint Charging Station
Burbank, California
ChargePoint
1 DCFC
ChargePoint: 4
Other: 2
Tesla: 2
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
104.4
1
$36.55
$16.71
Efficient EV
87
0
$30.46
$13.92
EV Truck/SUV
139.2
1
$48.73
$22.28
Gas CO2
122 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (66% 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.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
San Jose, CA
Evening
in San Jose on Thursday
Local time
5:58 PM
PDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Maywood, CA
Evening
in Maywood on Thursday
Local time
5:58 PM
PDT
Current temp
73°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
29 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
6h 35m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
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 Maywood, CA covers 348.1 miles and takes about 6h 35m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Westside Freeway, I 5 Truck, Pacheco Pass Highway. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 174 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 $80.01 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 1 meaningful break 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 348.1 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 6.6 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 317.4 miles (I 5 Truck): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 342.4 miles (I 5 / Golden State Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
The route from San Jose, CA to Maywood, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and César E. Chávez National Monument.
