How far is Big Bear Lake, CA from Riverside, CA?
The driving distance from Big Bear Lake, CA to Riverside, CA is about 52 miles (83.7 km), with a travel time of about 01h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 34.2 miles (55.1 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 42m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 01h 21m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Census-designated place in San Bernardino County, California
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Big Bear Lake and Riverside.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Big Bear Lake and Riverside.
-
1
Start on Pine Knot Avenue
24 m · 8 sec · Pine Knot Avenue
-
2
Turn right onto Big Bear Boulevard
2233 ft · 1 min · Big Bear Boulevard
-
3
Continue on Big Bear Boulevard
3.9 mi · 7 min · Big Bear Boulevard
-
4
Continue on Big Bear Bridge
153 m · 10 sec · Big Bear Bridge
-
5
Continue on Rim of the World Highway
10.2 mi · 19 min · Rim of the World Highway
-
6
Continue on Hilltop Boulevard
2.2 mi · 4 min · Hilltop Boulevard
-
7
Continue on Steve Faris Memorial Highway
14.8 mi · 26 min · Steve Faris Memorial Highway
-
8
Keep slight right to continue on CA 210 West: Pasadena
3034 ft · 40 sec
-
9
Merge slight left onto Foothill Freeway
5.1 mi · 6 min · Foothill Freeway
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward I 215 South: Riverside
2084 ft · 51 sec
-
11
Continue straight
1.4 mi · 1 min
-
12
Keep slight left to continue on I 215 South
2132 ft · 52 sec
-
13
Merge slight left onto San Bernardino Freeway
4.2 mi · 5 min · San Bernardino Freeway
-
14
Continue on Riverside Freeway
5.3 mi · 6 min · Riverside Freeway
-
15
Continue on Riverside Freeway
3.6 mi · 4 min · Riverside Freeway
-
16
Take the exit slight right toward Central Avenue, Riverside Plaza Avenue
1280 ft · 33 sec
-
17
Turn right onto Central Avenue
1.1 km · 1 min · Central Avenue
-
18
Turn slight left
52 m · 13 sec
-
19
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Big Bear Lake and Riverside.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Steve Faris Memorial Highway
Continue on Steve Faris Memorial Highway
14.8 mi · 00h 26m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A comfortable day-trip route
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
Mostly Sunny leaving Big Bear Lake and Mostly Sunny near Riverside.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Big Bear Lake to Riverside?
The road trip is about 52 miles (83.7 km) and usually takes 01h 21m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Running Springs is a useful midpoint, sitting about 26.8 miles from Big Bear Lake and 25.2 miles from Riverside.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 34.2 miles (55.1 km), while the road route adds roughly 17.8 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:48 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.61 one way or $21.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.4 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Big Bear Lake and Mostly Sunny near Riverside.
Stop Ideas Near Running Springs
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Bear Springs Hotel
Comfort Inn & Suites
City Hall
San Bernardino City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Running Springs.
San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot
Riverside–Downtown
Moreno Valley, California
Victorville, CA
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Big Bear Lake and Riverside. Straight-line distance: 34.24 mi (55.1 km).
#1 Big Bear Lake
Small city in San Bernardino County, California
| Population | 5,338 |
| Coordinates | 34.2439000, -116.9114200 |
| Altitude | 2058 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Riverside
The most populous city in Riverside County, California and the center of the Riverside metropolitan area.
| Population | 330,786 |
| Coordinates | 33.9533500, -117.3961600 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-117.396162, 33.953244)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 84 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 52m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $10.61 | $21.23 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $11.16 | $22.32 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $11.49 | $22.97 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $13.92 | $27.85 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in California · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.