How far is Buellton, CA from Oakland, CA?
The driving distance from Buellton, CA to Oakland, CA is about 286.9 miles (461.7 km), with a travel time of about 04h 22m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 249 miles (400.8 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 08h 44m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 04h 22m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
City in California, named after its founder, Charles King
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Buellton and Oakland.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Buellton and Oakland.
-
1
Start on the route
49 m · 17 sec
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2
At the end of the road, turn left
1093 ft · 28 sec
-
3
Take the ramp left toward US 101 North
981 ft · 24 sec
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4
Merge slight left
235.6 mi · 4 hr 32 min
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5
Keep slight left
12.2 mi · 14 min
-
6
Take the exit slight right toward I 880 North: Oakland
1188 ft · 29 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Nimitz Freeway
7.3 mi · 8 min · Nimitz Freeway
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8
Keep slight right to continue on Nimitz Freeway
12.6 mi · 15 min · Nimitz Freeway
-
9
Keep slight left
17 mi · 19 min
-
10
Take the exit slight right toward Oak Street, Lakeside Drive
1226 ft · 33 sec
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11
Turn right onto Oak Street
1685 ft · 49 sec · Oak Street
-
12
Turn left onto 12th Street
1523 ft · 46 sec · 12th Street
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13
Turn right onto Harrison Street
559 ft · 25 sec · Harrison Street
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14
Turn left onto 14th Street
1058 ft · 49 sec · 14th Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 14th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Buellton and Oakland.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
US 101 North
Merge slight left
236 mi · 04h 32m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Buellton and Sunny near Oakland.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Buellton to Oakland?
The road trip is about 286.9 miles (461.7 km) and usually takes 04h 22m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
King City is a useful midpoint, sitting about 143.3 miles from Buellton and 143.6 miles from Oakland.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 249 miles (400.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 37.9 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 8:16 AM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $58.38 one way or $116.76 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 89.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Buellton and Sunny near Oakland.
Stop Ideas Near King City
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to King City.
King City, California
Salinas station
Paso Robles station
Carmel, California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Buellton and Oakland. Straight-line distance: 249.03 mi (400.77 km).
#1 Buellton
City in Santa Barbara County, California
| Population | 5,449 |
| Coordinates | 34.6136000, -120.1926500 |
| Altitude | 109 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Oakland
The third most populous city in California, Oakland is a major center for business, manufacturing, and culture.
| Population | 424,891 |
| Coordinates | 37.8043700, -122.2708000 |
| Altitude | 13 |
| Country | United States |
End: 14th Street (-122.270903, 37.804207)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 462 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 33m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 07h 10m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 44m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 46m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 04h 05m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 34m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $58.38 | $116.76 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $61.39 | $122.78 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $63.18 | $126.36 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $76.58 | $153.16 |
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 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.