How far is Dana Point, CA from Chula Vista, CA?
The driving distance from Dana Point, CA to Chula Vista, CA is about 72.3 miles (116.4 km), with a travel time of about 01h 10m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 67.3 miles (108.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 21m 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 10m.
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.
The most populous city in San Diego 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 Dana Point and Chula Vista.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Dana Point and Chula Vista.
-
1
Start on Golden Lantern Street
544 ft · 18 sec · Golden Lantern Street
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2
Turn left onto Del Prado Avenue
1217 ft · 34 sec · Del Prado Avenue
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3
Turn right onto Pacific Coast Highway
1.4 mi · 3 min · Pacific Coast Highway
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4
Take the exit slight right toward I 5 South: San Diego Freeway
2096 ft · 33 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto San Diego Freeway
47.8 mi · 56 min · San Diego Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight left
1.3 km · 55 sec
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7
Continue on Jacob Dekema Freeway
18.6 mi · 21 min · Jacob Dekema Freeway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward CA 54 East, CA 54 West
1234 ft · 30 sec
-
9
Keep slight right to continue on CA 54 West
1631 ft · 40 sec
-
10
Merge slight left onto South Bay Freeway
2230 ft · 27 sec · South Bay Freeway
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11
Take the exit slight right toward Highland Avenue, 4th Avenue
1451 ft · 44 sec
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12
Turn left onto Highland Avenue
1711 ft · 31 sec · Highland Avenue
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13
Continue on 4th Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · 4th Avenue
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14
Turn right onto F Street
98 m · 34 sec · F Street
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15
Continue on F Street
83 m · 5 sec · F Street
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16
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · F Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Dana Point and Chula Vista.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
San Diego Freeway
Merge slight left onto San Diego Freeway
47.8 mi · 00h 56m
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 Dana Point and Mostly Sunny near Chula Vista.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Dana Point to Chula Vista?
The road trip is about 72.3 miles (116.4 km) and usually takes 01h 10m 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?
Encinitas is a useful midpoint, sitting about 36 miles from Dana Point and 36.4 miles from Chula Vista.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 67.3 miles (108.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 5 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 4:08 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $14.71 one way or $29.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 22.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Dana Point and Mostly Sunny near Chula Vista.
Stop Ideas Near Encinitas
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Inn at Moonlight Beach
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Escondido Building Department
Aviara Golf Club
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Encinitas.
Encinitas, CA
Solana Beach
Carlsbad Poinsettia, CA
Carlsbad Village station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Dana Point and Chula Vista. Straight-line distance: 67.29 mi (108.3 km).
#1 Dana Point
City in California, US
| Population | 33,436 |
| Coordinates | 33.4669700, -117.6981100 |
| Altitude | 44 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Chula Vista
The second most populous city in San Diego County, California.
| Population | 272,979 |
| Coordinates | 32.6400500, -117.0842000 |
| Altitude | 21 |
| Country | United States |
End: F Street (-117.084196, 32.640039)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 116 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 24m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 48m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 12m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 02m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 54m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $14.71 | $29.42 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $15.47 | $30.94 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $15.92 | $31.84 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $19.30 | $38.59 |
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 · May 30, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.