How far is Del Mar, CA from San Diego, CA?
The driving distance from Del Mar, CA to San Diego, CA is about 19.9 miles (32 km), with a travel time of about 00h 25m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 17.8 miles (28.7 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 51m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 00h 25m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 San Diego County, California, United States
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 Del Mar and San Diego.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Del Mar and San Diego.
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1
Start on Camino del Mar
1.3 km · 3 min · Camino del Mar
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2
Turn left onto Del Mar Heights Road
1.5 km · 2 min · Del Mar Heights Road
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3
Take the ramp slight right toward I 5 South
1729 ft · 44 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto San Diego Freeway
16.9 mi · 19 min · San Diego Freeway
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5
Take the exit slight right toward Front Street, Civic Center, 2nd Avenue
1164 ft · 28 sec
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6
Keep slight right to continue on Front Street, Civic Center
592 ft · 15 sec
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7
Continue on Front Street
2662 ft · 2 min · Front Street
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8
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Front Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Del Mar and San Diego.
Turn-heavy local drive
The route has frequent decision points for its length, so lane choice and turn timing will matter more than cruising speed.
San Diego Freeway
Merge slight left onto San Diego Freeway
16.9 mi · 00h 19m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Mostly Sunny leaving Del Mar and Mostly Sunny near San Diego.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Del Mar to San Diego?
The road trip is about 19.9 miles (32 km) and usually takes 00h 25m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Solana Beach is a useful midpoint, sitting about 9.9 miles from Del Mar and 9.9 miles from San Diego.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 17.8 miles (28.7 km), while the road route adds roughly 2.1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:38 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.04 one way or $8.08 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Del Mar and Mostly Sunny near San Diego.
Stop Ideas Near Solana Beach
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
1906 Lodge
Crown City Inn
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
San Diego County Administration Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Solana Beach.
Solana Beach
Encinitas, CA
Sorrento Valley station
Carlsbad Poinsettia, CA
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Del Mar and San Diego. Straight-line distance: 17.83 mi (28.69 km).
#1 Del Mar
City in California
| Population | 4,304 |
| Coordinates | 32.9594900, -117.2653100 |
| Altitude | 34 |
| Country | United States |
#2 San Diego
The eighth most populous city in the United States and the center of the San Diego metropolitan area.
| Population | 1,422,420 |
| Coordinates | 32.7157100, -117.1647200 |
| Altitude | 20 |
| Country | United States |
End: Front Street (-117.164717, 32.71571)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 32 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 17m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $4.04 | $8.08 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $4.25 | $8.49 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $4.37 | $8.74 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $5.30 | $10.59 |
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 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.