How far is Fontana, CA from Atascadero, CA?

The driving distance from Fontana, CA to Atascadero, CA is about 253.5 miles (407.9 km), with a travel time of about 05h 04m by car.

  • The straight-line flight distance is about 207.4 miles (333.8 km).
  • For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 08m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
  • A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT.
Trip Tools

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.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
253.46 mi
05h 04m
Flight
207.41 mi
333.8 km direct

This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Fontana.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
207.41 mi
Kilometers
333.8 km
Flight Time
00h 25m

Driving Distance

Road route
253.46 mi
Kilometers
407.9 km
Drive Time
05h 04m

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 05h 04m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in Atascadero
Fri, Apr 10, 1:43 PM PDT
Return by in Fontana
Fri, Apr 10, 6:47 PM PDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Fontana
2026-04-10T08:39
Arrive Atascadero
Fri, Apr 10, 1:43 PM PDT
Route Timing
05h 04m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT
Leave early for more breathing room
Arrive between
11:04 AM to 1:04 PM PDT

An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.

Leave by
6:52 AM PDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 04h 00m at the destination.
Back in Fontana
9:00 PM PDT
Early departure recommended

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.

Mid-route stop
Carpinteria
CA

City in California

From Fontana
126.6 mi
02h 32m
To Atascadero
126.8 mi
02h 32m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
76°F
Friday

Mostly Sunny

Starts
Fri, Apr 10 6:00 AM PDT
Wind
0 to 15 mph SW
Destination
62°F
Friday

Showers And Thunderstorms Likely

Starts
Fri, Apr 10 6:00 AM PDT
Wind
0 to 15 mph SW

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Fontana and Atascadero.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Fontana and Atascadero.

  1. 1

    Start on Merrill Avenue

    63 m · 6 sec · Merrill Avenue

  2. 2

    Turn right onto Sierra Avenue

    3 mi · 5 min · Sierra Avenue

  3. 3

    Take the ramp slight right toward CA 210 West

    1784 ft · 45 sec

  4. 4

    Merge slight left onto Foothill Freeway

    14.8 mi · 17 min · Foothill Freeway

  5. 5

    Keep slight right to continue on Foothill Freeway

    1.2 mi · 1 min · Foothill Freeway

  6. 6

    Keep slight right to continue on Foothill Freeway

    2.4 mi · 3 min · Foothill Freeway

  7. 7

    Keep slight right to continue on Foothill Freeway

    1.4 mi · 2 min · Foothill Freeway

  8. 8

    Keep slight right to continue on Foothill Freeway

    1.8 mi · 2 min · Foothill Freeway

  9. 9

    Keep slight right to continue on Foothill Freeway

    20 mi · 23 min · Foothill Freeway

  10. 10

    Keep slight left to continue on Ventura Freeway

    6.4 mi · 7 min · Ventura Freeway

  11. 11

    Keep slight right to continue on Ventura Freeway

    1.1 mi · 1 min · Ventura Freeway

  12. 12

    Keep slight right to continue on Ventura Freeway

    2776 ft · 36 sec · Ventura Freeway

  13. 13

    Take the exit slight right toward I 5: Golden State Freeway, Los Angeles, Sacramento

    1862 ft · 24 sec

  14. 14

    Keep slight right to continue on I 5 North, CA 134 West: Golden State Freeway, Sacramento, Ventura Freeway, Ventura, Zoo Drive

    98 m · 4 sec

  15. 15

    Keep slight right to continue on CA 134 West: Ventura Freeway, Ventura, Zoo Drive

    1317 ft · 17 sec

  16. 16

    Keep slight left to continue on CA 134: Ventura

    715 ft · 9 sec

  17. 17

    Merge slight left onto Ventura Freeway

    1 km · 44 sec · Ventura Freeway

  18. 18

    Keep slight right to continue on Ventura Freeway

    1.9 mi · 2 min · Ventura Freeway

  19. 19

    Keep slight right to continue on Ventura Freeway

    1.2 km · 53 sec · Ventura Freeway

  20. 20

    Keep slight right to continue on Ventura Freeway

    54.7 mi · 1 hr 3 min · Ventura Freeway

  21. 21

    Keep slight left

    18.5 mi · 21 min

  22. 22

    Continue on El Camino Real

    16.4 mi · 19 min · El Camino Real

  23. 23

    Take the exit slight right toward CA 154: State Street, Cachuma Lake

    1127 ft · 29 sec

  24. 24

    Continue on Calle Real

    1672 ft · 42 sec · Calle Real

  25. 25

    Turn right onto Chumash Highway

    23.9 mi · 33 min · Chumash Highway

  26. 26

    Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Chumash Highway

    35 m · 2 sec · Chumash Highway

  27. 27

    Exit the roundabout onto Chumash Highway

    2.2 mi · 3 min · Chumash Highway

  28. 28

    Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Chumash Highway

    43 m · 2 sec · Chumash Highway

  29. 29

    Exit the roundabout onto Chumash Highway

    6.3 mi · 10 min · Chumash Highway

  30. 30

    Take the ramp right toward US 101 North

    1138 ft · 31 sec

  31. 31

    Merge slight left

    73.3 mi · 1 hr 25 min

  32. 32

    Take the exit slight right toward Traffic Way

    917 ft · 24 sec

  33. 33

    Turn right onto Traffic Way

    61 m · 13 sec · Traffic Way

  34. 34

    Turn left onto El Camino Real

    30 m · 2 sec · El Camino Real

  35. 35

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec · El Camino Real

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

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.

Drive Time
05h 04m
Long day trip
Same-Day Return
10h 08m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+46.1 mi
207.4 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Carpinteria
02h 32m from Fontana
Leave By
6:52 AM PDT
Early departure recommended
Weather Watch

Mostly Sunny leaving Fontana and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Atascadero.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Fontana to Atascadero?

The road trip is about 253.5 miles (407.9 km) and usually takes 05h 04m 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?

Carpinteria is a useful midpoint, sitting about 126.6 miles from Fontana and 126.8 miles from Atascadero.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 207.4 miles (333.8 km), while the road route adds roughly 46.1 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:52 AM PDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $51.57 one way or $103.15 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 79.4 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Fontana and Showers And Thunderstorms Likely near Atascadero.

Stop Ideas Near Carpinteria

Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.

Mid-route Guidance
These suggestions come from reviewed places and nearby services around Carpinteria and the surrounding midpoint area.
Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - South
Stay option 4.2 mi away

Motel 6 Carpinteria, CA - Santa Barbara - South

Carpinteria , CA
5550 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013, United States
Rating 3.5/5 1,171 reviews Motel,Hotel
Ventura City Hall (formerly the Ventura County Courthouse - California Historical Landmark #847)
Scenic stop 10.4 mi away

Ventura City Hall (formerly the Ventura County Courthouse - California Historical Landmark #847)

Ventura , CA
501 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001, United States
Rating 4.3/5 18 reviews Historical landmark
San Buenaventura City Hall
Meeting point 10.4 mi away

San Buenaventura City Hall

Ventura , CA
501 Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001, United States
Rating 4.4/5 12 reviews City or town hall,City government office
City of Santa Barbara City Hall
Nearby stop 14.9 mi away

City of Santa Barbara City Hall

Santa Barbara , CA
735 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, United States
Rating 3.7/5 18 reviews City or town hall

Transit and Meeting Points

Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Carpinteria.

RAIL

Carpinteria station

475 Linden at Fifth Street
RAIL

Santa Barbara

16 mi away
209 State Street
RAIL

Ventura

24 mi away
Harbor Blvd and Figueroa Street
RAIL

Goleta station

30 mi away
25 South La Patera Lane

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Fontana and Atascadero. Straight-line distance: 207.41 mi (333.8 km).

Fontana

#1 Fontana

The second most populous city in San Bernardino County, California.

Population216,173
Coordinates34.0922300, -117.4350500
Altitude377
CountryUnited States
Atascadero

#2 Atascadero

City in California, USA

Population30,254
Coordinates35.4894200, -120.6707300
Altitude268
CountryUnited States
Start: Fontana (-117.43505, 34.09223)
End: Atascadero (-120.67073, 35.48942)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 408 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)08h 26m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)06h 20m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)05h 04m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)04h 13m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)03h 37m
80 mph (129 km/h)03h 09m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
8.94 gal
33.86 L · about $51.57
Round trip
$103.15
17.88 gal · 67.72 L
Estimated CO2
79.4 kg one way
Round trip: 158.9 kg / 350 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $5.77 $51.57 $103.15
Mid-grade $6.07 $54.23 $108.46
Premium $6.24 $55.81 $111.62
Diesel $7.57 $67.65 $135.30

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 10, 2026

There is no time difference between Fontana and Atascadero. The current time is 08:39:09.

Distance to Other Cities

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.