How far is Imperial, CA from San Bernardino, CA?
The driving distance from Imperial, CA to San Bernardino, CA is about 156 miles (251.1 km), with a travel time of about 02h 42m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 132 miles (212.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 25m 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 02h 42m.
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.
A city in Riverside County, California.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Imperial and San Bernardino.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Imperial and San Bernardino.
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1
Start on East Barioni Boulevard
31 m · 5 sec · East Barioni Boulevard
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2
Turn left onto North Imperial Avenue
9.4 mi · 12 min · North Imperial Avenue
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3
Continue on South 1st Street
1999 ft · 33 sec · South 1st Street
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4
Turn left onto West Main Street
37.6 mi · 45 min · West Main Street
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5
Continue straight
32.5 mi · 38 min
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6
Merge slight right onto Sonny Bono Memorial Freeway
32.6 mi · 35 min · Sonny Bono Memorial Freeway
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7
Continue on Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
38.1 mi · 42 min · Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward Waterman Avenue
1963 ft · 50 sec
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9
Turn left onto East Hospitality Lane
1122 ft · 34 sec · East Hospitality Lane
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10
Turn right onto South Waterman Avenue
2.9 mi · 5 min · South Waterman Avenue
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11
Turn left onto East 5th Street
1 km · 1 min · East 5th Street
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · West 5th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Imperial and San Bernardino.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
Continue on Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway
38.1 mi · 00h 42m
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.
Sunny leaving Imperial and Sunny near San Bernardino.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Imperial to San Bernardino?
The road trip is about 156 miles (251.1 km) and usually takes 02h 42m 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?
Coachella is a useful midpoint, sitting about 77.4 miles from Imperial and 78.6 miles from San Bernardino.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 132 miles (212.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 24 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 1:04 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $31.79 one way or $63.57 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 49 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Imperial and Sunny near San Bernardino.
Stop Ideas Near Coachella
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Turtle Back Mesa Bed & Breakfast
Hotel Indigo Coachella, an IHG Hotel
United States Postal Service
Indio City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Coachella.
Indio, California
La Quinta, CA
Palm Desert, CA
Palm Springs (Buses), California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Imperial and San Bernardino. Straight-line distance: 131.97 mi (212.39 km).
#1 Imperial
City in Imperial County, California, United States
| Population | 19,663 |
| Coordinates | 32.8475500, -115.5694400 |
| Altitude | -18 |
| Country | United States |
#2 San Bernardino
The second most populous city in San Bernardino County, California.
| Population | 217,491 |
| Coordinates | 34.1083400, -117.2897700 |
| Altitude | 321 |
| Country | United States |
End: West 5th Street (-117.289794, 34.108326)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 251 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 07m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 36m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 56m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $31.79 | $63.57 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $33.42 | $66.85 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $34.40 | $68.80 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $41.69 | $83.39 |
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 13, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.