How far is Oakland, CA from Petaluma, CA?
The driving distance from Oakland, CA to Petaluma, CA is about 42.6 miles (68.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 57m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 35.7 miles (57.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 54m 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 00h 57m.
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 Marin County, California.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Patchy Fog then Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Oakland and Petaluma.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oakland and Petaluma.
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1
Start on 14th Street
2014 ft · 1 min · 14th Street
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2
Turn right onto Castro Street
1078 ft · 35 sec · Castro Street
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3
Take the ramp straight toward I 980 East, CA 24: Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Hayward
1047 ft · 26 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto John B. Williams Freeway
1975 ft · 26 sec · John B. Williams Freeway
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5
Take the exit slight right toward I 580: San Francisco, Hayward
1575 ft · 38 sec
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 580 West: San Francisco, MacArthur Freeway
3092 ft · 1 min
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7
Merge slight left onto MacArthur Freeway
1.7 mi · 2 min · MacArthur Freeway
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8
Continue on Eastshore Freeway
3.3 mi · 4 min · Eastshore Freeway
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9
Keep slight right to continue on John T. Knox Freeway
12.9 mi · 17 min · John T. Knox Freeway
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10
Keep slight left to continue on US 101 North: San Rafeal
1.1 km · 54 sec
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11
Merge slight left onto Redwood Highway
19.6 mi · 23 min · Redwood Highway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Petaluma Boulevard South, Kastania Road
1506 ft · 41 sec
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13
Turn right onto Kastania Road
93 m · 14 sec · Kastania Road
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14
Continue on Petaluma Boulevard South
1.3 km · 1 min · Petaluma Boulevard South
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15
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Petaluma Boulevard South
30 m · 2 sec · Petaluma Boulevard South
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16
Exit the roundabout onto Petaluma Boulevard South
1.1 mi · 3 min · Petaluma Boulevard South
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Petaluma Boulevard South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Oakland and Petaluma.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Redwood Highway
Merge slight left onto Redwood Highway
19.6 mi · 00h 23m
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.
Patchy Fog then Sunny leaving Oakland and Sunny near Petaluma.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Oakland to Petaluma?
The road trip is about 42.6 miles (68.5 km) and usually takes 00h 57m 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?
San Rafael is a useful midpoint, sitting about 21.3 miles from Oakland and 21.3 miles from Petaluma.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 35.7 miles (57.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 6.9 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 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 4:36 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $8.65 one way or $17.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 13.3 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Patchy Fog then Sunny around Oakland and Sunny near Petaluma.
Stop Ideas Near San Rafael
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer
El Cerrito City Hall
San Francisco City Hall
My City Hall Wedding
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to San Rafael.
Richmond station
San Francisco (Wharf), California
Berkeley station
San Francisco (Ferry), California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Oakland and Petaluma. Straight-line distance: 35.65 mi (57.38 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Petaluma
The most populous city in Sonoma County, California.
| Population | 60,632 |
| Coordinates | 38.2324200, -122.6366500 |
| Altitude | 9 |
| Country | United States |
End: Petaluma (-122.63665, 38.23242)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 68 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 25m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 03m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 42m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 36m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 31m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $8.65 | $17.31 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $9.10 | $18.20 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $9.36 | $18.73 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $11.35 | $22.70 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.