How far is Oakland, CA from San Rafael, CA?
The driving distance from Oakland, CA to San Rafael, CA is about 22.1 miles (35.5 km), with a travel time of about 00h 31m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 18.4 miles (29.6 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 03m 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 31m.
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.
The most populous city in Contra Costa 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 Oakland and San Rafael.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Oakland and San Rafael.
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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
2148 ft · 33 sec · Redwood Highway
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12
Take the exit slight right toward Central San Rafael
1526 ft · 39 sec
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13
Continue on Irwin Street
654 ft · 21 sec · Irwin Street
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14
Turn left onto Fourth Street
3034 ft · 1 min · Fourth Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Fourth Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Oakland and San Rafael.
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.
John T. Knox Freeway
Keep slight right to continue on John T. Knox Freeway
12.9 mi · 00h 17m
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 Oakland and Mostly Sunny near San Rafael.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Oakland to San Rafael?
The road trip is about 22.1 miles (35.5 km) and usually takes 00h 31m 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?
Richmond is a useful midpoint, sitting about 11 miles from Oakland and 11.1 miles from San Rafael.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 18.4 miles (29.6 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.7 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 7:26 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $4.50 one way or $9.00 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around Oakland and Mostly Sunny near San Rafael.
Stop Ideas Near Richmond
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
San Francisco City Hall Wedding Photographer
Alameda Public Works Department
SF City Hall Photo
My City Hall Wedding
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Richmond.
Richmond station
Berkeley station
Emeryville station
San Francisco (Wharf), California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Oakland and San Rafael. Straight-line distance: 18.39 mi (29.59 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 San Rafael
The most populous city in Marin County, California.
| Population | 58,528 |
| Coordinates | 37.9735300, -122.5310900 |
| Altitude | 13 |
| Country | United States |
End: San Rafael (-122.53109, 37.97353)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 36 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 33m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 22m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 18m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 16m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $4.50 | $9.00 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $4.73 | $9.46 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $4.87 | $9.74 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $5.90 | $11.80 |
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 18, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.