How far is Palmdale, CA from San Diego, CA?
Fastest route
The distance between Palmdale, California, and San Diego, California is approximately 176 miles (283 kilometers). The fastest route, which takes around 2 hours and 57 minutes, is via I-15 S. Here are some tips and suggestions to consider for the journey:
Directions
- Start by getting on I-15 S in San Bernardino County from CA-138 E.
- Head east on E Palmdale Blvd toward 9th St E, passing by El Pollo Loco (on the left in 1.6 mi).
- Continue onto CA-138 E/Fort Tejon Rd, and follow it until you reach I-15 S.
- Use the right lane to merge onto I-15 S via the ramp to San Bernardino.
- Follow I-15 S towards San Diego.
- Take exit 1B from CA-163 S.
- Keep left at the fork to stay on I-15 S, following signs for Los Angeles/San Diego.
- Keep right at the fork to continue on CA-163 S.
- Take exit 1B for I-5 N/4th Ave.
- Parts of 4th Ave may be closed at certain times or days, so be prepared for possible detours.
- Keep right at the fork and follow signs for 4th Ave.
- Finally, use any lane to turn left onto 4th Ave/Fourth Ave.
Tips & Suggestions
- 🚗 Plan your departure time wisely to avoid peak traffic hours on I-15 S.
- 🛣️ Stay on the designated routes to ensure the shortest and most efficient journey.
- 📱 Check for any road closures or construction updates before starting your trip.
- ⛽ Refuel your vehicle before embarking on the journey to avoid running out of gas.
- 🚧 Be prepared for possible detours or alternative routes due to roadwork or traffic conditions.
- 🚦 Observe traffic signs and signals along the way to ensure a safe and smooth journey.
- 🗺️ Consider using a GPS or navigation app to stay on track and find the best routes during the trip.
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 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 second most populous city in Riverside County, California.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Palmdale and San Diego.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Palmdale and San Diego.
-
1
Start on East Palmdale Boulevard
3.3 mi · 4 min · East Palmdale Boulevard
-
2
Turn right onto 40th Street East
2582 ft · 59 sec · 40th Street East
-
3
Turn left onto East Avenue R
1.1 km · 1 min · East Avenue R
-
4
Turn slight right
89 m · 14 sec
-
5
At the end of the road, turn right onto 47th Street East
1.3 mi · 2 min · 47th Street East
-
6
Continue on Fort Tejon Road
1.1 mi · 2 min · Fort Tejon Road
-
7
Continue on Pearblossom Highway
18 mi · 26 min · Pearblossom Highway
-
8
Continue on Antelope Highway
20.5 mi · 28 min · Antelope Highway
-
9
Take the exit slight right
1656 ft · 41 sec
-
10
Continue on Barstow and Mojave Freeway
6.3 mi · 7 min · Barstow and Mojave Freeway
-
11
Continue on Barstow Freeway
1095 ft · 13 sec · Barstow Freeway
-
12
Keep slight left to continue on Barstow Freeway
9.3 mi · 10 min · Barstow Freeway
-
13
Continue on San Bernardino Freeway
5.6 mi · 6 min · San Bernardino Freeway
-
14
Continue on Riverside Freeway
5.3 mi · 6 min · Riverside Freeway
-
15
Take the exit slight right toward I 215 South, CA 60 East: San Diego, Indio
5.1 mi · 6 min
-
16
Keep slight right to continue on I 215, CA 60 Truck
2512 ft · 33 sec
-
17
Keep slight right
36.3 mi · 41 min
-
18
Continue on Avocado Highway
21.9 mi · 24 min · Avocado Highway
-
19
Continue on Escondido Freeway
3.4 mi · 4 min · Escondido Freeway
-
20
Keep slight right to continue on Escondido Freeway
8.7 mi · 10 min · Escondido Freeway
-
21
Continue on Tony Gwynn Memorial Freeway
4.5 mi · 5 min · Tony Gwynn Memorial Freeway
-
22
Continue on Escondido Freeway
3.1 mi · 4 min · Escondido Freeway
-
23
Continue on Semper Fi Highway
2.2 mi · 3 min · Semper Fi Highway
-
24
Take the exit slight right toward CA 163 South
1.2 km · 52 sec
-
25
Continue on Cabrillo Freeway
8.2 mi · 9 min · Cabrillo Freeway
-
26
Continue on Cabrillo Parkway
1.5 mi · 2 min · Cabrillo Parkway
-
27
Continue on Cabrillo Parkway
1.3 km · 1 min · Cabrillo Parkway
-
28
Continue on 10th Avenue
1507 ft · 42 sec · 10th Avenue
-
29
Turn right onto Broadway
2811 ft · 1 min · Broadway
-
30
Turn left onto Front Street
8 m · 1 sec · Front Street
-
31
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Front Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Palmdale and San Diego.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 215
Keep slight right
36.3 mi · 00h 41m
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 Palmdale and Partly Sunny near San Diego.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Palmdale to San Diego?
The road trip is about 170.7 miles (274.7 km) and usually takes 02h 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?
Perris is a useful midpoint, sitting about 85.3 miles from Palmdale and 85.4 miles from San Diego.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 139.9 miles (225.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 30.8 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 12:36 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $34.73 one way or $69.46 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 53.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Palmdale and Partly Sunny near San Diego.
Stop Ideas Near Perris
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Brandon's Diner Jr. Of City Hall
Holiday Inn Express Colton-Riverside North, an IHG Hotel
Summerly Community Park - City of Lake Elsinore
Loma Linda City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Perris.
Perris, California
Sun City, California
Moreno Valley, California
Hemet (West Florida Ave), California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Palmdale and San Diego. Straight-line distance: 139.92 mi (225.18 km).
#1 Palmdale
The most populous city in Los Angeles County, California.
| Population | 150,498 |
| Coordinates | 34.5794300, -118.1164600 |
| Altitude | 810 |
| 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: 275 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 41m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 16m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 24m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 50m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 26m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 07m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $34.73 | $69.46 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $36.52 | $73.03 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $37.58 | $75.17 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $45.55 | $91.11 |
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 12, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.