How far is Riverside, CA from Big Bear City, CA?
The estimated driving distance from Riverside, CA to Big Bear City, CA is about 51.3 miles (82.6 km), with a travel time of about 01h 18m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 38 miles (61.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 37m 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 01h 18m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
Town in Alabama
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Slight Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Riverside and Big Bear City.
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 Riverside and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Big Bear City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Riverside to Big Bear City?
The road trip is about 51.3 miles (82.6 km) and usually takes 01h 18m 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?
Mentone is a useful midpoint, sitting about 19 miles from Riverside and 32.3 miles from Big Bear City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 38 miles (61.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 13.3 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 3:52 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $10.44 one way or $20.88 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 16.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Riverside and Slight Chance Rain Showers near Big Bear City.
Stop Ideas Near Mentone
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Khyra Beaucrest Ranch
Bear Springs Hotel
Best Western Plus Arrowhead Hotel
City Hall
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Mentone.
San Bernardino Santa Fe Depot
Moreno Valley, California
Riverside–Downtown
Perris, California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Riverside and Big Bear City. Straight-line distance: 38.03 mi (61.2 km).
#1 Riverside
The most populous city in Riverside County, California and the center of the Riverside metropolitan area.
| Population | 330,786 |
| Coordinates | 33.9533500, -117.3961600 |
| Altitude | 252 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Big Bear City
Census designated place
| Population | 12,304 |
| Coordinates | 34.2611200, -116.8450300 |
| Altitude | 2064 |
| Country | United States |
End: Big Bear City (-116.84503, 34.26112)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 83 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 42m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 17m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 01m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 51m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 44m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 38m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $10.44 | $20.88 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $10.98 | $21.96 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $11.30 | $22.60 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $13.70 | $27.39 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
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