How far is San Clemente, CA from Chula Vista, CA?
The driving distance from San Clemente, CA to Chula Vista, CA is about 66.2 miles (106.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 03m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 62.4 miles (100.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 07m 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 03m.
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 San Diego County, California.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Partly Sunny
Partly Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between San Clemente and Chula Vista.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between San Clemente and Chula Vista.
-
1
Start on South El Camino Real
116 m · 21 sec · South El Camino Real
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2
Turn left onto Avenida Presidio
59 m · 7 sec · Avenida Presidio
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3
Take the ramp right toward I 5 South: San Diego
1267 ft · 33 sec
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4
Merge slight left onto San Diego Freeway
43.4 mi · 51 min · San Diego Freeway
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5
Take the exit slight left
1.3 km · 55 sec
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6
Continue on Jacob Dekema Freeway
18.6 mi · 21 min · Jacob Dekema Freeway
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7
Take the exit slight right toward CA 54 East, CA 54 West
1234 ft · 30 sec
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8
Keep slight right to continue on CA 54 West
1631 ft · 40 sec
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9
Merge slight left onto South Bay Freeway
2230 ft · 27 sec · South Bay Freeway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Highland Avenue, 4th Avenue
1451 ft · 44 sec
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11
Turn left onto Highland Avenue
1711 ft · 31 sec · Highland Avenue
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12
Continue on 4th Avenue
1.5 km · 2 min · 4th Avenue
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13
Turn right onto F Street
98 m · 34 sec · F Street
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14
Continue on F Street
83 m · 5 sec · F Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · F Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between San Clemente and Chula Vista.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
San Diego Freeway
Merge slight left onto San Diego Freeway
43.4 mi · 00h 51m
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.
Partly Sunny leaving San Clemente and Partly Sunny near Chula Vista.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from San Clemente to Chula Vista?
The road trip is about 66.2 miles (106.5 km) and usually takes 01h 03m 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?
Encinitas is a useful midpoint, sitting about 32.9 miles from San Clemente and 33.2 miles from Chula Vista.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 62.4 miles (100.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 3.8 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 4:22 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.50 one way or $27.00 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 20.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around San Clemente and Partly Sunny near Chula Vista.
Stop Ideas Near Encinitas
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Inn at Moonlight Beach
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Escondido Building Department
Aviara Golf Club
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Encinitas.
Encinitas, CA
Solana Beach
Carlsbad Poinsettia, CA
Carlsbad Village station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between San Clemente and Chula Vista. Straight-line distance: 62.37 mi (100.38 km).
#1 San Clemente
The most populous city in Orange County, California.
| Population | 64,551 |
| Coordinates | 33.4269700, -117.6119900 |
| Altitude | 71 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Chula Vista
The second most populous city in San Diego County, California.
| Population | 272,979 |
| Coordinates | 32.6400500, -117.0842000 |
| Altitude | 21 |
| Country | United States |
End: F Street (-117.084196, 32.640039)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 107 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 12m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 06m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 56m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 49m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $13.50 | $27.00 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $14.19 | $28.39 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $14.61 | $29.22 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $17.71 | $35.41 |
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.