How far is San Diego, CA from Brea, CA?
The estimated driving distance from San Diego, CA to Brea, CA is about 116.5 miles (187.5 km), with a travel time of about 02h 25m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 93.2 miles (150 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 50m 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 02h 25m.
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 Orange County, California.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
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 San Diego and Brea.
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving San Diego and Chance Rain Showers near Brea.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from San Diego to Brea?
The road trip is about 116.5 miles (187.5 km) and usually takes 02h 25m 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 Clemente is a useful midpoint, sitting about 46.6 miles from San Diego and 69.9 miles from Brea.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 93.2 miles (150 km), while the road route adds roughly 23.3 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 1:40 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $23.71 one way or $47.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 36.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around San Diego and Chance Rain Showers near Brea.
Stop Ideas Near San Clemente
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Blue Lantern Inn, A Four Sisters Inn
Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa
CITY HALL, City of San Juan Capistrano
Doheny State Beach Campground
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to San Clemente.
San Clemente Pier station
San Juan Capistrano
Irvine Transportation Center
Oceanside Transit Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between San Diego and Brea. Straight-line distance: 93.21 mi (150.01 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Brea
A city in Orange County, California.
| Population | 44,484 |
| Coordinates | 33.9166800, -117.9000600 |
| Altitude | 110 |
| Country | United States |
End: Brea (-117.90006, 33.91668)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 188 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 52m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 54m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 19m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 56m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 39m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 27m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $23.71 | $47.42 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $24.93 | $49.86 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $25.66 | $51.32 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $31.10 | $62.20 |
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 11, 2026