How far is San Diego, CA from National City, CA?
The driving distance from San Diego, CA to National City, CA is about 5.6 miles (9 km), with a travel time of about 00h 09m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 4.6 miles (7.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 18m 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 09m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in San Diego County, California, United States
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 San Diego and National City.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between San Diego and National City.
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1
Start on Front Street
8 m · 6 sec · Front Street
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2
Turn left onto West Broadway
1.4 km · 2 min · West Broadway
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3
Turn right onto 16th Street
115 m · 15 sec · 16th Street
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4
Take the ramp left toward I 5 South
1475 ft · 36 sec
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5
Merge slight left onto John J. Montgomery Freeway
2.5 mi · 3 min · John J. Montgomery Freeway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward Main Street, National City Boulevard
1.1 km · 2 min
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7
Turn left onto Main Street
568 ft · 13 sec · Main Street
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8
Turn left onto Division Street
3069 ft · 1 min · Division Street
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9
Turn right onto Highland Avenue
2659 ft · 51 sec · Highland Avenue
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10
Turn right onto East 8th Street
42 m · 7 sec · East 8th Street
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11
Turn right
12 m · 3 sec
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between San Diego and National City.
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 J. Montgomery Freeway
Merge slight left onto John J. Montgomery Freeway
2.47 mi · 00h 03m
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 San Diego and Mostly Sunny near National City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from San Diego to National City?
The road trip is about 5.6 miles (9 km) and usually takes 00h 09m 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?
Coronado is a useful midpoint, sitting about 2.8 miles from San Diego and 2.8 miles from National City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 4.6 miles (7.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 1 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 8:12 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $1.15 one way or $2.31 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 1.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around San Diego and Mostly Sunny near National City.
Stop Ideas Near Coronado
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
El Primero Boutique Hotel
Crown City Inn
Coronado Beach Resort
San Diego County Administration Center
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Coronado.
Santa Fe Depot
Old Town Transit Center
Sorrento Valley station
Solana Beach
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between San Diego and National City. Straight-line distance: 4.61 mi (7.42 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 National City
The most populous city in San Diego County, California.
| Population | 61,394 |
| Coordinates | 32.6781100, -117.0992000 |
| Altitude | 21 |
| Country | United States |
End: National City (-117.0992, 32.67811)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 9 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 11m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 08m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 06m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 05m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 04m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 04m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $1.15 | $2.31 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $1.21 | $2.43 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $1.25 | $2.50 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $1.51 | $3.03 |
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 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.