How Long Is the Drive from San Francisco to Redwood?
The drive from San Francisco to Redwood takes approximately 5h 43min, covering 315 miles via I-5. Under normal conditions, expect to spend around $36 on gas.
Travel time can vary — during peak hours, weekends, or holidays, the journey may take 7–8+ hours. For the fastest trip, leave early morning (before 7 AM) or travel on weekday evenings.
Traffic Estimate
🟢 Light traffic
4h 52m
🔵 Typical
5h 43min
🔴 Heavy traffic
8h 17m
Traffic is usually worst during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) and holiday weekends.
Trip Details
Distance315 miles (506 km)
Drive Time5h 43min
RouteI-5
Best TimeLate evening (8-10 PM)
Fuel Costs
Gas (30 mpg)~10.5 gallons
Est. Cost$36
Route Tips: I-5
The main West Coast highway. Heavy traffic near LA, San Francisco, and Seattle. Scenic stretches through Oregon and Northern California.
This trip can typically be done on a single tank of gas.
Best Time to Drive from San Francisco to Redwood
The best time to drive from San Francisco to Redwood is late evening (8-10 pm). Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have the lightest traffic. Avoid Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings when possible.
🟢 Best:Late evening (8-10 PM)
🔴 Avoid:Rush hour (4-7 PM)
Driving vs Flying
🚗 Driving
5h 43min
~$36 gas
✈️ Flying
3h 8m
~$80–$150 flight
✈️ Flying is faster when you factor in airport time. Flight time is ~38 min but add ~2.5 hours for check-in, security, and boarding.
All Travel Options
🚗 Drive
5h 43min
~$36
🚌 Bus
7h 0m
~$25–$57
🚂 Train
5h 44m
~$38–$94
Estimated times and prices. Bus/train availability varies by route. Driving gives the most flexibility for stops and schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive from San Francisco to Redwood?
The drive from San Francisco to Redwood takes approximately 5h 43min covering 315 miles via I-5. Actual time may vary based on traffic, weather, and road conditions.
How much does gas cost for San Francisco to Redwood?
At 30 MPG and $3.50/gallon, expect to spend approximately $36 on gas for this 315-mile trip. You'll need about 10.5 gallons of fuel.
What is the best time to drive from San Francisco to Redwood?
Late evening (8-10 PM) to avoid heavy traffic. Weekday mornings before 7 AM or evenings after 7 PM typically have less congestion.
Are there tolls on the San Francisco to Redwood route?
There may be minor tolls (around $9) on parts of this route. Some sections have toll-free alternatives.
