Richmond, VA → San Diego, CA
2253 mi · 45h 3m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Freeze Warning in effect — consider delaying
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Richmond
49°
Montgomery County
44°
Slaughterville
48°
Socorro County
50°
San Diego
64°
Trip Briefing
4 segments · 2253 mi · 45h 3m
Weather
☁️ Overcast
44°F, wind 9 mph
Rest Stops
84
Restrooms, Truck svc, water
Cameras
9 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Weather May Slow Traffic
Active weather advisory — expect slower travel · 43 construction zones on route
43 Construction Zones on Route
I-40: Other near Spur 468
I-40: Frontage road work near Loop 335
I-40: Multiple lane closures near Loop 362
FM 1541: Left lane closed near Loop 335
BI0040D: Left lane closed near Loop 279
Loop 335: Construction near RM 1061
+ 37 more zones along the route — see map for full list
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
Choose your route:
Selected Route
Via I-95 North (Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike) → I-64 West → ... → I-10 → I-8 West
Cameras shown are along this computed route
Need a custom route?
I-95 MM 74.8 (Portable 05)
VA ·
I-64 / MM 157.1 / WB
VA · WB
I-64 / MM 143.3 / MD
VA ·
I-64 / MM 136 / WB
VA · WB
I-64 / MM 124 / Median
VA ·
I-64 / MM 121 / Median
VA ·
I-64 / MM 118.2 / WB
VA · WB
I-64 / MM 114 / WB / VA-637
VA · WB
I-64 / MM 107 / WB / US-250
VA · WB
I-40 @SandersPOE
AZ ·
I-17 @McGuireville
AZ ·
I-8 @Yuma border
AZ ·
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
228 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 228
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Heavy rain expected near Slaughterville - consider afternoon departure
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Driving from Richmond, VA to San Diego, CA covers 2253 miles in roughly 45h 3m of drive time, crossing state lines. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 228 rest areas and 2 active weather alerts along this corridor so you can plan around them. On a drive this length, weather can change dramatically between stops. Use the segment-by-segment forecast below to time your route.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
52° / 46°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
51° / 37°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
54° / 38°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
52° / 37°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
55° / 36°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
59° / 36°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
62° / 37°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go⛅ Partly cloudy at origin, 🌦️ Moderate rain showers at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Richmond, VA
49°F
Wind: 12 mph
San Diego, CA
64°F
Wind: 12 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Richmond, VA to San Diego, CA
The 2253-mile drive from Richmond, Virginia to San Diego, California takes approximately 45h 3m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route crosses state lines from Virginia into California, connecting Richmond and San Diego. Covering 2253 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
- Extreme heat and dust storms in desert regions
- Flash floods during monsoon season (July through September)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Coastal weather on this route can shift quickly. Marine fog is common during morning hours, especially in spring and fall, reducing visibility to near zero. Hurricane season (June through November) can bring extended road closures and dangerous conditions. During fair weather, coastal routes offer scenic driving — but always verify conditions with live traffic cameras before heading out.
Best Time to Drive Richmond to San Diego
For long drives like this 2253-mile journey, planning is essential. Consider breaking the trip into segments if weather looks challenging. The best approach is to check conditions for multiple departure times using Route Outlook's optimizer, which considers weather at each point when you'll actually be there.
Driving Strategy
Covering 2253 miles from Richmond to San Diego is a full-day or multi-day drive that requires advance planning. Break the route into manageable segments, planning fuel and rest stops every 2-3 hours. Weather that looks fine at departure may deteriorate significantly at the midpoint. Consider booking overnight accommodation if the forecast shows deteriorating conditions in the latter half. Route Outlook's segment-level weather data helps you identify exactly where and when conditions will change.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from Richmond to San Diego?
The drive is approximately 2253 miles and takes about 45h 3m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Wednesday, Nov 18 looks ideal. Clear conditions expected along the entire route
Is it safe to drive from Richmond to San Diego today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Consider delaying your trip if possible. If you must travel, reduce speed significantly and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the Richmond to San Diego route?
Yes, there are 228 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses I-95 North (Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike), I-64 West, I-40 West, I-17 South, I-8 West. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
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⏰Finding the Safest Time to Drive: A Data-Driven Approach
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