Truckee, CA → San Francisco, CA
162 mi · 3h 15m (driving)
Current Risk
High Risk
Winter Storm Warning in effect — consider delaying
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Truckee
39°
El Dorado County
57°
Solano County
57°
San Francisco
60°
Wind gusts up to 17 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
3 segments · 162 mi · 3h 15m
Weather
🌦️ Slight rain showers
57°F, wind 17 mph
Rest Stops
4
Restrooms, Vending, Picnic
Cameras
4 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Donner Lake Vista Point 🚻
- ● Donner Summit Rest Area 🚻 🥤 🪑
- ● Alpha - Omega Rest Area 🚻 🥤 🪑
+ 5 more alerts
Weather May Slow Traffic
Active weather advisory — expect slower travel · 5 construction zones on route
5 Construction Zones on Route
CA-174: Lanes 1, RShoulder of 2 closed for tree work between Placer County Line and Durango Ln
Nevada, CA
CA-193: Lane 1 of 2 closed for striping operation between Jct Rte 49, Cool and Sliger Mone Rd
El Dorado, CA
I-80: Dry Creek Rd lane closed for utility work
Sacramento, CA
CA-160 southbound: Lanes LShoulder, 1, Median, RShoulder of 4 closed for miscellaneous work at American River Bridge
Sacramento, CA
I-5 southbound: LShoulder closed for guardrail repair at Arena Blvd
Sacramento, CA
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.
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Selected Route
Via I-80 West → US-101 North
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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I-80 - Hwy 80 at Old Ag Sta - West
Truckee, CA · WB
I-80 - Hwy 80 at Donner Lake - West
Truckee, CA · WB
I-80 - Hwy 80 at Kingvale WB - West
Soda Springs, CA · WB
I-80 - Hwy 80 at Applegate - West
Applegate, CA · WB
I-80 - Hwy 80 at Rocklin - West
Rocklin, CA · WB
I-80 - Hwy 80 at Darling 1 - West
Roseville, CA · WB
I-80 - Hwy 80 at Darling 3 - West
Roseville, CA · WB
I-80 - Hwy 80 at Raley - West
Sacramento, CA · WB
I-80 - TV176 -- I-80 : AT LEISURE TOWN RD - West
Vacaville, CA · WB
I-80 - TV186 -- I-80 : AT WOF MANUEL CAMPOS PKWY - West
Fairfield, CA · WB
I-80 - TV962 -- I-80 : AT JWO REDWOOD PKWY - West
Vallejo, CA · WB
I-80 - TVH32 -- I-80 : AT WOF Albany OR - West
Berkeley, CA · WB
Live traffic on this route
Cameras, crashes and closures right now on the highways this drive uses.
Rest Stops Along Your Route
7 stops available
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⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Nov 11: Heavy rain expected near Solano County - consider afternoon departure
Don't miss the next alert →
The 162-mile half-day drive from Truckee to San Francisco stays within CA and takes about 3h 15m without stops. We track 12 live traffic cameras, 7 rest areas and 8 active weather alerts along this corridor so you can plan around them. A trip this short usually fits in a single morning or afternoon — check the live conditions just before you head out.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Nov 13
40° / 36°
No precip
Tomorrow
Nov 14
45° / 30°
No precip
Sun
Nov 15
45° / 29°
No precip
Mon
Nov 16
39° / 32°
No precip
Tue
Nov 17
33° / 17°
No precip
Wed
Nov 18
33° / 19°
No precip
Thu
Nov 19
35° / 29°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Use Caution🌨️ Slight snow → 🌦️ Slight rain showers. Use caution.
Sunday
Use Caution🌧️ Slight rain → 🌧️ Heavy rain. Use caution.
Plan This Route
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Current Conditions
Truckee, CA
39°F
Wind: 13 mph
San Francisco, CA
60°F
Wind: 11 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from Truckee, CA to San Francisco, CA
The 162-mile drive from Truckee, California to San Francisco, California takes approximately 3h 15m 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 moderate route stays within California, connecting Truckee and San Francisco. A drive of 162 miles means you'll pass through multiple weather zones. Conditions at your starting point may bear little resemblance to what you'll encounter halfway through the 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
Desert driving on this route demands respect for extreme temperatures. Summer heat regularly exceeds 110°F in low-elevation stretches, stressing both vehicles and drivers. The monsoon season from July through September brings sudden flash floods that can make washes impassable within minutes. Winter is the most pleasant driving season, with mild temperatures and clear skies, though nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing in elevated desert areas.
Best Time to Drive Truckee to San Francisco
For shorter trips like this 162-mile drive, morning departures typically offer the best conditions with lighter traffic and better visibility. Avoid rush hour periods (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM) if possible.
Driving Strategy
At 162 miles, the Truckee to San Francisco drive is short enough to complete in a single stretch. Still, check conditions along the route before you leave — a quick glance at live traffic cameras can confirm road visibility and surface conditions. If bad weather is forecasted for a narrow window, adjusting your departure by even an hour can make a significant difference in safety.
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 Truckee to San Francisco?
The drive is approximately 162 miles and takes about 3h 15m 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, Tuesday, Nov 17 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from Truckee to San Francisco today?
Current conditions show high risk along this route. Use caution and allow extra time. Reduce speed and increase following distance as conditions warrant.
Are there rest areas on the Truckee to San Francisco route?
Yes, there are 7 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-80 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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