How far is California, GA from Jefferson, GA?
The driving distance from California, GA to Jefferson, GA is about 78.6 miles (126.5 km), with a travel time of about 01h 43m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 68.6 miles (110.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 26m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT.
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 01h 43m.
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.
City in Gwinnett County, Georgia, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between California and Jefferson.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between California and Jefferson.
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1
Start on Hiram Acworth Highway
1.2 km · 1 min · Hiram Acworth Highway
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2
Turn left onto Macland Road
8.5 mi · 13 min · Macland Road
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3
Continue on Windy Hill Road Southwest
7.2 mi · 14 min · Windy Hill Road Southwest
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4
Turn right onto Cobb Parkway South
1.6 mi · 3 min · Cobb Parkway South
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5
Turn left onto I 285 East
2083 ft · 45 sec
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6
Keep slight left to continue on I 75 North, I 285 East: Marietta, Chattanooga
1511 ft · 24 sec
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7
Keep slight right to continue on I 285 East
1.1 km · 56 sec
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8
Merge slight left onto Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
11.8 mi · 14 min · Atlanta Bypass / The Perimeter
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9
Take the exit slight right toward I 85 North: Greenville
1.6 km · 2 min
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10
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 North: Greenville, Pleasantdale Road
160 m · 13 sec
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11
Keep slight left to continue on I 85 North: Greenville
1452 ft · 36 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Northeast Expressway
1.1 km · 48 sec · Northeast Expressway
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13
Continue on Interstate Highway 85
15.4 mi · 16 min · Interstate Highway 85
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14
Keep slight right
2718 ft · 33 sec
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15
Keep slight right to continue on I 85 North: Gainesville
23.6 mi · 25 min
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16
Take the exit slight right toward US 129, GA 11: Gainesville, Jefferson
1692 ft · 44 sec
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17
Merge slight left
3.3 mi · 5 min
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18
Turn left onto Old Pendergrass Road
1.6 mi · 3 min · Old Pendergrass Road
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19
Turn slight right onto Washington Street
2113 ft · 44 sec · Washington Street
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20
Continue on Gordon Street
126 m · 24 sec · Gordon Street
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21
Turn left
131 m · 32 sec
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between California and Jefferson.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
I 85 North
Keep slight right to continue on I 85 North: Gainesville
23.6 mi · 00h 25m
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.
Sunny leaving California and Sunny near Jefferson.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from California to Jefferson?
The road trip is about 78.6 miles (126.5 km) and usually takes 01h 43m 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?
Berkeley Lake is a useful midpoint, sitting about 39.3 miles from California and 39.3 miles from Jefferson.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 68.6 miles (110.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 10 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 EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:04 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $11.96 one way or $23.92 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 26.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around California and Sunny near Jefferson.
Stop Ideas Near Berkeley Lake
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Berkeley Lake.
Peachtree Station
Gainesville
Toccoa
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between California and Jefferson. Straight-line distance: 68.57 mi (110.36 km).
#1 California
California is a place in Georgia, United States.
| Population | 0 |
| Coordinates | 33.9189900, -84.7457700 |
| Altitude | 317 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Jefferson
City in Jackson County, Georgia, United States
| Population | 12,490 |
| Coordinates | 34.1170500, -83.5723900 |
| Altitude | 227 |
| Country | United States |
End: Jefferson (-83.57239, 34.11705)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 126 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 57m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 34m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 18m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 07m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 58m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.96 | $11.96 | $23.92 |
| Mid-grade | $4.43 | $13.38 | $26.75 |
| Premium | $4.78 | $14.43 | $28.86 |
| Diesel | $5.62 | $16.98 | $33.97 |
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 Georgia · Apr 11, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.