How far is Cape Elizabeth, ME from Sanford, ME?
The driving distance from Cape Elizabeth, ME to Sanford, ME is about 40.5 miles (65.1 km), with a travel time of about 00h 59m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 30 miles (48.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 01h 58m 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 00h 59m.
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 York County, Maine
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Rain Showers Likely
Rain Showers Likely
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Cape Elizabeth and Sanford.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Cape Elizabeth and Sanford.
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1
Start on the route
55 m · 19 sec
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2
Turn left onto Two Lights Road
2941 ft · 2 min · Two Lights Road
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3
Keep slight right to continue on Two Lights Road
1 mi · 4 min · Two Lights Road
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4
Continue on Two Lights Road
34 m · 5 sec · Two Lights Road
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5
Turn right onto Ocean House Road
3.7 mi · 7 min · Ocean House Road
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6
Continue on Ocean House Street
1055 ft · 23 sec · Ocean House Street
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7
Continue on Ocean Street
2519 ft · 52 sec · Ocean Street
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8
Continue on Ocean House Street
999 ft · 22 sec · Ocean House Street
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9
Turn left onto Broadway
1094 ft · 34 sec · Broadway
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10
Turn left onto Broadway
3.6 mi · 6 min · Broadway
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11
Take the ramp slight right toward Maine Mall Road
1214 ft · 30 sec
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12
Merge slight left onto Samantha Smith Way
1 mi · 2 min · Samantha Smith Way
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13
Take the exit left
2178 ft · 54 sec
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14
Merge slight left onto Maine Turnpike
12.3 mi · 13 min · Maine Turnpike
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15
Take the exit slight right toward ME 111: Biddeford
1.2 km · 2 min
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16
Turn right onto Alfred Street
1.4 mi · 2 min · Alfred Street
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17
Continue on Alfred Road
8.2 mi · 9 min · Alfred Road
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18
Continue on Biddeford Road
1.8 mi · 2 min · Biddeford Road
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19
Continue on Sanford Road
2.4 mi · 4 min · Sanford Road
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20
Continue on Cottage Street
1.2 mi · 3 min · Cottage Street
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21
Turn left onto River Street
872 ft · 26 sec · River Street
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22
Continue on Washington Street
763 ft · 25 sec · Washington Street
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23
Turn left
27 m · 7 sec
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24
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Cape Elizabeth and Sanford.
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.
Maine Turnpike
Merge slight left onto Maine Turnpike
12.3 mi · 00h 13m
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.
Rain Showers Likely leaving Cape Elizabeth and Rain Showers Likely near Sanford.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Cape Elizabeth to Sanford?
The road trip is about 40.5 miles (65.1 km) and usually takes 00h 59m 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?
Saco is a useful midpoint, sitting about 20.1 miles from Cape Elizabeth and 20.4 miles from Sanford.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 30 miles (48.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 10.5 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 4:32 PM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $5.64 one way or $11.28 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 12.7 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Rain Showers Likely around Cape Elizabeth and Rain Showers Likely near Sanford.
Stop Ideas Near Saco
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 Saco.
Saco Transportation Center
Old Orchard Beach
Portland Transportation Center
Wells Regional Transportation Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Cape Elizabeth and Sanford. Straight-line distance: 30.03 mi (48.33 km).
#1 Cape Elizabeth
Town in Cumberland County, Maine, USA
| Population | 9,322 |
| Coordinates | 43.5637000, -70.2000500 |
| Altitude | 6 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sanford
City in York County, Maine, United States
| Population | 21,253 |
| Coordinates | 43.4392500, -70.7742200 |
| Altitude | 92 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-70.77414, 43.439348)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 65 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 20m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 00m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 48m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 40m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 34m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 30m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.95 | $5.64 | $11.28 |
| Mid-grade | $4.46 | $6.37 | $12.75 |
| Premium | $4.86 | $6.95 | $13.89 |
| Diesel | $6.00 | $8.58 | $17.15 |
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 Maine · Apr 17, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.