How far is Erie, PA from California, PA?
The driving distance from Erie, PA to California, PA is about 271.7 miles (437.3 km), with a travel time of about 05h 02m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 188.4 miles (303.2 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 10h 05m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
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 05h 02m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
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.
Borough of Pennsylvania
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Rain Showers
Chance Rain Showers
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Erie and California.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Erie and California.
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1
Start on State Street
2318 ft · 2 min · State Street
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2
Turn right onto West 12th Street
2 mi · 4 min · West 12th Street
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3
Turn right onto Greengarden Boulevard
583 ft · 23 sec · Greengarden Boulevard
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4
Turn left onto West Bayfront Parkway
862 ft · 20 sec · West Bayfront Parkway
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5
Continue on Raymond P Shafer Highway
66.8 mi · 1 hr 12 min · Raymond P Shafer Highway
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6
Take the exit slight right toward I 80 East: Clarion
2084 ft · 59 sec
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7
Merge slight left onto Keystone Shortway
195.6 mi · 3 hr 30 min · Keystone Shortway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward PA 254
1147 ft · 28 sec
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9
Turn straight
64 m · 6 sec
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10
Turn left onto Broadway Road
2.9 mi · 5 min · Broadway Road
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11
Turn left onto Strick Road
3 mi · 7 min · Strick Road
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12
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Strick Road
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Erie and California.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Keystone Shortway
Merge slight left onto Keystone Shortway
196 mi · 03h 30m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Chance Rain Showers leaving Erie and Chance Rain Showers near California.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Erie to California?
The road trip is about 271.7 miles (437.3 km) and usually takes 05h 02m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Brookville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 135.7 miles from Erie and 136 miles from California.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 188.4 miles (303.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 83.3 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 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 6:54 AM EDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $39.18 one way or $78.37 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 85.2 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Rain Showers around Erie and Chance Rain Showers near California.
Stop Ideas Near Brookville
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 Brookville.
Tyrone
Altoona Transportation Center
Johnstown
Latrobe station
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Erie and California. Straight-line distance: 188.41 mi (303.22 km).
#1 Erie
The second most populous city in Pennsylvania.
| Population | 95,077 |
| Coordinates | 42.1292200, -80.0850600 |
| Altitude | 199 |
| Country | United States |
#2 California
Borough in Pennsylvania
| Population | 6,261 |
| Coordinates | 41.0667500, -76.7263500 |
| Altitude | 206 |
| Country | United States |
End: California (-76.72635, 41.06675)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 437 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 09h 03m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 06h 47m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 05h 26m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 03h 52m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 03h 23m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $4.09 | $39.18 | $78.37 |
| Mid-grade | $4.60 | $44.10 | $88.21 |
| Premium | $4.95 | $47.51 | $95.02 |
| Diesel | $5.98 | $57.35 | $114.70 |
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 Pennsylvania · Apr 19, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.