How far is Lake of the Pines, CA from Nevada City, CA?
The driving distance from Lake of the Pines, CA to Nevada City, CA is about 19.6 miles (31.6 km), with a travel time of about 00h 26m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 15.5 miles (24.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 00h 53m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This is an easy same-day return drive. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This is an easy same-day return drive.
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 26m.
This is a short drive, so your comfort window is wide. Traffic and current weather matter more than the clock.
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 Nevada County, California, United States
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Showers And Thunderstorms
Showers And Thunderstorms
Driving Route Map
A saved road route is not available yet, so the map falls back to a straight-line overview.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Lake of the Pines and Nevada City.
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A short regional drive
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
Showers And Thunderstorms leaving Lake of the Pines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Nevada City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Lake of the Pines to Nevada City?
The road trip is about 19.6 miles (31.6 km) and usually takes 00h 26m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This route is short enough to handle as a quick errand, commute, or easy same-day return without much planning overhead.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Grass Valley is a useful midpoint, sitting about 7.8 miles from Lake of the Pines and 11.9 miles from Nevada City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 15.5 miles (24.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 4.1 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 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 7:36 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $3.98 one way or $7.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 6.1 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Showers And Thunderstorms around Lake of the Pines and Showers And Thunderstorms near Nevada City.
Stop Ideas Near Grass Valley
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 Grass Valley.
Grass Valley, California
Colfax
Auburn
Marysville, California
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Lake of the Pines and Nevada City. Straight-line distance: 15.48 mi (24.92 km).
#1 Lake of the Pines
Census-designated place in Nevada County, California
| Population | 3,917 |
| Coordinates | 39.0396200, -121.0566100 |
| Altitude | 462 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Nevada City
Town in California, County Seat of Nevada County, historic mining town
| Population | 3,148 |
| Coordinates | 39.2617300, -121.0177900 |
| Altitude | 755 |
| Country | United States |
End: (-121.017752, 39.261713)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 32 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 00h 39m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 00h 29m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 00h 23m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 14m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $3.98 | $7.96 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $4.19 | $8.37 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $4.31 | $8.62 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $5.22 | $10.44 |
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 California · 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.