How far is Merced, CA from Sonora, CA?
The driving distance from Merced, CA to Sonora, CA is about 59.1 miles (95.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 29m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 47.4 miles (76.3 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 58m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT.
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 29m.
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 Stanislaus County, California, United States
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 Merced and Sonora.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Merced and Sonora.
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1
Start on Canal Street
86 m · 14 sec · Canal Street
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2
At the end of the road, turn right onto West Main Street
145 m · 20 sec · West Main Street
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3
Turn left onto M Street
122 m · 15 sec · M Street
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4
Turn right onto West 16th Street
1.2 mi · 2 min · West 16th Street
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5
Turn right onto Snelling Highway
17.7 mi · 26 min · Snelling Highway
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6
Continue on La Grange Road
118 m · 7 sec · La Grange Road
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7
Continue on Merced Falls Road
2230 ft · 40 sec · Merced Falls Road
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8
Turn left onto La Grange Road
26.1 mi · 39 min · La Grange Road
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9
At the end of the road, turn right
7.3 mi · 10 min
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10
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward the route
36 m · 2 sec
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11
Exit the roundabout
4.3 mi · 7 min
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12
Turn sharp left
61 m · 7 sec
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13
Turn straight onto Stockton Street
1.6 mi · 3 min · Stockton Street
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14
At the end of the road, turn left onto South Washington Street
150 m · 10 sec · South Washington Street
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15
Turn right onto Linoberg Street
49 m · 10 sec · Linoberg Street
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16
Turn right onto South Stewart Street
30 m · 3 sec · South Stewart Street
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17
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · South Stewart Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Merced and Sonora.
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.
La Grange Road
Turn left onto La Grange Road
26.1 mi · 00h 39m
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 Merced and Sunny near Sonora.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Merced to Sonora?
The road trip is about 59.1 miles (95.1 km) and usually takes 01h 29m 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?
Waterford is a useful midpoint, sitting about 29.6 miles from Merced and 29.5 miles from Sonora.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 47.4 miles (76.3 km), while the road route adds roughly 11.7 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 PDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 3:32 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $13.02 one way or $26.05 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 18.5 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Merced and Sunny near Sonora.
Stop Ideas Near Waterford
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 Waterford.
Denair station
Modesto station
Merced station
Manteca, CA
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Merced and Sonora. Straight-line distance: 47.44 mi (76.35 km).
#1 Merced
The most populous city in Merced County, California.
| Population | 88,235 |
| Coordinates | 37.3021600, -120.4829700 |
| Altitude | 52 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sonora
City in California
| Population | 4,833 |
| Coordinates | 37.9840900, -120.3821400 |
| Altitude | 544 |
| Country | United States |
End: Sonora (-120.38214, 37.98409)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 95 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 01h 58m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 10m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 00h 59m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 00h 50m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 44m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $6.26 | $13.02 | $26.05 |
| Mid-grade | $6.50 | $13.52 | $27.04 |
| Premium | $6.69 | $13.91 | $27.83 |
| Diesel | $8.41 | $17.50 | $35.00 |
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 · Oct 15, 2026