How far is Modesto, CA from Sacramento, CA?
The driving distance from Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA is about 79.5 miles (128 km), with a travel time of about 01h 21m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 70.5 miles (113.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 02h 43m 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 21m.
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.
The most populous city in San Joaquin County, California.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Sunny
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Modesto and Sacramento.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Modesto and Sacramento.
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1
Start on 11th Street
25 m · 11 sec · 11th Street
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2
Turn left onto H Street
1895 ft · 1 min · H Street
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3
Turn right onto 6th Street
148 m · 16 sec · 6th Street
-
4
Take the ramp straight
941 ft · 23 sec
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5
Merge slight left
27 mi · 31 min
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6
Keep slight left
44.7 mi · 52 min
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7
Continue on Capital City Freeway
2593 ft · 32 sec · Capital City Freeway
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8
Take the exit slight right toward N Street
1261 ft · 33 sec
-
9
Turn left onto 30th Street
858 ft · 24 sec · 30th Street
-
10
Turn left onto L Street
1.1 mi · 2 min · L Street
-
11
Turn right onto 16th Street
1265 ft · 33 sec · 16th Street
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12
Turn left onto I Street
2891 ft · 1 min · I Street
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13
Turn left onto 9th Street
22 m · 2 sec · 9th Street
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 9th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Modesto and Sacramento.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
6th Street
Keep slight left
44.7 mi · 00h 52m
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 Modesto and Sunny near Sacramento.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Modesto to Sacramento?
The road trip is about 79.5 miles (128 km) and usually takes 01h 21m 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?
Lodi is a useful midpoint, sitting about 37.6 miles from Modesto and 41.9 miles from Sacramento.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 70.5 miles (113.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 9 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 3:46 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $16.21 one way or $32.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 25 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Modesto and Sunny near Sacramento.
Stop Ideas Near Lodi
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 Lodi.
Lodi
Robert J. Cabral Station
Stockton – San Joaquin Street
Rio Vista, CA
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Modesto and Sacramento. Straight-line distance: 70.51 mi (113.48 km).
#1 Modesto
The third most populous city in Stanislaus County, California.
| Population | 215,666 |
| Coordinates | 37.6391000, -120.9968800 |
| Altitude | 28 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Sacramento
The sixth most populous city in California and the center of the Sacramento metropolitan area.
| Population | 512,838 |
| Coordinates | 38.5815700, -121.4944000 |
| Altitude | 9 |
| Country | United States |
End: 9th Street (-121.49442, 38.581575)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 128 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 38m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 01h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 35m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 19m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 08m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 00h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $16.21 | $32.42 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $17.05 | $34.09 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $17.54 | $35.09 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $21.26 | $42.53 |
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 · May 31, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.