How far is Palo Cedro, CA from Sacramento, CA?
The driving distance from Palo Cedro, CA to Sacramento, CA is about 159.4 miles (256.6 km), with a travel time of about 02h 40m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 142.6 miles (229.5 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 05h 20m 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 02h 40m.
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 California, USA
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Chance Light Rain
Chance Light Rain
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Palo Cedro and Sacramento.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Palo Cedro and Sacramento.
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1
Start on Old 44 Drive
19 m · 6 sec · Old 44 Drive
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2
Turn right onto Deschutes Road
10.2 mi · 18 min · Deschutes Road
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3
Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Deschutes Road
29 m · 4 sec · Deschutes Road
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4
Exit the roundabout onto Deschutes Road
1115 ft · 26 sec · Deschutes Road
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5
At the end of the road, turn left
1.3 km · 1 min
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6
Merge slight left onto Cascade Wonderland Highway
20.2 mi · 22 min · Cascade Wonderland Highway
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7
Continue on Westside Freeway
93 mi · 1 hr 40 min · Westside Freeway
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8
Keep slight left to continue on Westside Freeway
15.7 mi · 17 min · Westside Freeway
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9
Keep slight left to continue on Westside Freeway
17.9 mi · 20 min · Westside Freeway
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10
Take the exit slight right toward Downtown, J Street
1704 ft · 44 sec
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11
Continue on J Street
822 ft · 25 sec · J Street
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12
Turn left onto 5th Street
814 ft · 19 sec · 5th Street
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13
Turn right onto H Street
1602 ft · 40 sec · H Street
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14
Turn right onto 9th Street
149 m · 15 sec · 9th Street
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15
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · 9th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Palo Cedro and Sacramento.
Highway-focused drive
Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.
Westside Freeway
Continue on Westside Freeway
93 mi · 01h 40m
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.
Chance Light Rain leaving Palo Cedro and Chance Light Rain near Sacramento.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Palo Cedro to Sacramento?
The road trip is about 159.4 miles (256.6 km) and usually takes 02h 40m 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?
Willows is a useful midpoint, sitting about 79.7 miles from Palo Cedro and 79.8 miles from Sacramento.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 142.6 miles (229.5 km), while the road route adds roughly 16.8 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 1:10 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $32.48 one way or $64.96 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain around Palo Cedro and Chance Light Rain near Sacramento.
Stop Ideas Near Willows
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 Willows.
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Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Palo Cedro and Sacramento. Straight-line distance: 142.58 mi (229.46 km).
#1 Palo Cedro
Census-designated place in Shasta County, California
| Population | 1,269 |
| Coordinates | 40.5637600, -122.2388900 |
| Altitude | 143 |
| 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: 257 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 05h 18m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 03h 59m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 11m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 02h 39m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 59m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $32.48 | $64.96 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $34.15 | $68.30 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $35.15 | $70.30 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $42.60 | $85.20 |
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 23, 2026
Distance to Other Cities
Planning a road trip? See the full trip guide on Trip.ovh — stops, fuel costs, weather, and departure timing.