How far is Sacramento, CA from Chico, CA?
The driving distance from Sacramento, CA to Chico, CA is about 88.9 miles (143.1 km), with a travel time of about 01h 49m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 81.3 miles (130.9 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 03h 38m 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 49m.
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
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 Sacramento and Chico.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Sacramento and Chico.
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1
Start on 9th Street
106 m · 17 sec · 9th Street
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2
Turn left onto J Street
124 m · 14 sec · J Street
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3
Turn left onto 10th Street
128 m · 19 sec · 10th Street
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4
Turn left onto I Street
2081 ft · 45 sec · I Street
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5
Take the ramp slight right toward I 5 North, CA 99 North: Redding, Yuba City
2290 ft · 56 sec
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6
Merge slight left onto Westside Freeway
5.6 mi · 7 min · Westside Freeway
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7
Keep slight right to continue on Golden State Highway
7.5 mi · 9 min · Golden State Highway
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8
Continue on Bernie Richter Memorial Highway
5 mi · 6 min · Bernie Richter Memorial Highway
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9
Keep slight right to continue on CA 70 North: Marysville, Oroville
21.7 mi · 26 min
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10
Turn right onto 5th Street
1272 ft · 39 sec · 5th Street
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11
Turn left onto B Street
1.5 mi · 3 min · B Street
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12
Continue straight
30.3 mi · 35 min
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13
Keep slight left
5.7 mi · 7 min
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14
Merge slight left
7.6 mi · 9 min
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15
Take the exit slight right toward Skyway
1395 ft · 26 sec
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16
Turn left onto Skyway Road
1849 ft · 41 sec · Skyway Road
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17
Continue on East Park Avenue
2365 ft · 49 sec · East Park Avenue
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18
Turn slight right
46 m · 7 sec
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19
Turn straight onto Park Avenue
1.3 mi · 2 min · Park Avenue
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20
Continue on Main Street
1687 ft · 1 min · Main Street
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21
Turn right onto East 5th Street
50 m · 7 sec · East 5th Street
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22
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · East 5th Street
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Sacramento and Chico.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
B Street
Continue straight
30.3 mi · 00h 35m
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 Sacramento and Chance Light Rain near Chico.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Sacramento to Chico?
The road trip is about 88.9 miles (143.1 km) and usually takes 01h 49m 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?
Marysville is a useful midpoint, sitting about 44.5 miles from Sacramento and 44.4 miles from Chico.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 81.3 miles (130.9 km), while the road route adds roughly 7.6 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 2:52 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $18.11 one way or $36.23 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 27.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Chance Light Rain around Sacramento and Chance Light Rain near Chico.
Stop Ideas Near Marysville
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 Marysville.
Marysville, California
Oroville, California
Grass Valley, California
Rocklin
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Sacramento and Chico. Straight-line distance: 81.35 mi (130.92 km).
#1 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 |
#2 Chico
The most populous city in Butte County, California.
| Population | 102,867 |
| Coordinates | 39.7284900, -121.8374800 |
| Altitude | 60 |
| Country | United States |
End: Chico (-121.83748, 39.72849)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 143 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 02h 57m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 13m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 01h 46m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 28m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 16m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 06m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $18.11 | $36.23 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $19.05 | $38.09 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $19.60 | $39.21 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $23.76 | $47.52 |
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 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.