How far is San Diego, CA from Cathedral City, CA?
The estimated driving distance from San Diego, CA to Cathedral City, CA is about 104.9 miles (168.8 km), with a travel time of about 02h 10m by car.
- This page is using an estimated road distance while the full route geometry is refreshed.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 83.9 miles (135 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 04h 21m 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 10m.
A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.
This departure sits inside the recommended comfort window for the route.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
City in Sedgwick County, Kansas, United States of America
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Mostly Sunny
Mostly Clear
Driving Route Map
Road route is being refreshed. This page currently uses an estimated driving distance.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between San Diego and Cathedral City.
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.
Mostly Sunny leaving San Diego and Mostly Clear near Cathedral City.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from San Diego to Cathedral City?
The road trip is about 104.9 miles (168.8 km) and usually takes 02h 10m 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?
Valley Center is a useful midpoint, sitting about 41.9 miles from San Diego and 62.9 miles from Cathedral City.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 83.9 miles (135 km), while the road route adds roughly 21 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 2:08 PM PDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $21.35 one way or $42.69 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 32.9 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Mostly Sunny around San Diego and Mostly Clear near Cathedral City.
Stop Ideas Near Valley Center
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 Valley Center.
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Carlsbad Village station
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Oceanside Transit Center
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between San Diego and Cathedral City. Straight-line distance: 83.89 mi (135.01 km).
#1 San Diego
The eighth most populous city in the United States and the center of the San Diego metropolitan area.
| Population | 1,422,420 |
| Coordinates | 32.7157100, -117.1647200 |
| Altitude | 20 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Cathedral City
A city in Riverside County, California.
| Population | 55,007 |
| Coordinates | 33.7797400, -116.4652900 |
| Altitude | 100 |
| Country | United States |
End: Cathedral City (-116.46529, 33.77974)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 169 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 03h 29m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 02h 37m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 02h 05m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 01h 44m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 01h 29m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 01h 18m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $5.77 | $21.35 | $42.69 |
| Mid-grade | $6.07 | $22.44 | $44.89 |
| Premium | $6.24 | $23.10 | $46.20 |
| Diesel | $7.57 | $28.00 | $56.00 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
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