Origin
Fairfield, CA
Late night in Fairfield on Wednesday
Local time
3:28 AM
PDT
Current temp
68°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Fairfield, CA to Sacramento, CA
Data updated 0 seconds ago
Drive Time
52m
Distance
42.2 mi
68 km
Drive Score
6/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$10
one way
EV Charging
Loading...
station data
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
0h 49m
★
6 AM
0h 53m
8 AM
1h 2m
10 AM
0h 56m
12 PM
0h 55m
3 PM
0h 56m
5 PM
1h 1m
8 PM
0h 50m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Fairfield, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Sacramento, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
If you are looking to get from Fairfield to Sacramento, you are in for a quick 42.2-mile journey that typically takes about 52 minutes. This trip is perfectly suited for a single day, as it is a straightforward connection within the Pacific Coast region. You can expect to spend approximately $10 on fuel for the trek, making it a very budget-friendly transit. By utilizing a combination of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, the Yolo Causeway, and local Texas Street, you will move efficiently between these two California hubs. Since this route is short and direct, it serves well as a simple commute or a quick weekend run without the need for an overnight stay.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Break Rhythm
0 planned breaks
A short stop every 2 to 3 hours is enough for this drive.
Midpoint
21.1 miles from Fairfield, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 27m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that requires your full attention as you navigate through the area. While only 10% of this route is classified as highway, you will spend your longest uninterrupted stretch of 29.3 miles cruising along the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. The transition between fast-paced highway segments and the more technical, winding local roads defines the character of this trip. You will find that the road conditions shift noticeably as you exit the highway and move onto local infrastructure like Texas Street. It is a practical drive that demands quick adjustments rather than the monotonous experience of a long-distance interstate haul.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 17 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway is the longest continuous segment at about 29.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 3.5 miles in.
Route Complexity
10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 42.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 3.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 36.7 miles (US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 40 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 15 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
7
3.5 mi into trip
|
~6m in
Take the ramp toward I 80 East: Sacramento
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward I 80 East: Sacramento
9
36.7 mi into trip
|
~45m in
|
US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway toward Sacramento, South Lake Tahoe
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 82
Toward Sacramento, South Lake Tahoe
8
40 mi into trip
|
~48m in
Take the exit toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Redding, Los Angeles
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 4A
Toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Redding, Los Angel...
9
40.2 mi into trip
|
~49m in
Keep slight left at fork toward I 5 North: Redding
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight left lane.
Exit 4A
Toward I 5 North: Redding
8
41.3 mi into trip
|
~50m in
Take the exit toward J Street, Downtown
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Exit 519B
Toward J Street, Downtown
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Fairfield, CA and Sacramento, CA, road signs point toward Lake Tahoe and Los Angeles.
Lake Tahoe
36.7 mi in
|
~45m
|
via US 50; I 80 Business
Los Angeles
40 mi in
|
~48m
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway | 29.3 mi | 33m |
| Yolo Causeway | 3.7 mi | 4m |
| Texas Street | 3.4 mi | 6m |
| Capital City Freeway | 3.3 mi | 3m |
| Westside Freeway | 0.6 mi | <1m |
| H Street | 0.3 mi | <1m |
| J Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 5th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 29.3 mi, about 33m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Fairfield, CA and Sacramento, CA.
1
Start on US 40 Historic
3.4 mi
·
6 min
·
Texas Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
2
Turn left onto Manuel Campos Parkway
0.1 mi
·
24 sec
·
Manuel Campos Parkway
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi
·
35 sec
Toward I 80 East: Sacramento
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Merge onto I 80
21 mi
·
24 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
6
Continue on I 80
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Yolo Causeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50; I 80 Business
3.3 mi
·
3 min
·
Capital City Freeway
Exit 82
Toward Sacramento, South Lake Tahoe
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
13 sec
Exit 4A
Toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Redding, Los Angeles
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
9
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
29 sec
Exit 4A
Toward I 5 North: Redding
Use the slight left lane.
10
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
Exit 4A
Toward I 5 North: Redding
11
Merge onto I 5
0.6 mi
·
44 sec
·
Westside Freeway
12
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
Exit 519B
Toward J Street, Downtown
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13
Turn right onto J Street
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
J Street
14
Turn left onto 5th Street
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
5th Street
Use the straight lane.
15
Turn right onto H Street
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
H Street
16
Turn right onto 9th Street
490 ft
·
15 sec
·
9th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
17
Arrive at destination
9th Street
Trip Plan
Because this drive is so brief, you have total flexibility in your departure time, though avoiding peak traffic hours is always a wise move for a smoother experience. Since there are zero scheduled stops on this 52-minute route, you should ensure your vehicle is fueled up before you head out to cover your $10 budget estimate. Keep a close eye on your navigation when exiting the Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, as the shift from major thoroughfares to local roads can happen quickly. Take advantage of the short duration to plan your arrival in Sacramento without worrying about rest breaks or fatigue. Your best bet is to maintain a steady pace once you hit the Yolo Causeway to ensure you stay on schedule for your destination.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 21.1 miles from Fairfield, CA, or about 27m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 29.3 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 42.2 miles or 52m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 21.1 miles or 27m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 44m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Sacramento, CA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Fairfield, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Fairfield, CA
This is one driving day of about 42.2 miles and 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Fairfield, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
You may only need one short stretch stop if conditions stay smooth.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 29.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 21.1 mi from Fairfield, CA · 27m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
21 mi into the route
Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset
This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.
Pacing Suggestions
Fuel and coffee
A short stop after about 42.2 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 21.1 miles from Fairfield, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Arriving in Sacramento, CA
The final approach into Sacramento, CA usually feels slower than the middle of the drive, so avoid planning your tightest schedule at the very end.
Try to arrive with enough fuel left to skip an immediate station stop unless you already know the area around Sacramento, CA.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$9.70 one way
$19.40 round trip
$5.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
15 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.02 | $10.00 | $19.99 |
| premium | $6.18 | $10.26 | $20.53 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $9.32 | $18.63 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$10
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$35–$60
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 14.8 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $4 in charging · 0 stops · 67% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 12.7 | 0 | $4.43 | $2.03 |
| Efficient EV | 10.6 | 0 | $3.69 | $1.69 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 16.9 | 0 | $5.91 | $2.70 |
Gas CO2
15 kg
EV CO2
5 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Destination
Sacramento, CA
Late night in Sacramento on Wednesday
Local time
3:28 AM
PDT
Current temp
46°F
Partly Cloudy
S 3 mph
7% chance
Live forecast
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued April 13 at 12:17AM PDT until April 13 at 7:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Winter Weather Advisory
Winter Weather Advisory issued April 13 at 12:17AM PDT until April 13 at 7:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
22 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
52m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Fairfield, CA to Sacramento, CA covers 42.2 miles and takes about 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway, Yolo Causeway, Texas Street. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 21.1 miles from Fairfield, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $9.70 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch. Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
This is a demanding drive. With 15 significant decision points across 42.2 miles, you will need to stay alert — especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 3.5 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 36.7 miles (US 50; I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 40 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Between Fairfield, CA and Sacramento, CA, road signs point toward Lake Tahoe and Los Angeles.
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