Origin
Modesto, CA
Evening in Modesto on Tuesday
Local time
7:42 PM
PDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Trip from Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA
Data updated 5 hours ago
Drive Time
1h 29m
Distance
75.1 mi
121 km
Drive Score
7/10
Good drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$17
one way
EV Charging
None
0 DC fast
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 23m
★
6 AM
1h 30m
8 AM
1h 44m
10 AM
1h 35m
12 PM
1h 33m
3 PM
1h 35m
5 PM
1h 43m
8 PM
1h 26m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Modesto, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Sacramento, CA
Wikimedia Commons
Trip Overview
This 75.1-mile drive from Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA is easily manageable as a single-day trip, typically taking about 1 hour and 29 minutes. You'll spend most of your time on the CA 99, with brief transitions onto L Street and I Street. With a projected fuel cost of around $17, this route is quite budget-friendly for a quick hop within the Pacific Coast region. Its highway-focused profile means you can cover the distance efficiently, making it a practical choice for a straightforward journey between these two California cities.
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
37.6 miles from Modesto, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 44m into the drive .
Loading map...
Drive Character
Expect a predominantly highway-focused experience, with 96% of the drive utilizing major roadways. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 71.7 miles on CA 99, so be prepared for extended periods of consistent driving. This route is designed for efficiency rather than scenic detours, offering a direct and functional connection between your starting and ending points. The transition from CA 99 to L Street and I Street in Sacramento marks the final approach into the city.
Most of the miles stay on highways, which makes pacing and fuel planning easier than turn-by-turn city driving.
There are about 14 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
CA 99 is the longest continuous segment at about 71.7 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on CA 99 and L Street. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes early in the drive near H Street.
Route Complexity
5/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 75.1 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: near the start (H Street): Navigation decision point; at 27.6 miles (CA 99): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 72.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 11 key pointsThese are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
4
0 mi into trip
|
~0m in
|
H Street
Turn left onto H Street
Navigation decision point
6
27.6 mi into trip
|
~32m in
|
CA 99
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
72.9 mi into trip
|
~1h 25m in
Take the exit toward N Street
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 7A
Toward N Street
5
73.3 mi into trip
|
~1h 26m in
|
L Street
Turn left onto L Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
5
74.6 mi into trip
|
~1h 28m in
|
I Street
Turn left onto I Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left / straight lanes.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| CA 99 | 71.7 mi | 1h 22m |
| L Street | 1.1 mi | 2m |
| I Street | 0.5 mi | 1m |
| Capital City Freeway | 0.5 mi | <1m |
| H Street | 0.4 mi | 1m |
| 16th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 30th Street | 0.2 mi | <1m |
| 6th Street | <0.1 mi | <1m |
Longest stretch:
CA 99
— 71.7 mi, about 1h 22m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Modesto, CA and Sacramento, CA.
1
Start on 11th Street
81 ft
·
10 sec
·
11th Street
2
Turn left onto H Street
0.4 mi
·
1 min
·
H Street
3
Turn right onto 6th Street
486 ft
·
15 sec
·
6th Street
4
Take the ramp
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
5
Merge onto CA 99
27 mi
·
31 min
·
CA 99
6
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 99
45 mi
·
51 min
·
CA 99
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
Continue on Capital City Freeway
0.5 mi
·
32 sec
·
Capital City Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Take the exit
0.2 mi
·
33 sec
Exit 7A
Toward N Street
Use the slight right lane.
9
Turn left onto 30th Street
0.2 mi
·
23 sec
·
30th Street
10
Turn left onto L Street
1.1 mi
·
2 min
·
L Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
11
Turn right onto US 40 Historic
0.2 mi
·
32 sec
·
16th Street
12
Turn left onto I Street
0.5 mi
·
1 min
·
I Street
Use the left / straight lanes.
13
Turn left onto 9th Street
71 ft
·
1 sec
·
9th Street
14
Arrive at destination
9th Street
Trip Plan
Given the short 1 hour and 29-minute duration, this trip offers flexibility in departure time. Leaving early can help you avoid any potential commuter traffic as you approach Sacramento. Since there are no designated stops in the data, plan your own breaks as needed, perhaps before embarking or upon arrival. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge; while the estimated cost is low at $17, it's always wise to be aware. A specific tip for this route: utilize the CA 99's clear signage for a smooth transition into the Sacramento area.
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 37.6 miles from Modesto, CA, or about 44m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 71.7 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 75.1 miles or 1h 29m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 37.6 miles or 44m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 14m
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 Modesto, 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 Modesto, CA
This is one driving day of about 75.1 miles and 1h 29m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Modesto, 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 CA 99 for about 71.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 37.6 mi from Modesto, CA · 44m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
38 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 75.1 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.
Meal break
The midpoint is around 37.6 miles from Modesto, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
Before the longest stretch
Fuel checkTop up before CA 99 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 71.7 miles.
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
$17.26 one way
$34.52 round trip
$5.84/gal
25.4 MPG avg
26 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.02 | $17.79 | $35.57 |
| premium | $6.18 | $18.26 | $36.53 |
| diesel | $5.61 | $16.58 | $33.16 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$17
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$42–$67
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 26.3 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 65% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 22.5 | 0 | $7.89 | $3.60 |
| Efficient EV | 18.8 | 0 | $6.57 | $3.00 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 30 | 0 | $10.51 | $4.81 |
Gas CO2
26 kg
EV CO2
9 kg (65% 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
Evening in Sacramento on Tuesday
Local time
7:42 PM
PDT
Current temp
51°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
Very similar conditions
Both ends of the route are sitting at about the same temperature right now.
Road read
1h 29m on the road
Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA covers 75.1 miles and takes about 1h 29m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are CA 99, L Street, I Street. Most of the drive stays on highways, so watch for ramps and exits.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 37.6 miles from Modesto, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $17.26 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 drive requires moderate attention. Across 75.1 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
The main spots that need attention: near the start (H Street): Navigation decision point; at 27.6 miles (CA 99): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 72.9 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here.
The route from Modesto, CA to Sacramento, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
Was this route helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Your tip has been submitted. Thanks!
/500
Recent Tips
·
Explore More
Continue From Sacramento, CA
More trips to Sacramento, CA
Explore more options from Modesto, CA or browse trips ending in Sacramento, CA.
Looking for more statewide routes? Browse CA road trips.
Explore maps for Modesto, CA or Sacramento, CA on MapSof.net.