Origin
Windsor, CA
Afternoon in Windsor on Sunday
Local time
12:58 PM
PDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Trip from Windsor, CA to Sacramento, CA
Drive Time
1h 52m
Distance
107.2 mi
173 km
Drive Score
8/10
Great drive
Same Day?
Yes, doable
Fuel Cost
$25
one way
Best Time to Leave
4 AM
1h 44m
★
6 AM
1h 52m
8 AM
2h 9m
10 AM
1h 58m
12 PM
1h 57m
3 PM
1h 59m
5 PM
2h 8m
8 PM
1h 47m
Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.
Windsor, CA
Stephen Leonardi
Sacramento, CA
Stephen Leonardi
Trip Overview
Spanning 107.2 miles, the journey from Windsor to Sacramento is a straightforward trek that typically takes about 1 hour and 52 minutes to complete. Because of the manageable distance, this route is perfectly suited for a single-day trip, allowing you to reach your destination without the need for an overnight stay. You can expect to spend approximately $15 on fuel, making this an economical choice for travelers heading across the Pacific Coast region. While the route connects two distinct locales within California, the focus remains on efficiency rather than extended touring. If you are looking for a practical way to transition from the coast toward the state capital, this drive offers a reliable and direct path.
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
53.6 miles from Windsor, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 56m into the drive .
Drive Character
Expect a turn-heavy local drive that demands your full attention behind the wheel. Unlike a monotonous interstate slog, this route relies on Old Redwood Highway, US 101 South, and Redwood Highway rather than high-speed thoroughfares. With a highway share of 0%, the experience is defined by local roads that keep you engaged throughout the duration of the trip. You will not find any long, uninterrupted stretches here, as the longest segment on Old Redwood Highway is 0 miles. Instead, the journey evolves through winding local paths that require frequent adjustments and careful navigation.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 32 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Old Redwood Highway is one of the defining roads on this drive.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. Navigation is very simple — set it and forget it for most of the drive.
Route Complexity
1/10
Very easy - short and simple to drive
The drive from Windsor, CA to Sacramento, CA is easy. At 1h 52m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
Where does it get tricky?
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Windsor, CA to Sacramento, CA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
Main Roads
| Road | Distance | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Old Redwood Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| US 101 South | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Redwood Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| CA 116 East | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Lakeville Highway | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Frates Road | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Adobe Road | Unavailable | Refreshing |
| Stage Gulch Road | Unavailable | Refreshing |
Per-road distance and duration are being refreshed from OSRM for this route.
Longest stretch:
Old Redwood Highway
— detailed segment metrics are refreshing.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Windsor, CA and Sacramento, CA.
1
Start on Windsor River Road
0.3 mi
·
34 sec
·
Windsor River Road
2
Continue on Old Redwood Highway
0.1 mi
·
13 sec
·
Old Redwood Highway
3
Take the ramp right toward US 101 South
0.3 mi
·
43 sec
·
US 101 South
4
Merge slight left onto Redwood Highway
25 mi
·
28 min
·
Redwood Highway
5
Take the exit slight right toward CA 116 East: Sonoma, Napa
0.3 mi
·
56 sec
·
CA 116 East: Sonoma, Napa
6
Turn left onto Lakeville Highway
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Lakeville Highway
7
Turn left onto Frates Road
1.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Frates Road
8
Continue on Adobe Road
3.2 mi
·
4 min
·
Adobe Road
9
Continue on Stage Gulch Road
3.3 mi
·
5 min
·
Stage Gulch Road
10
Continue on Arnold Drive
1.6 mi
·
2 min
·
Arnold Drive
11
Enter the roundabout and take exit 3 toward Fremont Drive
226 ft
·
4 sec
·
Fremont Drive
12
Exit the roundabout onto Fremont Drive
4.9 mi
·
7 min
·
Fremont Drive
13
Continue on Carneros Highway
4.4 mi
·
6 min
·
Carneros Highway
14
Turn right onto Saint Helena Highway
2.7 mi
·
3 min
·
Saint Helena Highway
15
Continue on Napa–Vallejo Highway
1.3 mi
·
1 min
·
Napa–Vallejo Highway
16
Turn left onto Jameson Canyon Road
6.2 mi
·
7 min
·
Jameson Canyon Road
17
Keep slight left
0.3 mi
·
38 sec
18
Merge slight left onto Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
2.5 mi
·
2 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
19
Keep slight left to continue on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
27 mi
·
31 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
20
Keep slight left to continue on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
8.4 mi
·
9 min
·
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
21
Continue on Yolo Causeway
3.7 mi
·
4 min
·
Yolo Causeway
22
Take the exit slight left
3.3 mi
·
3 min
23
Take the exit slight right toward I 5 North, I 5 South: Redding, Los Angeles
0.2 mi
·
14 sec
·
I 5 North, I 5 South: Redding, Los Angeles
24
Keep slight left to continue on I 5 North: Redding
0.2 mi
·
30 sec
·
I 5 North: Redding
25
Keep slight left to continue on I 5 North: Redding
0.2 mi
·
15 sec
·
I 5 North: Redding
26
Merge slight left onto Westside Freeway
0.6 mi
·
44 sec
·
Westside Freeway
27
Take the exit slight right toward J Street, Downtown
0.2 mi
·
34 sec
·
J Street, Downtown
28
Turn right onto J Street
0.2 mi
·
25 sec
·
J Street
29
Turn left onto 5th Street
0.2 mi
·
19 sec
·
5th Street
30
Turn right onto H Street
0.3 mi
·
40 sec
·
H Street
31
Turn right onto 9th Street
489 ft
·
15 sec
·
9th Street
32
Arrive at your destination
Trip Plan
To make the most of your 1 hour and 52 minute drive, aim to depart during off-peak hours to avoid potential congestion on these local roads. Since there are 0 planned stops included in this itinerary, you have the flexibility to pull over whenever you need a break, but be prepared to manage your own pacing. Keep your fuel budget of $15 in mind before you head out, as local roads may offer different refueling options compared to major interstates. Given the turn-heavy nature of the route, prioritize checking your tire pressure and mirrors before setting off from Windsor. Embracing the lack of a rigid schedule allows you to navigate the technical sections of the drive at a pace that feels comfortable for your vehicle.
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 53.6 miles from Windsor, CA, or about 56m into the drive.
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 80 miles or 1h 23m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 53.6 miles or 56m 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 32m
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 Windsor, 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 Windsor, CA
This is one driving day of about 107.2 miles and 1h 52m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 80 miles from Windsor, 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.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 53.6 mi from Windsor, CA · 56m into the drive
Mid-route town
Meal stop
54 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
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
$24.82 one way
$49.65 round trip
$5.88/gal
25.4 MPG avg
38 kg CO2
| Fuel Type | $/gal | One Way | Round Trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| midgrade | $6.07 | $25.60 | $51.20 |
| premium | $6.24 | $26.35 | $52.70 |
| diesel | $5.64 | $23.82 | $47.63 |
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$25
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$50–$75
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 37.5 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-06.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2
| Vehicle Type | kWh | Stops | DC Fast | Home Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average EV | 32.2 | 0 | $11.26 | $5.15 |
| Efficient EV | 26.8 | 0 | $9.38 | $4.29 |
| EV Truck/SUV | 42.9 | 0 | $15.01 | $6.86 |
Gas CO2
38 kg
EV CO2
13 kg (66% 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
Afternoon in Sacramento on Sunday
Local time
12:58 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.
Road read
1h 52m 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 Windsor, CA to Sacramento, CA covers 107.2 miles and takes about 1h 52m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Old Redwood Highway, US 101 South, Redwood Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 53.6 miles from Windsor, CA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $24.82 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.
The drive from Windsor, CA to Sacramento, CA is easy. At 1h 52m with 0% highway, most drivers will find it relaxed and low-stress.
This route does not have any notably tricky sections. Most of the drive from Windsor, CA to Sacramento, CA is straightforward, with well-signed roads and simple exits.
The route from Windsor, CA to Sacramento, CA does not surface many named destination signs beyond the main corridor.
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