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Trip from Nevada City, CA to Laguna, CA

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Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 21, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 31m

Distance

71.7 mi

115 km

Drive Score

8/10

Great drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Good

8 stations

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 21 min
4 AM
1h 25m ★
6 AM
1h 32m
8 AM
1h 46m
10 AM
1h 37m
12 PM
1h 35m
3 PM
1h 37m
5 PM
1h 45m
8 PM
1h 27m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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town and county seat of Nevada County, California, United States

Nevada City, CA

Wikimedia Commons

Downtown Laguna, CA, CA

Laguna, CA

Tori Pezzulla❤️

Trip Overview

Nevada City, CA to Laguna, CA is 71.7 miles and takes about 1 hour 31 minutes via Golden Center Freeway, Alan S. Hart Freeway, and Capital City Freeway, with a fuel budget near $16 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within California, moving from the Pacific Coast region to another part of the Pacific Coast region. It's a relatively short trip, mostly on well-maintained highways, making it a straightforward option for a quick journey or an extension to another adventure. Consider this route if you're looking for an efficient way to cover a moderate distance without a significant time commitment or a large fuel expense.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

35.9 miles from Nevada City, CA

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 47m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
Golden Center Freeway 19 mi 25m
Alan S. Hart Freeway 16.8 mi 19m
Capital City Freeway 9 mi 9m
Grass Valley Highway 8 mi 11m
South Sacramento Freeway 7.8 mi 8m
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway 7.1 mi 8m
Bruceville Road 2.7 mi 5m
Seasons Drive 0.3 mi <1m
Longest stretch: Golden Center Freeway — 19 mi, about 25m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Nevada City, CA and Laguna, CA.

1

Start on this road

0.1 mi · 12 sec · this road
2

Merge onto CA 20; CA 49

19 mi · 25 min · Golden Center Freeway
Use the straight lane.
3

Continue on CA 49

1.1 mi · 1 min · Grass Valley Highway
4

Enter roundabout onto CA 49

107 ft · 3 sec · Grass Valley Highway
5

Continue on CA 49

1.3 mi · 1 min · Grass Valley Highway
6

Enter roundabout onto CA 49

106 ft · 3 sec · Grass Valley Highway
7

Continue on CA 49

5.6 mi · 9 min · Grass Valley Highway
Use the left lane.
8

Take the ramp

0.3 mi · 32 sec
Toward I 80 West: Sacramento
9

Merge onto I 80

17 mi · 19 min · Alan S. Hart Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
10

Continue on I 80

7.1 mi · 8 min · Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 Business

4.9 mi · 5 min · Capital City Freeway
Exit 95 Toward I 80 Business West: Sacramento Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80 Business

3.7 mi · 4 min · Capital City Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
13

Keep slight left at fork onto Capital City Freeway

0.3 mi · 20 sec · Capital City Freeway
Toward CA 99 South Use the straight / slight right lanes.
14

Continue on South Sacramento Freeway

7.8 mi · 8 min · South Sacramento Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 38 sec
Exit 289 Toward Cosumnes River Boulevard, Calvine Road Use the straight / slight right lanes.
16

Turn right onto Cosumnes River Boulevard

0.3 mi · 27 sec · Cosumnes River Boulevard
Use the left / right lanes.
17

Turn left onto Bruceville Road

2.7 mi · 5 min · Bruceville Road
Use the left / uturn / straight lanes.
18

Turn right onto Seasons Drive

0.3 mi · 50 sec · Seasons Drive
19

Turn right onto November Drive

0.1 mi · 29 sec · November Drive
20

At end of road, turn left onto Mapleview Way

155 ft · 12 sec · Mapleview Way
21

Turn left onto Fall Breeze Court

183 ft · 8 sec · Fall Breeze Court
22

Arrive at destination

Fall Breeze Court

Trip Plan

Given the 1 hour and 31-minute duration, this drive is easily achievable in a single day, so you have flexibility with your departure time. Plan to leave in the morning to maximize daylight and take advantage of lighter traffic. The fuel cost is estimated at $16, so ensure you have a full tank before departing Nevada City. With no designated stops in the data, you can choose to refuel or rest as needed along the way, though no specific points are highlighted. A good tip for this route is to check traffic conditions on the Golden Center Freeway before you leave, as it can be a busy artery.

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 35.9 miles from Nevada City, CA, or about 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 19 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 16 miles or 21m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 35.9 miles or 47m 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 15m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Laguna, CA than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Nevada City, CA so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Nevada City, CA

This is one driving day of about 71.7 miles and 1h 31m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 16 miles from Nevada City, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Golden Center Freeway for about 19 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city and the county seat of Placer County, California, United States

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Auburn, CA

36 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

Lake of the Pines, CA

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 16 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Auburn, CA

Meal break

The midpoint is around 35.9 miles from Nevada City, CA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Stops Along Your Drive

Picked by where they fit in your drive — first break, midpoint reset, final stretch.

Best meal stop · final third

All Season Restaurant & Market

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

North Highlands, California

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third · 26min to go 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+19164184928

Visit website

Allora

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sacramento, California

2.2 mi

Noroc Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Carmichael, California

2.3 mi

Best coffee break · home stretch

Anchor & Tree Coffee Roasting Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sacramento, California

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch · 13min to go 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19163059267

Visit website

All Season Restaurant & Market

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour $10 to $20

North Highlands, California

Hours: 10 am–9 pm

+19164184928

Visit website

Allora

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.2 mi from route ~5 min detour $100 or ab

Sacramento, California

Hours: 5–8:30 pm

+19165386434

Visit website

Noroc Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.3 mi from route ~6 min detour $20 to $30

Carmichael, California

Hours: 11 am–9 pm

+19164857747

Visit website

Old Sacramento Waterfront

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3.3 mi from route ~8 min detour

Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+19169705226

Visit website

Butcher & Barrel

4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 3 mi from route ~8 min detour $100 or ab

Sacramento, California

Hours: 11:30 am–9 pm

+19164763408

Visit website

Hawks

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~9 min detour

Halfway reset 3.4 mi from route ~9 min detour $100 or ab

Granite Bay, California

Hours: 5–9 pm

+19167916200

Visit website

Plan B Restaurant

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~9 min detour

Final third 3.5 mi from route ~9 min detour $50 to $10

Sacramento, California

Hours: 5–9 pm

+19164833000

Visit website

Farmhaus

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, ~12 min detour

Halfway reset 4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour Expensive

Granite Bay, California

Hours: 11:30 am–2:30 pm

+19167723276

Visit website

Anchor & Tree Coffee Roasting Co

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 2.4 mi from route ~6 min detour

Sacramento, California

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+19163059267

Visit website

ChargePoint Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour

Sacramento, California

+18887584389

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour

Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.1 ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour

North Highlands, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.6 mi from route ~4 min detour

Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

EVCS Charging Station

2.3 ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Later in the drive, right off the route

Final third 0.6 mi from route ~1 min detour

Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18663003827

Visit website

Electrify America Charging Station

3.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18336322778

Visit website

EVgo Charging Station

3.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2.1 mi from route ~5 min detour

Sacramento, California

Hours: Open 24 hours

+18774943833

Visit website

Minnie Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 0.8 mi from route ~2 min detour

Grass Valley, California

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+15302744350

Visit website

Empire Mine State Historic Park Visitors Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

First break 1 mi from route ~2 min detour

Grass Valley, California

Hours: 10 am–5 pm

+15302738522

Visit website

Firehouse No. 1 Museum

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the start, right off the route

0.1 mi from route

Nevada City, California

Hours: 1–4 pm

+15302655468

Visit website

William Land Regional Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.4 mi from route ~4 min detour

Sacramento, California

Hours: 6:30 am–8 pm

+19168086060

Visit website

Funderland Amusement Park

4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, short detour

Home stretch 1.5 mi from route ~4 min detour

Sacramento, California

Hours: 11 am–5 pm

+19164560131

Visit website

Aerospace Museum of California

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

Final third 2 mi from route ~5 min detour

McClellan Park, California

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+19166433192

Visit website

Maidu Regional Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 2.2 mi from route ~6 min detour

Roseville, California

Hours: 9 am–6 pm

+19167745200

Visit website

Carnegie Museum

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

Halfway reset 1.9 mi from route ~5 min detour

Roseville, California

Hours: 12–4 pm

+19167733003

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 16

5 decision points cluster between mile 51.2 and 68.3 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

8
51.2 mi into trip | ~1h 5m in | I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway

Keep slight right at fork onto I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway toward I 80 Business West: Sacramento

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Exit 95 Toward I 80 Business West: Sacramento
6
56.2 mi into trip | ~1h 10m in | I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
59.9 mi into trip | ~1h 14m in | Capital City Freeway

Keep slight left at fork onto Capital City Freeway toward CA 99 South

Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes. Toward CA 99 South
8
68 mi into trip | ~1h 23m in

Take the exit toward Cosumnes River Boulevard, Calvine Road

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 289 Toward Cosumnes River Boulevard, Calvine Road
6
68.3 mi into trip | ~1h 24m in | Cosumnes River Boulevard

Turn right onto Cosumnes River Boulevard

Lane positioning matters here

Use the left / right lanes.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$16.48 one way

$32.96 round trip

$5.84/gal 25.4 MPG avg 25 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $6.02 $16.98 $33.96
premium $6.18 $17.44 $34.87
diesel $5.61 $15.83 $31.66

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 25.1 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $8 in charging · 0 stops · 68% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 21.5 0 $7.53 $3.44
Efficient EV 17.9 0 $6.27 $2.87
EV Truck/SUV 28.7 0 $10.04 $4.59

Gas CO2

25 kg

EV CO2

8 kg (68% 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.

Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026

Origin

Nevada City, CA

Late night in Nevada City on Tuesday

Local time

3:19 AM

PDT

Current temp

45°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Laguna, CA

Late night in Laguna on Tuesday

Local time

3:19 AM

PDT

Current temp

69°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

65°F

Auburn, CA

36 mi in

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

24 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 31m 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.

What kind of drive is this?

This trip is a highway-focused drive, with 73% of the journey utilizing major freeways. You'll experience long stretches of consistent speed, including a 19-mile segment on the Golden Center Freeway. The Alan S. Hart Freeway and Capital City Freeway continue this theme, offering a predictable driving experience. Expect a smooth ride primarily on multi-lane roads, making it suitable for covering ground efficiently. The character of the drive remains largely consistent, emphasizing speed and directness over winding scenic byways.

73% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
22 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 19 mi on Golden Center Freeway.

How Hard Is This Drive?

9/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on Golden Center Freeway and Alan S. Hart Freeway. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 51.2 miles in near I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway.

Driving Effort 9/10

Demanding - stay alert through the decision-heavy sections

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 71.7 miles you will encounter 16 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: at 51.2 miles (I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 56.2 miles (I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.9 miles (Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

About the Cities

Starting in Nevada City, CA

Full guide →

Nevada City is a city in Nevada County in California's Gold Country. It's known for its well-preserved 19th century downtown and countercultural affiliations.

Top landmarks

  • • Nevada Theatre — movie theater and former theater in Nevada City, California, United States
  • • Nevada Brewery — commercial building in Nevada City, United States of America
  • • Nevada City Downtown Historic District — historic district in California, United States

City content from Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA 4.0) and Wikidata (CC0).

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 31m. Total distance: 71.7 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 31m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (73%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 19 miles on Golden Center Freeway. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Laguna, CA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 51.2 miles (I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 56.2 miles (I 80 Business / Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here; at 59.9 miles (Capital City Freeway): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Laguna, CA before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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