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.
Midpoint
52.1 miles from Windsor, CA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 1h 8m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
38.2 mi
44m
Redwood Highway
25 mi
28m
Jameson Canyon Road
6.2 mi
7m
Fremont Drive
5 mi
7m
Carneros Highway
4.4 mi
6m
Yolo Causeway
3.7 mi
4m
Capital City Freeway
3.3 mi
3m
Stage Gulch Road
3.3 mi
5m
Longest stretch:
Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
— 38.2 mi, about 44m
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·33 sec·Windsor River Road
2
Continue on Old Redwood Highway
0.1 mi·12 sec·Old Redwood Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
3
Take the ramp
0.3 mi·43 sec
Toward US 101 South
4
Merge onto US 101
25 mi·28 min·Redwood Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
5
Take the exit onto CA 116
0.3 mi·55 sec·CA 116
Exit 472BToward CA 116 East: Sonoma, NapaUse the slight right lane.
6
Turn left onto Lakeville Highway
1.5 mi·2 min·Lakeville Highway
Use the left / straight lanes.
7
Turn left onto Frates Road
1.5 mi·2 min·Frates Road
Use the left lane.
8
Continue on Adobe Road
3.2 mi·4 min·Adobe Road
9
Continue on CA 116
3.3 mi·5 min·Stage Gulch Road
10
Continue on CA 116
1.6 mi·2 min·Arnold Drive
11
Enter roundabout onto CA 121
225 ft·3 sec·Fremont Drive
12
Continue on CA 121
4.9 mi·7 min·Fremont Drive
13
Continue on CA 12; CA 121
4.4 mi·6 min·Carneros Highway
14
Turn right onto CA 29
2.7 mi·3 min·Saint Helena Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
15
Continue on CA 12; CA 29
1.3 mi·1 min·Napa–Vallejo Highway
16
Turn left onto CA 12
6.2 mi·7 min·Jameson Canyon Road
Use the left / uturn lanes.
17
Keep slight left at fork onto CA 12
0.3 mi·38 sec·CA 12
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
18
Merge onto I 80; CA 12
2.5 mi·2 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the slight right lane.
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
27 mi·31 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
20
Keep slight left at fork onto I 80
8.4 mi·9 min·Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
21
Continue on I 80
3.7 mi·4 min·Yolo Causeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
22
Keep slight left at fork onto US 50; I 80 Business
3.3 mi·3 min·Capital City Freeway
Exit 82Toward Sacramento, South Lake TahoeUse the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Take the exit
0.2 mi·13 sec
Exit 4AToward I 5 North, I 5 South: Redding, Los AngelesUse the straight / slight right lanes.
24
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·29 sec
Exit 4AToward I 5 North: ReddingUse the slight left lane.
25
Keep slight left at fork
0.2 mi·14 sec
Exit 4AToward I 5 North: Redding
26
Merge onto I 5
0.6 mi·44 sec·Westside Freeway
27
Take the exit
0.2 mi·34 sec
Exit 519BToward J Street, DowntownUse the straight / slight right lanes.
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
Use the straight lane.
30
Turn right onto H Street
0.3 mi·40 sec·H Street
31
Turn right onto 9th Street
490 ft·15 sec·9th Street
Use the straight / right lanes.
32
Arrive at destination
9th Street
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 52.1 miles from Windsor, CA, or about 1h 8m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 38.2 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 23 miles or 27m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 52.1 miles or 1h 8m 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 47m
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 104.2 miles and 2h 10m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 23 miles from Windsor, CA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway for about 38.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 23
5 decision points cluster between mile 25.8 and 103.2 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
8
25.8 mi into trip|~30m in|CA 116
Take the exit onto CA 116 toward CA 116 East: Sonoma, Napa
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 472B
Toward CA 116 East: Sonoma, Napa
9
98.7 mi into trip|~2h 2m 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
102 mi into trip|~2h 6m 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
102.2 mi into trip|~2h 6m 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
103.2 mi into trip|~2h 8m 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
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$23.95 one way
$47.90 round trip
$5.84/gal25.4 MPG avg37 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$6.02
$24.68
$49.36
premium
$6.18
$25.34
$50.68
diesel
$5.61
$23.01
$46.01
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$24
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$49–$74
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 36.5 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $11 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
31.3
0
$10.94
$5.00
Efficient EV
26.1
0
$9.12
$4.17
EV Truck/SUV
41.7
0
$14.59
$6.67
Gas CO2
36 kg
EV CO2
12 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.
Forecast as of Apr 20, 2026
Origin
Windsor, CA
Late night
in Windsor on Tuesday
Local time
5:20 AM
PDT
Current temp
--
Unavailable
Destination
Sacramento, CA
Late night
in Sacramento on Tuesday
Local time
5:20 AM
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
2h 10m 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.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
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.
Only 4% highway — the rest is turn-by-turn surface driving.
32 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 38.2 mi on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway.
How Hard Is This Drive?
10/10
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 25.8 miles in near CA 116.
Driving Effort10/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 23 significant decision points across 104.2 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 25.8 miles (CA 116): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.7 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 102 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Windsor, CA and Sacramento, CA, road signs point toward Napa and Lake Tahoe.
Windsor is a town of 27,000 people (2019) in Sonoma County in the Bay Area of California, 9 miles north of Santa Rosa and 63 miles north of San Francisco. It may not be on the main tourist trail through California's Wine Country, but it will appeal to people looking for small, family-owned businesses, an eclectic mix of shops, and summertime entertainment.
Sacramento is the state capital of California in the United States. It is the regional center for the Greater Sacramento metropolitan area, which dominates much of the surrounding Sacramento Valley and stretches into parts of Gold Country.
Sacramento is the oldest incorporated city in California, settled between the confluences of the Sacramento and American rivers. The city has been the site of many important historic events that have shaped California and U.S. history, most notably the California Gold Rush and location of the original terminus of the First Transcontinental Railroad. Much of this historical legacy has been preserved, especially in the historic Old Sacramento district, where buildings and railroads from that era continue to attract visitors.
However, Sacramento is not a city that is stuck in the past. As the capital of the most populous U.S.
Top landmarks
•California State Capitol — state capitol building of the U.S. state of California
•Crocker Art Museum — art museum in Sacramento, California
•Sacramento Valley Station — main railroad and light rail station in Sacramento, California
Doable as a same-day drive at 2h 10m. Total distance: 104.2 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
2h 10m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Mostly surface roads route profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 38.2 miles on Dwight D. Eisenhower Highway. 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 Sacramento, CA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Only with planning. This is a long drive for kids — consider splitting it into two days rather than pushing through. Dedicated rest areas are limited, so plan gas or food stops as your bathroom breaks.
The main spots that need attention: at 25.8 miles (CA 116): Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one; at 98.7 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 102 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Sacramento, CA before heading back.
