Modesto to Monterey: Road Trip Guide & Distance

87.2 miles 140.3 km · straight line
109 miles estimated 175.4 km · driving distance
2h 12min estimated drive time
$10 - $13 estimated fuel cost
~41min flight time · usually no direct flights
215° SW bearing direction

How far is Modesto from Monterey?

The distance from Modesto to Monterey is 87.2 miles (140.3 km) as the crow flies. Monterey is located SW of Modesto. By car, the driving distance is approximately 109 miles, taking about 2h 12min. A direct flight would take roughly 41min. Both are located in United States.

This is a quick and easy drive, perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. You can easily make the round trip in a single day. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. Given the short distance, driving or taking a train is often faster and more convenient than dealing with airport security and flight boarding times.

Coordinates come from public place data for Modesto and Monterey. The driving distance is estimated from straight-line distance with a road-factor model, so confirm the route in your navigation app. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Modesto to Monterey

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 2h 12min $10 - $13 Flexible stops
Bus ~2h 38min $9–$16* Budget
Train ~2h 5min $13–$38* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Modesto & Monterey

Quick Facts

Modesto
37.64°N, 121.00°W
America/Los_Angeles
28m elevation
Monterey
36.60°N, 121.89°W
America/Los_Angeles
26m elevation
Explore more routes from Monterey

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 29 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 7 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 285.6 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · Driving distance estimated using road factor coefficients